How to Decorate Bathroom Walls

Add 3-dimensional art to your bathroom walls.

If a medicine cabinet is the sole occupant of your bathroom walls, give this cozy room in your home a mini-makeover. A bathroom should evoke a calm, relaxing environment. Once you've chosen a soothing theme, such as ocean waves, botanicals or fishing, incorporate it into your wall decorations. Don't let your bathroom walls stay bare -- in one afternoon, you can decorate them with everything from stylized shelves to 3-dimensional art and decorative racks.

Things You'll Need

• Mirrors
• Artificial flowers
• Shelves
• Knickknacks
• Framed artwork
• Wall sculptures
• Vases
• Sconces
• Towel rack

Instructions

1. Hang a framed mirror on a wall adjacent to a window to reflect light into the bathroom and give it a spacious feel. Hang a swag of artificial flowers above the mirror to add color to the room.

2. Install wooden corner shelves sealed with waterproof stain in narrow corners that need a burst of color. Place small bathroom-related knickknacks on the shelves, such as a dish of decorative soap or a porcelain figurine.

3. Create a focal point by hanging artwork that coordinates with the mirror's style. If the mirror has a frame, so should the artwork. If the mirror has clean edges, hang artwork such as 3-dimensional wall sculptures or hand-painted unframed tiles.

4. Mount a decorative storage shelf on the wall of a small bathroom to increase linen storage. Top the shelf with a decorative silk floral arrangement or series of vases that complement the bathroom colors.

5. Install small sconce lights on either side of wall art, a mirror or built-in cabinetry to brighten the bathroom.

6. Place an ornate towel rack on the wall to increase storage for linens. Choose a decorative rack that complements the bathroom's curtain rods, shower rod or fixtures.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose bathroom decorations made of water-resistant materials such as porcelain, tile, plastic, sealed wood, glass or stainless steel. Humidity can damage bathroom wall decorations made of paper, canvas or fabric.

• Keep the space clean and uncluttered by adding only one or two new decorative elements at a time.

References

• "Good Housekeeping": Bathroom Decorating Ideas
• "Country Living": The Big Guide to Bathroom Design

Resources

• "Country Living"; Thrifty Bathroom Redo; Laurence Bilotti