Here are some tips on easy ways to make your bathroom look more expensive.
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Looking for aesthetic bathroom ideas to make your space look more luxurious? This post is all about easy updates to make your bathroom look more expensive.
Let’s be real—bathrooms often get overlooked when it comes to decorating, especially if you’re on a tight budget. But why shouldn’t your bathroom feel just as chic and stylish as the rest of your space?
Whether you’re searching for aesthetic bathroom decor ideas, exploring inexpensive bathroom decorating ideas, or looking for tips on decorating an existing bathroom, there are countless ways to create a space that’s both functional and fabulous.
The truth is, you don’t need a massive renovation (or a massive bank account) to achieve simple elegant bathroom decor or even the feel of a luxurious small bathroom.
With a few thoughtful updates and creative bathroom styling ideas, you can turn any space into a luxury small bathroom design that’s fresh, modern, and totally you. Here are some budget friendly ways to make it happen.
Note: If you rent your home or apartment, you should always check your lease agreement and consult your landlord before making any changes, especially for anything permanent like painting, installing fixtures, or applying wallpaper.
Easy Bathroom Decorating Tips
Here are some easy bathroom decorating tips that can help make your bathroom look and feel more expensive. By combining practical bathroom decorating ideas with your own personal style, you can transform your bathroom into a space that feels high end and inviting.
It’s all about the details, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make your bathroom a place that’s as beautiful as it is functional!
1—Upgrade the Hardware.
When it comes to inexpensive bathroom decorating ideas, upgrading your hardware can be a total game changer. Many people don’t realize how much outdated knobs, faucets, and towel bars can drag down the vibe of a bathroom.
Modern small bathroom design pictures often feature cohesive finishes like matte black, brushed brass, or polished nickel because they give a room elegance. You don’t need to spend a fortune, either—check out affordable finds on Amazon, IKEA, or even in thrift stores for trendy options.
For a unified look, make sure your cabinet knobs, towel racks, and toilet paper holders all coordinate when it comes to finishes or colors. These small upgrades will make your bathroom feel like it belongs in one of those luxurious bathroom designs for small spaces magazine features without busting the budget.
2—Incorporate Luxury Textiles.
Nothing says “luxury” like plush, high quality textiles. Think soft towels in timeless tones like white, beige, or light gray—just like you’d see in the most elegant small master bathrooms pictures on home decor websites.
If you want to go the extra mile, swap out your basic bath mat for a small woven or Turkish style rug. Not only are they stylish, but they double as décor, giving your bathroom that cozy yet upscale vibe you see in many small elegant bathroom pictures.
Use materials that have a natural look and feel to them—such as woven baskets and bamboo accessories. These can be used for storage and to organize bathroom essentials.
For storage, roll or fold your towels neatly into a basket to create an organized spa like aesthetic. Don’t forget to check discount stores home decor stores for great deals on luxurious feeling textiles. This simple update will instantly make your bathroom look and feel more polished.
3—Improve the Lighting.
Lighting can completely transform your bathroom from dull to dazzling. Think about it: when you scroll through modern small bathroom design pictures, the lighting is almost always warm and inviting.
Improving bathroom lighting without rewiring can be easier than you think! Start by swapping out harsh bulbs for warm white LED light bulbs to create a soft, inviting glow.
Stick on puck lights or LED strip lights are great for adding ambient lighting around mirrors or under cabinets—just peel and stick! Plug in sconces or clip on reading lights can be used to frame a mirror stylishly.
For an even cozier vibe, place a small, battery operated lantern or flameless LED candle on a counter or a shelf. Simple updates can instantly make your bathroom feel warm and elegant.
4—Add Greenery.
Plants are one of the easiest ways to elevate a bathroom’s aesthetic without spending much. Whether you’re into practical bathroom decorating ideas or want something that feels more creative, greenery adds life, texture, and color to any space.
If you’re not a plant parent yet, start with low maintenance options like golden pothos or snake plants. For a spa like touch, decorate the bathroom with fresh eucalyptus in a vase.
