Introduction
A bathroom should be a relaxing space where you can start and end your day in tranquility. However, many bathrooms tend to get cluttered with too many items that create visual noise and chaos. Adopting a minimalist approach can transform your bathroom into a serene oasis by reducing visual clutter and focusing on simplicity.
In this article, we will discuss 10 minimalist choices you can make to bring more calm and relaxation to your bathroom. From decluttering to organization, storage solutions, neutral colors, and editing down toiletries – these tips will help you achieve a minimalist bathroom that feels open, airy and peaceful. A minimalist bathroom promotes tidiness and removes distractions so you can carry out your morning and evening routines with a calm mind.
Declutter and Remove Visual Clutter
The first step towards a serene minimalist bathroom is to declutter! Go through all your cabinets, drawers and countertops and remove anything that you don’t use frequently or that no longer serves you. This includes old makeup and skincare items, expired medicines, extra containers, decorative items you don’t love, etc.
Get rid of clutter like tissues, cleaning supplies and extra toilet paper rolls on counters. Put essentials in drawers and cabinets so counters look clean. Have a bowl or tray for daily essentials only. Removing visual clutter instantly makes your bathroom look and feel more peaceful. It also makes cleaning easier.
Use Baskets and Bins to Hide Essentials
Use baskets, bins and closed containers to corral bathroom essentials and hide visual clutter. Have separate bins for toiletries, medicines, first aid items, cleaning supplies etc. Label them neatly. Use baskets for rolls of fresh towels. Shut the cabinet doors to keep everything organized and out of sight. This removes visible clutter.
Store Items Inside Cabinets, Drawers and Closets
Maximize storage inside cabinets, under sink, in drawers and closets. Use space-saving organizers, stackable shelves and hanging rods. Having items put away inside hidden storage keeps your bathroom looking tidy.
Only Keep a Few Meaningful Decor Pieces
When it comes to decor, less is more. Avoid cluttering with too many decorative items. Pick one or two meaningful art pieces, fresh flowers or plants. They will have more impact than a bunch of random objects. Remove decorative items that don’t spark joy.
Adopt Soothing Neutral Colors
Color has a significant impact on mood and emotions. To cultivate calm in your minimalist bathroom, stick to neutral, earthy or soothing colors like white, beige, grey, brown or soft greens and blues. Avoid loud, bright or harsh colors.
Paint walls in a matte, light neutral shade. It will make your bathroom look airy and spacious. Get towels, bath mats, shower curtains etc. in colors that coordinate with your walls. Repeating colors creates a relaxing, cohesive look.
Choose Textures and Materials Mindfully
Pay attention to textures of surfaces, textiles and materials – they greatly affect the vibe. Natural textures like stone, wood, wicker and linen feel earthy and soothing. Avoid glossy or reflective surfaces. Pick organic, nature-inspired patterns over loud prints.
Use Monochromatic Color Schemes
Choose one main neutral color for big surfaces like walls, floor and vanity. Get towels, rugs, shower curtains etc. in varying shades and intensities of that color. Monochromatic color schemes with different tones of the same hue look elegant and peaceful.
Add Greenery for Freshness
Plants instantly liven up any space and make it feel more fresh and inviting. Get low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plant or pothos. You can also display small flower arrangements in beautiful vases. But don’t overdo it. A couple of plants are enough.
Reduce Clutter in Shower and Bathtub Areas
Shower and tub areas tend to accumulate bottles, soaps, shampoos, devices, loofahs etc. This clutter is an eyesore and it makes cleaning difficult. Minimize products and equipment in shower area.
Install Built-in Shower Niches
Built-in shower niches provide organized storage for shower essentials inside the shower area. These eliminate the need for caddies and wire baskets that clutter the look. Install one or more niches for a clutter-free shower zone.
Use Wall-mounted Dispensers
Install wall-mounted dispensers for shampoo, soap, conditioner etc. They dispense product when needed and reduce number of plastic bottles. Place them together in one corner for a uniform look. Add a wall-mounted caddy for razors, loofah etc.
Invest in a Shower Caddy with Storage
If you don’t want built-ins, get a streamlined shower caddy with shelves and hooks for essentials. Get one that mounts to the wall with strong suction cups. Some also have space to store extra product under the shelves.
Use a Tension Corner Pole for Cloth Shower Curtain
Tension corner poles allow you to hang a cloth shower curtain neatly and eliminate the visual clutter of plastic liners and curtain rods. The weight of the wet cloth keeps it in place. Choose a plain white cotton curtain for a crisp, clean look. Use multiple hooks so the curtain hangs cleanly.
