38 bathroom ideas for a serene and stylish design

Designing a bathroom is a process of many layers. From color and tile choices to the layout and furniture pieces, each element is key to curating a beautiful bathroom scheme.

Whether you have a particular interior design style you want to introduce or you want to infuse a specific atmosphere, drawing inspiration for designer-approved bathroom ideas can help you to create a timeless and stylish space.

From thoughtful til placements and unexpected color pairings to statement bathtubs and serene designs, these bathroom ideas are filled with all the inspiration you need to redesign your bathroom.

38 bathroom ideas to inspire your redesign

Whether you're searching for inspiration for your master bathroom, a powder room, or a bijou ensuite, there's plenty to consider. From colorful schemes to vintage-inspired curations, there's something here for large and small bathrooms.

Bathroom color ideas

The right shades and color combinations are crucial to executing a bathroom that appeals to your style and creates the atmosphere you desire. From warm neutrals to bold, clashing colors, these bathroom color ideas have all the inspiration you need.

1. Clash colors for a vibrant bathroom idea

Ditch soft pastels and create a vivid color contrast by choosing two distinct juxtaposing shades. Adding color to a bathroom doesn’t have to feel daunting, if anything, it’s the ideal place to be a little more adventurous with your color choices.

‘Blue works particularly well in the bathroom - think all things water and oceans, creating an atmosphere that soothes the mind whilst encouraging creativity,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore.

'Directly opposite on the color wheel, orange tones are a natural fit for blue. These complementary colors look especially stunning when used in saturated shades such as a charged orange-red and turquoise’, she explains.

2. Or choose a soft and welcoming scheme

Interior designer Nicola Harding masterminded this blue bathroom in a Regency London villa. Nicola is known for her excellent eye for bathroom color, and indeed it is this flair that drew the client to her work in the first place.

This chic scheme mixes the Rockwell bath in Blue from The Water Monopoly with a soft pink on walls and floors, creating a truly romantic space. The powder blue appears again on the Rockwell crosshead taps and shower handle – a nice additional touch.

3. Go moody yet sophisticated

Traditionally, bathrooms are expected to boast a light and bright design with an uplifting color scheme. However, if you’re prone to going against the grain with your decorating decisions and prefer to make a statement, then you may want to adopt dark bathroom ideas.

Black is a bold and unapologetic color in terms of interior design and can definitely be incorporated in a bathroom. Depending on how dark you want to go, you can be subtle and add black accents through fixtures and fittings, take it a step further and create a black feature wall out of paint or tiles, or color drench the entire space in black for a cocooning effect.

4. Choose the most classic of bathroom color schemes

If you are not sure which way to go with your bathroom design, you can't go too far wrong with a classic: blue and white bathroom ideas.

But there is a but. Blue and white can feel cold in the wrong shade or the wrong bathroom. The key to success is to analyze the temperature of the daylight in your bathroom and to choose a blue that will complement it.

North- or east-facing rooms, or those with tiny windows, tend to feel cool, so need warm blues. South- and west-facing bathrooms will naturally feel warmer so can take a cooler tone.

5. Color drench in a calming hue

Nature feeds into every aspect of interior design due to our human instinct to be connected with the outside world. Nature has a calming and soothing effect, which is a popular feeling that we want our bathrooms to evoke. The color green is synonymous with nature and can easily transport us to somewhere more tropical.

Hannah Goldberg, founder of Hannah Charlotte Interiors says ‘I am always inspired by the colors of nature to create a balanced and refined bathroom design. A dream color palette for me right now is Farrow & Ball Card Room Green on the walls with Farrow & Ball Studio Green trim. The versatility of this combination is incredible. A green bathroom can be paired with classic Carrara tiles and countertop and polished nickel bath fixtures for a crisp and bright bath.'

6. Highlight architectural details using bold colors

When deciding on your bathroom decor, you may want to choose art ideas as a starting point and use the colors present throughout your space. Remember that water-resistant formulas should be used if your bathroom is being painted.

