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Couldn’t we all use more storage space in our bathrooms? It seems like no matter how big or small. There’s never enough room for all of your toiletries, towels, toilet paper, and bathroom essentials. Storage is a bathroom necessity, and adding extra storage could be as simple as adding a wall shelf or two. However, you shouldn’t add just any shelf. It needs to complement the design style of your bathroom. 

These bathroom shelf ideas will help you add much-needed shelves to your bathroom walls.

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1. Recessed and Custom Designed Bathroom Shelf

Designing your bathroom recessed shelving is an art. The shelves need to be placed far enough apart to give you enough space for bathroom decor and storage They also need to be cut to the perfect size to sit snugly in the recessed space.

It can help to look at bathroom shelving ideas to get an idea of the possibilities. You may already have a natural space to mount the shelves. If your bathroom architecture doesn’t allow for this, you can make your own recessed alcove.

2. Creative DIY Bathroom Shelf Project

You can build your own floating shelf for your bathroom. Check out DIY bathroom shelf ideas to get an idea for the best shelves to add storage space to your small bathroom. When you create your own DIY bathroom shelves, you have the freedom to make your shelf any way you want.

You could give the shelf a decorative front edge. Or you could use distinctive hardware. Popular choices are industrial pipe, geometric gold-colored metal, hidden supports, or rope to hang the shelves.

3. Rustic Charm with Farmhouse Bathroom Shelf

If you’re looking to add open storage to your farmhouse bathroom, consider floating shelf toilet storage ideas. You can then place a basket or crate on the shelf to act as towel storage. Stick with the bathroom storage ideas that have a farmhouse design style.

They are typically wood shelves that have some thickness to them. They also look like raw wood. However, you should wax the wood to help seal it and protect it from the high level of moisture in the bathroom.

4. Space-Saving Freestanding Shelf Solution

You don’t need a lot of floor space to have a freestanding shelving unit. You can buy a bathroom cabinet that fits over your toilet. Its legs are just wide enough to slide it back over the toilet. Look for a unit that fits your design style. They come in metal, wood, acrylic, PVC plastic, and wicker.

Some have open shelving, and others have an enclosed cabinet with doors. A shelf and cabinet combo is nice because you can use the shelf to display decor and the cabinet for hidden storage.

5. Modern and Sleek Glass Shelves

If you have a tiny bathroom, you need to maximize your available bathroom space. Open shelves are the best option for your small space because they don’t close the bathroom in. For even more visibility, use glass shelves instead of solid ones. You can easily see through the glass, so they disappear into the bathroom.

Glass shelves tend to have a sleek and modern look so they may look out of place in a farmhouse or rustic bathroom. However, choose a set with gold hardware accents, and they are the perfect addition to your vintage or art deco bathroom.

6. Durable and Stylish Metal Shelves

Metal shelves are durable and come in a wide variety of designs, making them perfect for use in your bathroom. You could add a freestanding metal shelving rack to sit over your toilet. Or you could add a metal shelving unit to hang on the wall.

They also make the perfect addition to your DIY bathroom shelf project. Cut out the drywall between two studs and line the hole with fresh drywall. Paint the surface and mount a recessed shelf in the space.

7. Simplicity and Elegance in Minimalist Shelves

Floating shelves are perfect for a minimalist design. They have a clean and streamlined design that’s the perfect addition to your bathroom. Taking a minimalist approach is smart because it keeps your bathroom feeling open and clutter-free. A thick piece of wood is best for a spa-like feel because it adds a natural touch to your bathroom.

A black metal shelf adds a nice touch to your industrial, rustic, or vintage bathroom. Try to follow the other lines in your minimalist bathroom. For example, a modern bathroom typically has a long floating vanity. Your floating shelf could follow this line for a cohesive design. 

8. Functional Storage Shelf Option

Your shelves need to be functional, so while tiny decorative shelves may look cute, they probably won’t be worth the trouble to mount them on the wall. Your shelves should be deep and long enough to give you enough space to use them for storage. You should also consider what you plan to put on them.

