Home Home Decor Ideas 40 Best Bathroom Ideas For A Relaxing Retreat Transform your bath into a spa-like escape. By Grace Haynes Grace Haynes Grace is a former Associate Homes Editor for Southern Living. She covered a variety of topics for print and digital, from design and flower arranging to cottage gardens and pets. Before moving to the Homes team, she joined Southern Living as a copy editor. Off the clock, find her strolling through neighborhoods around the South to admire the houses and snapping photos of colorful front doors. Southern Living's editorial guidelines and Zoe Gowen Zoe Gowen After a notable obsession with yellow houses, historic homes, and glossy magazines as a child that lead to a degree in American Studies from Sewanee: University of the South followed by a jaunt through the Washington, DC art world, Zoë found her way as the Senior Home and Garden Editor with Southern Living. There she crisscrossed the region to produce inspiring interiors, entertaining, and holiday stories while also overseeing the Idea House franchise. After seeing more porches and Christmas trees than any other reasonable person can claim, she ventured out to pave new roads freelancing for various magazines and helping people bring magazine tearsheets to life inside private homes via interior decorating. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on April 10, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Bath décor doesn't have to be all about function—beautiful form makes all the difference between a ho-hum room and a relaxing retreat. You can save space with sliding doors or add light with glass ones, consider adding features like a soaking tub and a spa shower, and preserve historic details or use clean, modern lines. Try keeping a large bedroom bath fresh and airy with neutrals or ramp up the style in a small one with pattern and color. With a little imagination, you can transform a sideboard into a dual-sink vanity, turn a vintage cabinet into a compact linen closet, or hide plumbing and add storage with well-placed cabinetry. So explore our favorite bathroom decorating ideas, and let us inspire you to dream up a few of your own. Creative bath décor will absolutely change the way you think of this key area of your home, whether you're building, remodeling, or just dreaming. The 6 Biggest Bathroom Design Trends For 2024, According To Designers 01 of 40 Emphasize Your Surroundings Alison Gootee; Styling: Kate Malpeli To take advantage of the room's abundant natural light, designer Laura Jenkins filled this bathroom with tones and textures that nod to nature including Heath Ceramics Ogawa Green tile, white oak flute-front beaded cabinetry, cane wardrobes, and a linen Roman shade in Jennifer Shorto’s Oranges & Leaves. 02 of 40 Add Shutters on Windows Brie Williams In designer Molly Williams' bathroom, she “didn’t want to take away from its brightness," so she added louvered shutters to provide privacy but still allow light in. 03 of 40 Save Space With the Sink Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller To make room for two full baths upstairs, the sinks in this Austin home are placed outside of each bath. Creating a vanity from an old bamboo-detailed chest helps it blend with the bedroom. Wall sconces and a decorative mirror add elegance to what is essentially a functional space. 04 of 40 Use Antique Fixtures Alison Gootee Nearly all the bathtubs and sinks in this Alabama farmhouse came from South Front Antiques during homeowner Kelly Colbert's trips to his hometown of Memphis. A Visual Comfort & Co. lantern above adds scale that's worthy of the vintage finds. An abundance of glass makes the room feel spacious. 05 of 40 Create Your Own View Laurey W. Glenn A bathroom without a window can often feel damp and dark; here, a 4-foot circular skylight in the ceiling floods this windowless space with sunshine. The designer also set the stand-alone tub in an arched nook against a planked wall to sharpen the tub's sculptural effect. A grouping of simple botanical prints behind the tub mimics the look of a leafy vista. 06 of 40 Use Stark Contrast Laurey W. Glenn Don't be afraid to reinvent your pre-existing bathroom and turn into something more your style. Designer Raili Clasen upgraded this bathroom by painting the vanity and the window trim the same shade of black, hanging a white globe above the tub, and adding industrial sconces over the mirrors. 07 of 40 Splurge on the Shower Photo: Laurey W. Glenn The shower is a small and defined space where you can afford a little splurge, whether it's on amazing shower-heads or sensational tile. The light blue hue of this Carrara marble floor and shower will make you feel as if you are showering in the ocean. Brass fixtures emphasize the blues in this spa-like room. 08 of 40 Go All in on Earthy Textures LAUREY W. GLENN This small primary bath is infused with major style cred through a combination of natural materials including terra-cotta on the floor, zellige tile for the tub, polished brass fixtures, and printed grass cloth on the walls from Erika M. Powell Textiles. Natural wood on the vanity also adds to a beachy bathroom well-suited for an island retreat. 09 of 40 Opt For a Modernized Farmhouse Look Cody Ulrich “I wanted this area to feel luxe without being over-the-top,” says designer Leah Ashley Finn. She mixed metals for a slightly modernized take, including brass knobs for the cabinets and polished nickel for the faucets and showerheads. To complement the neutral palette, Finn selected travertine tiles from Taylor Designer Floors in New Braunfels and topped those with small vintage rugs that she says “give just enough warmth.” 