'Don’t forget to paint your ceiling in the same tone or one that complements the walls – you will be amazed at how often your eyes are drawn upwards when you are relaxing in the bathtub,' suggests Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene.

7. Pattern drench a bathroom

Wallpaper in a bathroom is a sure way to inject some personality and pattern while still keeping the space practical but you can take the look further with the trend for pattern drenching – like color drenching, but you take the same pattern across multiple surfaces around the space.

'Don’t be afraid to use a bold, statement wallpaper in the bathroom, it’s a great way of injecting personality into a small space and can bring character and warmth,' says Lee Clarke, Director at Warner House. 'And if you are worried about using wallpaper in a bathroom, ask your decorator to use a water-resistant finish when installing.'

8. Go all white to stretch the space

Whether your main bathroom or guest bathroom is on the compact side, opting for a white bathroom will make it feel larger, lighter and brighter.

In this bathroom by LA-based designer Stefani Stein, the bathroom has been made to feel larger with narrow tiles hung horizontally, which tricks the eye into seeing the space as wider than it is – this visual trick is useful for correcting awkward proportions.

In an all-white bathroom, it's important to add some texture, detail and warmth. Here, gold-finish fittings add warmth, detail is added in the patterned floor tiles and, of course, you can easily add texture with accessories such as baskets and towels.

Bathroom tile ideas

Perfect for blending style and function, tiles can add abundant character to your bathroom design. From bright colors to tactile textures and interesting shapes, there are plenty of bathroom tile ideas to help you curate your design.

9. Add retro style with mosaic tiles

If you like a more retro-style design, mosaic tiles are a great choice. With the right layout and color, this classic feature can be a truly fun design, like in this green bathroom.

'Mosaics will always be a top choice for bathroom tile. Their smaller size makes them ideal for flooring in wet environments, but they have a big impact on walls too,' says Kali Gibson, of Fireclay Tile.

'A classic square mosaic pattern from floor to ceiling offers timeless appeal while still allowing room for expression with color or pattern. I especially love how Fireclay’s handmade mosaics showcase the craftsmanship behind each tile, adding both texture and character to any space.'

10. Add terrazzo for on trend texture

Terrazzo bathrooms have seen a resurgence on the design scene. Traditionally made by exposing marble chips on the surface of concrete and then polishing until smooth, there are now myriad options that replicate this original look. The effect is arresting, bringing interest and flair to contemporary schemes.

‘Pair practical terrazzo effect porcelain tiles, in Cosmic Ivory, with the soft tones and classic brick format of Pigment Mocha gloss ceramics, to create a stylish and harmonious spa bathroom space,’ says Louisa Morgan of Mandarin Stone.

11. Use unusual tile shapes to create understated drama

When it comes to adding a decorative touch to a bathroom, nothing beats the versatility of tiles ideas – for the floors, walls, alcoves, or bathroom backsplashes. For an understated look, play with the shape of the tile rather than the pattern.

Here, Joel Fry of West One Bathrooms chose a scallop-shaped design that forms a pretty backdrop for the brushed brass tap fittings (a finish that is thoughtfully carried through to the trap under the sink). The curvy border of the backsplash is echoed in the recessed mirror cabinets which add an Art Deco touch to this bathroom.

Bathroom layout ideas

Choosing colors, tiles, and finishes may be the most exciting part of designing a bathroom, but the layout is just as important. It's the starting point of your design and can make or break your design, so consider these bathroom layout ideas for a flawless flow.

12. Use striking materials to divide a shower space

Creating zones within your bathroom helps to create a more functional flow, but who says it can't be a decorative choice, too? Rather than having a boring divider between your shower and sink areas, adding a striking material that adds an unexpected design detail can have a wonderful effect.

'In a bathroom, you’ll always need a waterproof surface material to protect areas that come into contact – showers, around basins, and baths – so I’d always pick beautiful tiles for this,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'They aren’t just functional but are often the main decorative item in your bathroom for adding color and texture and can often be the starting point for your whole scheme,' she adds. In this bathroom, a striking design has been used for the shower seat, divider wall, and the vanity countertop.

