Does your bathroom have a forgotten wall, awkward corner, or neglected niche surrounding the toilet? This often overlooked space offers unique decor potential. But it can be challenging transforming the peculiar dimensions into a stylish feature. Read on for creative tips to take your toilet area from bland to beautiful.
Whether you have a half bath or main bathroom, the area around the toilet is frequently an afterthought. The necessary yet unsightly toilet paper holder and plunger consume prime real estate. And the uneven wall shape makes decorating difficult. But with a little planning and creativity, you can customize this space into a beautiful focal point.
Assess Your Current Toilet Area
First, take stock of the existing wall space around your toilet. Measure the height and length of the available area. Note any current fixtures like towel bars, toilet paper holders, or shelves. Take into account traffic flow so items don’t impede bathroom use. Identify your bathroom’s overall decor style and color scheme. This assessment will help inform optimal decor options tailored to your unique space.
Prep the Space Above Your Toilet
Now it’s time to get the blank canvas above your toilet ready for decorating. Start by removing any outdated or worn items on the wall like old towel rods or art. Fill any holes, prime, and paint the wall if needed so it’s fresh for your new decor. Thoroughly clean all wall surfaces before displaying your new toilet decorations. Proper prep now will help your new decorations properly adhere and look their best.
Floating Shelves for Stylish Storage
Adding floating shelves above your toilet is one of the most popular and functional decorating options. Floating shelves provide discreet storage for extra toilet paper, rolled towels, candles, decor, and more. They maintain a clean, streamlined look without visual clutter. Choose floating shelves in materials like wood, metal, or glass that coordinate with your bathroom’s existing style.
Measure the width of your toilet tank to determine the ideal shelf size. Standard 12-16 inch wide shelves work well so they don’t extend beyond the toilet tank edges. Install shelves at least six inches above the tank lid height. Stagger multiple shelves at varying heights for interest. Style shelves with decorative baskets, rolled linens, flowers, and other coordinating decor.
Rustic Pipe Shelves
For a unique industrial flavor, use exposed pipe shelves instead of traditional floating shelves. Copper, black iron, or galvanized pipe shelves add eye-catching texture above toilets. Cut pipes to custom lengths to fit your space. Add pipe tee and elbow joints to create angled shelves or towel bars. Finish with stylish caps on shelf ends. Then artfully arrange your favorite toilet paper, organic cotton towels, plants, and decor.
Repurposed Ladder Shelf
Give new life to an old wooden ladder as quirky shelving. Repurposed vintage ladders add rustic farmhouse charm above toilets. Sand and stain or paint the ladder your desired hue. Then securely attach with heavy duty anchors. Lean the ladder against the wall, angle as a towel rack, or hang horizontally as shelves. Fill out the ladder shelf with potted greenery, neatly folded linens, artwork, or other decor.
Create an Art Gallery Wall
Turn your blank toilet wall into an art gallery display. Hanging a variety of artwork and photos can add visual interest and personality above your toilet. Mix canvas prints, framed pictures, mounted tiles, mirrors, and photos on the wall. Include family photos, travel mementos, favorite inspiring quotes, or nature prints that make you smile.
Arrange artwork asymmetrically for interest, with smaller pieces surrounding larger anchor pieces. Unify your art gallery with coordinating colors, frames, and decor styles tailored to your overall bathroom aesthetic. This creative feature will turn a nondescript space into a captivating focal point.
Photo Display
Make treasured photos the star above your toilet with a square grid display. Use square frames in identical sizes and solid colors for a cohesive look. Include snapshots of loved ones, fun vacations, or beautiful scenery. Arrange images evenly for a tailored gallery effect. Add small decorative accents around the grid, like mini floating shelves or wall sconces.
Framed Botanical Prints
Incorporate organic elements with framed botanical prints. Vintage flower illustrations, plant diagrams, and watercolor leaves add natural flair. Use warm white and neutral colored mats and frames to unify the set. Hang botanical prints slightly asymmetrically at varying heights for an organic look. Add a woven shelf holding trailing ivy or a vase of fresh blooms to complement the prints.
Get Creative With Fun Wallpapers
Wallpaper is an impactful design choice that can transform lackluster toilet walls. From whimsical patterns to textured metallics, wallpaper options abound. Accent the wall behind or adjacent to the toilet tank. Or wallpaper the entire available space for maximum effect.
