30 Apartment Bathroom Decorating Ideas

Living in an apartment often means living with builder-quality bathrooms.

But guess what? You don’t need a renovation budget or permission from a landlord to make a major impact!

We’ve rounded up 30 awesome, temporary, and totally doable apartment bathroom decorating ideas to take your rental from drab to totally fabulous. Let’s go!

1. Peel and Stick Wallpaper Accent

Add tenant-safe, moisture-resistant vinyl wallpaper behind the vanity, above the toilet, or on an accent wall. It instantly changes the mood without picking up a paintbrush (and without dealing with the inevitable security deposit headache). Look for bold geometries or calming textures.

2. Shelves above the toilet

That awkward space above the porcelain throne is prime real estate! Install a slim free-standing shelf or use Command hooks for a floating option. It’s the perfect place for rolled towels, small plants and baskets, adding storage without taking up floor space.

3. Matching Countertop Set

Forget mismatched bottles! Swapping out your random hand soap dish and toothbrush holder for a coordinating, high-quality set is the quickest way to achieve that “grown-up” look. Consistent accessories make even a small, basic vanity look polished and intentional.

4. Neutral Fabric Shower Curtain

Upgrade from this standard vinyl liner. A neutral fabric shower curtain in linen, cotton, or waffle weave (think beige, white, or soft gray) instantly softens the light and elevates the space. This helps your bathroom feel like “home”, not like a dodgy motel. (Don’t forget a liner!)

5. Wooden bath tray

Take serious care of yourself with a bamboo or teak bath tray. It fills the gap between the edges of your bathtub, adding essential warmth and providing a dedicated, dry place for your wine glass, tablet or a good book. Perfect for maximizing spa nights in a small tub (we all deserve them).

6. Lot of real or fake eucalyptus

Tie a bundle of real eucalyptus and hang it just over the direct spray of the shower head. The steam activates the oils, releasing a beautiful, soothing spa-like scent. If you don’t like maintenance, a pretty faux bundle gives an organic, green look just fine!

7. Plug-in wall lights

Overhead lights are the enemy of good selfies and good makeup. Combat harshness by adding plug-in wall lights to either side of your mirror. Choose warm-toned bulbs to instantly improve both the quality of lighting and the overall ambiance.

8. Black or Brass Hardware Swap

If your handles and knobs are stuck in the 90s, fake a modern upgrade! Use adhesive hooks for robes and towels, and look for adhesive film or removable films to temporarily change chrome faucets to matte black or brushed gold.

9. Framed Art Prints

Don’t let your landlord’s paint job be the only thing on the walls. Hang two to three small moisture-proof art prints or photographs above the towel rack. The black frames offer a clean, sophisticated look and hang easily using easy-to-rent adhesive strips.

10. Natural fiber bath mat

Your bath mat is the equivalent of a rug: it anchors the space! Swap synthetic, plush rugs for something with texture, like a jute, woven cotton, or bamboo rug. Neutral tones add warmth and sophistication without competing with your other decor.

11. Woven baskets for toilet paper

Why hide your extra toilet paper when you can make it cute? Store extra rolls in a single decorative woven basket near the toilet. This looks much more intentional than random plastic packaging and keeps things very accessible.

12. Clear Glass Jar Storage

Countertops instantly look cleaner when a little clutter is contained. Decant cotton balls, tampons and bath salts into clear glass apothecary jars. This open, visible storage style is functional, tidy and gives off a five-star hotel vibe.

13. Small bathroom plant

Bring some life into the room! If you have a small shelf or vanity edge, add a mini faux fern or low-maintenance succulent plant. Since most rental bathrooms lack windows, fake options are often your friend here.

14. Adhesive Mirror Frame

This contractor-grade frameless mirror is a dead giveaway that you rent. Solve the problem with a peel and stick mirror frame kit. It adds dimension, enhances the look and can be installed in less than 10 minutes – truly miraculous.

