When it comes to decorating a bathroom, certain common items can surprisingly cheapen its overall look. The worst part? They are often things we overlook but are incredibly easy to fix and avoid.
Let's dive into the 15 things that might be completely ruining your bathroom's aesthetic without you even realizing it, and the simple solutions to fix them.
1. The Open, Lidless Trash Can
Let's be honest. Every time you walk into the bathroom, the last thing you want to see is used tissues or other waste. An open trash can is not only visually unappealing, but it also fails to contain odors, affecting the entire ambiance. It immediately makes the space feel neglected and unpleasant.
The Fix: Opt for a trash can with a lid that complements your bathroom's style. You can find beautiful options in stainless steel, wood, metal, or even rattan to achieve a minimalist, warm, or organic look. For extra functionality and hygiene, choose one with a foot pedal so you never have to touch it with your hands.
2. Wet Toilet Paper on the Sink
Who hasn’t reached for the toilet paper only to find it damp or completely soaked? This happens when there's no dedicated, dry place to put it, so it ends up on the only available surface: the wet sink counter.
The Fix: This has a simple and affordable solution: a toilet paper holder. Adhesive models are fantastic because you can stick them anywhere—on the side of a vanity, on the wall, or any nearby surface—without drilling holes. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry before installation. Alternatively, freestanding towers can hold multiple rolls, which is a great functional bonus.
3. Plastic Floor Organizing Towers
While popular, those plastic towers or caddies that sit on the floor are not doing your bathroom any favors. They take up valuable floor space (critical in a small bathroom), are often made of cheap-looking plastic, and worst of all, they trap water, leading to grime and bad odors.
The Fix: Instead of floor units, choose wall-mounted organizers. Look for minimalist structures in stainless steel or matte black that have slatted shelves for proper water drainage. Many high-quality models come with strong adhesives that last for years, even with weight on them.
4. Old Soap Bars and Mismatched Bottles
A collection of half-used, dry soap bars in the corner, along with a chaotic mix of generic shampoo, conditioner, and cream bottles, creates visual clutter.
The Fix:
For bar soap: Place it on a beautiful soap dish that matches your decor.
For liquids: Transfer your shampoo, conditioner, and soaps into a coordinated set of dispensers. You can find stunning options in amber glass, ceramic, or minimalist plastic. This simple change groups the items visually, making the entire space feel more organized, clean, and spa-like.
5. The Broken Toilet Seat
A classic problem! A broken or wobbly toilet seat is not only uncomfortable but makes the entire toilet look old and poorly maintained.
The Fix: You don't need to replace the whole toilet! You can easily buy a new toilet seat and replace it yourself. This instantly makes your toilet look brand new. Consider upgrading to a soft-close model for a more modern and functional touch. While you're at it, check the flush lever and the sealant at the base of the toilet—replacing a rusty lever or old, stained silicone are two more cheap fixes that make a huge impact.
6. Overly-Matching Bathroom Sets
Those sets where the toilet seat cover, the rug, the shower curtain, and the towels are all the exact same pattern are a thing of the past. They often look dated and limit your creativity.
The Fix: Mix and match with style. Start with a neutral palette (white, beige, light gray) for your main items. Then, play with textures. If you have a simple shower curtain, choose a rug with a rich texture. Add a pop of color with your towels. This creates a more curated, personal, and modern look.
7. Overly Thematic Decor
The classic nautical theme with decorative anchors, steering wheels, and signs that say "Beach" is a perfect example of this. Taking a theme too literally often looks predictable and dated.
The Fix: Use a theme for inspiration, not for literal interpretation. Instead of a sign that says "Beach," use soft blue tiles in your backsplash. Instead of a decorative anchor, hang abstract art with ocean-like colors and movement. Incorporate natural wood, organic shapes, and textures that evoke the feeling of the coast in a more elegant and subtle way.
8. Rusted Fixtures and Accessories
Rust on your trash can, towel bars, or shower caddy instantly makes a space look old, dirty, and neglected, even if it's clean.
The Fix: If the rust is minor, you can try cleaning it with vinegar or baking soda. However, if the piece is badly damaged or peeling, it's best to replace it. Opt for accessories made of high-quality stainless steel or aluminum, especially if you live in a humid area, as they resist rust much better.
9. Old, Frayed, and Discolored Towels
We get used to our old towels, but a towel that is frayed, stained, or has a faded color immediately lowers the perceived quality of the entire bathroom.
The Fix: Invest in a few sets of nice towels that are in good condition. You can use them to add style to your bathroom. White is always a classic, clean choice. For a natural look, try earthy tones like sand, stone, or olive green. For a fresh, coastal vibe, go for deep blues or simple blue stripes.
10. Bad Odors
You can have the most beautifully decorated bathroom in the world, but if it smells bad, all that effort is wasted. Smell is a key part of the design.
The Fix:
Ventilation: Always air out the bathroom, especially after a shower.
Essential Oils: Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like eucalyptus or lavender) inside the cardboard tube of the toilet paper roll. Every time it spins, it will release a subtle, fresh scent.
Clean the Toilet Brush Holder: This is a common source of bad smells. Sprinkle some baking soda with a few drops of essential oil in the bottom of the holder to neutralize odors.
11. Dirty or Stained Grout
It doesn't matter how clean your tiles are; if the grout lines between them are dark, moldy, or stained, the entire surface will look dirty.
The Fix: Clean the grout regularly with a mix of baking soda and vinegar or a specialized grout cleaner. If you are renovating, consider using a slightly darker grout color like light gray or beige, as it's much easier to maintain than pure white.
12. Exposed Pipes Under the Sink
Visible pipes, especially if they are old, stained plastic or covered in peeling chrome, can ruin the look of your vanity area.
The Fix: The best solution is a vanity cabinet that hides the plumbing completely. If that's not an option, you can paint the pipes the same color as the wall to help them blend in. For a more design-forward look in an industrial or modern bathroom, you can even invest in decorative pipes in matte black or brass.
13. A Tiny, Undersized Mirror
A mirror that is too small for the vanity looks like an afterthought and can make the entire bathroom feel smaller and less grand.
The Fix: Choose a mirror that is proportional to your sink or vanity—ideally, it should be about the same width. In a small bathroom, a larger mirror is a great trick to make the space feel bigger and brighter by reflecting light. Consider mirrors with interesting frames (wood, metal) or integrated backlighting for a sophisticated touch.
14. Generic, Boring Faucets
The standard, default chrome faucet does its job, but it adds absolutely no personality to your bathroom.
The Fix: Upgrading your faucet is a relatively simple change that can dramatically elevate the look of your sink. Choose a finish and style that aligns with your other accessories. Matte black, brushed gold, or bronze faucets can add a huge amount of character and make the space feel custom-designed.
15. Bad Lighting
A single, harsh light bulb in the center of the ceiling is one of the biggest mistakes in bathroom design. It creates unflattering shadows on your face and makes the entire space feel flat and lifeless.
The Fix: The best lighting for a bathroom vanity is frontal light. Place light fixtures (sconces) on both sides of the mirror at eye level. This provides even, shadow-free illumination. If you can't do that, a mirror with integrated LED lighting is an excellent alternative. Always choose a warm, neutral light temperature (around 3000K) for the most flattering glow.
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