Sensational Bathrooms (House Beautiful Series)
9 Ways To Inexpensively Decorate Your
Bathroom
By: Samantha Birch
The bathroom has evolved over
the past decades from a strictly useful and functional room to one that is
similar to a spa. And just because there aren't thousands of dollars available
for decorating doesn't mean that a bath can't be unique, dramatic and
thoroughly satisfying. Here are nine frugal ways to spice up any bathroom.
1. Collections of
inexpensive mirrors add both light and space to any bathroom. They reflect
colors, faces and other decorations and add character and interest . Mirrors
are much more effective when grouped together rather than being a scattered
mass simply hanging on a wall.
2. Pictures or prints can
be massed on a wall. For maximum impact hang them closely together rather than
separated. Pictures can be striking if they have a 'theme', such as:
* Black and white photos -
no color
* Older shots - from the
1930s or 1940s, for instance
* The frames are all an
identical color
* The frames or photos
have a uniqueness in common - oval shapes, women only, pets
This decorating tactic
works best in a powder room, rather than a full bathroom, because of the high
moisture.
3. Needlework makes a
striking wall accent. For instance, sampler patterns from Colonial America are
easily available and a few samplers grouped on a wall create a totally unique
bathroom.
4. For color and charm,
throw a rug on the floor. In a dull or drab bathroom, a rag rug or oriental
carpet will add charm and beauty. Just be certain to use a non-skid pad
underneath, especially if anyone will be stepping out of a tub or shower.
5. Collections can spark
interest and admiration. Pottery is an unusual accent piece for any bathroom.
Or you might consider old bottles, perfume atomizers, shaving mugs or other
flea market collectibles. One especially exciting bathroom included replicas of
old bottles with genuine antique stoppers made of silver and fashioned into
old-time designs.
In a bathroom, be certain
there is ample space for your collectibles, like a wide shelf with a lip or a
generous window sill. Broken pottery or glass isn't helpful in any room - but
it's especially destructive in a bathroom.
6. Color is, of course,
the quickest, cheapest and easiest way alter any bathroom. Unusual colors on a
bathroom wall, like melon, chocolate brown or peach, will add drama. Accents
like brightly colored towels in a monochromatic bathroom will provide an
outstanding accent.
7. Architectural details
can spark interest. A piece of beaded or crown molding halfway up the wall or
near the ceiling can transform a room, especially if it's painted a funky
color. A more elaborate addition would be grooved paneling over half the wall.
Even a shelf or picture rail adds interest.
8. Add living color with
plants or freshly cut flowers. The energy of plants is soothing and creates a
zen-like atmosphere that is very conducive to relaxation and letting go of
stress.
9. A piece of furniture,
space permitting, can add unusual detail to any bathroom. Furniture need not be
expensive. Most Goodwill or Salvation Army stores will have a battered piece of
furniture that can be revived with sanding, paint and some unusual and classy
handles or knobs.
All nine of these ideas
won't fit every bathroom, nor should they. Simply choose one or two, as your
budget permits, and begin slowly adding details. And don't forget the 'before
and after' pictures!
About the author: Read
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