12 Genius Renter-Friendly Bathroom Decorating Ideas to Make It Look Custom

We're sharing genius renter-friendly bathroom decorating ideas.

When it comes to living in a rental, you may feel limited on what you can do, but you'll be surprised at how you can transform a space — and there's no exception for the bathroom.

Whether it's your master bath, guest bath, or the only bathroom you have in your apartment, making it reflect your design style and personality is a must.

Having lived in multiple apartments over the past few years, we know the struggle of knowing what to do with a basic, builder-grade apartment, but we also know that that's where endless design possibility begins.

That's why we're sharing 12 genius renter-friendly bathroom decorating ideas that will completely transform your space and make it feel custom. It's all about working with what you have, adding detail, and swapping some elements to truly make it a space you can unwind in after a long day.

This post is all about renter-friendly bathroom decorating ideas.

12 Genius Renter-Friendly Bathroom Decorating Ideas

1. Paint!

Whether you're painting your bathroom walls or painting your bathroom cabinets, a new coat of paint always seems to transform the space. Use a soft white to brighten a small rental bathroom or choose a color to add personality and warmth to your bathroom cabinets.

We recommend choosing the design style you like, gathering inspiration pictures from Pinterest, and then deciding on the paint colors that you think would be best in your bathroom.

*Reminder: As with any of these changes, check with your landlord, super, or apartment management to make sure that they are okay with you making these changes.

2. Add Personality with Peel & Stick Wallpaper

We are obsessed with using peel-and-stick wallpaper in spaces, and the bathroom is no different. It has a way of adding such personality to a space. Plus, there are so many beautiful floral, geometric, and simple wallpaper designs to choose from.

3. Swap Out Your Mirror

Replacing your mirror with a cuter mirror option can make all the difference. It's such a small, easy swap that can completely transform the aesthetic of a space.

A bathroom is a great place to have fun with your mirror options. Maybe choose one with a unique frame or one with a fun, unexpected shape.

4. Change the Light Fixtures

Apartments often come with the cheapest (and unaesthetic) light options, so swapping them out with fresh, modern light fixtures is a great way to add personality to your bathroom.

To make this a renter-friendly decor hack, make sure to keep the original light fixture in a closet or storage, that way you can swap it out when you leave.

5. Swap Out Cabinet Hardware

Changing the hardware in your bathroom is such an easy and affordable way to add your design style and a touch of character to a space. Replacing the cabinet pulls and knobs with something more aesthetic will make it feel more custom.

6. Use Peel & Stick Floor Tiles

Do you have basic or outdated flooring in your rental bathroom? Covering it with peel-and-stick floor tiles is a great solution to creating a completely different vibe in your space. Not only are they durable for your bathroom, but when you're ready to move out they easily come out without damaging the existing floor.

7. Replace Basic Faucets, Shower Heads, and Towel Hooks

Rental apartments and homes often have faucets, shower heads, and towel hooks that are outdated too. This can be a bit more of an expense, but if you plan on staying in your apartment for multiple years, we highly recommend making the swap.

It adds an elevated look and feel to your bathroom. You'll be shocked at what a new faucet and matching hand towel hook can do in a space.

8. Hang Wall Art

Hanging wall art is such a simple way to bring your design style into a space. A super affordable way to add beautiful wall art to your bathroom is by buying downloadable prints from Etsy (we get a lot of ours for less than $5).

After you download them, send them to Walgreens or a local print shop to print them in the correct dimensions of your frames. Then you can install them on your bathroom walls!

9. Add Board and Batten for Character

Board and batten add so much character to a space. It's such a simple way to make a dramatic change to your basic apartment or rental home. Painting it a moody color adds depth and contrast to the space too.

10. Upgrade Switch Plates

Upgrading switch plates is not something a lot of people think to do, however, it's a small swap that can elevate the mood of the space. Plus, it's an easy and affordable way to make your rental bathroom feel custom.

11. Add a Cute Floor Rug

Rugs are a great way to tie a space together. We love the idea of adding a cute, small area rug in front of a shower or sink cabinet. Choose one that matches the design style or aesthetic you want to achieve in your bathroom.

12. Style with Finishing Touches

Lastly, you can't forget about the finishing touches. These are the small decorative elements that will make your bathroom feel expertly styled and curated.

Add a cute bathroom towel on a hook, install floating shelves above your toilet for storage and an additional design element, and decorate with cute bathroom counter accessories.

This post is all about renter-friendly bathroom decorating ideas.