13. Add two tubs for ultimate luxury

Looking for luxury ideas? What could be more luxurious than a deep freestanding bath? Two, of course! Even if you don't have a room large enough for twin tubs, space is an essential ingredient of truly decadent bathing spaces.

'The first essential ingredient of a spa-like bathroom is having enough space to indulge and relax in luxury,' agrees James Lentaigne, Creative Director at Drummonds. Your bath should be big enough to let you really stretch out and soak and your shower should be large and powerful, preferably with several types of jet, as in our freestanding showers.

'Heated towel rails are another must, keeping warm towels always ready to hand,' continues James. 'And finally, lighting. Again, this should be from several sources and be controllable, with different settings to match your mood and good close-up lighting by the mirrors.

'The decorative aspect is, of course, a personal choice, but I would always recommend placing the emphasis on classic quality and luxury, using materials such as natural marble, mirror glass and polished metal.'

14. Double up on showers for a spa space

Looking for bathroom shower ideas with impact? Uneven polished plaster finishes are a natural complement to smooth glossy elements such as brass and marble often found in luxurious bathroom schemes. The Moroccan tadelackt bathroom wall idea in particular, with its natural grittiness, strikes an interesting countertone to the even and shiny surfaces.

Installing it is an artisanal skill, explains Jamie Blake of Blakes London who used the finish for this concealed shower and WC: 'You’re looking to add just enough movement in the plaster to create interest but not so much that the end result looks messy.'

To add a touch of wow factor, the floors are clad in Carrara marble tiles laid in a herringbone pattern which is seamlessly carried up the internal walls.

15. Define zones with decorative bathroom ideas

Larger bathrooms benefit from definitive zones. Use different colors and materials as markers in your bathroom, such as patterned or colored bathroom tiles in the shower or around a vanity unit.

Another option is to add privacy screens in front of the shower or WC, which can be particularly useful for busy family bathrooms.

16. Create a decorative link between your bedroom and ensuite

Create a link between your bedroom and adjoining ensuite bathroom by using similar design cues throughout both spaces. With this in mind, you may adopt the same colors or use complementary materials between the two rooms.

For example, here, the monochrome pattern on the wallpaper in the bedroom is complimented by a similarly colored pattern on the bathroom floor, and the rich copper hue on the lampshade is echoed by the bathroom lighting.

17. Create secret storage – imaginatively

Whenever planning bathroom ideas from scratch, calculate how much bathroom storage is required and be careful not to underestimate the amount. Items used on a daily basis will need open bathroom shelves, but others should be stored out of sight to ensure the space feels serene and uncluttered.

This is particularly true where anything visible might disrupt the impact of the design such as in this bathroom covered in colorful kismet tiles which was designed by Paris-based LSL Architects. The alcove adjacent to the shower has been turned into a unit of drawers built in from the ceiling down and painted in a sky blue to link in with the tile colors.

Otherwise, if you are looking for somewhere to store fluffy towels (or even wet ones that need to dry) then be sure to go for either a freestanding towel rack or a wall-mounted rail, depending on the space at hand.

18. Emphasize soft and gentle curves

Sometimes it only takes one gentle curve to transform the entire energy of your white bathroom. Here, it comes via a simple horseshoe configuration of wardrobes. ‘We took inspiration from the egg-shape bath, with the curve echoing the radius to give a sense of connection,’ recalls interior designer Chantel Elshout.

‘Opting for standard angular wardrobes instead would have made the corner storage harder to reach and, crucially, we would have missed the opportunity to make the dressing area more interesting. The softening effect curves provide is so worth the extra effort required in their design and construction.’

Bathroom lighting ideas

People are often hesitant to experiment with bathroom lighting ideas because of the damper conditions, but the right fixtures can add so much to your design. From thoughtful placement to statement sconces, there are plenty of ideas to illuminate your design plans.

