How to Decorate a Bathroom
Bathroom and Powder Room Decorating Ideas
It seems now more than ever, bathrooms are being turned into spa-like retreats. While many of us might not be able to afford Jacuzzis, heated floors, or our own personal masseuses to live inside of them, there are plenty of things that can be done to turn the bathroom into the most luxurious room in the house.
Bathroom Lighting
It's important to consider both ambient and task lighting when decorating a bathroom. While there isn't usually room for table lamps, overhead fixtures and sconces are perfect for bathrooms. Consider using a chandelier for a glamorous and stylish look. A dimmer will cast a romantic and ambient light during long soaks in the tub. A single sconce over the mirror is perfect for detailed work like putting on make-up, while a sconce on either side of the mirror will cast a flattering light. Assess the needs of anyone who will be using the bathroom before making any decisions about lighting.
Bathroom Flooring
A few things to consider when choosing flooring for the bathroom:
- Shiny tiles are more slippery than matte tiles.
- Marble is beautiful and durable, but very expensive.
- Wood floors are common in older homes and can add a beautiful rustic charm, but remember to have them sealed in order to keep them protected.
- Properly installed stone and ceramic tiles shouldn't ever crack and hold up well to moisture.
- Laminates are sturdy, long-lasting and easy to clean.
Bathroom Furniture and Accessories
Usually bathrooms don't have much extra space for furniture; however, an extra piece or two is sometimes required. A small side table or shelving unit can come in very handy when extra storage is required. Use it to hold extra towels, soaps, and other bathroom necessities. A nice small side chair can also accomplish this. And it's handy for a person to sit and chat while someone's taking a bath.
Towel bars, shower rods, and fixtures should match as closely as possible. Like kitchen hardware, they should enhance the décor rather than standout. Matching hooks can also come in very handy for hanging up clothes and towels.
Avoid over-accessorizing the bathroom. A few pretty jars to hold lotions, creams, and cotton balls, and a nice container for toothbrushes and toothpaste is likely enough. To make a nice display, corral the items on a lovely tray. Avoid adding extra objets as they will only clutter the already small space. Instead, add interest with the shower curtain and towels.
Create Drama in a Small Space
More often than not, bathrooms are small. This makes them a perfect place to experiment with bold colors and dramatic concepts. Think dark colors, wild patterns, and luxurious textures. (While wallpaper can add drama to a bathroom, it doesn't do well around moisture so it may be better suited to a powder room.)
Since people don't really spend too much time in this room, it's less likely that anyone will tire of the dramatic décor. Having said this, a small bathroom can look larger with a light color and simple, sleek décor. Basically, when it comes to the bathroom, anything goes.
While the bathroom is a great place to have fun with décor, keep in mind that it should flow with the style of the rest of the house. If the home is classic and traditional, don't throw off the balance with a modern or bohemian decorating scheme. Incorporate the same design elements that exist elsewhere in the dwelling, just be sure to have fun with it.
Simple Bathroom
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