10 Tips for Modern, Small Bathroom Decorating

Small bathroom decorating is always a challenge, but if you like the modern bathroom look, you can implement decorating tips that will add beauty and space to your small bathroom. From replacing doors with wicker baskets to bleaching your towels or hiding your clutter, you’ll find lots of inspiration in these 10 tips for modern, small bathroom decorating.

#1. Remove Cabinet Doors

My first tip for modern, small bathroom decorating may sound a little funny, but it really works. Using a screw driver, remove the cabinet doors from your bathroom vanity and plug the holes with wood putty. Next build shelves inside the vanity, unless you have some already. I recommend one narrow shelf at the top and one more below, which will actually create two compartments, one above the second shelf and one below it (here’s how to build shelves). Paint the vanity both inside and out in water-based primer followed by semi-gloss white or almond latex paint (to match the color of your tub and toilet.)

#2. Add Wicker Baskets

This tip for modern, small bathroom decorating can be executed in any color, but I always prefer things to match in small spaces, so I suggest repeating the white or almond tones. At a craft store buy white or almond lidded-wicker baskets to fill the shelves of your open vanity. Leave the narrow top shelf empty (for towels). Fill the baskets with your bathroom clutter.

#3. Bleach Your Towels

Modern, small bathroom decorating relies on monotones to make the space seem larger. If you can afford to buy white or almond towels to match your bathroom palette, that’s great. Otherwise, bleach your towels in the washing machine using a quart of bleach in a normal washing cycle. If the color of the towels comes out all wrong, you may have to dye your towels using RIT dye from a craft store, which in the end will likely make buying four new towels the better deal. Keep the towels folded on the narrow, top shelf of your open vanity.

#4. Add Mantle Shelves

Modern, small bathroom decorating must create an impression of cleanliness, but one you can live with. To keep your countertop clutter out of sight, hang narrow mantle shelves on the wall and stack them with lidded wicker baskets to match the larger ones in your vanity. Be sure to install the shelves in pairs, to keep a sense of symmetry in your modern, small bathroom decor.

#5. Add an Orchid

Add exotic color to your modern, small bathroom decorating with a live or silk orchid. Place it in a white container with glass marbles to hide the soil. Keep the orchid in a corner of the countertop, or on a narrow tall stool painted white or almond to match the monotone of the room.

#6. Remove Towel Racks

Modern, small bathroom decorating and towel racks just don’t go together. The reflection of the towel racks in the vanity mirror is ugly, and the shabby way towels are usually hung makes it worse. Therefore, remove towel racks from the wall and instead install them on the back of the bathroom door.

#7. Bathroom Toiletries

To instill the feel of a modern, small bathroom even in your tub, it’s important to use matching soap bottles. To save money, look for cheap recycled glass bottles online. You can also spray paint plastic bottles with outdoor, weatherproof paint in white or almond. Refill the bottles weekly to keep your supply fresh.

#8. Bathroom Rug

When it comes to modern, small bathroom decorating, normal bathroom mats just don’t cut it. Instead, look for an indoor-outdoor rug with an elegant pattern and palette that matches your bathroom decor.

#9. Toilet Paper & Garbage Solutions

Toilet paper may be a wonderful modern invention but it has no place in your modern, small bathroom decorating. Buy a lidded garbage can in a color to match your bathroom decor. Keep extra toilet paper on the bottom (wrapped in a sealed bag), then place a small garbage bag above for bathroom waist.

#10. Modern Whimsy

Quite often modern, small bathroom decorating stems from Asian decor. You can add an element of fun to your bathroom by hanging a Japanese lantern by a toggle hook from the ceiling. Hang a bamboo wind chime over the tub. Or display a rock water fountain in a corner where you have an electrical outlet.

More Inspiration:
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
A Bundle of Ideas for Decorating Your Bathroom