Consider peel-and-stick wallpaper if you’re a renter. These removable papers let you customize without permanent changes. Look for prepasted options that activate with water for easy installation. Bold banana leaf prints, Moroccan tiles, or bamboo textures add exotic flair. Or try embossed vinyl papers for dimension. Wallpaper lends playfulness and personality to overlooked toilet walls.
Statement Geometric Print
Make a bold statement above your toilet with graphic black and white wallpaper. Geometric shapes and linear designs have high-impact style. Consider buffalo check, concentric diamonds, or retro-inspired patterns. Pair with black and white bath accessories like monogrammed towels, soap dispensers, and wastebaskets. The contrast will make your geometric print pop.
Textured Grasscloth
For natural texture, grasscloth wallpaper adds organic depth above toilets. Made from woven natural fibers, grasscloth has a visible fiber texture. Earthy neutrals like beige and jute compliment most color schemes. Accent with rattan shelves holding rolled towels, a woven hamper, and green plants. The grasscloth gives an eco-chic look in bathrooms.
Display Collections Above Your Toilet
Showcase your favorite collections of travel trinkets, shells, pottery, or books above your toilet. Group like items together in sets of three or five for visual appeal. Mix items of varying heights, shapes, colors and textures for interest.
For beachy flair, mount a driftwood plank then arrange seashells, sea glass, and starfish. Or attach chicken wire to the wall and display colorful bottles. Group found items from flea markets like birdcages, watering cans, or stacks of well-loved books. This is a great way to proudly display your personal style.
Shadow Box Display
Display special small items in a decorative shadow box above your toilet. Use square or rectangle wood shadow boxes with a frame depth of 2-3 inches. Arrange sentimental souvenirs inside like ticket stubs, postcards, shells, or dried flowers. Attach the shadow box to the wall with picture frame hangers. The box confines items while still showing them off in an organized way.
Plate Display
Show off your favorite vintage china above the toilet with a decorative plate display. Mix plates of different sizes, eras, and patterns for character. Stagger plates asymmetrically on the wall using plate hangers. Try pairing pastel vintage plates with bright white dishes for a cheery contrast. The eclectic arrangement of plates makes a fun focal point.
Add Warm Lighting to Your Toilet Area
Proper lighting can make all the difference in your new toilet decor. Pot lights above the tank provide helpful task lighting. Wall sconces on either side of the toilet frame the space beautifully. Swap outdated lighting for new fixtures that match your decor style.
Opt for smart light bulbs to set just the right mood. Program bulbs to daylight white for day and soft white for night. Or choose color-changing bulbs to coordinate with towels or bathmats. Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for a well-illuminated toilet area.
Sconces
Install elegant wall sconces on each side of the toilet tank for symmetry and style. Opt for plug-in sconces to make wiring easy. Go for metal, glass, or natural wood materials. Then choose either down-lighting or up-lighting fixtures depending on your needs. Dim sconces deliver relaxing ambiance to the bathroom. They’re an easy upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.
Vanity Lighting
Incorporate sleek LED vanity strips above or alongside the toilet. Backlit LED strips cast even, practical light perfect for bathroom tasks. Attach strips directly to the wall or under floating shelves. Cool white lights enhance brightness, while warm white delivers a cozier effect. Set the strip on a timer or dimmer for greater control.
Incorporate Rustic Pipe Shelving
The industrial character of pipe shelves feels simultaneously vintage and modern. Black iron, copper, or galvanized steel pipes add eye-catching appeal above toilets. Customize pipe shelves to fit your exact space and storage needs.
Measure and cut pipes to size, allowing room for joints. Connect shelf pipes using elbows, tees, and couplings for an angled design. Use floor flanges anchored into wall studs for sturdy shelf mounting. Finish off with end caps and wood boards for shelving surfaces. Style with rolled linens, flowers, and decor for rustic charm.
Towel Rack Shelves
Take advantage of vertical wall space with metal pipe towel racks. Run pipes from the floor to ceiling and attach multiple towel bars using connectors. Or mount two short towel racks horizontally as floating shelves. These handy pipe racks add industrial style while maximizing functional space around the toilet.
