What can I put on top of my toilet?

You can place anything that will fit on top of your toilet. It’s smart to place a tray first. This keeps everything secure and contained on the back of the toilet. Try adding a spare roll of toilet paper, a candle, an oil diffuser, or a small plant. You could even add a small picture.

How can I make my small bathroom luxurious?

To make your bathroom feel more luxurious , add materials that you would see in a luxury bathroom, like marble, decorative accents, and metal accents. Replace your tub with a walk-in shower with a glass wall. While redoing your shower, add a bench.

Where do you hang a shelf above a toilet?

Measure at least 24 inches up from the back of the toilet. This is the minimum height where the bottom of the shelf should start. Any lower, and you risk hitting your head on the shelf while trying to use the toilet. Don’t hang it too high, though, or you risk the shelf looking awkwardly high.

DIY Bathroom Decor Ideas on a Budget

“The best measure of a man’s honesty isn’t his income tax return. It’s the zero adjust on his bathroom scale.” – Arthur C. Clarke

Every time you walk into your bathroom, you groan. The colors are off, the decor is outdated, the tile and grout look dingy, and the overall floorplan is awkward. All of this becomes more frustrating when you have a tiny bathroom that limits the space you have to work with.

Thankfully, you can make a lot of improvements yourself with DIY ideas. There are small changes you can make that will have a big impact on the overall appeal of your bathroom.

These DIY bathroom ideas will help you improve the look of your bathroom.

Create a Modern Look with Gray Accents

Gray is a versatile color that can give your bathroom a sleek, contemporary look without breaking the bank. Consider painting one wall gray or adding gray tiles. You can also use gray towels, bath mats, and shower curtains to tie the room together. Small gray accessories like soap dispensers and toothbrush holders can add to the modern aesthetic.

Cozy bathroom with gray and white decor, wall plants, round mirror, and patterned shower curtain featuring white tiles and a small window

Store Items in a Rustic Wooden Chest

A rustic wooden chest is both functional and stylish. Look for second-hand or vintage chests at flea markets or online marketplaces. Use it to store extra towels, toilet paper, or cleaning supplies. The natural wood adds warmth and a cozy feel to the bathroom.

Cozy bathroom with a curved bathtub, green accent wall, plants, a wooden shelf, towels on a cabinet, and a heated towel rail — Source: @miss_beffers via Instagram

Hang Towels on a Wooden Ladder

A wooden ladder is an affordable and chic way to hang towels. You can find them at thrift stores or even make one yourself from reclaimed wood. Lean the ladder against a wall and drape towels over the rungs. It saves space and adds a rustic touch.

Wooden ladder with patterned cloth and baskets; nearby, a potted plant on a wooden desk and a wastebasket on the floor; beige wall — Source: @mydomesticityph via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with a round mirror, ladder shelf with decor, white sink, and soap dispensers against tiled walls — Source: @yas.wyatt.home via Instagram

Set up a Mirror Above Vanity

When in doubt and not sure what to do, hang a mirror. This simple piece of wall decor can elevate your DIY bathroom design.

Mirrors are popular in small bathroom ideas because they reflect light and make a space feel bigger. They are also a simple decor piece so that they won’t take away from the rest of the bathroom fixtures and furniture.

Choose a mirror that’s a size proportioned with the available space. Then decide if you want a frame on it. If you decide you want a frame, its style should blend with the rest of the bathroom design.

A wooden-framed mirror on a shiplap wall, with a black towel ring and gray towel beside it, lit by a dual-bulb light fixture above — Source: @annabruceblog via Instagram

White bathroom vanity with large mirror, wooden frame, twin sinks, and overhead lights; towel racks and framed art on walls — Source: @shiplapshanty via Instagram

Consider Putting Plants to Your Bathroom

It’s time you brought some nature into your home. The easiest way to do this is by adding a plant to your bathroom. You don’t have to put any effort into this. Buy an air plant and put it in a decorative planter. The natural moisture in the air will be plenty for the air plant to thrive. If you want more greenery, consider the amount of light that comes into your bathroom.

Snake plants are good if you want a low-maintenance potted plant. A vine plant is good if you want a free-growing feel to your plant. Encourage the plant to grow around a shelving unit or around the shower.

Modern bathroom with a white oval bathtub, wooden cabinets, large potted plants, and a folding screen on a wooden floor

Modern bathroom with black-and-white decor, plants, a wall mirror, towel rack, toilet, sink, and a patterned rug on the floor — Source: @our_first_home_newbuild via Instagram

Use a Rustic Wooden Cabinet for Storage

A rustic wooden cabinet can add charm and provide much-needed storage. Look for cabinets at thrift stores or refurbish an old one. Use it to store toiletries, towels, and other bathroom essentials. The wood finish adds a natural element to the decor.

Rustic wooden cabinet with a sliding barn door, displaying towels, jars, a framed sign, and a plant in a metal pot — Source: @kraigs_diy_creations via Instagram

Organize with Wooden Storage Units

Wooden storage units are practical and stylish. You can find affordable shelves and boxes at home improvement stores. Use them to organize toiletries, cosmetics, and other items. Stackable units can maximize space and keep your bathroom clutter-free.

It’s also helpful to add extra storage to the vanity countertop. You can have mason jar bathroom storage if you have a rustic or farmhouse-themed bathroom. The glass jars are easy to clean and sanitize. Tie a ribbon or twine around the top to give them a decorative accent.

