Decorating Above Toilet: Stylish Ideas to Elevate Your Bathroom

by Mae Osz on Jan 12, 2026

Are you wondering how decorating above toilet can completely transform your bathroom?

I’ve always seen this small, often forgotten area as a brilliant opportunity to make a real style statement. It’s a little canvas just waiting for a touch of personality.

So many people leave it bare, but with a bit of thought, you can turn a purely functional spot into something truly beautiful that reflects your style.

This article is here to give you a host of creative and practical ideas for decorating above toilet. We will cover everything from choosing the right art and shelving to adding greenery and perfect lighting.

My goal is to inspire you to see this space with fresh eyes and create something you love looking at every day.

List of Contents

Art and Mirrors to Create a Focal Point
Smart Shelving for Style and Storage
Bringing in Greenery and Harmonious Colour
Lighting and Small Space Solutions
Budget-Friendly Tips and Common Pitfalls

Art and Mirrors to Create a Focal Point

One of the most effective ways to make an impact is with wall art. It’s a fantastic choice for decorating above toilet because it instantly sets a mood.

Are you aiming for a spa-like sanctuary? A calming seascape or a botanical print could be perfect.

For a more modern touch, a bold set of 3 Boho pieces can add a splash of energy.

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When choosing, think about materials. A standard paper print in a simple frame might warp in a humid bathroom.

That’s why our canvas prints, acrylic, or metal prints from our collection of bathroom decor for walls are often better choices. They are designed to withstand moisture while looking fabulous.

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Alternatively, a mirror is a classic designer’s trick. A beautifully framed mirror isn’t just for checking your reflection; it makes a small bathroom feel larger and brighter by bouncing light around the room. Look for unique shapes like round, arched, or hexagonal mirrors to add more character than a standard rectangle.

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When it comes to scale, a single large piece of art often makes a bigger statement than several small ones. However, a curated gallery wall of three small, cohesive prints can also work beautifully if you get the balance right. This is a key aspect of effective bathroom decor.

Smart Shelving for Style and Storage

Shelving is the perfect marriage of style and function, especially when you’re short on space. My personal favourite for a clean, minimalist look is floating above toilet shelving.

These shelves don’t feel bulky and create a streamlined appearance. The secret to making them look great is to avoid clutter.

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I always suggest a ‘rule of three’ when styling: group items in threes, like a small plant, a scented candle, and a stack of neatly folded hand towels. This creates a balanced, curated display. This approach to decorating above toilet turns storage into a design feature.

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Ladder shelves that lean against the wall are brilliant for renters as they don’t require drilling. A small etagere can also provide multiple tiers of display space. For functionality, use stylish containers like wicker baskets or glass jars from our home decor accessories collection to store practical items like cotton buds or spare toilet rolls.

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This keeps essentials handy but beautifully hidden, which is a core principle of great home styling. As experts in thoughtful architectural design for home spaces also note, every corner of the home should be both beautiful and practical.

Bringing in Greenery and Harmonious Colour

Nothing breathes life into a bathroom quite like a touch of green. The natural humidity makes it an ideal environment for certain bathroom plant ideas.

Plants like ferns, spider plants, or a trailing pothos will thrive here. You can display them in several ways: a small potted plant on a shelf, a trailing plant in a hanging basket, or even a few stems of eucalyptus in a vase for a simple, fragrant touch. The greenery adds a pop of natural colour and texture.

Speaking of colour, the decor you choose can either blend in with a neutral palette or act as a bold accent. For example, a dark-painted feature wall behind the toilet can make light-coloured shelves or artwork stand out beautifully.

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This is where thoughtful decorating above toilet can tie the whole room together. To help you visualise, I’ve put together a simple table with some ideas. You can also explore our shop by colour scheme page for more inspiration.

