10 Game-Changing Bathroom Ideas for Any Apartment or Small Space

An apartment bathroom may seem like a tough thing to decorate. After all, apartment bathrooms can get pretty small. And when space is limited, it feels like your options are, too. Plus, if you’re renting, it’s not like you can gut-renovate the place. 

But you’re not as hemmed in as you think. When you’re decorating a small bathroom, it’s easy to make an impact. By simply hanging some art or switching out your towels, you can transform the entire room. And sure, you probably can’t install a new bathtub or retile your showers. But since peel-and-stick options abound, you can spruce up your space without wrecking your budget—and without violating your lease.

To help you take your bathroom from standard to statement-making, we’ve rounded up some truly transformational apartment bathroom ideas. These design tips are suitable for any small bathroom—and since none of them require a remodel, they’re decidedly renter-friendly, too.

01 Paint the Room a Fun Color

The easiest way to transform your bathroom? Repaint it. And don’t be afraid to choose a bold color. Striking shades are great in small doses. So pick a playful hue that will transform your space—and repaint your walls white when it’s time to move out.

02 Hang a Sleek Shower Curtain

A shower curtain isn’t just a necessity—it’s also an excuse to dress up your space. So take full advantage of the decorative opportunity. Snag a shower curtain that’s colorful, printed, or packed with texture, and switch it out any time your bathroom needs a refresh.

03 Snag a Plush Bathroom Rug

Retiling your bathroom floors isn’t the only way to customize them. By snagging a plush bath mat or a pretty printed rug, you can soften your floors and dress up your bathroom in one fell swoop.

04 Spring for a Statement Mirror

Reflections of Nature: Acacia Wood Framed Mirror - Handcrafted Polished Acacia Wood Frame - Perfect for Asymmetrical Mirror, Large Asymmetrical Mirror, and Asymmetrical Bathroom Mirror

A mirror is a natural focal point in any bathroom— so pick yours out with care. Ditch the plain ol’ mirror that came with your bathroom, and replace it with a statement mirror that makes the whole room feel fancier.

05 Hang Some Pretty Window Treatments

Blinds get the job done in any bathroom, giving you the privacy you need during showers and baths. But if you want your space to feel next-level special, consider other window treatments, instead. A patterned Roman shade will give you the same coverage and flexibility as a set of blinds—while also adding a dash of printed style to your space.

06 Trade Your Shower Curtain With a Glass Door

Want to make your bathroom feel bigger? Ditch the classic shower curtain, and replace it with a glass door. The swap will open up your bathroom, letting you see every square inch of space you have.

07 Pick Towels That Double as Decor

When your bathroom is small, every piece inside it makes an impact. So don’t just stock up on standard towels—snag a set that’s genuinely stylish. The pretty necessities will dress up your towel rack, adding function and form to your space.

08 Snag a Sleek Bath Stool

Low on storage space? Snag a sleek bath stool. The low-profile find will expand your storage set-up, giving you another place to keep toiletries and decor. And since it’s so small, you can put it just about anywhere—in a bare corner, next to your vanity, or even inside your shower.

09 Fill Your Space With Plants

Plants make a welcome addition to any space—your bathroom, included. So fill your space with lush greenery, and make it feel like an idyllic getaway you can’t wait to escape to every day.

10 Upgrade Your Light Fixtures

Luxury Marble Radiance Flush Mount: Vintage Fluted Marble with Glossy White Globe Shade for Bedroom Ceiling Fixtures, Living Room Ceiling Lamps, or Bedroom Light Fixtures

Lighting sets the tone in any space. So if the fixtures in your bathroom leave something to be desired, replace them. Sure, rewiring a light fixture is no small task - especially if you’re renting- but by replacing a stale fixture with a statement-making pick, you can transform your entire bathroom without changing anything else.