Hide Toiletries in Drawers and Cabinets
Keep only essential soaps and cleaning supplies in shower area. Store bulk supplies, backup products and toiletries out of sight in cabinets and drawers to reduce clutter. Place cotton swabs, body creams etc. in drawers.
Edit Down and Organize Bathroom Products
Most bathrooms contain too many products that we don’t actually need or use. Following a minimalist approach means editing down to basics you actually use up. Fewer products equal less clutter and more serenity.
Keep Only Daily Use Beauty Products
Be ruthless and remove unused, expired or repetitive products. Keep only daily use items – shampoo, conditioner, face wash, moisturizer, hand soap, body lotion, shaving supplies etc. Store extras and back-ups out of the way.
Look For Multipurpose Products
Choose versatile products that can serve many uses, like coconut oil for hair and skin or Dr. Bronner’s castile soap for body and cleaning. Multifunctional products mean less bottles cluttering up precious space. Read labels and opt for natural or organic when possible.
Transfer Products Into Uniform Dispensers
Buy matching pump dispensers and transfer daily toiletries into them. This gives your bathroom a cohesive, uncluttered look. Dispensers take up lesser space too. Make your own DIY lip balm, skin serum etc. and fill dispensers.
Replace Disposables With Reusables
Swap out paper napkins and cotton pads with reusable cloth options. Use face towels instead of wipes. Look for natural loofahs and wooden brushes instead of plastic disposable ones. Opt for razor blades over plastic disposables.
Edit Down Makeup and Skincare Routines
Pare down bulky makeup and 10-step skincare routines. Stick to essentials that you actually use daily. Multitaskers like tinted moisturizer or blush you can also use on lips and cheeks are great space-saving choices.
Add Plenty of Hidden Bathroom Storage
Out of sight, out of mind. Make use of every inch to add concealed storage so toiletries, supplies and clutter can be tucked away behind closed doors. Maximize space inside cabinets, under sinks, in drawers and closets.
Install Pull-out Cabinet Organizers
Install pull out organizers and trays in existing cabinets. These make use of all the vertical space and provide organized storage for toiletries, first aid, haircare, cleaning items etc. Labeled clear bins let you see everything easily.
Use Space Under the Sink
This is prime real estate. Install slide-out trays and storage caddies. Use standing modules and stackable shelves. Store all cleaning items under the sink and keep extras of toilet paper, paper towels etc. Use hanging racks for spray bottles.
Add Drawers for All Sizes of Items
Take advantage of vertical space by installing drawers of multiple sizes – small ones for small items like cotton swabs and makeup, medium for toiletries and large bottom ones for bulky supplies like hairdryers. Keep them organized with dividers.
Hide Trash Cans in Cabinet or Drawer
Trash cans out in the open create clutter. Install a pull-out trash drawer in a base cabinet to keep the trash can out of sight. If you have more space, place it in a cabinet to fully conceal it. Use cans with lids to contain odors.
Use Baskets and Bins for Drawer Organization
Line drawers with non-slip mats. Use matching slim baskets or bins to neatly corral and divide items – haircare products in one, skin and dental care in another. Label the bins. This keeps drawers tidy and makes finding things easy.
Install Shallow Shelving Closets for Linens
Built-in closets with shelves allow you to neatly fold and store towels, bath mats, wash cloths etc. vertically. Place them close to shower area. Shallow shelves reduce stacking. Sliding doors keep the linens dust-free but easily accessible.
Add Hooks and Racks for Robes and Towels
Install hooks on the back of doors and walls for hanging bathrobes, towels or clothes. Hooks save space and are easier than towel rods for drying wet towels. Get a tall ladder towel rack and hang towels vertically to dry.
Create Spa-Like, Soothing Ambience
Your minimalist bathroom should feel like a spa retreat right at home. Create a soothing ambience with flattering lighting, calming scents and other touches to relax your senses. A few well-chosen accents go a long way.
Use Soft, Diffused Lighting
Harsh lighting is not relaxing. Install dimmable lights and bulbs with softer luminosity. Diffused lighting is more flattering and soothing. Try pendant lights, sconces or vanity lighting on each side of the mirror instead of an overhead fixture.
Light Unscented Candles
Nothing sets the mood like flickering candlelight and a delicate scent. Place a few unscented candles in the corners of the bathroom and light them when you want to relax. Try beeswax or soy-based candles – they burn clean.
Use Essential Oil Diffusers
Fill a diffuser with water and add a few drops of a calming essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus. The aromatherapy benefits combined with humidifying mist create a spa vibe. Automate it to run before you wake up or wind down for bed.
Play Peaceful Music
Set up a speaker to play soft, soothing music – acoustic guitar, piano melodies, nature sounds etc. Music has a profound effect on mood. Tranquil tunes will enhance your bathroom experience. Make a relaxing bath playlist to set the tone.