An enclosed cabinet is a better option for hiding bathroom essentials. No one wants to look at your stockpile of toilet paper and cleaning products. It can also help to have several storage options throughout the bathroom. That way, your toiletries don’t have to share a space with your toilet scrub brush.

9. Creative Wall-Mounted Shelf Arrangement

Start your project by measuring your available wall space. Measure the length and height of your bathroom wall. You can then use these dimensions to decide the size of your open shelf. In some cases, you may want to use one large shelf. In others, several small shelves will look better.

Consider the placement of your shelves on the wall. Generally, eye level or higher is the best option. Lower than that, and someone could bump into them and hurt themselves. If you add a shelf to the wall above your toilet, it needs to be at least two feet higher than the toilet so that you don’t hit your head on it.

10. Natural and Warm Wooden Shelf Design

Adding a wooden shelf to your bathroom is a doable DIY shelf project. You can buy a plank of wood at your local home improvement store. Then you can leave it raw, stain, varnish, or paint it.

The treatment you give the wood will depend on the type of look you’re going for and the overall design style of your bathroom. Adding a wood shelf is nice because you can customize it. Measure the space you have available for your DIY bathroom storage shelves, then cut the wood to fit. This could require you to cut both the length and width.

“I think a lot of contemplation happens in bathtubs. It does for me. Nothing like a hot bath to ease the tension and think about what’s going to happen next.” -Sarah McLachlan

The bathtub is definitely a place for relaxation and contemplation. However, if you have a small bathroom, you may think there’s not enough room for a tub. Or, if you have a small bathroom with a tub, you may feel like the room is too crowded.

Small bathroom design is rather complicated. Even so, it’s possible to turn a tiny bathroom into a beautiful space that allows you to soak your problems away. Check out our small bathroom ideas with a tub and see all the bathroom design ideas open to you.

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1. Introduce Natural Light

In small bathrooms, maximizing natural light can make the space feel open and inviting. Consider adding a window near the bathtub, fitted with frosted treatments for privacy. This simple addition floods the room with light, creating a serene atmosphere. To achieve this look, consult a contractor to assess the feasibility and choose window treatments that suit your style, complementing them with light-colored decor for a harmonious ambiance.

2. Embrace Standalone Tub Elegance

A standalone bathtub in a small bathroom can exude elegance and style without overwhelming the space. Choose a tub that complements your bathroom’s size and style, and consider freestanding options for a chic statement.

To create a cohesive look, pair the tub with minimalist fixtures and simple, clean lines in your bathroom design. Additionally, utilize wall-mounted storage solutions to keep the space clutter-free and visually appealing, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your small bathroom with a standalone tub.

3. Optimize Corner Space

Consider utilizing a corner bathtub in your small bathroom. This innovative choice not only saves space but also enhances the visual appeal of your bathroom. With its distinctive curves and corner positioning, a corner bathtub allows for creative styling, allowing you to achieve a unique bathroom aesthetic. These bathtubs are readily accessible, catering to various styles and budgets. By incorporating a corner bathtub, you can efficiently transform your small bathroom while infusing it with character and style.

4. Harmonize Your Color Palette

Creating a cohesive color palette is key to enhancing a small bathroom with a tub. Opt for light hues like pastels and neutrals to visually expand the space, giving it a more open and airy feel. To maintain a harmonious look, stick to this color scheme for your tiles, walls, and fixtures. If you crave a pop of color, incorporate vibrant accessories or accents sparingly to complement the overall design.

5. Bring Greenery into Bath

Transform your small bathroom into a soothing oasis by incorporating a touch of nature. Adding a few well-placed plants can work wonders in making your space feel more spacious and inviting. Combine the rich warmth of wooden accents with vibrant greenery to create a refreshing atmosphere that opens up even the tiniest bathrooms.

