So, you’ve just finished putting in the hard yards renovating your bathroom. The hammers and power tools are packed away and your tiler and plumber are no longer on speed dial. But before you sit back and soak it all in, there’s one more step that can take your bathroom from “done” to “designer”: styling. From bathroom accessories and linens to smart storage solutions, we’re sharing our top tips on making the small details count—and turning your bathroom into a magazine-worthy
Bathroom accessories are like a secret weapon, they can do double duty as styling pieces within the space as well as being incredibly functional. Let us run you through our favourite picks:
While you want to avoid overloading surfaces with too many items that can look like clutter, a few well selected pieces can add an extra layer of thoughtful design. Consider buying well-designed appealing soap, hand wash and toothbrush holders to place on your vanity. Opting for a matching set can tie the style together seamlessly or you could add a pop of colour with bright bottles to add a touch of personality.
You’d be surprised at just how much of a difference stylish soap and shampoo bottles can make in a bathroom. Putting a luxe soap bar on display can elevate the style, as can using beautiful soap and hand wash bottles, particularly if the bottle designs are picked to complement the existing decor in the space. Hot tip: hang onto the bottles and refill them with budget-friendly products to keep the look without the cost.
Stylish trays are the perfect place to house that luxe soap bar instead of letting it linger on the vanity benchtop. They keep things tidy and adds a styled feel where you may have multiple bathroom items – this styling tip will make the collection of items look intentional and less messy whilst also keeping them at reach and not stashed away in the cabinet.
To add to the relaxing mood you’re aiming to create, try adding candles. Using candles is an easy and inexpensive way to transform your bathroom into a calm, spa-like haven. They look stylish on their own but lighting them is where the real vibe comes from.
Craving a little bit of colour or soft textures in your bathroom? Towels to the rescue. Swapping out your bath linens is the quickest way to change up your colour scheme or introduce a bit of texture. Think plush towels, soft hand towels, and bath mats that complement (or contrast) your existing finishes.
Plants in a bathroom are a beautiful styling element but also functional, incorporating greenery into your bathroom can bring life to your space - literally. It also makes the space less sterile and more like a relaxing spa retreat. Popular indoor plants that can thrive in often low-light areas like a bathroom include zanzibar plants, peace lilies, Pothos aka devil’s ivy and eucalyptus, to find more plants that are perfect for your bathroom, read our 8 of the best plants for your bathroom blog.
Functionality is key in any space and when it comes to a bathroom, considering storage solutions that not only works hard but looks good doing it is important.
Hide away excess clutter or bathroom toiletries and linen with woven baskets that not only hold the essentials but add texture and warmth.
Installing tall cabinetry is a simple way to store all your bathroom items out of sight and out of mind by maximising vertical space. Toilet papers, extra toiletries and bathroom cleaning supplies no longer have to be out in the open creating visual clutter.
If you have bathroom products and decor that would look nice on display, floating shelves are a functional and ideal way to do that. They’re great for smaller sized bathrooms and powder rooms where space is at a premium or to hold items like plants, where it doesn’t make sense to stash them away behind closed doors.
Yes, art in the bathroom is a thing—and we’re here for it. Whilst it might not be a staple in many bathrooms, it can definitely be incorporated into these spaces, specifically powder rooms where there is not much water or humidity exposure. A well-chosen piece can add a personal touch to the space but make sure you are strategic when picking the artwork you’ll use. Just be smart about placement (skip the splash zone) and go for water-resistant materials. Instead, try placing the artwork over a toilet or adjacent to the bathroom’s mirror.
Your bathroom reno was the big job—styling it is the fun part. With a few thoughtful touches, you can make the space not only look great but feel uniquely you. So light that candle, hang that art, fluff those towels—and enjoy your beautifully finished space.
Erin is a freelance lifestyle writer who loves nothing more than penning words from a perfectly styled space at home. After completing a Bachelor of Communications and Media (Journalism) at the University of Wollongong in 2011, she went on to work in lifestyle, entertainment and travel journalism. She also has background in e-commerce/shopping content and is obsessed with interior design that marries function and style. Having worked for many of Australia’s biggest media companies, including Are Media, the home of Better Homes & Gardens and Home Beautiful, Erin has more than 15 years’ experience in the media industry.
