10 College Apartment Bathroom Decor Ideas
HOMEZEEMO - Let’s be real—most college apartment bathrooms are tragically basic. We’re talking plastic shower liners, off-white tile floors that have seen things, and towel racks that fall off the wall if you so much as sneeze near them. But just because you’re renting doesn’t mean your bathroom has to look like a glorified dorm hallway. Whether you’re sharing with roommates or lucky enough to have your own space (jealous!), a little styling goes a long way in making your daily routine feel a whole lot more elevated.
Think about it: your bathroom is where you start your day groggy-eyed and where you end your day double-cleansing like your life depends on it. Shouldn’t that space feel a little... special? Or at the very least, not depressing?
This post is packed with renter-friendly, budget-conscious, and ridiculously cute bathroom decor ideas that can transform even the smallest apartment bathroom into a mini sanctuary. From boho to bold to cottagecore (yes, really), we’ve got all the inspo you need to make your tiny bathroom slay without upsetting your landlord.
Even if your sink barely fits a toothbrush, these ideas can work magic. Let’s dive in!
1. Boho Vibe with a Budget Twist
Start with a macramé or tasseled shower curtain to instantly bring texture and a handmade feel to the space. Add a wooden or bamboo bath mat underfoot for those spa-like vibes (plus it’s way more stylish than that fuzzy beige mat from freshman year). Drape a faux eucalyptus garland from the towel rack or shower rod—real eucalyptus works too, and it smells amazing when it steams in the shower.
Storage? Skip the boring plastic bins and go for wicker or rattan baskets, which you can usually thrift for next to nothing. They're perfect for storing extra towels, toilet paper, or even your favorite hair tools. Top it all off with a warm-toned color palette—think rust, mustard, cream, and soft sage—and your little bathroom will feel like a dreamy desert retreat.
2. Spa-Like Minimalism for Tiny Spaces
Start with a soft, neutral color palette—white, beige, pale gray, or a hint of greige if you're feeling fancy. A teak bath stool or bench (hello, mini spa vibes!) in the corner instantly upgrades your bathroom and gives you a place to drop your fresh towel or morning skincare lineup. If you want to go a little extra without going over budget, try peel-and-stick marble tiles for your vanity area or even as an accent backsplash. They look surprisingly luxe and are 100% renter-friendly.
When it comes to organization, less is definitely more. Use a minimalist tray to group your daily essentials—like your toothbrush, face wash, and that overpriced serum you convinced yourself was an "investment." Mount a suction-cup shelf or an over-the-showerhead caddy to keep your products in check and your tub clutter-free. Add a tiny eucalyptus plant or diffuser, and boom—you’ve got yourself a serene little spa corner.
3. Loud & Proud Maximalism
Let’s start with a shower curtain that pops—we’re talking bold prints like checkerboards, abstract squiggles, animal patterns, or even vintage cartoon graphics. The louder, the better. Layer that with a neon bath mat or one in a quirky shape (like a cow print, fried egg, or even lips—yes, they exist!). On your walls, create a gallery wall of mini art prints using removable adhesive frames or washi tape. Think pop art, typography, or even Polaroids of you and your roomies at last weekend’s party.
For functionality with flair, use colorful command hooks or stick-on wall organizers to hang hair tools, scrunchies, or even jewelry. Bonus points if they come in mismatched colors. Toss in a mirror with a fun frame (animal print, rainbow swirl, or glitter if you're brave), and don’t forget a tiny disco ball in the corner if you’re feeling really wild. Your bathroom should make you smile—even when you're brushing your teeth before an 8 a.m. class.
4. Earthy & Eco-Friendly
Start with materials that come straight from nature—or at least look like they do. Bamboo accessories are a must: toothbrush holders, shelves, bath mats, or even an over-the-toilet rack. Bamboo is not only sustainable and affordable, it also looks incredibly clean and calming. Pair that with stone-textured soap dispensers or containers in natural finishes like sand, slate, or concrete for a spa-meets-earth aesthetic.
Stick to a grounded, earthy color palette: think sage green, burnt terracotta, beige, and warm cream. A soft green waffle towel set instantly cozies up the space and adds subtle texture. Want extra eco points? Swap your plastic bottles for amber glass spray bottles or jars, and store your DIY face masks, hair scrubs, or cotton rounds in reusable containers. Bonus: your counter will look like it came from a Pinterest mood board.
Want to really sell the vibe? Add a small snake plant or pothos in a ceramic pot (both are low-maintenance and love humidity), and hang up a jute or seagrass basket for hand towels or TP. It’s all about simplicity, warmth, and making your bathroom feel like it exhales every time you walk in.
5. Preppy & Polished
Start with a navy and white color palette—always timeless, always fresh. A striped shower curtain (hello, nautical moment!), monogrammed towels, and a matching navy bath mat instantly set the tone. Layer in some brass or gold-accented accessories like a glam mirror, soap dispenser, or light fixture. If you can’t swap out hardware, peel-and-stick metallic decals or budget-friendly gold organizers will give you the same luxe vibe.
For counter styling, skip the clutter and go for a lucite or acrylic tray to corral your products neatly. Add a small, framed photo or quote in a white or gold frame—something clean, not chaotic. Storage-wise, a woven or structured hamper looks ten times better than a collapsible mesh bin, and helps keep your laundry in check without ruining the aesthetic.
