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Let’s be honest: apartment bathrooms don’t usually offer much in the wow-factor department. They tend to be tiny, cookie-cutter, and, well… bland. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful. With a little creativity (and a few smart tricks), you can completely transform your rental bathroom into a stylish space—all renter friendly! These apartment bathroom ideas are perfect for anyone who is stuck on how to decorate this space!
Whether you’re working with zero counter space, beige tile you can’t change, or a shower that’s more “blah” than “spa,” these six ideas will help you give your bathroom personality and polish. I’ve tried and loved every one of these in my own space or while helping friends style theirs—think renter-friendly meets elevated charm! Read on for the best apartment bathroom ideas to recreate!
Apartment Bathroom Ideas
1. Cozy Textures
This one’s my favorite because it’s all about feel. Even if you don’t change a thing, upgrading your decor can transform how your bathroom feels. Invest in fluffy white towels (they always feel luxe), a soft bath mat, and a robe you love seeing hanging on the back of your door.
And don’t forget scent—it’s such an underrated styling element. I always keep a candle or reed diffuser in the bathroom. My go-to is something light and fresh, like eucalyptus, bergamot, or even lavender-vanilla in the evenings. It just makes the whole space feel cared for and calm.
Looking to step it up? Try a matching towel and mat set, or hang a waffle robe in a color that coordinates with your curtain. Suddenly, your apartment bathroom feels like a boutique hotel, ha!
2. Use Art!
I love bathroom art—it’s unexpected, it’s fun, and it tells a little story about your style. Whether it’s a vintage landscape, a framed sketch, or a typography print that makes you smile every morning, artwork helps break up those blank rental walls.
One of my favorite tricks is using inexpensive downloadable prints in thrifted or secondhand frames. Just make sure you use a Command hook or strip if you’re renting. You can lean a smaller frame on a shelf or hang a gallery-style grouping above the toilet or towel bar.
You can also add art that feels cheeky or a bit unexpected—like a framed “You look good” print or an antique-style portrait.
3. Pretty Storage
Tiny apartment bathrooms often lack cabinets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish and organized. Open storage is your best friend here—think glass jars for cotton rounds, woven baskets for extra toilet paper, or even a pretty tray for your skincare lineup.
I found a slim-profile shelf on Amazon that fits perfectly behind my toilet. It holds a basket of extra towels, a little faux plant, and a diffuser. It’s functional but also gives the space a styled, polished look. Don’t be afraid to mix materials—wood, glass, ceramic, even a pop of brass—to keep things feeling layered and not too matchy-matchy.
And if your space allows, add peel-and-stick hooks inside your cabinet doors or on the back of the door for even more vertical storage. A little creativity goes a long way when square footage is limited.
4. Add A Chic Shower Curtain
If your bathroom feels plain, the quickest fix is a fabulous shower curtain. Think of it as your statement piece—like a great rug in your living room. A pretty pattern, linen texture, or even a neutral waffle weave can instantly make your space feel super stylish!
In my last apartment, I swapped a plastic liner for a double curtain setup: one linen curtain on the outside and a waterproof liner inside. Not only did it look high-end, but it also made my tub feel more like a mini spa. Bonus tip: Hang your curtain higher than the rod to give the illusion of taller ceilings. I used clip rings to hang mine all the way up to the ceiling—it made the whole room feel more luxe.
Want to go even further? Layer your curtain with soft lighting like a nearby lamp or wall sconce (battery-operated ones are perfect for renters). That soft glow will reflect beautifully on the fabric and give the room that warm, lived-in charm we all crave.
5. Temporarily Swap Out Hardware
Okay, hear me out: if your bathroom has builder-grade cabinet knobs or a wobbly towel bar, you can totally upgrade them without breaking your lease. Swapping out drawer pulls or adding a prettier toilet paper holder can make a surprisingly big difference.
For one apartment, I swapped the cheap plastic towel ring with a brushed gold one I found on Etsy—and saved the original in a drawer to reinstall before moving. It instantly made the space feel more curated and intentional. Just be sure to use the same screw holes and save everything for when it’s time to move out.
Even small changes like upgrading your soap pump, toothbrush holder, or light switch cover can add charm. These details may seem minor, but they add up to a much more elevated feel overall.
6. Plants, Plants, And Plants!
If you’ve got some space next to your tub, toilet, or even vanity, consider adding some plants!
You can style it with a candle, your favorite body oil, a small dish for jewelry, or even a folded hand towel for guests. I love the way it feels like you’re curating a little spa moment—even if you’re in a third-floor walk-up. Add a stool with a plant if you’re short on surfaces, it becomes the perfect place to set a cup of tea while soaking in the tub.
Don’t want to buy something new? Try repurposing a plant stand, crate, or even a small side table you already own. Give it a new life in your bathroom and see how it changes the vibe.
Those are your genius apartment bathroom ideas that you definitely need to try out! Gorgeous, girly, genius..perfection? Save this article to give you the best inspo!
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