Bathroom Decorating Ideas for Small Apartment: Smart, Stylish & Space-Saving Tips

Decorating a small apartment bathroom can feel challenging because the space is limited, storage is tight, and renters often can’t make permanent changes. But the good news is that you don’t need a big bathroom or a huge budget to create a beautiful and functional space. With the right approach, even the smallest bathroom can feel fresh, stylish, and organized.

In this guide, you’ll learn the best bathroom decorating ideas for small apartment spaces—renter-friendly solutions, affordable upgrades, and clever styling tips that make your bathroom look bigger and more luxurious.

Table of Contents

1) Start With a Simple Color Theme

The fastest way to upgrade a small bathroom is by choosing a clean color theme. Too many colors can make a small space feel busy.

Best color themes for small bathrooms:

White + beige (clean and bright)
White + black (modern)
Soft grey + white (minimal and elegant)
Navy + white (luxury vibe)
Sage green + cream (calm and natural)

Tip for small apartments:
Light colors reflect more light, making the bathroom feel bigger.

2) Upgrade the Shower Curtain (Biggest Visual Change)

In many apartment bathrooms, the shower curtain takes up the most visual space. If you change it, the entire bathroom instantly looks different.

Best shower curtain ideas:

Solid white or neutral curtain for a clean look
Vertical stripe curtains to make the ceiling look higher
Minimal prints (small patterns look better than large prints)
Fabric curtain + liner (feels more premium than plastic)

Pro tip: Use a curved shower rod—it creates extra space inside the shower and looks more modern.

3) Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper (Renter-Friendly)

If your apartment allows temporary decor, peel-and-stick wallpaper is one of the best bathroom decorating ideas for small apartment spaces.

Where to apply it:

Behind the mirror
One accent wall
Above the toilet area

Best wallpaper styles:

Marble effect
Minimal geometric prints
Botanical patterns
Neutral textures (linen look)

Important: Choose moisture-resistant wallpaper for bathrooms.

4) Add Floating Shelves (Without Drilling)

Storage is always the biggest problem in small bathrooms. But you can add shelves without permanent damage.

Easy shelf options:

Adhesive floating shelves
Corner shelves
Over-the-toilet shelving rack

Decorate shelves with:

Rolled towels
Small basket organizers
A candle or diffuser
A mini plant

This makes the bathroom look organized and “Pinterest-style.”

5) Add a Large Mirror to Make the Bathroom Look Bigger

A mirror reflects light and visually doubles the space. In small bathrooms, mirror styling matters a lot.

Mirror decorating ideas:

Replace a small mirror with a larger one (if allowed)
Add a mirror frame sticker (renter-friendly)
Use LED mirror lights

Tip: A round mirror gives a soft, modern look. A rectangular mirror feels more spacious.

6) Change Lighting for a Luxury Feel

Bad lighting makes a bathroom feel dull and smaller. Lighting upgrades can transform the vibe.

Apartment-friendly lighting upgrades:

Daylight LED bulbs (bright but natural)
Stick-on LED lights around mirror
Battery-powered wall sconces

Warm lighting gives a cozy feel, but daylight white makes the bathroom look clean and bigger.

7) Use Matching Bathroom Accessories

Small details make a big difference. When accessories match, the bathroom looks high-end.

Must-have matching items:

Soap dispenser
Toothbrush holder
Trash can
Tissue box cover

Choose one material theme:

Matte black
White ceramic
Bamboo wood
Stainless steel

This is a simple but powerful decorating trick.

8) Add Plants (Even in Small Bathrooms)

Plants make any space feel alive and fresh. Even a tiny bathroom can have greenery.

Best plants for bathrooms:

Snake plant
Pothos
ZZ plant
Bamboo

If there’s no sunlight, use:

High-quality fake plants
Small eucalyptus stems (spa look)

9) Use Baskets for a Clean, Organized Look

Clutter makes a small bathroom feel messy. Baskets are a stylish way to hide items.

Basket decor ideas:

Basket under sink for cleaning supplies
Small basket for skincare products
Wall basket for toilet paper

Use woven or neutral baskets for a cozy, clean look.

10) Add a Soft Bath Mat + Matching Towels

Textiles can instantly upgrade your bathroom style.

Best bath mat choices:

Neutral color (beige, grey, white)
Thick and fluffy for luxury feel
Quick-dry mat for apartments

For towels:

Use the same color set (white looks hotel-style)
Roll towels for a spa look

11) Decorate the Space Above the Toilet

This area is often empty but perfect for decorating.

Ideas for above toilet:

Small framed art
Floating shelf with decor
Hanging plant
Minimal wall sign (avoid too many quotes)

Keep it simple—too much decor makes the area look crowded.

12) Use Over-the-Door Hooks for Extra Storage

One of the best space-saving ideas for small apartment bathrooms is using doors.

Use hooks for:

Towels
Bathrobe
Hair dryer bag
Laundry bag

This saves space without adding bulky furniture.

13) Add a Small Bathroom Tray (Instant Luxury)

A tray makes your counter look organized and premium.

Place on tray:

Soap
Perfume
Lotion
Small candle

Even a tiny tray makes your bathroom feel like a hotel.

14) Make It Smell Amazing (Underrated Decorating Tip)

A clean smell is part of bathroom decor. It makes the space feel more expensive.

Easy scent ideas:

Reed diffuser
Scented candle
Room spray
Essential oil diffuser

Choose fresh scents:

Lemon
Lavender
Eucalyptus
Vanilla

15) Add Wall Art That Fits Small Spaces

Many people forget wall art in bathrooms. But it can create a beautiful theme.

Small bathroom wall art ideas:

Minimal prints
Nature artwork
Abstract art
Black-and-white photos

Use:

Adhesive strips instead of nails
Waterproof frames if near shower

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Decorating Ideas for Small Apartment

If you want upgrades under budget:

New shower curtain
Matching accessories set
LED mirror lights
Small shelf + basket
Bath mat + towels

These changes can completely transform the bathroom without renovation.

Conclusion

Decorating a small apartment bathroom doesn’t require big remodeling. With smart styling, renter-friendly upgrades, and a clean theme, you can make your bathroom look bigger, brighter, and more luxurious. From peel-and-stick wallpaper and floating shelves to lighting upgrades and matching accessories, these bathroom decorating ideas for small apartment spaces help you create a beautiful bathroom that feels like home.