15. Acrylic Towel Hooks

If you don’t want to use the standard towel rack (or don’t have one!), opt for transparent or acrylic adhesive hooks. They almost disappear into the background and are perfect for securely hanging bathrobes and towels on tiled or painted walls without damaging the surfaces.

16. Matching Towel Set

Monochrome is key in small spaces. Ditch the colorful, mismatched napkins you’ve collected and opt for all-white or all-beige napkins. A unique, cohesive palette instantly reads as calm, luxurious and makes a small bathroom less visually cluttered.

17. Slim Rolling Cart

Storage is valuable! A slim, tiered rolling cart is a lifesaver for storing hair tools, extra products, or cleaning supplies. When company comes over, simply roll it discreetly into a closet or behind the door.

18. Candle on a tray

Elevate your scent game. Place your favorite scented candle on a small decorative tray (like marble or metal). This defines a stylized area, catches the wax drips, and makes the small act of lighting a candle feel intentional and chic.

19. Marble Countertop Film

Do you have laminate that has seen better days? A high quality peel and stick marble or granite film can be placed directly on stained or dated countertops. It is surprisingly durable, cleans and peels off without leaving any residue before moving.

20. Wall-mounted soap dispenser

If your counter space is non-existent, use the wall! Install a refillable, adhesive soap and shampoo dispenser in the shower or next to the sink. It frees up a lot of surface area and looks much cleaner than individual plastic bottles.

21. Rope shelf above the toilet

For a bohemian chic touch, opt for a light wooden shelf suspended by a rope. You can often hang them safely using heavy-duty Command hooks (always check the weight limit!). Perfect for holding a small succulent or two rolled hand towels.

22. Textured Wall Stickers

Plain, blank walls cry out for texture. Instead of trying to install real tiles, use matte tile-look stickers or wall stickers with subtle designs. They add depth and dimension and are completely temporary.

23. Perfume Tray Style

Treat your perfumes like art! Gather your favorite perfumes and colognes and arrange them nicely on a mirrored or metal vanity tray. It instantly transforms scattered clutter into a chic, controlled vignette.

24. Faucet cover casing

This is one of the ultimate rental tips. Look for removable snap-on sleeves or caps designed to cover your existing chrome faucet in a modern finish like matte black or brushed gold. It’s an upgrade that takes seconds!

25. Door organizer

Use the back of the door! A canvas or plastic door organizer is essential for apartments where cabinet or linen closet space is limited. Use the pockets to store hair tools, cleaning supplies and extra toiletries.

26. LED strip under mirror

Want that soft, backlit glow? Use warm-toned LED tape (the type with an adhesive backing) and apply it to the back perimeter of your mirror. It provides fantastic ambient lighting and makes your basic mirror look like a high-end fixture.

27. Hanging Macrame Planter

Take advantage of the vertical space! Hang a small plant (real or faux) in a macrame planter holder from a Command hook on the ceiling or near a window. It adds a bohemian touch and keeps counter surfaces light.

28. Peel and Stick Bathtub Tile

If your backsplash is nonexistent, use high-quality peel-and-stick tile sheets around the tub or sink surround. You can achieve a subway tile or hexagonal mosaic look in an afternoon, and it removes cleanly at the end of your lease.

29. Minimal Letter Sign

Add a little personality without adding visual noise. A small, minimal sign that says “Bath,” “Relax” or even something silly can add charm. The key is to keep the font simple and the colors neutral to avoid an overly “busy” aesthetic.

30. “Hotel” towels rolled in a basket

Channel the hotelier in you! Take your clean, white towels, roll them tightly (like in a spa) and stack them neatly in a large woven floor basket. It looks welcoming, luxurious and makes guests feel welcome.

These 30 ideas prove that small changes, like a new shower curtain or a small wall sign, can make the biggest difference in your rental.

Which of these geniuses apartment bathroom decoration any hacks are you trying this weekend? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to share this with a friend struggling with a small bathroom, and pin your favorites for later!