The Decor Mistake That Is Making Your Bathroom Look Boring

Bathrooms are typically some of the smallest spaces in your home, often vastly overlooked when it comes to décor. Many people love choosing tile, fixtures, and counters. But when it comes to decorating the space, they simply add a shower curtain, matching accessories, and a soft rug and call it a day. But you can actually turn your bathroom into a much more luxe and expensive-looking space by avoiding expected, matching bathroom décor pieces and instead using decidedly non-bath-associated items and décor in it. 

Some options include beautiful and unusual storage containers and striking artwork. You can even go with truly unexpected luxe touches like ottomans, candelabras, and ornate towel racks instead of the builder-grade fixtures found in many homes. By adding touches of vintage and the unexpected in your bathroom, you can avoid the generic, cookie-cutter look that bathrooms often fall prey to.  

Some of these changes can be made for only a few dollars, elevating your space and making it more charming and welcoming to spend time in. Even better, many of these items for your bathroom can be found via thrift stores, estate sales, and other secondhand markets to bring a sense of charm, history, and character into such a small space.

While retailers are full of matching sets for the bathroom, they often lack the personality and thought that make your bathroom truly unique. Instead, curate pieces that are beautiful and serve a purpose. You don't have to stick to the bathroom décor section — use pieces that would normally go in other rooms to elevate your bathroom with a designer feel. Some of the most beautiful additions to bring character to a boring bathroom are stylish and functional storage options, whether that's charming vintage apothecary jars, rustic mason jars, wooden boxes, or antique teacups. Use them to hold items like dental floss, cotton swabs, and makeup wipes. 

Why not use a beautiful vintage tumbler or vase for your toothbrushes? Or enlist a vintage decanter to hold your mouthwash or bubble bath — this thrifted décor can instantly elevate bath time. Small plates and saucers work beautifully as soap dishes, while a vintage vase, small planter, or crock can hold your makeup brushes and hair tools in style. Woven baskets and vintage wooden boxes or crates are also great options to add texture and additional storage. Clean up cluttered countertops by using a vintage sewing box for your makeup or medications. 

Instead of a generic big box store over-the-toilet shelf, outfit a corner with a freestanding apothecary cabinet to hold towels, extra tissue, and toiletries. Or, thrift and flip a cabinet for the wall with paint and wallpaper. For extra coziness, add a chic storage ottoman in a corner as a place to stash extra towels and provide a seat when you need to sit down near the tub. Or add a cute velvet bench near your vanity to help you get ready.

Traditional décor items used in other rooms, many of which can be thrifted inexpensively, can immediately add more character to an uninspiring bathroom space. Decorate with candelabras, art objects, or marble statues to create a curated look you love. This especially includes items that go on the walls, be they ornate towel racks with decorative brass details or sculpturally interesting wall hooks. To enhance your bathroom lighting, add a decorative lamp on your vanity or on a shelf to brighten up a corner and layer light.

When choosing artwork, avoid typical bathroom scenes or subject matters, and go for pieces you normally wouldn't expect to encounter in the space, like oil paintings or watercolors in elaborate frames. Portraits, landscapes, and floral paintings are excellent options. Or frame some vintage floral book plates for a botanical touch. Hang large pieces alone, or create an eclectic gallery wall in your bathroom, using different thrifted frames and types of art. Consider other luxurious elements to add interest to the walls, like stained glass wall sconces, fabric wallpaper, gilt mirrors, or picture rail molding in lieu of or in addition to art.