This look is all about structure, symmetry, and subtly preppy touches that say, “I definitely have my life together,” even if you barely made it to your 9 a.m.
6. Dark Academia Chic
Start with a rich, dark color palette: think deep forest green, charcoal, oxblood, or espresso brown. You can bring these tones in with a dramatic botanical-printed shower curtain, moody art prints in vintage gold or black frames, and plush, dark-toned towels. Peel-and-stick bronze or oil-rubbed bronze hooks and accessories (like towel bars or wall shelves) instantly bring that old-world charm, no tools required. A faux antique mirror—oval or baroque-shaped—is the crown jewel here.
For that bookish touch, stack a few old paperbacks (yes, even in the bathroom) on a floating shelf or tuck them into a small wire basket next to the toilet. Add a battery-powered “candle” nightlight or vintage-looking table lamp for ambiance. Bonus: a vintage glass bottle used as a vase with a single dried flower will make you feel like you're living in a dark romantic novel, even if you're just rushing to class.
7. Kawaii Bathroom Bliss
Start with a pastel color palette: think cotton candy pink, lilac, baby blue, mint green, and buttery yellow. A cute character-themed shower curtain (Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, or even pastel strawberries) sets the tone. Add a plush pink bath mat, or one shaped like a heart, bow, or animal paw—yes, they exist and they are adorable. Swap your standard mirror for one shaped like a cloud, star, or bunny for ultimate kawaii points.
When it comes to organizing, think stackable pastel bins with labels for skincare, hair ties, or bath products. Add wall decals, floating cloud shelves, or pastel hooks to keep things neat and sweet. Decorate with Polaroid photos of you and your besties, mini plushies, or even a tiny figurine of your favorite anime character chilling by the sink. It’s all about making your bathroom feel like a joyful, pastel daydream.
8. Monochrome Modern Neutrals
Stick with a classic trio: black, white, and soft gray. These colors make even the most cramped bathroom feel elevated. Start with a geometric-patterned shower curtain—think bold black and white grid, stripes, or hexagons—to create structure and visual interest. Pair it with matte black accessories, like a soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, or towel bar. The matte finish is key here—it instantly looks more expensive, even if it's from Target’s clearance section.
To really pull the look together, go full “type-A aesthetic” and use matching labeled containers for everything—your cotton swabs, hair ties, vitamins, etc. (Pro tip: black-and-white waterproof labels on clear jars = instant Pinterest clout.) Hang a minimalist wall shelf in black or chrome to store folded towels, skincare, or even a mini plant if you want a tiny pop of green. The trick here is keeping the space uncluttered but stylish—less chaos, more calm.
9. Retro Diner-Inspired Décor
Start with the star of the show: peel-and-stick checkered floor tiles. They’re renter-safe, easy to install, and totally transform the space. Pair them with accents in bright red, teal, or mint green—the holy trinity of retro color combos. A chrome soap dispenser, vintage Coca-Cola sign, or even a mini jukebox-shaped tissue box cover can crank up the vibe instantly.
Swap your shower curtain for a retro print—something with polka dots, atomic patterns, or a cheeky neon sign design. On the wall, hang a small clock with old-school diner vibes or framed pop art to keep the energy high. Bonus points if you DIY a little shelf out of metal brackets and line it with pastel towels, roll-up magazines, or even some old-school hair curlers for a campy touch.
10. Soft Cottagecore Touches
Start with your color scheme: pastels, muted florals, and warm white tones. Swap out that tired plastic soap dispenser for a vintage-inspired glass bottle with a gold pump, and replace your bath mat with something in a soft blush or faded lavender. Add lace-trimmed or embroidered towels—yes, they're out there, and yes, they are everything. For easy storage that doubles as decor, grab a few mismatched teacups or mason jars to hold cotton swabs, rings, or bobby pins.
Don't skip the walls—this is where you can make the biggest impact in the cutest way. Use peel-and-stick floral decals or hang a framed botanical print you scored from Etsy or even printed yourself. Want it to feel super personal? Frame a handwritten quote (like “fresh as daisies” or “you look lovely today”) in a soft gold or distressed wooden frame. Add a rose gold vanity tray to keep your perfumes, jewelry, or mini candles organized in a sweet little vignette.
It’s delicate, it’s cozy, and honestly—it makes brushing your teeth feel like a Jane Austen moment.
Conclusion: From Rental Bathroom to Personal Sanctuary
There you have it—10 totally doable, wildly different ways to transform your college apartment bathroom from “blah” to beautiful. Whether you’re vibing with bold retro diner energy, channeling soft cottagecore serenity, or going full-on boho queen, your bathroom doesn’t have to be the most ignored room in your apartment. In fact, it shouldn't be.
The beauty of these ideas is that you can mix and match them, layer in personal touches, and update them whenever your vibe changes (hello, mid-semester identity crisis). And don’t worry—every idea here is renter-friendly, budget-conscious, and totally reversible when it’s time to move out. No tools or landlord drama required.
So go ahead, pick a theme—or better yet, blend two—and start styling your own little bathroom oasis. You deserve a space that makes you feel good every single day.
