A chic bathroom should be stylish and elegant, yet highly functional. With careful planning and strategic decor choices, you can create a bathroom that looks and feels luxurious. From fixtures to finishes, accessories to ambiance, there are many ways to give your bathroom an upscale makeover. Here are 21 decorating ideas to help you design a bathroom that is both beautiful and chic.
Choose a Sophisticated Color Palette
The colors you choose for your bathroom set the overall aesthetic. Neutral hues like white, gray, and beige create a clean and tranquil spa-like vibe. Bold colors make more of a statement – try navy blue or emerald green for a luxe look. Metallic finishes in gold, silver, or bronze add glamour. Stick to a cohesive color scheme of 2-3 core colors for a polished look.
Soft pastels like powder blue and lavender create a vintage charm. Blush pinks feel romantic and feminine. Pay attention to the undertones so colors complement each other. Cool grays pair nicely with blues while warm taupes match better with pinks and peaches.
Select High-End Surfaces
The surfaces you choose have a big impact on the overall style. Natural stone like marble or travertine exude luxury, while concrete, wood, and tile add texture. Sleek surfaces such as glass, metal, and lacquer have a modern appeal.
For counters, marble, quartz, or granite countertops elevate the space. Travertine and limestone bring an earthy elegance. Concrete counters provide an urban edge. Wood surfaces add organic warmth.
For flooring, marble, limestone, or travertine tiles complement stone counters. Patterned encaustic tile creates visual interest. Concrete or wood floors lend a contemporary vibe, while hexagon tile adds a geometric touch.
Invest in Plush Textiles
Plush bath mats, rugs, shower curtains and towels add comfort and texture. Choose spa-worthy fabrics like cotton, linen, bamboo and hemp. Turkish cotton towels are ultra-absorbent. For shower curtains, linen or cotton will provide a hotel-like luxury.
For pops of color and style, add accessories like pillows, curtains, or wall tapestries. Silk and velvet materials add sheen and elegance. Natural fibers like jute, seagrass and sisal provide texture.
Select Statement Lighting
Strategic lighting creates ambiance and dazzle. Add LED strip lighting behind mirrors or under cabinets for a soft glow. Sconces flanking the vanity provide task lighting. Overhead fixtures like chandeliers and pendant lights make a striking style statement.
Opt for fixtures with natural and geometric shapes to complement the bathroom’s clean lines. Materials like glass, metal, and marble elevate the lighting. Dimmer switches allow you to set the desired mood lighting.
Choose Sleek Fixtures
Sleek, high-end fixtures like rainfall showerheads, freestanding soaking tubs, touch-activated faucets, and smart toilets provide luxury and convenience.
For an ultramodern look, choose wall-mounted or floating vanities with vessel sinks. Seamless glass shower enclosures maintain an open and airy aesthetic.
Products with clean lines, geometric shapes, and natural materials like wood, stone, and glass impart minimalist elegance. Oil-rubbed bronzes and matte black finishes lend a sophisticated appeal.
Create a Spa Experience
Transform your bathroom into a tranquil spa sanctuary. Install a large soaking tub or luxurious steam shower to relax and unwind. Add candles, essential oils, and body care products to indulge the senses.
Hang eucalyptus or lavender bundles in the shower for aromatherapy benefits. Display colorful glass bottles filled with bath salts, bubble bath, and body scrubs. The soothing ambiance will make every bath feel like a getaway.
Zone with Room Dividers
Define separate spaces like the tub, toilet, and vanities with room dividers. Freestanding partitions add privacy and conceal clutter.
Try bead curtains for a bohemian vibe. Folding screens impart an Asian flair. Cast glass, metals, or stone partitions exude elegance. Plants like bamboo or reeds act as natural dividers.
Floating wood or metal shelves work double duty by dividing the room while displaying decorative objects. Vintage ladders draped with towels add charm.
Make a Gallery Wall
Installing a gallery wall showcases your style while adding visual interest. Arrange art, photos, prints, and mirrors above the vanity in an aesthetically pleasing display.
Opt for simple black frames in various sizes and shapes for a cohesive look. Group similar color palettes together. Include natural elements like dried botanicals, shells, or stones. Lean decorative wall shelves for a layered look.
Add Stylish Storage
Creative storage solutions keep essentials organized while complementing the decor. Attractive baskets house towels, toiletries and accessories. Wire storage carts or open shelving neatly stow toilet paper, cleaning products and back-up supplies.
