Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you have a separate closet for your toilet, or it’s exposed and out in the open, you have a blank wall above it. What should go there? Is it possible to make it decorative AND functional at the same time? Below, I’ve outlined 9 solutions to decorate the space above your toilet.
As part of my design dilemma series, I have shared:
– 12 ways to decorate living room shelves
– 7 ideas to help you decorate above your kitchen sink
– 13 ways to decorate above your bed
–7 elements to balanced dresser top design
This got me thinking- what other tricky household spaces does everyone have that need decorating? And just as I was looking at some outdated farmhouse decor above my toilet, my gears started turning.
I realized this is a space everyone has, and turned to my Instagram community to see how everyone has decorated theirs. I pulled together some decor pieces I already owned, and with a vision and a little bit of paint updated the space above our master toilet.
Want to know the least photographed space in a home? The toilet. Ask me how I know? As I was researching for this post, I found nearly none of my Instagram friends had posted a photo of this space in their home. I guess with good reason. Read along as I share 9 solutions to decorate the space above your toilet. I reveal my new master bath space at the end!
1. Art above the toilet
The possibilities here are truly endless. You can bring color and personal style into your bathroom by hanging art above your toilet.
My personal favorite source for art is Collection Prints. You can buy the downloadable image and print it yourself at a big box store, a local print shop, or somewhere like Shutterfly, or buy the print matted and framed already. They have a great selection that changes seasonally, and is such an affordable option for both on trend and classic prints. Check it out here. They are offering a buy one, get one 50% off sale right now.
Don’t have the budget to spend money on art at the moment? No problem! Try your hand at DIY textured art following an easy step by step tutorial I’ve shared here.
2. Shelving above the toilet
I think shelving can be a great option to not only to add eye catching decor, but also add functionality and storage. To decorate your shelves, you could keep the decor clean and simple, or mix in pops of color with pottery or greenery. With shelves its always good to add your personality to the mix.
You can do this with florals, greenery, woven baskets, or trays. Fill clear canisters with useful bathroom toiletries such as Q-tips and cotton swabs. Get creative! The possibilities are endless but I’m confident you can style your way to the perfect #shelfie.
3. Baskets above the toilet
I’m sure you have seen the “basket wall” before, but have you ever thought of hanging a group or collection of them above your toilet? this is a great solution if you decorate with a boho style, or want to bring some texture or vintage flare into your space.
Speaking of vintage, baskets are something I ALWAYS look for when thrifting at my favorite antique shops or Estate sales! Here’s a list of 10 more things I always buy when thrifting if you’re curious. Still need convincing that you should be shopping secondhand? I outline 5 reasons to thrift home decor here to fight the fast furniture trend. Your home, pocketbook, and the planet will thank you.
Baskets could also be hung above the toilet with the open side facing forward to add functionality and storage. The baskets could store things like linens, room sprays, excess toilet paper, etc.
4. Towel Rods above the toilet
Towel rods can go one of two ways in my opinion, but I think it’s possible to tastefully hang rods to hold towels above the toilet.
For whatever reason, I traditionally view towel rods as dated, and removed all of mine from both of our bathrooms. But rods can be aesthetically pleasing while pulling in metals also found in the cabinet, sink or shower hardware, and is both decorative and functional.
I love how Alexander Interiors has monogrammed towels in this grandmillennial style bathroom. What do you think?
5. Mirrors above the toilet
Mirrors are historically a great way to make a space feel larger. The are possibly the second best option behind a window to make a space feel bigger. They reflect light, and will open up your room immensely. Mirrors are a great idea, especially if you have a smaller bathroom with no to little natural light.
Enjoying this post? Save it for later on Pinterest to refer back to when you need it.
6. Wall mural above the toilet
Ok, have you ever seen anything quite like LeeAnne’s peony wall mural above her toilet?! This was her Spring 2021 One Room Challenge (ORC) reveal, and it’s amazing. The florals bring color, movement and an organic feel to the space. This is one of my favorites, such a creative use of wall decor. I’m going to be honest, I don’t think this wall mural would have come to my mind when brainstorming how to decorate above the toilet, but I’m so glad it came to LeeAnne’s.
Were you here for the Spring 2021 ORC at Emily Rone Home? You can see my final space revealed here.
7. Greenery and florals above the toilet
I was once told that the color every room needs is black, and I think the same could be said for a pop of green. Whether greenery or floral, faux or real, adding a potted or hanging plant breathes life into any space. The toilet area of a bathroom is a great opportunity to add a touch of green, even if it’s a small arrangement as toilet tank decor.
You could also utilize vertical space, and hang plants from the ceiling like my friend Nikki!
8. Wall Treatments above the toilet
Sometimes, simplicity is best. Moving into a new empty home, you may feel tempted to fill every empty space and cover every wall. But this isn’t always necessary. I have found so many beautiful examples of spaces with nothing above the toilet, and it doesn’t look like anything is missing at all.
Although you may not hang anything or have decor, wall treatments can add color, texture and visual interest. Wall treatments can include wainscoting, wallpaper, tile or a combination. I think adding a wall treatment is great to keep the space above your toilet feeling clean, simple, yet anything but boring.
9. Combination
The carousel of pictures below are the evolution of Zenia’s half bath, and I love the way she has decorated in each and every one of them. In the first picture, the wallpaper and wall treatment would have been great as is, but even better with the 1. art, 2. shelf, and 3. greenery! This is how a combo of the above elements is done folks.
Also, anyone notice her beautiful vintage rugs? Read all about vintage rugs in my post here, from what they are, why to buy, and where to purchase!
And last but not least, my new master bath above the toilet reveal! I went with a combination of art and shelf and it makes me happy. I chose to combine this vintage, Parisian postcard print with a shelf to add visual interest and dimension to the space. The shelf can also add functionality in our smaller bathroom with minimal storage.
In the guest bath, I’ve got art and a basket on top of the toilet tank to hold items including a diffuser, room spray, and that touch of greenery we talked about earlier.
So here are 9 neat solutions to decorate the space above your toilet! I hope these are good options for you, and help make your house feel more like home.
