11 Small Bathroom Accent Wall Ideas

A small bathroom can either feel cramped or cozy.

If the former describes your bathroom (but you’d really prefer it to be the latter), you can give your bathroom a facelift by creating an eye-catching focal point to make it appear roomier and more inviting. 

Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home. So ideally, you don’t really want it to be a depressing place.

An accent wall helps to draw attention away from your bathroom’s small appearance. Keep your accent wall simple (but bold) if you store a lot of things in your bathroom. On the other hand, a busy accent wall will work well in a simple and uncluttered bathroom. 

So how do you decide which wall accent option works best for your space? Here are several popular accent wall options that will—without a doubt—deliver, regardless of your aesthetics.

1. Go geometric in your wall design

Remember all those angled, pointed geometric shapes from maths class?—who would have thought they could bring life to a small bathroom?   

A geometrically shaped accent wall will bring patterns and pops of color to any space. Typically darker, bolder colors work well, especially if you pair them with gold lines for a chic, sophisticated look. 

You can easily accomplish a geometric accent wall with a splash of paint and a roll or two of tape. There are multiple online DIY video tutorials and step-by-step guides to steer you in the right direction.You can also choose a wallpaper if this sounds like too much hard work.

Also Read: Paint colors that work in a powder room with no windows

2. Color block a wall

You color-block when choosing an outfit, so why not do the same when revamping your bathroom? 

Color-blocking is a relatively affordable accent option and adds color and a creative personality to any bathroom. Experiment by pairing blocks of color on a wall of your bathroom. If multiple colors scare you, try pairing bold colors with more neutral shades. 

If color-blocking still makes you nervous, you can also experiment with a less permanent form of color-blocking by purchasing a couple of wall decals like this one instead.

3. Create an arty gallery wall

A quick and simple way to create a feature wall is to transform it into your at-home gallery. Purchase a selection of frames and add art prints or photos that you love and that will complement your space.

I love this idea because you can swap images out whenever you need a refresh. 

You can find prints of all different styles imaginable on Etsy, iCanvas, or Society6. You can also purchase frames with already included art prints, like this one from Amazon: 97 Decor Eclectic Decor.

4. The natural, wooden option

Whether you want to add a natural, rustic element or a spa-like feel to your bathroom, adding wooden boards or panels will do the trick. You can do this by placing wooden planks or boards on your feature wall or purchasing a wood look wallpaper. 

The popular shiplap option

If you’re looking for a modern, rustic look that gives your small bathroom that wow factor, shiplap will work nicely. 

It comes in blacks, whites, greys, greens, and natural finishes. If you want a more dramatic or modern look, black works well. Otherwise, white finishes can bring a touch of sophistication to a small bathroom. 

Shiplap is essentially identically sized wooden boards that fit tightly together. There are numerous colors and options available, but this easy wallpaper option from Amazon makes life a bit easier: Heroad Brand 17.7 “x393” Reclaimed Wood Wallpaper Wood Paper Wood Grain Paper Wood Plank Wallpaper.

If you prefer wooden planks, here is a popular whitewashed option from Amazon: Smart Paneling 11338 Village Accent Wall Wood Planks.

The wooden accent wall look works well paired with a gold or silver mirror—a genuinely eye-catching bathroom look. 

5. Board and batten your wall

Although similar to the shiplap method, the board and batten boards are typically different widths and installed vertically with spaces between them

Some might consider an accent wall in this style as traditional, but by using entire wall length (rather than halfway), it can give a modern appearance.

The boards usually work well in a light grey or white, and prices range from affordable to extremely expensive depending on the siding and materials you want (and can afford). 

6. Wallpaper your accent wall

This is a popular and superb way to create an accent wall in a small bathroom. The colors, patterns, textures, and styles are endless, and peel-and-stick options make them even simpler to install. 

Landscape and 3D options

By adding a landscape or 3D wallpaper option, you can give the impression of additional space. You can find many wallpaper options online, but here’s an excellent example from Amazon.

Striped

A striped wall is an excellent way to create more height or make your room look wider. Black and white stripes are trendy and can make a striking statement in any small bathroom. Amazon has several striped options like the following: Black and White Wallpaper Peel and Stick. 

If you prefer stripes with a modern twist, take a peek at Erfoni Black and White Peel and Stick Wallpaper from Amazon. 

Incorporate florals 

There is nothing like florals to bring romance and femininity to your bathroom. And it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to incorporate multiple colors (if that’s not your thing). 

Black and white florals such as HaokHome 93042-2 Peel and Stick Wallpaper Black/Grey/White Eucalyptus Leaf Floral from Amazon work equally well and can give your bathroom a more modern and sophisticated feel.  

Grasscloth wallpaper

Texture is also super important. Look for textured or shiny wallpaper options to add character to your bathroom. The possibilities are endless, but this Dimoon Wallpaper 17.7″ x 78.7″ White Wallpaper Thicken Contact Paper Milky Grasscloth Wallpaper from Amazon is a simple and elegant option to consider. 

The concrete look

You can take it a step further and give your bathroom an urban yet hip feel by wallpapering your accent wall for a concrete look. 

I love this simple light grey concrete option from Amazon: Livelynine Grey Concrete Wallpaper Peel and Stick Gray Concrete.

7. A statement ceiling 

Don’t forget the 5th wall in the room. Most people overlook ceilings—yet they can bring so much character to a small bathroom. Pair it with a golden chandelier, and you should have that wow factor you were looking for. 

I will say that if your ceilings are on the low side, a golden chandelier might not make sense for you. Instead, think dark, bold colors or textured ceilings and consider these options from Amazon:

•  Art3d Decorative 3D Wall Panels in Diamond Design 
•  Art3d Decorative Ceiling Tile 

8. Choose unique tiles for your wall

Tiling a bathroom wall to add interest is a popular and easy option. You can choose from so many colors, sizes, shapes, and textures. 

When looking at an accent wall, mosaics, herringbone, or honeycomb methods can make a big impression. 

There are an endless number of options, but take a quick look at these ideas from Amazon: 

• Diflart Peel and Stick Backsplash Hexagon PVC Tile 
• WalDecoo Marble Herringbone. 
• KASARO Wall Decor Peel and Stick Mosaic Shell

9. A rustic brick wall

An accent wall doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, less is more. 

There is nothing more urban and chicer than a wall with exposed bricks. If you don’t have the patience, try installing removable brick wallpapers or murals—these look just as great. Here’s Amazon’s top picks: auxua 17.7 “x394” Brick Wallpaper.

The white brick look also works in most small bathrooms and adds a hint of rustic charm. This Cohoo Home White Gray Peel and Stick Wallpaper Brick is a perfect choice. 

10. Go sleek with natural stone

For a luxurious but costly look, marble, granite, and slate work well. If the cost of the stone is too high, look at wallpaper or mural options—some are very convincing and look just like the real thing.

This beige and golden marble wallpaper will make a great bathroom accent wall: White/Beige Matte Marble Paper. 

11. Fill the wall with open shelves 

Open shelves dotted with plants, candles, and nick knacks can create an eye-catching, beautiful accent wall that is both functional and economical. 

Look for floating shelves and stagger them throughout your bathroom wall for a striking modern look. 

Either go glam with this J JACKCUBE DESIGN White and Gold Floating Shelf or classic and elegant with a selection of these QEEIG White Floating Shelves Wall Shelves from Amazon.