Not only will these plants enhance aesthetics, but they’ll also purify the air, contributing to a serene ambiance. With some creative thinking, you can effortlessly turn your compact bathroom into a rejuvenating sanctuary, regardless of its size.

6. Elevate with Hexagon Tile

Revamp your small bathroom by incorporating hexagon tiles for a captivating and distinctive look. These tiles work wonders in bathrooms, irrespective of their size, thanks to their gender-neutral and charming appeal.

The distinctive hexagonal shape not only creates a sense of spaciousness but also adds a visually captivating element. Ideal for compact spaces, these tiles introduce complexity without overwhelming the room. Discover how to integrate hexagon tiles to give your bathroom a unique touch without compromising valuable floor space.

7. Luxe Appeal with Marble Floors

Infuse luxury into your small bathroom by opting for marble floors, instantly creating a sophisticated ambiance. Marble exudes timeless beauty, but it demands regular upkeep to maintain its pristine appearance. To keep your marble floor looking exquisite, ensure consistent cleaning and maintenance. This choice will add a touch of refinement to your small bathroom when cared for meticulously.

8. Express with Decorative Tiles

Enhance the aesthetic of your small bathroom with decorative tiles that infuse color and texture. Consider Spanish prints or boho tribal designs to add vibrancy to a plain space. Experiment with geometric tile patterns like subway tiles, hexagons, or honeycomb styles.

Mix and match sizes and tones to create a captivating and unique look. To achieve this design, consult tile specialists or browse online for inspiration, and complement the tiles with coordinating accessories and fixtures for a cohesive bathroom style.

9. Illuminate with Pendant Lighting

Elevate the ambiance of your small bathroom by introducing pendant lighting. Opt for a bold, vibrant color or textured brushed metal to create a striking visual focal point. Beyond its functional lighting role, a pendant lamp can double as a captivating decorative element, resembling artwork.

To achieve this design, consult lighting experts for size and placement guidance. Complement the pendant light with coordinating fixtures and consider painting the bathroom walls a neutral shade to let the lighting fixture truly shine as a statement piece.

10. Half-Tiled Wall Charm

Achieve an eye-catching effect in your small bathroom by incorporating beveled tiles on one wall. This design choice creates the illusion of depth and adds dimension to the space. To make the most of this concept, select a paint color that complements the tiles and enhances the visual impact.

Consult a tile expert for guidance on tile sizes and patterns, and consider incorporating this half-tiled wall into a cohesive design scheme by coordinating it with the tub surround or vanity backsplash for a polished look.

11. Sleek Black Fixtures

Introduce sleek black fixtures to your small bathroom for a touch of sophistication and minimalism. This timeless design choice complements various color schemes and interior styles, ensuring a lasting and stylish upgrade.

Whether you prefer a bold statement or subtle accents, incorporating black fixtures will elevate your bathroom’s overall aesthetic. To enhance this look further, consider pairing them with white or neutral tiles and accessories for a striking contrast that makes your space feel open and chic.

12. Organize with Recessed Shelves

Maximize your small bathroom’s storage potential with recessed shelves. These discreet and accessible storage solutions not only help keep your toiletries organized but also add a stylish touch to your bathroom.

Consider integrating recessed shelves into your shower area for shampoos and soaps or above the bathtub for decorative items and additional storage. To achieve this design, consult a contractor or handyman for installation options, and choose shelves that match your bathroom’s color scheme or style to create a cohesive look.

13. Create Mosaic Accent Stripe

Turn your compact bathroom into a luxurious retreat by incorporating mosaic glass tiles. Utilize these small tiles as an accent, running strips along the walls to achieve an elegant finish. To infuse vibrancy into the space, combine them with complementary tiles for a captivating contrast, creating a truly inviting and unique bathroom design. To get this look, consult with a tile specialist for guidance on selecting the perfect mosaic patterns and color combinations. Consider pairing it with soft, neutral wall colors to make the design pop even more.