19. Zone your bathroom lighting

One of the key components when designing a bathroom (or any room for that matter) is lighting. Bathroom lighting can be manipulated to create a certain ambiance and is vital to the functionality of a bathroom.

Interior designer Kim Gordon states, ‘The bathroom, I would argue, is the hardest working room in your home. Think about it, you take showers, brush your teeth and most probably put on makeup and do your hair in the same room! Taking this into account, lighting along with ventilation and storage should be one of the first decisions in your design process.'

Zoning with lighting is a clever interior design technique. It makes each individual area of a bathroom feel intentional and defined. For example, Hanging a chandelier or statement ceiling light above a bath elevates this area and gives it a luxurious feel. Alternatively, wall lights hung on either side of the vanity mirror frame this hardworking space perfectly.

20. Choose lighting that stands out

Bathroom lighting should not be overlooked, as the fixtures you choose can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your bathroom.

'Assess your lighting at the planning stage to maximize opportunities,' advises Peter Bowles, founder of Davey Lighting at Original BTC.

'You need two types of illumination when planning your bathroom lighting: shadow-free task lighting for functional tasks, such as shaving and applying make-up, and ambient lighting for when you simply want to lie back and enjoy a soak,' he adds.

Bathroom stone ideas

A luxurious stone atop a vanity adds an elevated feel to a bathroom. From marble and quartz to porcelain and granite, choosing the right material for your space and style will make all the difference. And these are the stones designers recommend.

21. Marvel at marble

This enduringly popular material is sure to evoke a sense of luxury and elegance in a modern bathroom.

More is undoubtedly more here in this divine marble bathroom by Australian interior designer Tamsin Johnson. Decorative New York marble envelops the vanity unity, climbs the walls, and wraps around the lozenge-shaped mirrors. The scheme is completed with Perrin & Rowe taps, Thirties Murano glass sconces and Venetian plaster wall finishes.

22. Include exotic stone for a stand-out feature

Introducing exotic stone is another wonderful way of lifting a bathroom scheme. Real stone requires a larger budget, but you can find convincing lookalikes that are just as beautiful, without the high price tag or care and maintenance.

This basin is actually custom-made from 6mm-thick porcelain tiles to create a convincing natural agate.

Bathroom Design Studio’s managing director John Naughten says, ‘Thanks to the many advances in surface technologies, the design of porcelains inspired by precious stones are now incredibly lifelike, yet offer far easier cleaning and no aftercare.’

Bathroom flooring ideas

The bathroom flooring ideas you choose need to look good and perform well. A.K.A, it needs to be durable, water-tight, and wear exceptionally well. No easy feat, right? Well, these options come highly recommended by interior designers – and they're well worth considering for your bathroom.

23. Lay down eye-catching flooring

Busy patterns can prove too intense, especially when embraced on both walls and bathroom flooring. However, in this Parisian apartment lsl Architects painted the window frame and shutters in the tile’s base color – a calming duck egg blue – to create a tranquil moment amid the kaleidoscope pattern.

It's like color drenching but with tiles and a very on-trend look for 2025. It works surprisingly well in small bathrooms too, as it creates a bit of an optical illusion, blurring the edges of the room and making it feel far larger.

24. Paint a wooden bathroom floor for vintage appeal

Frills and ruffles are back on trend as we hanker after nostalgic decorative bathroom trends. But for us, the star of the show in this space is one of those bathroom ideas you don't see too often in a wet space: painted wooden floorboards.

'I have a wooden floor in my bathroom, and those floorboards are over 100 years old, because they are original to the house. However, they stand up really well to moisture because they are well protected with yacht varnish,' says Lucy Searle, Content Director on H&G. 'Mine are lime-washed but I love this look which is crisp but vintage.'

Bathroom hardware ideas

Hardware is always described as the jewelry of the room, whether it's in a kitchen or a bathroom. And when it comes to bathroom hardware ideas, the more impact the better. And as these designer ideas show, these metallic additions are part of the decor.

