30 Apartment Bathroom Decor Ideas

Living in an apartment often means living with builder-grade bathrooms.

But guess what? You don’t need a renovation budget or a landlord’s permission to make a major impact!

We’ve rounded up 30 genius, temporary, and totally doable apartment bathroom decor ideas to elevate your rental from drab to totally fab. Let’s dive in!

1. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Accent

Add a renter-safe, moisture-resistant vinyl wallpaper behind the vanity, above the toilet, or on one accent wall. This instantly changes the mood without picking up a paintbrush (and dealing with that inevitable security deposit headache). Look for bold geometrics or calming textures.

2. Over-Toilet Shelving

That awkward space above the porcelain throne is prime real estate! Install a slim standing shelf or use Command hooks for a floating option. It’s the perfect spot for rolled towels, small plants, and baskets, adding storage without cluttering the floor.

3. Matching Countertop Set

Ditch the mismatched bottles! Swapping your random hand soap and toothbrush holder for a coordinated, high-quality set is the fastest way to achieve that “adulting” look. Uniform accessories make even a tiny, basic vanity appear polished and intentional.

4. Neutral Fabric Shower Curtain

Upgrade from that standard vinyl liner. A neutral fabric shower curtain in linen, cotton, or a waffle weave (think beige, white, or gentle gray) instantly softens the light and elevates the space. It helps your bathroom feel like “home,” not a questionable motel. (Just remember a liner!)

5. Wooden Bath Tray

Seriously commit to self-care with a bamboo or teak bath tray. It bridges the gap between your tub edges, adding essential warmth and providing a dedicated, dry spot for your wine glass, tablet, or a good book. Perfect for maximizing spa nights in a tiny tub (we all deserve those).

6. Real or Faux Eucalyptus Bundle

Tie a bundle of real eucalyptus and hang it just out of the direct spray of the showerhead. The steam activates the oils, releasing a gorgeous, calming, spa-like scent. If you’re not into the upkeep, a nice faux bundle provides the organic, green look just fine!

7. Plug-In Wall Sconces

Overhead vanity lights are the enemy of good selfies and makeup. Combat the harshness by adding plug-in wall sconces on either side of your mirror. Choose warm-toned bulbs to instantly improve both the lighting quality and the overall mood.

8. Black or Brass Hardware Swap

If your handles and knobs are stuck in the 90s, fake a modern upgrade! Use adhesive hooks for robes and towels, and look for stick-on film or removable wraps to temporarily change chrome faucets to matte black or brushed gold.

9. Framed Art Prints

Don’t let your landlord’s paint job be the only thing on the walls. Hang two to three small, moisture-safe art prints or photography above the towel bar. Black frames offer a clean, sophisticated look and are easily hung using renter-friendly adhesive strips.

10. Natural Fiber Bath Mat

Your bath mat is the equivalent of an area rug—it grounds the space! Trade synthetic, fluffy mats for something with texture, like a jute, woven cotton, or bamboo mat. Neutrals add warmth and sophistication without competing with your other decor.

11. Woven Baskets for Toilet Paper

Why hide your extra toilet paper when you can make it look cute? Store extra rolls in a single, decorative, woven basket near the toilet. It looks far more intentional than a random plastic pack and keeps things very reachable.

12. Clear Glass Jar Storage

Countertops look instantly cleaner when small clutter is contained. Decant cotton balls, swabs, and bath salts into clear glass apothecary jars. This open, visible storage style is functional, tidy, and gives off major five-star hotel vibes.

13. Small Bathroom Plant

Bring a little life into the room! If you have a tiny shelf or the edge of the vanity, add a mini faux fern or a low-maintenance succulent. Since most rental bathrooms lack windows, faux options are often your friend here.

14. Adhesive Mirror Frame

That frameless, contractor-grade mirror is a dead giveaway you’re renting. Solve the problem with a peel-and-stick mirror frame kit. It adds dimension, elevates the look, and can be installed in under 10 minutes—truly miraculous.