14. Artistic Graphic Tile

Transforming your compact bathroom with graphic tiles offers a chance to unleash your creativity. Experiment with various colors and grout options to achieve a stunning effect. For a striking appearance, combine dark, vibrant patterned tiles with contrasting dark grout, complemented by light blonde wood flooring. This interplay between dark walls and bright flooring not only creates an inviting atmosphere but also leaves a lasting impression.

To achieve this design, consult with a tile expert for guidance on tile patterns and color selections that match your style, and consider incorporating other light elements, such as mirrors and fixtures, to maximize the visual impact.

15. Playful Bathroom Rugs

Enhance the charm of your small bathroom by incorporating playful rugs. These versatile additions not only elevate your bathroom’s style but also serve practical purposes. Invest in a variety of rugs that can be easily switched out to match different seasons or moods, providing comfort on chilly mornings. With these interchangeable rugs, you can effortlessly create a cozy and inviting bathroom ambiance that complements your chosen decor theme.

16. Timeless White Aesthetics

Create a timeless and visually spacious ambiance in your small bathroom with an all-white design. Opt for white walls, cabinets, and a vanity counter to achieve a clean and sleek aesthetic. To enhance this look, select an eye-catching floor tile and consider using towels in either light or darker shades to introduce contrast and visual intrigue. By embracing the power of bright whites, you can effortlessly transform your small bathroom into a stunning focal point of your home.

17. Expressive Maximalist Style

Discover the transformative power of expressive maximalist style in your small bathroom. To achieve this eclectic blend of vintage and modern, focus on balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal. Instead of bulky furniture, opt for organic and wooden elements to prevent the space from feeling cluttered. Add warmth and vitality with floor plants to complete the look. Embrace bold choices in your bathroom design to uncover the beauty of this unique style.

18. Bold Large Print Choices

Opt for large printed tiles in your small bathroom to instantly infuse it with energy and style. These tiles create a striking contrast with the compact space, giving it a unique and inviting appeal. The decorative patterns on the tiles divert attention from any clutter, making the bathroom appear more spacious. To enhance this design, incorporate colorful towels and various-sized mirrors for a chic and vibrant ambiance.

19. Convenient Laundry Nook

Integrating a laundry area into your small bathroom can significantly enhance your home’s functionality. Whether you live in a spacious house or a compact apartment, this design choice offers valuable space-saving benefits. By adding a washing machine in the bathroom, you can dedicate the room entirely to laundry activities, freeing up other areas for more comfortable use.

For apartment dwellers seeking space optimization, consider utilizing unused corners to create your own laundry nook, making the most of your bathroom’s square footage.

20. Reflect with Wall-Length Mirror

Expand the perceived space in your small bathroom by incorporating a wall-length mirror. This simple addition can instantly make your bathroom feel more spacious and chic. To maximize its impact, position the mirror strategically to reflect light and create an illusion of depth. Whether you’re updating your own small washroom or enhancing a rental property, a wall-length mirror is a must-have accessory to turn any compact bathroom into a modern and inviting oasis.

21. Circular Window Addition

Incorporating a small circular window in your small bathroom design can bring a delightful touch of nature’s beauty into your space. The circular shape creates a pleasing contrast to the square features of your bathroom, adding a sense of harmony. More than just aesthetics, this window allows natural light to fill the room, making it feel brighter and more inviting.

Its simple, elegant design eliminates the need for additional decorations, creating a unique focal point that showcases the interplay between human-made structures and the natural world. To achieve this look, consult with a professional contractor who can help you seamlessly integrate this circular window into your bathroom layout, and consider complementing it with other nature-inspired design elements, such as indoor plants or earthy color palettes.

22. Accentuate with Wall Panels

Elevate your small bathroom’s appeal by incorporating wood wall paneling. This versatile design choice adds both an accent and a warm, organic ambiance to the space. Whether you prefer the natural wooden hue or a custom paint color, wood paneling allows for a unique, personalized touch.

