Bathrooms look completely different around the world. These 18 styles show what makes each one special and how to borrow the look with towels, mirrors, lighting and small swaps.
Image note: Images in this guide are AI-generated inspiration visuals, not photos of finished makeovers. Adapt each idea to your space, lease and product instructions.
Before you start
- Pick 2–3 signature pieces: a mirror, a towel and one accent usually carry a style.
- Think about humidity: use real wood and plaster only where the room vents well.
- Keep what works: your existing tub and tile can stay; layer the style on top.
18 ideas to try
1. Japanese: a soaking tub and wood slats
- Hinoki or cedar accents smell fresh.
- Slatted teak mats feel spa-like.
- Keep surfaces nearly empty.
2. Moroccan: tadelakt plaster and lanterns
- Smooth plaster walls in warm clay tones.
- A pierced brass lantern casts patterns.
- Arched niches hold soap and candles.
3. Scandinavian: white, birch and simple hooks
- Bright white walls for dark winters.
- Light birch wood and pegs.
- Only a few useful items out.
4. Parisian: marble, herringbone and a gilded mirror
- Herringbone wood floors feel elegant.
- A gold mirror adds instant charm.
- Use a vintage-style clawfoot tub.
5. Greek island: whitewash and blue
- Rounded white walls feel cool in summer.
- Aegean blue on doors or towels.
- Pebble and stone accents.
6. English cottage: florals and beadboard
- Small-print floral wallpaper above beadboard.
- Roll-top tub and wooden stool.
- Vintage brass fixtures.
7. Mexican hacienda: Talavera and saltillo
- A hand-painted Talavera sink is the star.
- Saltillo tile floors feel cool underfoot.
- Wrought-iron mirror frames.
8. NYC industrial loft: brick and black steel
- Exposed brick adds texture.
- Black steel-frame shower screen.
- Concrete or cement-look sink.
9. Mid-century modern: walnut and globes
- Walnut vanity with slim legs.
- Globe sconces for soft light.
- Olive or mustard accents.
10. Art Deco: black, gold and geometry
- Fan or geometric tile patterns.
- Gold fixtures and round mirrors.
- Glossy black and white palette.
11. Bali spa: stone, teak and plants
- Natural stone and teak.
- Lots of tropical greenery.
- A river-rock shower floor.
12. Wabi-sabi: limewash and stone
- Imperfect, handmade textures.
- Neutral limewash walls.
- A carved stone basin.
13. Desert modern: adobe tones and cedar
- Sand and clay colors suit Arizona heat.
- Cedar shelves and cactus.
- Woven Navajo-inspired rug.
14. Victorian: deep green and gilt
- Dark painted walls with wainscot.
- Gilt mirror and pedestal sink.
- Oil-painting style art.
15. American modern farmhouse
- Shiplap walls and a sliding barn door.
- Galvanized or black metal accents.
- Wire baskets for towels.
16. New England coastal: beadboard and navy stripes
- White beadboard and navy accents.
- Rope and wood details.
- Feels crisp in summer, cozy in fall.
17. Italian: travertine and terracotta
- Travertine counters and arched mirrors.
- Terracotta pots with olive trees.
- Warm, sun-washed palette.
18. Nordic sauna-inspired dark wood
- Dark wood slats feel warm in winter.
- Low, warm lighting.
- Simple stone or black accents.
Quick answers
How do I pick a bathroom style?
Start with what you already have: tile color and fixtures. Pick a style that works with them instead of fighting them.
Can I mix two styles?
Yes. Keep one main style and borrow only one or two pieces from another.
More bathroom ideas
Browse the full Bathroom collection and our small apartment bathroom storage ideas. You may also like: 19 Bathroom Tile Color Ideas That Make a Small Bathroom Stand Out, 18 Small Bathroom Shower Ideas That Work in Real Apartments, 19 Bathroom Vanity and Mirror Ideas for Small Bathrooms.
