Apartment Bathroom Decor: Renter-Friendly Ideas

The fastest way to improve apartment bathroom decor is to change what you can see and touch every day: the shower curtain, towels, rug, lighting, mirror and one or two pieces of art. None of it needs a landlord's permission, and most of it can come with you when you move.

Bathrooms in apartments are often small, plain and a little exposed, with the toilet in plain view of the door. This post covers the changes that make the biggest difference, including a removable privacy screen for the toilet area.

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How do you make an apartment bathroom look better?

Start with the largest surfaces. Walls, the shower curtain and the floor covering set the mood before any small accessory does. Pick one main color, one secondary color and one material (wood, rattan, stone-look tile, metal) and repeat them. A bathroom with three or four repeated elements looks planned, even when everything came from different shops.

Then fix the things that make a rental look temporary: a bare bulb, a builder-grade mirror, a curtain that is too short. Those are usually cheaper to swap than they are to live with.

Which changes are safe in a rental?

Good rental apartment bathroom decorating ideas share one rule: nothing you can't undo in an afternoon. Check your lease first, since some landlords allow paint and others don't.

• Removable wallpaper or peel-and-stick tile on a single wall or behind the vanity.
• A new shower curtain and a heavier liner, hung on a tension rod if the existing rod is weak.
• Self-adhesive or screw-free hooks, rails and shelves. Test a small spot first, because steam weakens some adhesives.
• A swapped light shade or bulb with a warmer color temperature. Keep the original fixture so you can put it back.
• A framed mirror that leans against the wall or hangs over the existing one.

If you like the idea of a textured wall, the same logic applies to the shiplap accent wall ideas on this blog: look for panel or peel-and-stick versions rather than anything nailed in.

How do you hide the toilet without building a wall?

In a studio or a bathroom where the door opens straight onto the toilet, a privacy screen helps more than most accessories. A solid partition is a construction job, so renters should look at freestanding options instead.

• A folding screen or a slatted floor panel, about 4 feet tall, blocks the line of sight from the door while letting air and light through.
• A tension-mounted pole screen or a wide ladder-style shelf works as a divider and a storage unit at once.
• A shower-style curtain on a ceiling-hung track, if the ceiling allows it, closes off the area only when you want it.

Leave room to use the toilet comfortably. As a rule of thumb, you want about 15 inches from the center of the toilet to the nearest side obstruction, and about 21 inches clear in front. Check the door swing too, so the screen never blocks the door.

As an architect, I'd choose a slatted or semi-open screen over a solid one in a small room. A solid panel makes the room feel smaller and traps humidity behind it.

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What are good small apartment bathroom decor ideas?

In a tiny room, every object competes for attention, so fewer, larger pieces work better than many small ones. Light, matte colors keep the walls from feeling harsh, while a glossy surface bounces light around and can make a narrow room feel brighter. Use one large mirror instead of two small ones, and go vertical with hooks, over-the-toilet shelves and a tall narrow cart.

Give the room one moment of contrast, such as a dark shower curtain against pale walls, and keep the rest quiet.

Apartment bathroom storage ideas that don't need drilling

Among apartment bathroom storage ideas, the best ones use dead space: the back of the door, the area above the toilet, and the gap beside the vanity.

1. Over-the-door hooks for towels and robes.
2. A freestanding shelf unit above the toilet that doesn't touch the tank.
3. A slim rolling cart that fits between the vanity and the tub.
4. Baskets or lidded boxes for spare rolls and cleaning supplies. Keep them off the floor if you have a dog that likes to investigate.
5. A shower caddy hung from the showerhead or tension pole.

If you keep cleaners, medications or anything else a pet could get into, store them in a closed cabinet or high shelf. For questions about what is harmful to your animal, check with your vet.

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Rugs, towels and textiles

Textiles are the cheapest way to add color and softness. Choose a bath mat with a non-slip backing and wash it often, since it sits on a wet floor. Matching towels in two tones look more deliberate than a mixed pile. If you'd like a textured backdrop to go with them, this brick wall inspiration post shows how rough surfaces pair with soft fabric.

Lighting, mirrors and art

Swap cool, flat bulbs for warm-white ones that are rated for bathroom use, and add a small lamp or battery sconce if there's an outlet nearby. Do not place anything electrical where it can get wet; if you are unsure, ask a licensed electrician.

Art works in a bathroom if it can handle moisture. Choose prints behind glass or acrylic, and hang them away from the shower. A short row of frames works the way a hallway gallery wall does, just on a smaller scale.

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Plants and finishing touches

Many bathrooms have little daylight, so pick plants that tolerate low light, or use a small terrarium if you want greenery without much upkeep (see these terrarium ideas). Some common houseplants are toxic to cats and dogs, so check each one with your vet or a pet-plant list before bringing it home.

Finish with a few useful objects that look good: a ceramic soap dish, a tray for the counter, a small bin with a lid. Stop when the surfaces still have some empty space.

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Apartment bathroom decorating ideas on a budget

If money is tight, spend in this order. First, the shower curtain and towels, which cover the most visual area. Second, lighting and a mirror. Third, storage that fits the room. Last, art and plants. Paint and removable wallpaper come next if your lease allows them, and they give a large effect for their cost.

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