Floating shelves provide display space in tight quarters. Unique ladder racks hold rolled towels. Vintage furniture like an antique cabinet or dresser lends character while storing necessities out of sight.
Incorporate Natural Greenery
Houseplants infuse freshness and life into bathroom decor. Display leafy potted palms, orchids, ferns or succulents on the vanity, windowsill or mounted shelves.
Add a living wall with vertical greenery for spa-like zen. Or arrange cut herbs like eucalyptus or lavender in glass bottles for organic beauty. Just be mindful of sunshine and moisture levels, choosing plants well-suited for bathrooms.
Add Mirrors and Metallics
Frameless mirrors expand the space visually. Position leaning mirrors behind the sink to reflect windows or bathtubs. For a glamorous touch, surround mirrors with Hollywood bulb lighting.
Metallic accents in gold, silver, copper and brass add shine. Try a gilded mirror, crystal chandelier, or antiqued sconces. Paint an accent wall in a shimmery champagne, bronze or pewter tone. Mercury glass vessels and metallic tiles catch the light beautifully.
Install Spa-Like Hardware
Elevate bare necessities with upscale hardware and fittings. Swap out basic faucets and showerheads for systems with adjustable body sprays, rainfall showerheads and handheld wands.
Rough plastic toilet paper holders and toothbrush cups can be traded for sleek metal, glass, stone or ceramic versions. Cabinet hardware like knobs, pulls and hinges in black, brass or bronze imparts high-style.
Small details like luxurious hand towels, soap dispensers and cushy bath mats pamper.
Create an Accent Wall
An accent wall provides a bold focal point. Use paint, wallpaper, tile, stone or panels to define one wall. Opt for dark hues like navy, emerald or charcoal gray to create drama. Metallic finishes in gold, silver or copper add glam and shine.
Textured wallpaper like grasscloth or damask adds dimensional flair. Vintage patterned tilesestablish a statement. Natural stone slabs or brick veneers impart organic warmth. Display a collection of framed mirrors or art prints for an eclectic gallery.
Install Waterproof Floor Heating
For luxury underfoot, install electric floor heating. Warming ceramic tile or stone floors take the chill out of morning bathing routines. Waterproof heating mats are designed for safe use in bathrooms. New systems come with smart thermostats to adjust temperatures.
Radiant heating transforms bare feet floors into a luxurious treat. It also helps reduce post-shower humidity and keeps bathrooms comfortably warm in colder climates.
Add a Fireplace
For next-level indulgence, incorporate a fireplace in your bathroom design. Electric fireplaces provide ambient warmth and the cozy feel of flickering flames without venting or installation constraints.
Built-in electric fireplaces create an elegant focal point. Freestanding stove versions work well, requiring standard electrical outlets. Place it near a comfy chair or chaise lounge to create a spa retreat right in your own home. Just be sure to take proper moisture precautions.
Select a Statement Bathtub
As the bathroom’s focal point, the tub deserves special attention. Stand-alone tubs make a dramatic style statement. Slipper tubs exude vintage glamour with their curved silhouettes. Sleek rectangular tubs feel crisp and contemporary.
Clawfoot tubs bring old-world charm with their elegantly clawed feet. Soaking tubs provide ultra-deep relaxation. Specialty tubs like copper or stone impart natural beauty. Choose a tub in a sculptural shape or striking color to elevate your bathing experience.
Display Collections
Collections displayed throughout the bathroom add eclectic personality. Arrange your vintage perfume bottles on open shelving or a dresser turned vanity. Show off your sea glass, shells or colored glass collections in apothecary jars.
Group together framed botanical prints, black and white photos, or architectural drawings for artistic flair. Display decorative soaps, candles or makeup in a curio cabinet. Keep your collection grouped together for cohesiveness and impact.
Add Unexpected Pops of Color
In a neutral bathroom, vivid splashes of color energize the space. Introduce color through accessories like towels, shower curtains, rugs and bath mats. Or opt for patterned tile as an accent.
Paint or wallpaper one wall in a bold hue like emerald, sapphire or marigold. The dark colors will sings against light cabinetry and tile. Or opt for a brightly hued vanity or patterned floor tile as a striking foundation. Keep accessories minimal to allow the color to take center stage.
Incorporate Architectural Elements
Arches, niches, raised platforms and ceilings impart elegance and grandeur, yielding a bathroom reminiscent of Rome or Paris. Domed or vaulted ceilings make a dramatic statement. Arched mirrors or windows soften hard lines and angles.