Add tactile, Natural Textures
Surround yourself with pleasing textures. Get waffle weave cotton robes, bamboo wood shelves, linen or silk shower curtains, natural fiber bath mats etc. Read product labels and choose natural, sustainable materials for an earthy feel.
Incorporate Live Plants
Live plants bring energy and freshness into a space. Add a few low-maintenance varieties like snake plant, orchids, ferns or succulents. Consider mini trees like jade or ficus plants. But don’t overdo it – a couple of plants is sufficient.
Create Easy, Uncluttered Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep your minimalist bathroom looking neat, prevent clutter from building up with easy maintenance and cleaning habits. Simple practices make upkeep almost effortless.
Establish a Daily Tidy Up Routine
Do a quick 5-minute tidy of bathroom surfaces and items at the beginning and end of each day. Put everything back in its place. Hang up towels and bathmats to dry. Doing small daily tasks prevents big messes.
Clean Surfaces and Mirrors Daily
Make wiping counters, sink and mirror part of your daily bathroom routine. Use a multi-surface spray cleaner. Microfiber cloths easily remove grime. Daily light cleaning prevents buildup and keeps everything pristine.
Deep Clean Once a Week
Set aside 30 minutes for a weekly deep cleaning session. Clean inside cabinets, shower walls, wipe baseboards etc. Use a checklist to stay on top of everything. Deep cleaning weekly reduces overall maintenance time and prevents grime.
Immediately Remove Clutter
Don’t let clutter accumulate. Remove packages immediately, quickly wipe spills and hang up used towels. Maintain the discipline of immediately putting items away or tossing trash. Don’t set things down with the intention to deal with later.
Check Supplies Weekly
Do a weekly check of your bathroom supplies from toilet paper to soap, shampoo, tissues etc. Make a list of refills needed and stock up during a planned weekly shopping trip. Monitoring prevents last minute panics.
Update and Edit Out Products Seasonally
Re-evaluate your products and toiletries seasonally. Toss or donate items you didn’t use over the past months. Look for any newly expired or ineffective products. Edit out unnecessary products and refresh with new necessities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I declutter my bathroom?
- Take everything out of cabinets, drawers and off countertops. Get rid of expired products, old medicines, extra containers. Toss things you don’t use anymore. Organize remaining items neatly in baskets, bins and organizers inside storage areas. Only keep daily use essentials easily accessible.
What is the best way to organize a small bathroom?
- Install pull-out drawers, slide-out trays and standing shelves to maximize vertical space. Have a place for everything – baskets for toiletries, bins for first aid etc. Use wall hooks, over the door racks and ladder shelves. Get stackable or nesting bins and baskets. Multipurpose items help save space.
How can I hide eyesores in my bathroom?
- Conceal clutter in drawers, cabinets and closets so it’s out of sight. Use matching canisters to hide everyday products. Install a pull-out trash drawer to hide the garbage can. Get baskets with lids to hide extra toilet paper rolls and feminine products. Put cleaning tools in a decorative caddy.
What are some quick tips for a minimalist bathroom?
- Declutter surfaces, remove visual clutter, and organize storage using baskets, bins and organizers. Stick to a monochromatic color scheme. Add greenery with plants and flowers. Edit down toiletries to daily essentials only. Use dispensers for shampoo, soap etc. Conceal shower & bath clutter with built-in niches, caddies and tension rods.
How can I create a spa-like ambience in my bathroom?
- Install soft, diffused lighting. Light candles and use essential oil diffusers. Play peaceful, acoustic music. Add natural textures and live plants. Hang waffle weave towels. Use sensory touches like bamboo shelves and linen shower curtains. Display dried eucalyptus branches or lavender sprigs.
How often should I deep clean my bathroom?
- For minimal maintenance, do a thorough deep cleaning session once a week. Clean inside cabinets, shower walls, wipe baseboards etc. Check your supplies and stock up on essentials during your weekly deep clean. Daily tidying plus weekly deep cleaning prevents grime buildup.
Conclusion
A calm, soothing bathroom promotes starting and ending your day in a peaceful state of mind. By adopting a minimalist approach – decluttering, sticking to neutral elements, reducing products, adding discreet storage and editing down supplies – you can transform your bathroom into a relaxing oasis. A simplified, spa-like bathroom minimizes stress and clutter so you can enjoy tranquility.
Try some of the tips suggested above to introduce more minimalism into your bathroom. Removing visual clutter instantly makes it look and feel more peaceful. Organizing supplies into concealed storage reduces headaches. Limiting toiletries to daily essentials simplifies routines. When it comes to a bathroom, less is truly more. Adopt a minimalist approach and enjoy the calm!