A wooden storage rack with towels, toiletries, and a plant on top; a wicker basket with towels is beside it — Source: @simplymyabode via Instagram

Bathroom with cabinet over toilet, cleaning supplies in organizers, mop in bucket, and framed "Oh Hello Spring" sign on the wall — Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram

See more small bathroom storage ideas here.

Add a Decorative Tissue Holder

Where do you keep the toilet paper in your bathroom? Is it on a hook next to the toilet? Perhaps you just place it on the back of the toilet and call it a day. A decorative tissue holder can add to the decor of your bathroom.

A freestanding holder is nice because you can move it around to where you need it. If you want to install a permanent holder, plan carefully when placing it. You need to be able to reach it when sitting down. A wood holder will look nice in a rustic theme. Black metal or iron holders can give your bathroom a vintage feel.

Retro-style tissue box featuring a woman illustration, tissue protrudes as her dress, set on a shelf with books in the background — Source: @redcandyuk via Instagram

Install a Towel Holder

Say goodbye to your builder-grade towel bar and replace it with a rack that can hold several towels. Build a DIY towel rack that fits your space and holds the number of towels you need it to.

Think beyond the towels currently in use and plan for it to hold clean towels also. Hooks or pegs are good for hanging wet used towels on. Then a shelf is suitable for holding clean towels. Space your hooks or pegs far enough apart so that there’s plenty of air circulation for the towels to dry.

Wooden coat rack with "get naked" text and a deer silhouette, featuring five metal hooks — Source: @ambearphotos via Instagram

A coiled rope arranged in a circle, fastened with white thread, and hanging from a metal cleat on a white paneled surface — Source: @jacktarslocker via Instagram

Install Wallpaper in a Bathroom

Adding wallpaper to your bathroom is a simple and easy way of transforming the design. You could add wallpaper to all of the walls, but this isn’t necessary. You could add it to just the vanity wall or another accent wall.

Because bathrooms are smaller spaces, you can splurge with a slightly more expensive wallpaper. To make a bolder statement, try using a wallpaper that has a 3D effect or texture to it. This will elevate the look of your bathroom. Don’t place the wallpaper in a high moisture area, like in the shower. This will cause it to peel off of the wall.

Small bathroom with vibrant floral wallpaper, mirror, potted plants, and a dark towel rack holding a yellow towel and toilet paper — Source: @newbricks_at66 via Instagram

Small bathroom with banana leaf wallpaper, round mirror, white subway tiles, pedestal sink, hexagonal floor tiles, and towel rack — Source: @heightsrestoration via Instagram

Add Wall Words and Decals

Wall decals and words can personalize your bathroom. They are inexpensive and easy to apply. Choose quotes, designs, or patterns that reflect your personality. Place them strategically on walls or doors to create visual interest.

Bathroom with "get naked" wall art, floating shelves with a plant and candle, and a sink in the lower corner — Source: @brooklyn_rustics via Instagram

Bathroom with humorous signs, blue walls, a toilet with cleaning supplies, a sink, and funny avocado-themed artwork above — Source: @dddesignsnj via Instagram

Bathroom wall with "Wash your worries away" sign, two hanging towels, potted plant, and a door — Source: @thehamptonfarmhouse via Instagram

Frame and Hang Bathroom Art

Framing and hanging art is a cost-effective way to decorate. Use frames that match your bathroom’s color scheme. Create a cohesive look by choosing art that complements each other. Group smaller frames together for a gallery wall effect.

Bathroom with a leafy shower curtain and a sign saying "Wash your hands ya filthy animal" on the wall — Source: @shelbyandjun via Instagram

Use a Diffuser for a Pleasant Scent

A diffuser can keep your bathroom smelling fresh. Look for budget-friendly diffusers and essential oils. Place it on the counter or a shelf where it won’t be knocked over. Choose scents that are soothing and not overpowering.

Rolled white towels and a reed diffuser on a wooden stool in a modern bathroom with a bathtub and wall-mounted fixtures

Decorate with Boho Elements

Boho decor is all about mixing patterns, textures, and colors. Use items like woven baskets, macrame hangings, and colorful rugs. Shop at thrift stores or DIY your own decor pieces. The boho style is eclectic and allows for a lot of creativity on a budget.

Aerial view of a bathroom with an oval bathtub, woven rugs, potted plants, a towel rack, and a wicker stool

Embrace a Minimalist Decor Style

Minimalist decor focuses on simplicity and functionality. Declutter your bathroom and keep only the essentials. Use neutral colors and clean lines. Choose multi-purpose items like a mirror with storage or a combined shower and bath unit to maximize space and maintain a sleek look.

Minimalist bathroom vanity with a round mirror, white bowl sink, bamboo accessories, and plants on a wooden countertop

Paint Bathroom Walls

Painting the bathroom walls is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh the space. Choose moisture-resistant paint to prevent mold and mildew. Light colors like white, beige, or pastel shades can make a small bathroom feel larger. For a bold statement, consider a single accent wall in a deeper color. Always use painter’s tape to create clean lines and protect fixtures.

Bathroom with green walls, white subway tiles, marble countertop, round mirror, and black fixtures; towels on a shelf above the toilet

A small bathroom with a sink, mirror, and toilet, featuring checkered tile flooring and a towel hanging by the sink