10 of 40 Install Multiply Shower Fixtures Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Dual overhead showerheads and hand-held sprayer options are the stars of this large and luxurious shower space. The patterned tiles continue in the large walk-in shower with white subway tile walls. Plenty of natural light gives the room a light and airy feel. 11 of 40 Be Brash…Sometimes HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH “The powder room should be a surprise, and my surprise is that it doesn’t feel like the rest of my house,” says Designer Laura Kay, who splashed Soane’s Dianthus Chintz wallpaper above the wainscot and offset it with poppy-colored lampshades from Fermoie. 12 of 40 All Over Wood Tones Erica Dunhill Adding woods in a bathroom can make it feel like a safe, cozy space, and this bathroom used it everywhere. From the floor up to the ceiling, the wood tones make the bathroom feel connected to nature and relaxing. 13 of 40 Make Space for Many Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Allow multiple people to make use of the powder room with separate sinks and mirrors. A built-in bench renewed with a tropical geometric-print fabric provides a spot to sit. Designer Lindsey Coral Harper worked all new fabrics into this dreamy beachhouse bath. "Using coordinating—not matching—prints in adjoining rooms looks more interesting," she notes. 14 of 40 Let in Light Photo Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Matthew Gleason A trio of windows, set a little higher than usual, lets in lots of light while still allowing for privacy. The chandelier and marble floors make the bath feel like a luxe retreat in this home on the Louisiana Gulf. The patterned wallpaper adds personality, but with those cool colors, soaking in the tub would be serene. 15 of 40 Go for Pattern Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Patterned wallpaper brings style to small spaces. This bath gets its pretty palette from a medallion-print wallpaper above wainscotting. Add in a porcelain console sink for extra cottage charm. 16 of 40 Choose a Freestanding Vanity Photo: Laurey W. Glenn A hand-painted, marble-topped sink base looks more like antique furniture rather than a standard built-in bath cabinet. A distressed chair, vintage-style light figures, and wall cladding add even more charm. Using furniture in the bath makes it feel cozy and lived in. 17 of 40 Try a Punchy Pattern Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller Punch up a neutral color palette with wallpaper in the bath. Here Sister Parish Design's Appleton Paper Bag Brown wallpaper adds a tonally-appropriate cheery touch to the guest bath. The dark brown wood stain of the frames adds richness and contrast. 18 of 40 Open Up the Space Photo: Laurey W. Glenn and Robbie Caponetto Give your main suite flow by installing French doors and glass walls. Instead of a basic doorway between this main bedroom and bath, architects visually opened up the bedroom suite by designing a glass wall as a divider, with grommeted curtain panels that can be pulled for privacy. This look is both beautiful and versatile. 19 of 40 Save Money with Beaded Board Laurey W. Glenn Beaded-board walls cost less than tile, and a semi-gloss paint makes it easy to clean, too. To ease installation, use 4- x 8-foot plywood sheets. The vertical lines of the beaded board make this bath look taller. 20 of 40 Add a Little Sparkle Photo: Hector Sanchez The homeowner relocated the tub and tucked it into a cozy surround that includes a pair of glass-shelved hanging cabinets and an inset beveled mirror. The mirror adds sparkle and enlarges the space, while the rows of open shelving give the room lots of storage and a vintage-apothecary feel. There's a lot going on in this tiny room, but the classic black-and-white palette with brass accents keeps things from looking chaotic. The millwork's lacquered finish adds depth and polish, and the traditional pattern of the marble hex floor tile is a nod toward the house's 1930s roots. 21 of 40 Use Local Accents PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREY W. GLENN; STYLING BY KENDRA SURFACE Keep your bath from feeling too generic by including local materials. A shell-encrusted mirror adds softness to the ocean-inspired blue and green wall tiling is another special touch. 22 of 40 Add Historic Charm Cassandra Michelle Photography/Handsome Properties Even baths can embrace the historic feel of a home. Here, wide-plank wood flooring is coated in paint, stunning marble countertops and tile surround the plumping, while folding shutters let in plenty of light when privacy isn't necessary. A beaded board ceiling and distressed console sink add historic charm. 23 of 40 Save Space with a Sliding Door Photo Laurey W. Glenn and Robbie Caponetto / Styling Matthew Gleason A standard swinging door can take a lot of floor space in your bath, but a sliding door is convenient and compact. A modern barn door slides along a track to close off this bath. The bright saffron color ties in with the saffron-and-gray bedding for a more updated look. 24 of 40 Make Your Escape Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett Bring the relaxation home with a spa-inspired main bath. The textured grass cloth wall coverings and curtains paired with dramatically dark flooring make this bath feel like a resort. Provide candles to light whenever you'd like a romantic soak. 25 of 40 Give Wood a Starring Role Laurey W. Glenn These shiplap walls are painted a subtle shade that doesn't draw attention away from the beautiful millwork. The exposed rafters add a rustic feel to the room. Highly polished and well-sealed wood flooring can withstand the moisture in this space. 