25. Go decorative with the hardware

Sometimes, it's the smallest details that can have the biggest impact. And choosing unique, eclectic, or even decorative bathroom hardware can really elevate your design.

'Adding decorative hardware is a must for any room in the home, including bathrooms. It's such a small detail, but one that makes a lot of difference in the cohesion and completeness of the interior,' says Wayne Dymond, of Turnstyle Designs.

'Select the beautiful simplicity of brass or hammered metal in a wide range of forms. Bear in mind the surrounding furniture and fittings, and the various colors and materials used within the space - this will ensure a coordinated look.'

26. Choose bold brassware for a showstopping look

Brassware is an important part of any bathroom and should be considered early on when you start thinking about how to design a bathroom.

'You can create a statement in any bathroom, even the most compact ones, with more essential elements, such as a sculptural shaped basin, a striking-colored vanity, or an unusual finish of brassware. Faucets are working parts that have continuous water flowing through them,' explains Yousef Mansuri, Head of Design at C.P Hart. 'They are the most used and have the highest potential to break, so investing in high-quality fittings that stand the test of time is essential.'

27. Add a sense of luxury with a rainfall shower

The trend for creating luxurious bathroom settings is here to stay, and there's a particular feature that helps to create an elevated feel, both visually and to use.

'Rainfall shower heads are designed for anyone who wants to recreate the luxury spa experience in their own home, and more importantly, have the time to enjoy the different functions,' says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One.

The best part? They can be added to bathrooms and showers of any size. 'There are versions that are small enough to be used within a typical-sized shower cubicle, so it can be used daily but with the added benefit of having settings that really do create a special showering experience when the time comes.'

Bathroom decor ideas

The decorative finishing touches tie a bathroom scheme together – and it's probably the step you're most looking forward to. From artworks and drapes to wall finishes and stylish accessories, these small but effective details aren't to be missed.

28. Introduce bathroom art to create a curated look

One element of bathroom design that is often neglected is artwork on walls. In any other room of our homes, artwork is always a finishing touch that we add to bring in color, personality, and a unique feel. However, it's often overlooked in bathrooms, which can leave the room feeling a little soulless.

It's an easy fix. I'm not a huge fan of room-themed artwork, such as coastal images in a bathroom, food images in a kitchen, for example, however, the beauty of bathroom art ideas is that they are rarely seen by guests and can be entirely personal to you.

29. Soften a bathroom's edges with drapes

When we decorate bathrooms, we tend to concentrate and fixate on the practicalities: bathroom fixtures, storage, flooring, and walls. However, softer, more decorative finishes shouldn't be neglected, especially textiles.

They can be used not just to make a bathroom feel more inviting, but to add color and layering, too, as in this bathroom above by Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors. 'Aesthetics are just as important as practical elements when it comes to creating an inviting bathroom,' says Henriette.

Introduce fabrics that not only adhere to your chosen interior design style, but that are either washable or hardy to the damp conditions typical of a bathroom.

30. Embrace natural textures with bathroom wall paneling

Wood-paneled walls introduce a warm and tactile quality in a way that a standard painted finish can never achieve, which makes them perfect for a supremely comfortable, cossetting bathroom environment.

In this Shoreditch apartment, based on the fourth floor of a former shoe factory, the architects Chan and Earys used a blend of limed oak brushed timber planks with traditional lime plaster mixed with a natural green pigment on the walls and ceiling.

The result is a soft and tactile finish, which is then carried through in the curves of the avocado-green roll-top bath – a beautiful look for bathroom ceiling ideas.

31. Add accessories to make your bathroom characterful

Don’t forget about finishing touches – towels, soap dispensers and objets d'art can help pull together the final look of your bathroom. Folded clean bathroom towels are a thoughtful touch in a guest bathroom.

Just make sure any valued items are situated away from wet areas of the bathroom to avoid getting splashed.

32. Decorate with mirrors in an unexpected way

Decorating with mirrors in the bathroom usually revolves around the vanity, but why not introduce them in an unexpected way? It's not only a style statement but can make your scheme look bigger, too.

