How to Add Modern Flair to Your Bathroom Walls [7 Ideas]

7 Beautiful Bathroom Wall Decor Ideas That Add Modern Flair

Without a doubt, the most challenging room to modernize is the bathroom.

Think about why.

The average person will only spend about 30 minutes in the room a day. So, it doesn’t make sense to splurge on a custom mural or luxury gold towel hooks.

And modern bathroom decor is often … tacky.

Canvas prints that read “Wash your hands!”

Framed portraits of Spiderman sitting on the toilet while reading the newspaper.

Completely overdone.

Take a look at our top seven beautiful bathroom wall decor ideas that add a modern flair (while keeping your budget and theme in mind)!

1. Canvas Artwork

Grey bathroom walls are crisp, clean, and incredibly dull! Yet, hanging a full-sized Picasso replica in your bathroom will all but ruin your modern-style conquest.

The happy medium:

Three-paneled canvas artwork!

Canvas art adds subtle sophistication to a scantily-decorated bathroom. With the bonus of diverting attention away from your current focal point — a cliche rectangular mirror.

The rest is up to you.

Choose colors and themes that align with your current set-up. 

So, that could mean a teal and sandy beach theme if you’re looking to bring the seaside indoors. Or a muted geometric cluster if you’re eyeing a truly modern appeal.

Then, get creative with how (and where) you hang your panels.

Hang them diagonally if you have 10-foot ceilings and plenty of wall space. Or position them vertically between the mirror and the shower to reduce awkward bare spots.

2. Floating Tiered Shelving

Modern bathroom wall decor can deliver an unforgettable aesthetic flair while also moonlighting as a practical storage solution.

We’re talking about floating tiered shelving.

Dark walnut or even maple shelving units positioned over the toilet will pair nicely with the subtle, neutral tones common in modern interior design.

But shelving also gives you more surface space to sprinkle in your personality.

Add a small potted succulent, reed diffuser, votive candles, or even a bottle of sweet red wine if your master bathroom is your post-work “escape.”

Don’t forget the small wicker baskets and hand towel hooks for an even cozier vibe.

3. Round Mirror

One of the most sought-after allures of modern stylings is comfort. 

And the rigid edges of a standard rectangular mirror will always put a damper on that relaxing sensation you’re craving come bath time.

So, swap in a medium-sized round mirror instead!

The rounded edges scream playful, and you have full creative authority to modernize your new mirror to top off your “perfect” bathroom.

Hang it from a rope or a chain to achieve a more nautical look. Or even install a few smaller mirrors off to the side to turn the sink area into the room’s focal point.

And don’t be afraid to wiggle out of your comfort zone.

A modern backlit mirror or a rounded mirror with a funky border might seem “extra,” but current also means phasing in innovative designs, right?

4. Hanging Plants

Vines crawling up the walls of your shower stall or a massive potted ficus in the corner are a bit excessive — even for the proud nature enthusiasts.

But small plants arranged in aesthetic ceramic wallscapes can add a modern flair to your bathroom while bringing the joy of gardening inside.

Well, that’s assuming you do your research.

On the decorative side of things, select wall planters that are both solid-colored and uniquely-shaped. Reverse cone, upside-down pyramid, circles, etc.

And, of course, choose plants that thrive in hot and humid environments. So, snake plants, bamboo, or some species of ferns would be excellent choices.

Don’t forget to read up on how to care for these plants properly before planting!

5. Contemporary Art

Sometimes, a truly modern bathroom decor means hanging an eye-catching selection of contemporary artwork.

But within reason, of course. 

After all, you wouldn’t want to ruin a relaxing, pastel-themed bathroom with a neon painting reminiscent of a 1970s disco party.

So, waltz the aisles of your nearest art gallery or thrift shop. Find pieces you could envision topping off your current bathroom stylings.

Maybe it’s an array of grey paint swirls spanning six panels.

Perhaps a subtle black and white painting of a mountain caught your eye.

Or you might see abstract metalworking and think, “This is it!”

6. Hexagonal Wall Tiles

Every bathroom needs wall tiles in the shower and on the sink’s backsplash, lest you envision mildew as part of your modern bathroom theme.

But for a genuine modern flair, skip the standard square tiles and go for hexagonal-shaped wall tiles instead!

A true modern marvel.

Feeling like an unstoppable modern fiend? 

Invest in different colored tiles. Use them to create patterns and dismantle the usual monotony of standard bathrooms!

7. DIY BATH Sign

Are you ready to get your hands dirty and convert your average bathroom into a truly modern phenomenon?

Then, start by gathering up large 3D letters spelling “BATH” from your local art store. Bonus points if they’re different fonts or varying materials.

Now, for the fun part:

Get creative and decorate each!

Handoff a letter to everyone in the family to decorate to their liking. And don’t be afraid to add lights, drawings, or patterns to put your modern theme to the test.

Hang it above your bathtub or toilet, and voila — a modern bathroom!

Conclusion

The best part about choosing a modern-themed bathroom is that, as long as the decor catches your eye and isn’t overwhelming, it’ll match just fine.

But modern also means subtle.

And as enticing as black bathroom walls or a series of five decorative canvases may seem at first, you most definitely can overdo it.

So, try one piece of modern wall decor.

If it doesn’t tie the entire room together, add another smaller piece to finish off the look. (Think hexagonal tiles and then something different, like shelving).

Author Bio

Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Copper Beech at Greenville to help them with their online marketing.