Consider complementing this feature with earth-toned decor elements, such as plants and neutral-colored towels, to enhance the cozy atmosphere in your small bathroom. Wood paneling is a timeless choice that can infuse personality and character into your bathroom’s design.

“Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.” -Leonardo da Vinci

Black and white is a classic color scheme that will never grow old, especially in the bathroom. Its simplicity and sophistication cannot be matched by any other bathroom design ideas. 

The surge in simple farmhouse decor and minimalist concepts have fueled a new interest in black and white bathroom ideas. Scroll through our collection of the best black and white bathroom ideas for inspiration on creating your own unique bathroom design. 

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1. Explore Matte Black and White Accents

While black bathroom fittings used to be hard to find, the popularity of industrial and farmhouse home decor has made matte black fittings readily available. Use them to further accentuate the black details in a mostly white bathroom. Black faucets, towel bars, and cabinet handles look amazing in a white bathroom, especially when paired with a black tile floor and black trim paint on the windows and doors.

Of course, any type of metal fittings will look amazing beside black or white wall tile. Polished nickel, brass, and copper fixtures all have a home in the black-white bathroom. Don’t be afraid to mix the metals in your bathroom decor, especially if you love casual or bohemian design ideas.

2. Discover Contemporary Black and White Designs

Contemporary style embraces the clean contrast of white and black. Add impact by painting your cabinet wood black and hanging a black framed round mirror over the vanity. An accent wall covered in a unique black and white print adds whimsy and texture that can be as bold or as subtle as you wish.

Pairing  with lighter shades of grey in various textures helps soften the sharp divergence of a black and white background. Lie a fluffy white sheepskin rug in front of the shower or bathtub to add soft, romantic dimension to a contemporary black and white bathroom.

3. Embrace Bold All-Black Styles

People everywhere are warming up to using black and other dark colors inside the home. Although it goes against common logic—and traditional interior design advice—an all-black bathroom can feel quite spacious.

Go full dark when doing a dramatic black bathroom remodel, replacing old fixtures  with a black shower, bathtub, and vanity. Use black wall tile, black floor tile, and even black grout. Accessorize with gold or bronze fixtures, drawer pulls, and mirror frames for an elegant contrast.

Lighting is important when your bathroom design relies so heavily on black. While you may prefer the subtle light of wall sconces, include brighter overhead lights that you can turn on when it’s time to clean.

4. Play with Black and White Decor Elements

Your decor decisions are what will turn a potentially cold, impersonal black and white bathroom into one that’s warm and welcoming. Black and white wall stripes or polka dots add whimsy to a basic bath idea. However, your decor color choices aren’t limited to black and white bathroom ideas.

Include green plants or a flower arrangement, jute baskets, and rugs with splashes of color. Hang a shower curtain that includes a touch of color in a mostly black and white print. Or use a patterned tile that has subtle touches of neutral or pastel color. 

Natural wood finishes are also great additions to your black and white bathroom ideas. Ask a carpenter to make a floating vanity out of a thick wood slab, or choose stained wood frames for your vanity mirrors.

See more inspirational DIY bathroom decor ideas here.

5. Incorporate Industrial Touches

A predominantly white bathroom may feel out of place with industrial decor, but it’s a great neutral background to start with. The more rustic black touches you include in your industrial white bathroom ideas, the better.

Paint an existing vanity cabinet black and replace shiny faucets with matte black fixtures. Heavy iron sconces are great additions over an industrial vanity top. Replace gold or silver glass shower doors with doors that have black metal frames.

6. Indulge in Luxury Black and White

Some of the most luxurious master bathroom plans in the world have a black and white foundation. These basic grounding colors allow more luxurious accents to shine, such as an oversized crystal chandelier hung over a freestanding bathtub.

If you have a particularly gorgeous granite, quartz, or marble tile, keep your bathroom wall color white to allow your expensive tile to stand out. Gold fixtures always add an air of richness, especially when paired with mirrored bath accessories.