You can also place a small potted plant on a windowsill, countertop, or even your toilet tank lid for a touch of elegance. Don’t worry if your space lacks natural light or your green thumb needs some work—faux plants can look just as chic.
5—Use Decorative Trays or Organizers.
Even the smallest bathrooms can benefit from intentional styling. Using decorative trays or organizers helps keep everything neat while adding a high end feel, just like in creative bathroom decorating ideas.
Choose decorative bathroom trays made from materials like faux marble, wood, or clear acrylic to group items like soap dispensers, candles, or plants together in aesthetically pleasing ways.
Apothecary jars are also perfect for storing cotton pads, Q tips, or bath salts in a chic and practical way. Plus, they give a bathroom a classic and timeless feel.
To create your own mini spa moment, roll up some towels, add a flameless LED candle, and display them on a small tray. Even the most basic essentials feel more luxurious when styled this way.
And the best part? You can often score trays and jars for cheap at dollar stores and other discount stores. This simple upgrade will have your space looking like one of those small luxury bathrooms pictures in no time.
6—Refresh the Walls.
The walls of a bathroom can make or break the vibe. If you’ve ever admired elegant small master bathrooms, you’ve probably noticed the bold paint colors or patterned wallpaper that set them apart.
Luckily, it can be easy to achieve the look with a little know how. Peel and stick wallpaper can be a game changer when it comes to updating the look of walls, with designs ranging from faux marble to botanical prints. Look for moisture resistant wallpaper that can be used to decorate a bathroom.
Prefer paint instead? Go bold with timeless shades like navy or emerald green on an accent wall to add depth and drama. (Or opt for brightly colored statement wall decor or art instead.)
For aesthetic bathroom wall decor, hang art prints in sleek frames. Abstract designs, black and white photography, or minimalist botanicals work great for a modern and polished look.
Can’t afford new art? Many websites offer free printable art, which you can frame yourself for a budget friendly upgrade.
Adding statement lighting or a statement mirror is another way to update the look of a bathroom and give it a luxe feel.
7—Replace Old Fixtures.
Updating outdated fixtures is one of the most effective ways to give your bathroom a fresh and modern feel. If you’ve ever admired luxurious bathroom designs for small spaces, then you’ve probably noticed details clean, contemporary flooring and stylish showerheads.
Replacing knobs can be an easy and beginner friendly update—just unscrew the old ones and attach new ones with a screwdriver. With trendy, affordable options like matte black or brushed brass, you can modernize the look of your bathroom in minutes.
Other updates, like painting a vanity in a bold color can alway be a way to update the look of a bathroom. Popular colors include blue and green for a high end look.
Installing a rainfall or handheld showerhead can be a quick and affordable way to give your bathroom a spa like feel, instantly elevating its look and functionality. These sleek, modern fixtures not only feel indulgent—they also mimic the upscale designs seen in luxury bathrooms, often with minimal effort and tools.
Many of these updates can be easy to DIY and make a big difference in the look and feel of your bathroom. For the best deals, keep an eye out for sales at home improvement stores. These small changes can turn even a basic space into a room that looks like one of those small luxury bathrooms pictures you see online.
Bonus—Elevate the Atmosphere with Scents.
A truly luxurious bathroom isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels. One thing you’ll notice about many small elegant bathroom pictures is the ambiance, and adding a subtle scent is the key to nailing this.
Reed diffusers are an elegant, low maintenance option to add fresh scent to a bathroom—look for soothing scents like eucalyptus, lavender, or citrus to keep the space feeling fresh.
DIY essential oil sprays are another great choice: simply mix water, witch hazel, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a small spray bottle to spritz as needed.
You can also place sachets of dried lavender or scented beads in drawers or baskets for a subtle, consistent fragrance that keeps your bathroom smelling clean and inviting.
By combining these practical bathroom decorating ideas with your own personal style, you can transform your bathroom into a space that feels high end and inviting. It’s all about the details, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make your bathroom a place that’s as beautiful as it is functional!