Bathroom Colour Scheme Inspiration

Wall Colour	Accent Elements	Resulting Style
Neutral (White/Beige)	Natural Wood & Green Plants	Scandinavian / Calm
Dark (Navy/Forest Green)	Metallic Accents (Brass/Gold)	Modern / Luxe
Pastel (Soft Pink/Mint)	White Ceramics & Light Art	Soft / Serene
Monochrome (Grey/Black)	Bold Abstract Prints	Contemporary / Edgy

Lighting and Small Space Solutions

Never underestimate the power of good lighting. It can turn your decor from an afterthought into a true feature. Consider installing a stylish wall sconce above your artwork to highlight it. Alternatively, a small, battery-powered lamp on a shelf can add a warm, inviting glow in the evenings. This is especially effective for creating a relaxing atmosphere.

For small bathrooms, which are so common in UK homes, the goal is to add personality without creating clutter. This is where smart small bathroom storage ideas come in. Verticality is your best friend here.

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Think tall, narrow shelving or hanging prints one above the other to draw the eye upward and create a sense of height. As mentioned earlier, a well-placed mirror is one of the most effective tricks for making a compact bathroom feel more open. For a truly minimalist approach to decorating above toilet in a tiny space, a single, beautifully framed piece of art is often more than enough.

Our collection of minimalist art prints is perfect for this very purpose.

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Budget-Friendly Tips and Common Pitfalls

Great style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. You can find beautiful decor at local charity shops or frame attractive postcards or fabric remnants for a unique touch. A simple DIY project, like painting an old frame in a bold colour, can also make a huge difference. The most important thing is to choose something you love.

However, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. The biggest one I see is clutter. It’s always better to have one meaningful item than ten random ones. Another is ignoring scale; a tiny picture on a large wall can look lost and awkward. Also, be sure to avoid items that aren’t moisture-resistant. Steam can damage precious photos or unsealed wood over time.

Thoughtful decorating above toilet is about curation, not cost. A well-chosen, inexpensive print from our art prints collection can look just as stylish as a pricey piece of bathroom wall art.

Final Thoughts: Combining Function and Style in Decorating Above Toilet

I hope you now see the space above your toilet as a fantastic opportunity for personal expression. The best results come from thoughtfully combining aesthetics, like art and plants, with practical function, such as smart shelving and good lighting.

Successful decorating above toilet is all about creating a small moment of joy and style in an unexpected place. Have fun with your project and make the space truly your own.

More about…

Embark on a journey of transforming your bathroom's forgotten corners. Learn how to choose the perfect accents for your space. Join us as we explore the topic of Stylish Ideas for Decorating Above Your Toilet. Click here to uncover more inspiration and tips for decorating your bathroom walls.

Pro Tips…

Feeling inspired? Take a look through our Content Hub to see how different styles and trends can come to life in your home.
If you want to see these ideas in action, our Content hub offers plenty of visuals to guide you. Discover inspiring Home decor tips and trends to suit a variety of styles and moods.

How to Choose Calming Wall Art for a Peaceful Home
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Gallery Wall
Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors with Wall Art

I hope this guide inspires you to view wall art as both a decorative element and a powerful tool for creating a sanctuary tailored to your relaxation needs.
Which style are you leaning towards? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas!

1. What can I put on the wall above my toilet?
You have so many options! You can hang a single piece of art, create a gallery wall, install floating shelves for storage and decor, add a mirror to create space, or place moisture-loving plants. The key is to balance your personal style with the room's function.

2. How high should you hang things above a toilet?
A good rule of thumb is to hang your decor so the bottom of the frame or shelf is about 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) above the toilet tank. This leaves enough room for access to the tank but keeps the decor visually connected to the toilet, so it doesn't look like it's floating randomly.

3. Is it weird to put pictures in a bathroom?
Not at all! It's a wonderful way to add personality and warmth to the space. Just be sure to choose materials that can withstand humidity, like canvas, acrylic, or metal prints, and ensure any frames are well-sealed to protect the artwork inside.