Decorating a rented space isn’t impossible—it just means you have to be careful with how you go about your next renovation project. Apartment bathrooms are generally pretty small, but there’s a lot you can do to spruce it up.
44 Small Apartment Bathroom Ideas
Are you looking for renter-safe ways to add to your apartment bathroom décor? Here are 44 fascinating decoration ideas you can follow without losing your deposit!
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Credit to lovevsdesign
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a game changer for renters. The seemingly endless design possibilities mean you can turn any old plain bathroom into a personalized space. The best part is you don’t need special tools; just line the wallpaper and smooth it down. As a renter, you won’t have to worry about the wallpaper causing damage, and any leftover adhesive can easily be scraped away.
Removable Wall Decals
Credit to wondermade_fabric_wall_decals
Do you remember playing with temporary tattoos in your youth? Well, the same principle applies here, sort of. Removable wall decals vinyl stickers with an adhesive backing that sticks onto any surface. Since they’re smaller in size, they’re less of a permanent decoration than peel-and-stick wallpaper, so feel free to swap out the decals as your mood changes.
Ladder Rack
Credit to chantellelourens
Adding a ladder rack is one of the simplest ways to introduce a big of elegance to a small apartment bathroom. This is a tiered storage solution without bulky walls or doors that help create the illusion of a wider space. Skip the wall-mounted versions with screws and instead find a freestanding model with a sturdy base that leans against a vertical surface.
Vanity Lights
Credit to simplystagedandstyled and hunterfanco
Vanity lights shower the vanity in a warm glow. They’re less about brightness and more about creating an inviting mood. Don’t use permanent vanity lights that are anchored to the wall. As a renter, your best bet is to use battery-powered versions that stick to the wall, either with suctions or adhesive.
Touch-Control Lamp
Credit to kellywearstler
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a light source in the bathroom that turns on with a simple touch? With a touch-control lamp, that dream becomes a reality! These battery-powered lights can sit safely on any spot of a bathroom vanity due to its base. Some touch-control lamps have customizable color options to suit any mood.
Flameless Candles
Credit to urban_crescent_gh
Check your lease to see how tolerant your landlord is with open flames. Most likely, lease agreements forbid the use of open flames outside the kitchen. But if you want a candle to produce a soft glow in the bathroom, hope isn’t all lost just yet! Get a flameless candle—a rechargeable candle that creates a soft, consistent glow, which is perfect for long baths.
Hanging Air Plants
Credit to plantspree
Air plants refer to a specific set of plants that snatch moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere. They don’t require as much of a hands-on approach to survive, so they’re the perfect bathroom buddy. Hanging air plants introduce a bit of greenery to any bathroom, breaking the monotony of boring wall tiles. They also come in a variety of colors, so choose whatever color scheme you like the best!
Small Potted Succulents
Credit to cititower101
Succulents are small and beautiful to look at. They’re great for sitting atop bathroom trays or as decorative pieces on top of your toilet’s tank. A bit of light and water will keep them thriving for a long time, so they’re a guilt-free plant alternative for beginners. While you’re at it, you might as well pick up several potted succulents, just because.
Eucalyptus Bundle in Shower
Credit to xo.home_
Eucalyptus has been found to have several health benefits. The most impressive of which is when the plant is exposed to steam. Eucalyptus releases its oils that can help with breathing, stress, and pain issues. Get a bundle of this exotic leaf and hang it on your shower head. As you take long, hot showers, the plant’s natural scent will permeate the air.
Faux Vine Garland
Credit to marayaplants_enterprise
If hanging air plants, potted plants, or leaf bundles aren’t enough greenage for you, vine garland is the way to go. However, you might want to skip the natural stuff since they’re prone to wilting in heat. Choose artificial vine garland for a ton of color contrast without the guilt of accidentally killing your plants with steam.
Patterned or Textured Shower Curtain
Credit to alexandragrater
Shower curtains are a simple way to create a more personalized space in the bathroom. You can find shower curtains in any color or pattern. But if you want to add a bit of visual interest to the bathroom, then a textured shower curtain should do the trick. Texture options include but are not limited to waffle weave and embossed designs.
Plush Bath Mat
Credit to miniso.canada
When decorating a small apartment bathroom, let’s not forget to show the floor some love! Bath mats are a necessity for keeping the floor dry after showers, but skip the thin options and find a plush bath mat instead. These bath mats can absorb much more water, and they feel great between the toes. There are also plush bath mats that change color when wet!
Turkish Towels
Credit to quointhelabel
Any decorative towel will be a nice addition to an apartment bathroom, but if you want to take it a step further, Turkish towels are for you. As the name suggests, Turkish towels are made from 100% Turkish cotton. Their most defining features are striped patterns and handmade fringe edges. They’re also quite absorbent but are mainly used for show.
Fabric Toilet Lid Cover
Credit to unicorn.manila
Plain toilet lids are no fun to look at. Sure, they can serve as a surface to keep your shampoo and soap bottles steady if you don’t have a caddy or a shower nook. But if you want to add some detail to your small apartment bathroom, you should get a fabric toilet lid cover. These things slip right on without any hassle, and they have unique design patterns or prints for added fun. And yes, you should wash them regularly!