Built-in or freestanding columns add architectural appeal. Niches carved into walls display cherished objects. Elevated bathing platforms separate tub and shower spaces. Consider adding architectural moldings or antique lighting for old-world flair.
Choose a Theme
Select a specific style theme to drive the decor choices and create a cohesive look. Some classic bathroom themes include:
- Vintage glamour with tufted furnishings, chandeliers, and antique accents
- Urban industrial with concrete, black steel, and wood elements
- Midcentury modern with clean lines, geometric patterns, and wood tones
- Contemporary with stone, glass, metallics and seamless surfaces
- Coastal with whitewashed woods, seashells and weathered finishes
- Spa with tranquil blues, greens, and decorative water features
- Tropical with palm prints, rattan textures, and jungle vibes
Install Water Features
The tranquil sound of flowing water creates a relaxing ambiance. Install a stone vessel sink for the soothing splatter of water. Or incorporate an indoor water feature like a small standing fountain.
Frameless glass waterfall showers impart serene beauty with sheets of cascading water. Japanese-style bamboo spouts provide gentle background trickling. Keep the sounds subtle so they remain comforting.
Opt for Wall-to-Wall Mirrors
Mirrors visually expand smaller bathrooms, making the most of the available space. To create the illusion of more room, cover the wall behind the vanity with a giant mirror.
Frameless mirrors blend seamlessly. Opt for a mirrored medicine cabinet to conceal storage. Etched mirrors diffuse light softly throughout the room.
Pair mirrored walls with glass enclosed showers, chrome fixtures, and glass shelving to impart sleek sophistication.
Create an Entryway Nook
Define a transitional dressing area at the bathroom’s entrance to maximize functionality. Install a storage bench or pair of chairs flanking the door to hold clothing or towels.
Built-in or freestanding lockers provide enclosed storage. A dressing table or console offers a place for jewelry and accessories. Good lighting is key – try sconces or a statement pendant.
Keep Technology Discreet
Today’s bathrooms offer high-tech conveniences like TVs, sound systems, and smart toilets. But an excess of visible technology can detract from the overall elegance.
Look for audio systems that blend in seamlessly. Wall-mounted flatscreen TVs can be hidden behind mirrors or artwork. Electronic bidets, heated seats, and foot warmers offer luxury without marring the decor. The goal is to incorporate conveniences without sacrificing style.
FAQ
How can I give my bathroom a high-end look on a budget?
On a budget, focus on small upgrades like new fixtures, hardware, lighting and accessories. Replace builder-basic faucets and showerheads with higher-end versions. Upgrade lighting and add stylish yet affordable accessories like rolled towels, ceramic soap dispensers and wood shelving. Removing clutter alone helps any bathroom look more polished.
What colors make a bathroom look luxurious?
Soft neutrals like white, grey and beige create a spa-like ambiance, as do tranquil blues and greens. Metallic finishes in gold, silver and bronze add elegance. Bold saturated hues like emerald, sapphire and ruby make lavish statements.
What flooring options work best in elegant bathrooms?
Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine and slate exude luxury underfoot. Patterned encaustic tile creates visual interest. Concrete imparts a modern, urban edge. Wood floors add warmth and texture. Mosaics and hex tiles lend a playful, Moroccan vibe.
Should I install a soaking tub or shower?
For resale value, a shower is more practical. But for luxury and relaxation, nothing beats a deep soaking tub. If space allows, incorporate both. Freestanding tubs make dramatic focal points. Walk-in showers feel spa-worthy with features like rainfall showerheads. Select whichever option brings you more joy.
What makes a bathroom feel tranquil and peaceful?
Serene blue, green and gray hues create a relaxing retreat. Natural textures and materials like stone, wood, jute and water soothe senses. Greenery and flowers add life. Vanities offer closed storage to keep clutter out of sight. Soft lighting and windows that let in natural light prevent a cave-like effect.
Conclusion
Designing a beautiful, elegant bathroom is all about the details. Focus on high-quality materials, stylish fixtures, spa-like amenities, and thoughtful organization. Keep colors and textures cohesive for a polished look. Luxurious lighting and fabrics elevate the space, as do natural greenery and tranquil water elements. With strategic planning and exquisite finishes, you can create a bathroom that both pampers and dazzles. Use these decorating ideas to craft your own chic, glamorous sanctuary.
