Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

You deserve an upgrade: 20 gorgeous master bathroom decor ideas

Renovating your bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms to remodel — but it also gives you one of the biggest returns on investments. On average, it’s estimated that people spend between $10-25K on the main bathroom remodel. Of course, this depends on the size and materials you plan to use. A medium-sized bathroom (40-100 square feet) will run on the lower size and a large main bath (100-220 square feet) will be at the top. Then again, even a small bathroom can cost a lot to remodel if you pick top-of-the-line fixtures, tiles, and appliances.

The good news is no matter your budget, there are tons of master bathroom ideas that will look gorgeous. It’s a room where you spend a lot of time getting ready, hiding from your kids (kidding — sort of), and relaxing, so you want to invest in it. Here are some ideas to get the most out of your design.

What to consider when deciding on a bathroom design

Like a kitchen, you want the form and function to be considered equally.

  • Freestanding tubs: If you want a freestanding copper bathtub, you want to make sure it’s safe and accessible.
  • Deep soaking tubs: If it’s a deep soaking tub, make sure there are handles or support to get yourself in and out. You also want to consider the length so you don’t get in and have trouble fitting end to end.
  • Luxury fixtures: If you love taking a long shower, think about different fixtures like a mister, rain showerheads, and massagers coming out of the walls.
  • Double vanities: If you and your partner get ready at the same time in the morning, splurging on a double vanity may be a good idea.
  • Saunas: If you really want to go all out and have the room, consider putting in a small sauna for a spa-like feel. It may be as simple as remodeling an old linen closet.
Modern bathroom vanity

How can I repurpose furniture for the bathroom?

One idea we love is remodeling or repurposing furniture that may need some love or that you found at an estate sale and don’t know what to do with.

  • Use an old dining room serving table as a vanity by refinishing it and cutting out drawers and the back to fit plumbing.
  • If you have an old corner cabinet, turn it into a place to store bathroom products.
  • If you have an old kitchen cabinet, take off the old door, replace it with a mirror or glass, and use it as a storage fixture over your toilet.
bathroom vintage ladder
PLUSone/Shutterstock

How can I set the mood?

Being able to close the bathroom doors and have time to find peace and quiet is essential in a main bathroom.

  • Dimmer switches: We always recommend using a dimmer switch on any bathroom lighting. Not only does it help ease you into the bright light of the morning, no one wants to take a deep soak in a bath with the lights blaring above you.
  • Dramatic lighting: Another option is including candles, sconces, or other lighting options throughout the room to use as lighting or to set the mood if you want to.
  • Mirrored tiles: You can also find tiles like this smoky mirrored tile from Tile Bar to add another element of luxury.
  • Soft textiles: Finally, splurge on textiles like a super soft bathroom rug and a fleece, body-length robe to get yourself ready in the morning. If you have the room, you can layer textiles like two rugs of different sizes on top of each other for a more dramatic effect.

Add luxurious decor

We love going all out in a main bathroom.

  • Go glam. Find gold or metallic wall art and hang it gallery-style on a focal wall. If you want to be dramatic, hang it across the entire wall, leaving only a few inches at the top and a maybe two feet on the bottom.
  • Add bold wallpaper. We also love wallpaper in the bathroom. Go with a bold print that you may not use in a larger room of your home.
  • Don’t be afraid of color. Play a bit with colors like sage green, midnight blue, and gold to really make a statement.
  • Create a statement mural. You can also have a mural painted on one wall — maybe from a famous artist or an artistic child — and make that your main focus.
rustic bathroom with stone walls

Find a statement piece

We love having one bold statement piece in a bathroom. Maybe it’s a refurbished clawfoot tub you found in an antique store. You could rescue an old barn door and use that as the main bathroom door that separates it from the bedroom. If you have a large main bath, you could also have your statement piece be a wingback chair or antique vanity you found to create extra sitting space. All of these have a home in your bathroom if you anchor them with more minimalist decor in other areas.

The purpose of a main bathroom is to design a space where you want to spend time. It’s a room where you can take risks with color, patterns, and textiles to create an oasis that allows you to escape from the stresses of the day and regroup. We don’t think you can go wrong with any of the above ideas — the only thing holding you back is your imagination.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Julie Scagell
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
5 clever outdoor lighting ideas even if you don’t have a big backyard
These space-saving outdoor lighting ideas can be great additions to your patio or balcony
Small outdoor cozy patio with soft lighting

When you don’t have much space to work with, you have to look for clever outdoor lighting solutions that function appropriately and don’t ruin the look of your exterior design. For those of us with small outdoor spaces like a patio or balcony, unique lighting solutions that don’t require a ton of space are a must.

So today, we’ll share five unique outdoor lighting ideas ideal for small outdoor spaces that don't sacrifice your design, and we'll show you how best to style these lighting solutions, so you can create functional decor that fits your home. Whether you prefer string lights outdoors or something more unique, we have some solutions for you.
Firefly lights
If you’re looking for a cute space-saving lighting solution for your patio or balcony this summer, look no further than . These solar-powered lights look like little swaying lights in the summer breeze. Place them in your planter boxes or outdoor pots to illuminate your space. They aren’t bulky and won’t hinder your plants. Instead, they might just add a whimsical touch to your mini garden. Alternatively, you can place these stakes in the ground to line the edges of your outdoor patio. They fit perfectly alongside bushes and small shrubbery without appearing out of place.
Mushroom stake lights
With aesthetics like cottagecore, whimsigothic, and fairycore gaining prominence among apartment dwellers, lighting like  is a fantastic idea for creating the perfect fantasy landscape. Great for balcony planter boxes, mini gardens, or small pathways, these mushroom stake lights are super compact. You can choose between 12 and 24 mushroom lights to stake around your patio or in planters on your balcony for a mystical look. And for homeowners who want something more spunky and unique, there’s also multicolored options.

Read more
These living room wall decor ideas make your room classy, modern, and fun
Revamping your living room? Try these tasteful and inviting decor ideas
Living room with wall decor

If you're decorating — or redecorating — your living room, you know that the wall decor sets the tone of the room. You want this space to be classy and modern, yet fun, comfortable, and inviting. So which living room wall decor ideas do you choose?

For living room walls that are just as tasteful as they are warm and exciting, try these six living room wall decor ideas.

Read more
What is a bidet? COVID-era trend or bathroom mainstay? We tell you everything you need to know
Thinking about getting a bidet for your bathroom? Here are the facts
White bidet screwed to a gray-tiled wall

If you live in the U.S., you’ve probably thought to yourself at some point, "What is a bidet?" Most Americans don’t grow up using them, because they're not in public restrooms, and the toilet paper method largely reigns supreme. 

Therefore, Americans may have lots of questions when it comes to bidets in their bathrooms. While bidets became more popular in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic when toilet paper was flying off store shelves, there is still an air of mystery around bidets and whether they should be here to stay.

Read more