Over-the-Toilet Rack
Credit to umbra_design
You may have thought that the air about your bathroom toilet is dead space. This simply isn’t true—any vertical space you find is the prime real estate for storage. An over-the-toilet rack comes with one or multiple rack tiers for additional space to store your toiletries, shower essentials, or decorative pieces. Find one with rubber or plastic legs to prevent causing damage to your bathroom floor tiles.
Pegboard
Credit to kawaiistationerybangladesh
This may seem like a weird addition to a bathroom, but it’s a total game changer. Pegboards turn any wall space into a spot for storage. They use hooks and other anchoring systems to keep smaller items safely off the ground. However, in bathroom settings, you should find a model that’s made primarily of a moisture-safe material. Also, smaller pegboards work better in apartments since they don’t require screws to hang on walls.
Under-Sink Containers
Credit to horderly
Take a look at the base cabinet in your apartment bathroom. Swing the door open, and tell us what you see. If it’s barren with naught but a pipe running from the bottom of the sink to the ground, it needs some sprucing up. Why not add a few containers down there? That way, you can keep your bathroom cleaning supplies semi-locked away. Stackable containers work best in confined spaces like this.
Rolling Storage Cart
Credit to hamzastorepakistan
Storage carts belong more than just in living rooms and dining rooms. If you have some floor space to spare in your bathroom, a rolling storage cart can help alleviate lack of storage in your cabinets. Narrow models slip easily between bathtubs and toilets, but larger versions hold more things. Choose whatever size and color suits your bathroom the best.
Woven Basket for Toilet Paper
Credit to peekapoopaper
This is a classic decorative piece for bathrooms, but it deserves all the love it can get. Woven baskets add a touch of natural charm to any cold bathroom space. They’re great for housing toilet paper or other smaller items you wish to keep away from view. These baskets sit silently in the corner, but you might want to keep them within arm’s reach from the toilet seat.
Scented Sachets
Credit to circafragrances
When dealing with any bathroom, your decorative choices should serve multiple purposes. Scented sachets don’t just add a bit of color contrast to the bathroom, but they also make the room smell less offensive. Some sachets are activated by heat or steam, so these belong closer to the shower head.
Potpourri Bowl
Credit to __marina__md
Potpourri bowls are a personalized way to make a bathroom smell exactly as you’d like. You can create a blend using any herbs, flower petals, and spices you want. While moisture can prevent potpourri from releasing its natural scent, you should keep the bowl away from the tub or shower.
Incense Kit
Credit to meemaskitchen_utensils
Incense in an apartment bathroom is primarily about the look of it rather than the smell. Unlike potpourri, it doesn’t have a noticeable scent as is. It’s only when you light the incense stick (something you can’t do in most apartments!) that the fragrant smoke permeates the air. An incense kit can be as intricate as you see in this image, or it can consist of a sole holder with a few sticks.
Scented Candle (DO NOT LIGHT!)
Credit to mintstone.candles
If you’ve never held a scented candle before, you probably don’t know that it has a noticeable fragrance when not lit up. The wax is infused with all sorts of aromatics, giving it a nice smell at all times. Plus, scented candles are a nice source of visual interest, especially when paired with other candles of varying shades and heights. Again, do not light the candle to avoid the risk of losing your deposit!
Funky Colors
Credit to housebeautiful
Funky is relative, but there’s one thing we can all agree with: it’s an unconventional palette of colors! You don’t have to douse your apartment bathroom in funky paints since you might cause irreversible damage. Instead, get decorative pieces, such as statues or dispensers, with funky colors. Scatter them around the bathroom to give your apartment bathroom a more personalized feel to it.
Stone Tray
Credit to modvilla
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your small apartment bathroom, this might do the trick. A stone tray is made of a natural stone that shines in humid spaces. They’re as durable as they are pleasing to the eyes, and they can help transport bathing supplies to and from the vanity. Stone trays can be made of any natural stone, with costlier versions being cut from marble.
Tall Cubby Shelves Over the Toilet
Anyone who has struggled to organize a bathroom knows the value of shelves that climb the wall. You notice, in this image, cubby shelves running from counter to ceiling above the toilet, with towels rolled into neat bundles and soaps arranged side by side. The bright wood and open compartments bring a sense of order and warmth, making the most of space that might otherwise go unused.
Curved Corner Shower with Glass Doors
Not every bathroom can spare the space for a full tub, but you can still have something that feels special. A curved shower in the corner opens up the room for a narrow vanity and a compact toilet. The frosted glass diffuses the sunlight, so the whole area glows softly. There’s room to move, and no fixture crowds another.
Red Powder Room with Vintage Shelf
Some spaces feel instantly memorable. Red walls, as seen in this powder room, set a bold mood, while a vintage blue shelf hovers above the toilet, holding candles and a small leafy plant. Art fills the space between shelf and ceiling. Even with every inch used, the scene feels charming and personal rather than cramped.