26 of 40 Use Classic Materials Photo: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Anne Turner Carroll There are thousands of amazing tile options available, but some staples will always be classics. Created from unused attic space, this bath glistens with classic white subway and reproduction hexagonal floor tile. Pedestal sinks and medicine cabinets emphasize the historic character of this bath. 27 of 40 Hide Clutter with Baskets Photo Robbie Caponetto and Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett If you have open shelves, use large baskets to corral small toiletries and accessories. Here, each sink has its own dedicated bin to keep his-and-hers from getting jumbled together. A pair of mirrors hangs over the double sinks. 28 of 40 Go Bold With Color Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Who says a bathroom has to be white or beige? This small, traditional bath was livened up with a bold paint color. "We married a traditional marble pedestal sink and old, drippy, crystal sconces with a glossy peacock color. It's just south of modern—tasteful, fun, and a bit unexpected," says designer Barrie Benson. "The color got more intense with every layer." 29 of 40 Build in a Landing Spot Photo: Laurey W. Glenn A pedestal sink leaves much to be desired when it comes to storage. Extending the windowsill into a built-in ledge stylishly solves the problem. Rather than hanging flush against the window and blocking all the light, this tall, narrow mirror casually leans above the pedestal sink. 30 of 40 Camouflage a Laundry Room Photo: Laurey Glenn Having a washer and dryer in the bathroom is a handy convenience, but looking at bulky machines may not evoke a spa-like feel. Double-louvered doors keep the washer and dryer neatly tucked away in a separate tiny room when they are not in use. Keeping the bath and laundry spaces the same color creates cohesiveness and allows them to function as one room. 31 of 40 Hide Away the Toiletries Hector Manuel Sanchez You always need attractive places to hide things in a bath. "I like a vanity with some closed storage and an open bottom, not a clunky cabinet," says interior decorator Heather Chadduck Hillegas. The custom console in this Alabama lake house has a deep drawer, which was built around the sink's plumbing. The console rests on legs to make it feel more like a freestanding piece of furniture. Simple iron hooks mounted on the wall keep towels within reach of the shower. 32 of 40 Include an Alcove Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Scott Martin Don't overlook small ways to incorporate convenient storage. A decorative tiled alcove next to the tub in this bath is a great place for soaps and other toiletries. The deep blue hue makes it a feature instead of just practical. 33 of 40 Use Clean Lines Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins For a contemporary look, use furnishings and materials with crisp, straight lines and unadorned surfaces. This 1950s mid-century house's bathroom is wrapped in rectangular tiles that echo the lines of the ceiling above. The soaking tub also has contemporary lines. 34 of 40 Reference Local Architecture Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Use classical shapes that reflect the history of your surroundings. An arched doorway leading to the bath references the Carpenter Gothic churches often found in the rural South. Its shape also responds to the pitch of the stairwell. 35 of 40 Make a Statement With the Floor Photo: Laurey W. Glenn "Laid out in a pattern, this Ann Sacks tile gives the same graphic punch as a painted floor but is much more practical for a bath," says designer Phoebe Howard. A light wall color allows the large, geometric pattern to take center stage. 36 of 40 Build Custom Storage Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Barbara Schmidt This traditionally styled master bath has a custom-built cabinet with a solid, furniture-like feel. The cabinet includes drawers for hiding away toiletries as well as glass-front doors that make linens easy to locate. The unlacquered brass fixtures will develop a patina over time. 37 of 40 Find Your Serenity Photo: Laurey W. Glenn A small hallway with two walk-in closets leads into this serene rainwater blue bath in Palmetto Bluff. The freestanding tub is clearly the focus, framed by curtains and a chandelier. The rest of the space is completely symmetrical: Twin vanities are opposite each other, and two frosted-glass compartments flank the entrance. The opaque glass adds spa-like feel and lends a sense of privacy to the generous shower and water closet. 38 of 40 Dress Up the Powder Room Robbie Caponetto; Styking: Kendra Surface Don't overlook the details in a small guest bath or powder room. A marble sink from Signature Hardware and brass sconces from The Home Depot liven up this tiny room in Asheville. With these personal touches, your guests will feel right at home. 39 of 40 Link Bed and Bath With Flooring Photo: Laurey W. Glenn Keep tile contained in the shower area. Continuing wood floors into the master bath connects the rooms and warms up the space. A large woven rug carries the bedroom's neutral palette into the bath and adds both softness and practicality. 40 of 40 Use Screens for Privacy Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elizabeth Demos There are other alternatives to frosted glass or plantation shutters for a bathroom window. In this Georgia farmhouse, an antique screen from India provides privacy while still allowing plenty of light to filter through. A soaking tub makes this bath a pampered retreat. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit