Stylish Behind Toilet Decor: 5 Ideas to Transform Your Small Bathroom

by Mae Osz on Jan 07, 2026

Have you ever stood in your bathroom, staring at that blank wall above the loo and just felt… stuck? I know I have. It’s a common design puzzle, especially here in the UK, where our bathrooms can be wonderfully compact. For years, this spot was just an empty void in my home.

But I soon realised it’s a golden opportunity. The perfect, stylish answer is thoughtful behind toilet decor. This often-ignored area is a fantastic canvas to inject personality and style without taking up a single inch of precious floor space.

My goal here is to inspire you, sharing some of my favourite approaches to toilet decor that turn a purely functional corner into a small, personal sanctuary. This isn't just about filling a gap; it's about completing the room with a touch of intention and creating a space that feels truly finished.

These small bathroom ideas focus on making a big impact in a tiny footprint.

List of Contents

Behind toilet decor: Create a Serene Display with Floating Shelves
Make a Statement with Bathroom Wall Art
Smart Behind Toilet Decor Storage Solutions
Add Character with Wallpaper and Texture
Bring the Outdoors In with Bathroom-Friendly Plants

Behind toilet decor: Create a Serene Display with Floating Shelves

If you're wondering how to decorate above a toilet with timeless appeal, floating shelves are a brilliant starting point. I love them for their minimalist look and how they create an illusion of space, which is a real gift in a smaller bathroom.

They are a classic choice for a reason. You can choose materials to suit your home's style, from reclaimed wood for a rustic cottage feel to sleek white shelves for a modern new-build. The key is to see them not just as storage, but as a stage for a beautiful display.

Styling Your 'Shelfie' Moment

This is the fun part! Create a small, curated display, or a vignette, with just a few special items. Think of it as creating a spa-like feeling. A scented candle, a small framed print from a collection of our minimalist art prints, a reed diffuser, or even a beautiful bottle of hand soap can look incredibly chic. It’s about grouping items that bring you a moment of calm when you see them.

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The 'Less is More' Approach

A word of advice: avoid clutter at all costs. The aim here is a single, beautiful focal point that feels intentional and peaceful, not a messy storage shelf.

Two or three well-chosen items will always look more sophisticated than a dozen random bits and bobs.

This curated approach is the secret to elegant and stylish toilet decor.

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Make a Statement with Bathroom Wall Art

I must admit, using wall art is my personal favourite form of toilet decor. Why?

Because it’s the ultimate expression of your individual style. That blank wall is a mini canvas just waiting for you to make your mark.

It’s one of the most effective bathroom wall art ideas because it instantly adds a focal point and a splash of personality.

This is your chance to set the mood for the entire room.

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Choosing Calming Themes

Since the bathroom is a place for relaxation and retreat, I always suggest choosing art that promotes a sense of calm.

Abstract pieces with soft, watery colours work beautifully. You could also transport yourself to the seaside with serene coastal decor prints or bring a touch of nature indoors with delicate botanical illustrations.

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The right art can transform your morning routine into a more mindful moment.

Getting the Scale Right

Don’t be afraid to play with size. A single, slightly oversized piece of art can feel incredibly luxurious and dramatic, making the whole space feel more expensive.

Alternatively, a small, curated gallery wall of two or three smaller prints adds a layer of personality and charm.

A practical tip from me: always choose frames that can handle a bit of humidity or ensure your prints are protected behind glass to keep them looking perfect.

Smart Behind Toilet Decor Storage Solutions

Let’s be practical. Sometimes, you need that space for more than just pretty things. Storing spare loo rolls, cleaning supplies, and extra toiletries is a reality for most of us. This is where functional toilet decor comes in.

The secret is to find over-toilet storage solutions that are as beautiful as they are useful. Think of a slim bamboo ladder shelf to add vertical height, a trio of woven seagrass baskets mounted on the wall to hide clutter, or a modern metal étagère.

The key is to choose designs that feel like deliberate furniture pieces, not just clunky afterthoughts. This way, your practical decor also becomes a style statement.

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**Comparing Behind-Toilet Storage Options**
Storage Type	Best For	Style Vibe	Footprint
Floating Shelves	Displaying curated decor	Minimalist, Scandi, Modern	Minimal
Ladder Shelf	Holding towels, baskets & decor	Boho, Farmhouse, Natural	Small
Wall-Mounted Baskets	Hiding spare loo rolls	Coastal, Rustic, Natural	None
Étagère Unit	Maximising vertical storage	Modern, Industrial, Traditional	Medium

Note: This table compares popular storage solutions for the space above a toilet. Consider your bathroom's size and your primary need—whether it's pure display, light storage, or hiding clutter—when making your choice. The right home decor accessories can make any storage solution feel more stylish.

Add Character with Wallpaper and Texture

If you’re feeling bold, this is a high-impact strategy for your decor. I’m a huge fan of peel-and-stick wallpaper as a brilliant, low-commitment option for both renters and homeowners. It’s an easy way to add a huge dose of personality.

Consider biophilic designs, like leaves or florals inspired by a botanical wall art theme, to bring nature inside.

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Or, you could opt for a subtle geometric pattern for a touch of hotel-chic. There's a clever design trick that a bold pattern in a tiny space can actually make it feel more designed and interesting, not smaller.

As an alternative, you could add physical texture with painted vertical wood panelling or slim, elegant tiles. This adds depth and a tactile quality that feels truly high-end. It's a powerful behind toilet decor move.

Bring the Outdoors In with Bathroom-Friendly Plants

For a touch of life, consider plants as your 'living' decor accessories. They do more than just look pretty; they can improve air quality and boost your sense of wellbeing.

The trick is choosing plants that thrive in the typical low-light, high-humidity UK bathroom. Some of my go-to choices are:

Snake Plants (Sansevieria): They are nearly indestructible and love humidity.
Pothos (Devil's Ivy): This trailing plant looks gorgeous cascading down a shelf.
Spider Plants: They are fantastic air purifiers and very easy to care for.
Ferns: The classic bathroom plant, they adore the moist environment.

You can display them on the floating shelves we talked about, use a hanging planter to draw the eye upwards, or even place a tall, slim plant on the floor beside the loo.

Adding greenery is a simple way to enhance your mindful bathroom rituals, creating a space that feels fresh and restorative. As highlighted in an article on shower meditation, connecting with nature, even indoors, can deepen your sense of peace.

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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 behind my toilet for decoration?
You have so many lovely options! Floating shelves for a curated display, a statement piece of wall art, stylish storage baskets, a feature wall with wallpaper, or a collection of humidity-loving plants are all fantastic choices for toilet decor.

2. How can I make my behind toilet decor look high-end on a budget?
The key is curation. Instead of lots of small, cheap items, choose one quality piece, like a single beautiful art print. Focus on natural textures like wood, woven baskets, or plants. Thoughtful and simple toilet decor always looks more expensive than clutter.

3. Is it weird to put pictures above a toilet?
Not at all! I think it’s one of the best places for art in a bathroom. It’s a prime spot for personal expression that doesn’t get in the way. Just choose themes that feel calming and appropriate for a relaxing space.