Open Shower with Glass Divider
Bathrooms sometimes benefit from keeping things simple. In this photo, a single glass panel marks the shower area, yet the rest of the floor remains open for a floating wood vanity and a vessel sink. Black hardware stands out against the bright tile. Nothing gets lost in a dark corner, and even baskets on the shelf underneath feel like part of the design.
Double Vanity with Round Mirrors
It’s a relief when two people can use a bathroom without bumping elbows. Here, a wood vanity supports a pair of round vessel sinks and matching mirrors. Baskets below collect towels, so nothing ends up scattered on the floor. Sunlight finds its way into the room, reflecting across the polished surfaces and keeping everything feeling fresh.
Bright Walls with Large Painting
Bright colors can turn a basic bathroom into a playful retreat. The orange wall here provides the perfect stage for a bold painting, which hangs above a classic toilet. A metal shelf holds a plant and a candle just below the artwork. The rest of the fixtures keep to white and chrome, so the color does the talking.
Black-and-White Tiles with Wood Vanity
Some bathrooms tell a story with contrast. Black-and-white tiles behind a wooden vanity give the space a clean, graphic edge. You spot a black sink at the center, a single green plant nearby, and a patterned floor that brings the look together. The mirror reflects both light and color, adding to the sense of energy in the small space.
Rustic Cottage Bath with Exposed Beams
Sometimes a bathroom gives off the feeling of a country getaway. In this image, exposed beams stretch across the ceiling, open shelves display towels and baskets, and a ladder leans against the wall with linens draped across each rung. Light streams in through a window, landing on the classic tub and potted plants nearby. The scene feels welcoming, layered, and practical all at once.
Sleek Wall-Mounted Storage and Modern Fixtures
It’s easy for small bathrooms to become cluttered, but this setup proves otherwise. Floating shelves above the toilet show off rolled towels and a few jars. The slim radiator tucks against the wall, and a floating sink leaves the floor clear for easy cleaning. Deep gray tiles provide a strong backdrop, letting the white fixtures stand out.
Tiered Wall Shelves
Stacked shelving doesn’t just organize your space—it sets a warm, welcoming mood. Imagine looking up from the sink and seeing woven baskets, neatly rolled towels, and a leafy plant lined up just where you need them. You get both function and charm in a small footprint. Even late at night, when the light is soft and golden, this setup makes the bathroom feel calm and intentional.
Shower Curtain with Bold Pattern
There’s nothing subtle about a statement shower curtain, and that’s the point. Here, the vibrant blues and oranges bring a sense of play to an otherwise simple space, distracting from the tight quarters. The matching orange towel and little plant by the tub keep everything feeling cohesive and thought-out, like you planned it all along.
Pocket Door Instead of Swing Door
If you’ve ever felt boxed in by a door that won’t clear the toilet, a sliding pocket door feels like a revelation. This room proves it—no wasted space and a seamless view from vanity to hallway. There’s a subtle elegance in the clean lines, and it’s easy to imagine how much smoother the morning rush would be when nothing gets in your way.
Over-the-Door Storage Hooks or Racks
Not every storage solution needs to be complicated. In this photo, the back of the bathroom door doubles as command central. Robe, towels, a basket for those odds and ends—they’re all at arm’s reach. It’s the kind of organization that feels effortless, yet you can’t help but notice how much tidier your mornings become.
Multi-Use Wall Hooks
You can almost picture a busy weekday morning here: towels ready, robe within reach, and a spot for every essential. Wall hooks serve up flexibility, letting you change things up when your needs shift. Add a basket or a plant for personality—suddenly a tight spot feels tailor-made just for you.
Mosaic Accent Wall
A little tile goes a long way in a space this size. The blue-and-white mosaic injects energy and helps zone the shower area, making it feel almost like a mini-spa. Practical touches—like built-in shelving for bottles—mean you never have to juggle soap on the shower floor again. Even in a small bathroom, you can have a bit of luxury.
Large Statement Mirror
Big mirrors change the game in a small room by bouncing light everywhere and stretching the space. What catches the eye here isn’t just the glass, but how it teams up with simple tile, wood tones, and a single plant to create a vibe that’s both modern and restful. It’s easy to see why this works—everything looks brighter, and even tight corners seem to disappear.
Hanging Planters or Small Greenery
Not everyone expects to find so much green in a bathroom. The hanging vine becomes the star of the show, with more potted plants along the bench below. It’s the kind of setup that makes early mornings less harsh and helps soften the hard edges of tile and glass. The air just feels fresher here, and the whole room comes alive.
Frameless Glass Shelves
Clear shelves barely make a visual dent, yet they multiply your storage and keep things feeling light. In this setup, baskets and bottles line up along glass ledges that don’t clutter the wall or block the light. A single plant beside the sink adds warmth, while the rest of the countertop stays free for daily routines. Organization, but with a touch of elegance.
Compact All-in-One Vanity and Toilet Combo
Every inch counts, and this design proves it. Cabinets stretch from floor to ceiling, tucking away everything from towels to cleaning supplies. With the toilet and sink seamlessly paired, the whole space feels more open and less fussy. Warm tones and soft lighting round out a look that’s both soothing and supremely efficient. This is small-bathroom living done right.
