I used to think bathroom walls had to stay plain because, well, it’s just the bathroom, right? But once I started adding little personal touches and experimenting with budget-friendly upgrades, the whole space felt brand new.
You don’t need a massive renovation or designer wallpaper to make your bathroom look amazing. A bit of creativity and the right mix of texture, color, and affordable finds can totally transform those walls into something you’re proud of.
Whether you rent or own, these easy ideas can take your bathroom from basic to beautiful without draining your bank account.
1. Frame Vintage Botanical Prints
Botanical prints add a touch of classic elegance to any bathroom. Hunt for free printables online or flip through old gardening books at thrift stores for beautiful illustrations of flowers, ferns, or herbs.
Once you’ve found your favorites, pop them into inexpensive frames from the dollar store. A cluster of three or four prints creates an instant gallery wall that looks like it came straight from a designer’s portfolio.
2. Stick On Removable Wallpaper
If painting isn’t an option, removable wallpaper is your new best friend. Modern peel-and-stick options come in countless patterns and are super easy to apply without any special tools.
Focus on just one wall for maximum impact without overwhelming the space. When you’re ready for a change, simply peel it off without damaging the wall underneath. Landlords everywhere just breathed a sigh of relief!
3. Hang Woven Baskets
Woven baskets aren’t just for storage anymore! Flat-bottomed versions make stunning wall art when hung in a group. Mix different sizes, shapes, and weaving patterns for a textured, bohemian look.
Scout for baskets at thrift stores or discount retailers where they’re often under $5 each. The natural materials bring warmth to typically cold bathroom surfaces and create that layered, collected-over-time vibe designers love.
4. Create A Floating Shelf Display
Floating shelves offer both style and function in tight bathroom spaces. Install one or two simple wooden shelves and style them with pretty toiletry bottles, small plants, and decorative objects.
The key is mixing heights and textures while maintaining a color theme. Group items in odd numbers for that designer-approved look. Keep essentials within reach while turning everyday items into part of your decor scheme.
5. Paint A Half Wall
Sometimes less is more! Painting just the bottom half of your bathroom walls creates architectural interest without a full paint job. Choose a bold color that complements your fixtures and keep the top half white for balance.
No need for fancy tools – just painter’s tape and a steady hand. This technique makes small bathrooms feel larger while adding personality. For extra style points, add a thin wooden trim piece where the colors meet.
6. Mount Thrifted Mirrors
One large mirror is practical, but a collection of smaller mirrors creates magical designer appeal. Scour thrift stores and yard sales for mirrors with interesting frames – they don’t need to match!
Spray paint mismatched frames in coordinating colors for a cohesive look. Arrange them in a pleasing pattern before hanging.
Multiple mirrors bounce light around the room, making your bathroom feel bigger and brighter while doubling as beautiful wall art.
7. Arrange Pressed Flowers In Frames
Flowers bring instant joy to any space! Press blooms from your garden or a bouquet between heavy books for two weeks. Once flat and dry, arrange them on white paper and frame.
The delicate, preserved petals create ethereal bathroom art that costs almost nothing. Group several small frames together or go for one statement piece.
Unlike fresh flowers, these beauties won’t wilt in bathroom humidity and will keep their color for years.
8. Install Decorative Tile Decals
Love the look of designer tile but not the price tag? Waterproof vinyl tile decals transform plain surfaces in minutes.
Apply these peel-and-stick wonders directly over existing tile or smooth walls for instant pattern and color. Focus on a small area like the backsplash for maximum impact.
Most designs mimic expensive cement tiles or Moroccan patterns at a fraction of the cost. When trends change, simply peel them off and try something new!
9. Hang Macramé Wall Hangings
Macramé brings wonderful texture to bathroom walls that are typically dominated by hard, shiny surfaces. These knotted creations add a soft, bohemian touch that feels both trendy and timeless.
Look for small versions at craft stores or online marketplaces. The natural cotton fibers hold up surprisingly well in bathroom environments.
Hang one above the toilet or towel rack for an instant style upgrade that won’t hurt your wallet.
