An apartment bathroom may seem like a tough thing to decorate. After all, apartment bathrooms can get pretty small. And when space is limited, it feels like your options are, too. Plus, if you’re renting, it’s not like you can gut-renovate the place. 

But you’re not as hemmed in as you think. When you’re decorating a small bathroom, it’s easy to make an impact. By simply hanging some art or switching out your towels, you can transform the entire room. And sure, you probably can’t install a new bathtub or retile your showers. But since peel-and-stick options abound, you can spruce up your space without wrecking your budget—and without violating your lease.

To help you take your bathroom from standard to statement-making, we’ve rounded up some truly transformational apartment bathroom ideas. These design tips are suitable for any small bathroom—and since none of them require a remodel, they’re decidedly renter-friendly, too.

01 Paint the Room a Fun Color

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The easiest way to transform your bathroom? Repaint it. And don’t be afraid to choose a bold color. Striking shades are great in small doses. So pick a playful hue that will transform your space—and repaint your walls white when it’s time to move out.

02 Hang a Sleek Shower Curtain

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A shower curtain isn’t just a necessity—it’s also an excuse to dress up your space. So take full advantage of the decorative opportunity. Snag a shower curtain that’s colorful, printed, or packed with texture, and switch it out any time your bathroom needs a refresh.

03 Snag a Plush Bathroom Rug

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Retiling your bathroom floors isn’t the only way to customize them. By snagging a plush bath mat or a pretty printed rug, you can soften your floors and dress up your bathroom in one fell swoop.

04 Switch Out Your Cabinet Fronts

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Want to refresh your cabinets without totally replacing them? Switch out your cabinet fronts. Stock up on cabinet doors that are strikingly textured, and snag drawer fronts to match. The swap will give you renovation-like results—without the mess (and expense) of a full-blown gut job.

05 Spring for a Statement Mirror

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Reflections of Nature: Acacia Wood Framed Mirror - Handcrafted Polished Acacia Wood Frame - Perfect for Asymmetrical Mirror, Large Asymmetrical Mirror, and Asymmetrical Bathroom Mirror

A mirror is a natural focal point in any bathroom— so pick yours out with care. Ditch the plain ol’ mirror that came with your bathroom, and replace it with a statement mirror that makes the whole room feel fancier.

06 Cover Your Walls With Wallpaper

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Printed wallpaper makes any bathroom look and feel more luxe. And since peel-and-stick options abound, there’s no need to mess with paste. So keep an eye out for a pattern you’ll love looking at every day—and don’t be afraid to take a risk. Even in the worst-case scenario, you can always peel off the wallpaper and start again.

07 Hang Some Pretty Window Treatments

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Blinds get the job done in any bathroom, giving you the privacy you need during showers and baths. But if you want your space to feel next-level special, consider other window treatments, instead. A patterned Roman shade will give you the same coverage and flexibility as a set of blinds—while also adding a dash of printed style to your space.

08 Invest in a Really Great Bath Tray

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Handcrafted Black Marquina Marble Bath Accessories - Unique and Chic Bathroom Supplies for Elegant Decor

One simple way to spruce up your bathtub? Buy a really great bath tray. The shelf will immediately upgrade bathtime, giving you an easy place to keep candles, drinks, and toiletries. And since you can line it with decor, it’ll dress up your bathtub—even when you’re not actively using it.

09 Fill Your Space With Plants

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Plants make a welcome addition to any space—your bathroom, included. So fill your space with lush greenery, and make it feel like an idyllic getaway you can’t wait to escape to every day.

10 Upgrade Your Light Fixtures

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Boho Handcrafted Wood Bead Flush Mount - Elegant Gemelina Wood Beads and Iron Frame for Dining Room, Living Room, and Sitting Room Lighting

Lighting sets the tone in any space. So if the fixtures in your bathroom leave something to be desired, replace them. Sure, rewiring a light fixture is no small task - especially if you’re renting- but by replacing a stale fixture with a statement-making pick, you can transform your entire bathroom without changing anything else.

11 Streamline Your Hardware

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Want to make your bathroom feel custom without completely redesigning it? Streamline your hardware. Upgrade your faucets, handles, and hinges—and replace your towel rack and toilet paper holder, too. Color-coordinate the pieces to make your bathroom feel bespoke, or mix and match metals to make the space more dynamic.