15. Acrylic Towel Hooks

If you don’t want to use the standard towel bar (or don’t have one!), opt for clear or acrylic adhesive hooks. They nearly disappear into the background and are perfect for hanging robes and towels securely on tile or painted walls without damaging surfaces.

16. Matching Towel Set

Monochromatic is key in small spaces. Ditch the colorful, mismatched towels you’ve collected and commit to all-white or all-beige towels. A single, cohesive palette reads instantly calm, luxurious, and makes a small bathroom feel less visually cluttered.

17. Slim Rolling Cart

Storage is precious! A slim, multi-tiered rolling cart is a lifesaver for stashing hair tools, extra products, or cleaning supplies. When company stops by, just roll it discreetly into a closet or behind the door.

18. Candle on a Tray

Elevate your scent game. Place your favorite scented candle on a tiny, decorative tray (like marble or metal). This defines a styled zone, catches any wax drips, and makes the small act of lighting a candle feel intentional and chic.

19. Marble Countertop Film

Got laminate that’s seen better days? A high-quality peel-and-stick marble or granite film can be placed right over stained or dated countertops. It’s surprisingly durable, wipes clean, and peels off residue-free before you move out.

20. Wall-Mounted Soap Dispenser

If your counter space is non-existent, use the wall! Install a refillable, stick-on soap and shampoo dispenser in the shower or next to the sink. It frees up major surface area and looks much more streamlined than individual plastic bottles.

21. Rope Shelf Above Toilet

For a touch of boho chic, look for a lightweight wooden shelf suspended by rope. You can often hang these safely using heavy-duty Command hooks (always check the weight limit!). Perfect for holding a small succulent or two rolled hand towels.

22. Textured Wall Stickers

Plain, blank walls are begging for texture. Instead of trying to install real tile, use matte tile-look stickers or subtle patterned wall decals. They add depth and dimension and are completely temporary.

23. Perfume Tray Styling

Treat your fragrances like art! Gather your favorite perfumes and colognes and arrange them beautifully on a mirrored or metallic vanity tray. It instantly transforms scattered clutter into a chic, controlled vignette.

24. Faucet Cover Wrap

This is one of the ultimate rental cheats. Look for removable, snap-on sleeves or caps designed to cover your existing dated chrome faucet in a modern finish like matte black or brushed gold. It’s an upgrade that takes seconds!

25. Over-Door Organizer

Utilize the back of the door! A canvas or plastic over-the-door organizer is essential for apartments where cabinet or linen closet space is limited. Use the pockets to stash hair tools, cleaning supplies, and extra toiletries.

26. LED Strip Under Mirror

Want that soft, back-lit vanity glow? Use warm-toned LED strip tape (the kind with an adhesive backing) and apply it to the back perimeter of your mirror. It provides fantastic ambient lighting and makes your basic mirror look like a high-end fixture.

27. Hanging Macrame Planter

Take advantage of vertical space! Hang a tiny plant (real or faux) in a macrame planter holder from a Command hook on the ceiling or near a window. It adds a bohemian touch and keeps counter surfaces clear.

28. Peel-and-Stick Tub Tile

If your backsplash is nonexistent, use high-quality peel-and-stick tile sheets around the tub surround or sink area. You can achieve a subway tile or hex mosaic look in one afternoon, and it removes cleanly when your lease is up.

29. Minimal Letter Sign

Add a little personality without adding visual noise. A tiny, minimal sign that says “Bath,” “Relax,” or even something silly can add charm. The key is keeping the font simple and the colors neutral to avoid the overly “busy” aesthetic.

30. Rolled “Hotel” Towels in Basket

Channel your inner hotelier! Take your clean, white towels and roll them tightly (like they do at a spa) and stack them neatly in a large, woven floor basket. It looks inviting, luxurious, and makes guests feel welcome.

These 30 ideas prove that small changes—like a new shower curtain or a tiny wall sign—can make the biggest difference in your rental.

Which of these genius apartment bathroom decor hacks are you trying this weekend? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to share this with a friend struggling with a tiny bathroom, and pin your favorites for later!