Two-Tiered Shelves
Get decorative and functional storage with two-tiered pipe shelves. Mount the bottom longer shelf above the toilet tank. Then use pipe connectors to install a shorter top shelf. The upper shelf is ideal for displaying vases, candles, or decor. While the lower shelf can neatly store rolled towels and toilet paper. The dual floating shelves make an artistic statement.
Repurpose Items as Toilet Decor
Give cast-off vintage finds new life in your toilet space. An old window frame instantly becomes statement wall art. Arrange collections in repurposed jars or bottles for rustic open storage. Hang a retro suitcase or unique carved door atop the toilet.
Check out antique shops, garage sales, and flea markets for potential upcycle decor. With a little creativity, you can transform old items into charming toilet decor. This is an inexpensive way to add personal panache. Allow treasured possessions to live on in bathroom splendor.
Repurposed Window Display
Turn a recovered antique window into a showstopping focal point over the toilet. Look for a window with multiple panes, interesting trim, or unique character. Refinish or paint the frame to freshen it up. Then attach the window box securely to the wall. Style the window box with mini planters, candles, or other decor visible through the glass.
Curio Cabinet
Display your collections in an old curio cabinet above your toilet. Seek out vintage cabinets with glass doors, shelves, and illumination. Refresh the cabinet frame with new hardware or a coat of paint if desired. Then artfully arrange your favorite objects within for guests to admire. The transparent cabinet becomes a decorative feature on the wall.
Keep Scale and Safety in Mind
When decorating around the toilet, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind. Overly large or heavy storage solutions can compromise stability. Ensure shelves and wall mounted items are securely fastened into studs.
Check recommended weight limits for your chosen hardware. Avoid placing fragile objects or anything top-heavy near the edge where it could fall. Also consider easy maintenance access to any plumbing or toilet components.
Additionally, leave some negative space around decor displays. Crowding the area with too many items will make the room feel cluttered. Maintain good sight lines and avoid impediments. With smart decor scale and placement, you can enhance – not hinder – your bathroom function.
The toilet area offers prime, often underutilized real estate to add style. With the right wall decor, lighting, and storage solutions, you can completely transform boring toilet surroundings. Use these clever tips to create a beautiful new focal point and maximize every inch.
Turnoreo your once empty wall into a creative art gallery or shelf display. Have fun with wallpaper, collections, or repurposed vintage items. Add warm lighting and greenery for ambiance. The decor options are endless. Your toilet will go from an afterthought to an attractive feature.
With a little imagination, any unused space, angle, or corner around the toilet can become a decorative highlight. Follow these ideas to stylishly customize your toilet area into a comfortable, eye-catching oasis you’ll be excited to show off.
Use a Bold Wallpaper:
Adding wallpaper to the walls above the toilet can be a bold and stylish decorating idea. You can choose from a variety of patterns and colors to create a focal point in the bathroom. This works particularly well in smaller bathrooms where a statement wallpaper can really make an impact.
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Create a Green Space:
Adding some lush greenery above the toilet can bring a natural and calming element to your bathroom. You can use hanging planters, wall-mounted planters, or simply place a small potted plant on a shelf. This can also help purify the air in your bathroom, which is a win-win situation.
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Utilize a Mirrored Medicine Cabinet:
If your bathroom doesn’t have a lot of storage space, consider replacing your old medicine cabinet with a mirrored one. This can serve as a functional and stylish piece above the toilet, as it will provide additional storage space and also serve as a mirror.
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Use a Statement Light Fixture:
Installing a bold and statement light fixture above the toilet can add a unique and eye-catching touch to your bathroom. You can choose from a variety of styles, including chandeliers, pendant lights, and sconces, to create the perfect look for your bathroom.
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Create a Gallery Wall:
Creating a gallery wall above the toilet can be a great way to add personality and style to your bathroom. You can use a mix of framed prints, photographs, and art to create a cohesive and visually appealing display.
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Use a Floating Bathroom Sink:
If you have the budget and the space, consider installing a floating bathroom sink above the toilet. This can create a sleek and modern look, while also freeing up floor space.
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Add a Cozy Rug:
Adding a cozy and soft rug above the toilet can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your bathroom. You can choose from a variety of colors and materials, depending on your personal style.