10. Display Vintage Apothecary Bottles
Old glass bottles bring instant character to bathroom walls when mounted on simple floating shelves or narrow picture ledges. Hunt for vintage pharmacy or perfume bottles at flea markets – the more varied the shapes and sizes, the better!
Group bottles by color for a curated collection feel. Clear glass looks elegant against any wall color, while blue or green bottles add a pop of color. Fill a few with dried flowers or eucalyptus for extra charm.
11. Apply Waterproof Art Prints
Art isn’t just for living rooms! Waterproof prints designed for bathroom environments let you enjoy beautiful images without worry.
Many online shops offer specially treated prints that resist moisture and humidity. Choose subjects that complement a bathroom setting – coastal scenes, abstract water patterns, or spa-inspired imagery work beautifully.
Frame them in simple plastic or metal frames rather than wood, which can warp in damp conditions. Suddenly your bathroom feels like a fancy hotel!
12. Make A DIY Towel Ladder
Functional decor is a designer’s secret weapon! Create a rustic towel ladder using two wooden dowels and some rope or thin boards.
Sand the wood smooth and apply a waterproof finish. Lean your creation against the wall and drape pretty towels across each rung.
The vertical design saves floor space while adding architectural interest to blank walls. Plus, your towels become part of the decor instead of hiding behind the door!
13. Arrange Framed Vintage Postcards
Vintage postcards offer tiny windows into the past and make charming bathroom art. Look for cards with travel scenes, old advertisements, or botanical illustrations at antique shops or online.
Frame each one individually in simple frames and arrange them in a grid or line. The small scale works perfectly in bathrooms where wall space is limited.
Guests will love examining these little historical treasures while they wash their hands!
14. Hang Wooden Wall Plaques
Wooden plaques with sayings, quotes or simple designs add warmth and personality to bathroom walls. Look for ones with water-themed messages or gentle reminders to “wash your hands” for a touch of humor.
The natural wood tones balance all the cool surfaces in most bathrooms. Group three different sized plaques together for visual interest.
These affordable finds from craft stores or discount home retailers usually cost under $15 each but look much more expensive.
15. Install Decorative Wall Hooks
Wall hooks aren’t just functional – they can be stunning decorative elements too! Choose hooks with interesting shapes, colors, or materials that complement your bathroom style.
Mount them in a pattern on an empty wall section. Even when not holding towels or robes, they create visual interest and dimension.
Look for clearance hooks at home stores or try vintage doorknobs mounted on small wood blocks for a truly unique designer touch.
16. Create A Plant Wall
Plants love bathroom humidity! Mount small wall planters or hanging pots to create a living wall that purifies air and adds natural beauty.
Choose low-light varieties like pothos, ferns, or air plants that thrive in bathroom conditions. The vertical garden effect feels luxurious and spa-like.
Can’t keep plants alive? High-quality fake plants work too – just dust them occasionally. Either way, the pop of green brings life to sterile bathroom spaces.
17. Display Framed Children’s Art
Kids create masterpieces daily! Select colorful drawings or paintings from your children’s collection and frame them in simple white frames for instant, meaningful wall art.
The bright colors and free-spirited style bring joy to everyday routines. Swap out the artwork seasonally to keep things fresh.
Guests always comment on these personal touches, and your children will beam with pride seeing their creations displayed so prominently.
18. Hang Woven Wall Tapestry
A small wall tapestry adds instant texture and color to bathroom walls. Look for water-resistant materials like synthetic blends rather than pure cotton, which can mildew in humid environments.
Modern geometric patterns or subtle bohemian designs work beautifully in bathrooms of any size. The fabric softens echo-prone bathroom acoustics while adding visual warmth.
Hang with removable hooks to avoid damaging walls and keep it away from direct water splashes.
19. Paint Stenciled Patterns
Stencils transform plain walls into custom designer looks for the cost of a stencil and some paint! Choose geometric, Moroccan, or damask patterns that complement your bathroom style.
Focus on one accent wall or create a border around the room. The trick is using a nearly-dry roller or sponge to avoid paint bleeding under the stencil.
Your friends won’t believe you did it yourself for under $30 when similar wallpaper would cost hundreds!