7. Marvel at Marble Features

Black and white are the two most popular marble colors, and it’s even better if you find a marble slab that includes an interesting juxtaposition of both colors together. Take the time to look for unique marble veining patterns that will set your black and white bathroom ideas apart from the rest.

Choose a black marble vanity top and a white marble backsplash, paired with an interesting black and white marble tile floor. Marble mosaic tiles can be arranged in a pattern to create the illusion of a rug—a stunning focal point in an elegant master bathroom. 

Marble also makes an elegant shower or bathtub enclosure. Unlike smooth ceramic tiles, marble often has a textured surface that designers find attractive. If you prefer smooth and shiny surfaces in your hall or master bathroom, nothing beats the shine of polished marble.

8. Simplify with Minimalism

Nothing is more minimalist than a black and white bathroom—unless it’s a solid black or all white bathroom. White subway tile with white grout is an interior designer approved approach to creating a basic white bathroom foundation.

Black window and door trim and black window treatments stand out against this white bathroom background. Although contrast is not necessarily a minimalist concept, it does help define the lines and angles of the shower, bath, and vanity. Focusing on line and dimension is definitely a minimalist idea.

9. Adopt Modern Black and White Aesthetics

If your interior design style is modern, the bold contrasts of a black and white bathroom will fit in perfectly with the rest of your home decor. Modern style is equally represented by dark, dramatic decor and clean, bright white bathroom ideas.

Break up solid areas of black or white with veined marble or speckled black and white granite. Further enhance your modern bathroom vibe with monochromatic artwork showcasing strong shapes and patterns.

10. Infuse Scandinavian Influences

Black is not a color heavily used in Scandinavian decor, but white bathroom ideas merge well with this decorating style. Add other Scandinavian design elements to an existing black and white bathroom, such as introducing touches of pale blue or green, pale wood finishes, and natural fibers.

Because Scandinavian decor includes the idea of honoring nature, a simple botanical print wallpaper would add inviting detail to a predominantly white bathroom. Palm fronds, leaves, or flowers drawn in simple black lines on a white background fits the bill.

11. Maximize Small Space with Black and White

Wide, horizontal shiplap walls can make a small master bath feel roomier. Install clear glass panels around the shower enclosure. Being able to see inside the shower space is another way to make a small bath feel more spacious.

Try to keep the vanity, wall, and shower surfaces airy and white, and introduce black as an accent color. Black mirror frames, faucets, drawer handles, and rugs provide a big enough punch of black without making the room feel smaller.

See more small bathroom ideas here.

12. Mix and Match Tiles

Feel free to mix and match tile styles and patterns when you’re keeping to a black and white bathroom color scheme. Because you’re only using these two colors, your floor and wall tile doesn’t have to match in shape, pattern, or texture.

Many people use multiple types of tile in the shower and its enclosure. Small penny tiles on the shower floor coordinate well with rectangular or square wall tiles in the black and white color scheme.

See more bathtub tile design ideas here.

13. Add Vintage Charm

What has more vintage appeal than black and white? Whether it’s our home decor or the filters we use on our photos, there remains a deep nostalgia for all things black and white.

Replace a basic vanity sink with an antique cast iron sink that has black enamel on the exterior and white enamel inside. Duplicate that look with a freestanding black exterior/white interior clawfoot bathtub. 

Carry the vintage bathroom design further by using a freestanding dresser in place of a traditional bathroom vanity. Accentuate the space with antique artwork, vintage light fixtures, and rugs that are comfortably worn.

14. Create Statement Black Walls

Black is perhaps the most unexpected wall color of all. People have long shied away from using such a bold wall accent color. But as black and white bathrooms gain popularity, we will start seeing more rooms including black in larger applications.

Black wall paint comes in different finishes. Go high gloss if you want a shiny surface that reflects light. Glossy paint is great for bathrooms and trim as it’s easier to wipe clean. Choose a satin finish or flat enamel for a black matte finish on your walls.