7 Things Making Your Bathroom Look Bad, According to Designers

We spend a lot of time in our bathrooms, which is why good bathroom design is so important. Not only does it help make the space feel more functional, but it also creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for starting and ending our days. 

Even if a complete bathroom renovation isn’t in the cards, there are quick and simple ways to improve the look and feel of your bathroom space. According to interior designers, here are seven common things making your bathroom look bad and how to fix them.

Poor Lighting

According to the experts, one of the biggest culprits of bad bathroom design is poor lighting—namely, overhead-only lighting, which can create harsh shadows and make the space feel uninviting and cold, says Elizabeth Vergara, owner and principal designer of Vergara Homes.

Unless your bathroom has undergone a professional renovation before, you’re probably dealing with overhead-only lighting in your space. 

Have no fear—this problem is easy to fix. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, add additional light fixtures to your space. Vergara suggests wall sconces or LED strips around the mirrors as two examples. Swapping out builder-grade overhead fixtures for something a bit more unique can also make a big difference. 

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Clutter

Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors, says clutter can make even the most beautiful and professionally designed bathrooms look cheap and unappealing. Luckily, this problem is easy to tackle—no full-scale renovation required.

“Minimize products on the countertops by utilizing medicine cabinets and drawers for easy access," Jones says. "I especially love using acrylic makeup organizers for brushes and skin care products."

Make the most of your existing storage areas using drawer organizers and clever storage solutions such as under-cabinet organizers, lazy Susans, or pull-out trays. If you have the space to add additional storage, consider built-in shelves or drawers, or use a cabinet, wardrobe, or armoire for a renovation-free solution.

Plastic Soap Dispensers

Here’s a simple design faux pas the pros want you to avoid—plastic soap dispensers with visible labels.

“Please, for the love of god, ditch the plastic soap dispensers with ugly labels!” Jones says. 

Instead, she recommends investing in simple, modern glass or ceramic soap pumps and switching to refills. These pumps are not only more aesthetically pleasing but also more eco-friendly.

Oversized or Dated Fixtures

Oversized or dated fixtures are a common culprit in older, builder-grade homes—think: bulky vanities or oversized whirlpool tubs, Vergara says.

These features can crowd the space, especially in small bathrooms. As a result, they’re not only visually overwhelming but also impede the room's functionality. Instead, Vergara says you should opt for sleek, modern pieces that maximize floor space and improve flow.

Vibrant Wall Paint

This one may be controversial, but Jones recommends avoiding bold and vibrant wall paint in the bathroom. It’s a surefire way to date the space, she says. Instead, stick to light neutrals that coordinate with your tile and countertops for a bright and airy feel. 

Mismatched or Bold Tile Patterns

Similarly, Vergara warns that overly bold or mismatched tile patterns can make a bathroom feel chaotic and messy. Remember, you’re often dealing with small, confined spaces, so less is more.

Bathrooms are spaces of relaxation where we gear up and wind down from our day. They benefit from having a calming and serene atmosphere. That’s not to say bold tile choices should be avoided, but you must be cautious not to overwhelm the space.

“Stick to a cohesive color palette and balance bold patterns with neutral elements for a timeless, serene look,” Vergara says.

Stopping Shower Wall Tile Too Low

According to Jones, there’s one particular design feature she sees all too often in bathrooms, and you may not have noticed it before. 

“Stopping shower wall tile below the ceiling is a design crime!" she says. "Spend a little extra money on tile and install it all the way to the ceiling for a more polished and contemporary look."

This will offer a more seamless and professional look and make your space more functional and moisture-resistant.