In this bathroom, the wall of mirrors gives the room a dressing room-like feel where you could get ready for the day, and it's hiding plenty of storage – multi-functional and aesthetic!

33. Create interest with contrasting lines

The dynamic relationship between the room’s architecture and the shapely, curvaceous sanitaryware strikes a note here.

‘Bathrooms are becoming more and more minimalistic through the use of organic shapes, refined details, and hidden features,’ says Erdem Akan, design director at Vitra. ‘We are turning to curves and rounded contours as they are more fun and playful in contrast to sharp and straight lines.’

34. Turn your bathroom into a spa-like space

One of the biggest bathroom trends and decorating ideas for 2025 is transforming your bathroom into an at-home spa. With a deeper understanding and focus on wellness, there has been a shift from homes simply needing to be aesthetically pleasing, to the design itself being able to boost our happiness levels.

‘The bathroom is one of the only rooms in the house where you can lock yourself in for some “me” time. Rather than creating a purely utilitarian space, it makes sense to create a sanctuary where you can relax, refresh, and revive,’ says Emma Joyce, brand manager at House of Rohl.

‘It’s all about creating a calm sanctuary, where every item is carefully considered and designed in. Freestanding baths are synonymous with luxury bathroom design, and they create a real statement in a serene spa environment. Rainfall showers with a generously proportioned shower head are now standard in spa-style bathrooms.’

Bathroom vanity ideas

The bathroom vanity is one of the most hardworking elements of your scheme. Housing the sink and plenty of storage, choosing the right design not only ensures your design looks oh-so-stylish, but it's also key to how your space functions. You can also discover the best places to buy bathroom vanities in our dedicated feature.

35. Make a statement vanity the focal point

Whether your space is sprawling or small, no design is complete without a bathroom vanity. So, why not make it the focal point of your scheme with a statement design?

In this bathroom, a wooden vanity with twist-detail legs is the first thing you see when you enter the room – and it truly sets the tone for the whole design. If you're opting for a wooden design, make sure it's treated to withstand the damp environment.

36. Don't be afraid to bring in furniture

Bathroom vanities can offer up the opportunity to add important texture to a room that is often dominated by hard, cold, shiny surfaces. This bathroom designed by Utah-based House of Jade Interiors provides the perfect combination of tranquility and on-trend design elements to the bathroom's decor. It’s light, airy and full of fabulous textures. The wood adds character and warmth whilst the vintage rug is the main source of color – which shows how subtle a bathroom decor scheme can be.

The boucle stool is so inviting with its tactile quality and contrasts with the white marble countertops. As before, brass is used to soften visually and counts as another color.

37. Soften a bathroom with a sink curtain

As this bathroom designed by Cortney Bishop proves, sink curtains are a wonderful way of bringing another layer of texture into a bathroom. Rather than opting for a traditional enclosed vanity unit, you can go for a patterned curtain that can be used to hide any clutter that may lie underneath.

As well as being a practical solution, a sink curtain allows you to express your own personal style as you can pick any fabric that suits the rest of your bathroom. Utilize this opportunity to either add a pop of color to a neutral bathroom scheme, or keep things simple with a plain and simple design.

38. Invest in raw materials

Raw limestone and brushed oak make a compelling duo that champions nature’s imperfections. For this modern bespoke bathroom vanity unit by Hetherington Newman, interior designer Lisa Keates specified an unfilled Belgian limestone for the external elements of the vanity top, and the same material honed and filled for the basin interiors.

‘The idea was to enjoy the beautiful texture and practical durability without switching materials, while the brushed fumed oak cabinet featuring a bronze shadow gap adds yet more texture,’ explains Lisa, founder of Keates Interiors. ‘Stone needs resealing regularly to stop agents such as soap or toothpaste from etching the surface finish,’ she advises.

Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes and you've got to be sure on what your intention is for the space before you execute the design. Try and incorporate these inspirational ideas to help elevate your bathroom and transform it into an equally stylish and practical space.