How to Add Color to a Bathroom

Decorating a bathroom with color can be tricky, especially in a rental unit where the tile and flooring is purposely left neutral. But you can bring color into a bathroom without hiring a contractor, taking on a major project or losing your security deposit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Hang a wallpaper border. A bold border can add a splash of color to the bathroom and is easy to install. When you decorate with borders, you can hang them at the top of the wall, around the middle like a chair rail, or even at the bottom of the wall. Be creative with your wallpaper border and use it to outline a window or accent the mirror.

2. Dress the window with curtains. Use your curtain choice to bring color to the bathroom. You can increase the impact of the curtains by hanging the curtain rod near the ceiling and using a rod that is much wider than the window. This can increase the amount of visible curtain fabric, even when the curtains are open.

3. Lay down an area rug. Even if your bathroom has wall-to-wall carpet, you can decorate with an area rug. Choose a thinner rug to lay down on top of carpet to avoid tripping. A bold splash of color really stands out against a dull tile floor or carpet.

4. Cover the shower-curtain liner. Embellish that dull plastic shower curtain with fabric. Hang a second rod just outside the shower and put up a colorful drape. Even if your shower has a door, you can still hang a drape for a color accent.

5. Use colorful wall hangings. People don't always think about hanging pictures in the bathroom, but it's another way to bring in color. Decorate the bathroom walls like you would the living room.

6. Display towels. Make an artful arrangement of colored towels on the rack. This kind of decorating is attractive and practical. You can always use the towels, then throw them in the laundry and make a different arrangement.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in an apartment, you may want to consider a wallpaper border that's easy to remove.
• Check out local discount stores for towels and drapes. Buy in abundance when the price is right.
• Don't put expensive wall hangings in the bathroom. Wall hangings take extra abuse in the bathroom from steam, hairspray and other substances in the atmosphere.