How to Create a Bohemian Bathroom: Accessories, Colors, and Practical Tips

• Gavin Whitaker
• |
• April 23
• |
• bathroom accessories

If your bathroom feels boring, you’re not stuck with sterile white walls and dull shelves. There’s a style out there that lets you break all the rules—bohemian. Boho bathrooms are about mixing things up: warm colors, cool patterns, and stuff that feels collected instead of matched. You can pull it off even if you’re renting or have a small space.

Start where it matters most: look around your bathroom and see what you already have. Do you have plain towels? Swap them out for a couple of patterned or tasseled ones. Don’t be afraid of clashing prints. The best bohemian bathrooms layer patterns—think rugs or shower curtains with bursts of color, bright tiles, or even thrifted baskets as wall art.

Adding personality doesn’t mean buying everything new. Sometimes, the right mirror from a flea market or just an old wooden stool instantly makes the space feel different. Mixing materials—wood, metal, woven details—adds interest without being fussy. If you want to try something low-key, bring in a potted plant or two. Even one leafy fern on a shelf can make the room feel more relaxed and lived-in.

• Start with Colors and Patterns
• Must-Have Boho Accessories
• Bring Nature Inside
• Smart Storage with Boho Style
• Finishing Touches That Make It Yours

Start with Colors and Patterns

The best bohemian bathrooms pop because of unexpected colors and bold patterns. Forget those old-school rules about everything matching. Boho is about walls painted in warm earthy shades, like terracotta, deep greens, and even mustard yellow. These tones make the space cozy instead of cold.

If painting isn’t doable, use patterned wallpaper or peel-and-stick tiles. Moroccan-inspired prints, tribal motifs, or vintage florals work well. Patterns aren’t just for the walls, though. Try a bright, patterned shower curtain or a rug with zigzags or medallions.

Here’s a super-easy way to get the bohemian bathroom vibe without breaking the bank: Pick two or three colors, like burnt orange and teal, and use them in your accessories—think towels, soap dispensers, or storage baskets.

• Mix patterns, but stick to an overall color scheme so it doesn’t look chaotic.
• Don’t ignore the floor—a patterned rug or even painted floor tiles add an instant boho feel.
• If you want to tone it down, use neutrals like beige or off-white for big pieces, then layer in color with smaller items.

According to a recent home design survey, 67% of people who add strong color and pattern to their bathroom say it makes their space feel more inviting. It doesn’t cost much—a roll of patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper or one bold mat can do the job.

Remember, the mix is what matters. Pair chunky stripes with small prints, or use one big floral pattern to tie the room together. Swap things out as you find new pieces—boho design is supposed to grow and change with you.

Must-Have Boho Accessories

If you want that true bohemian bathroom vibe, it’s all about the accessories you choose. This style isn’t about spending a ton—just picking pieces that have character and blend together in an easygoing way. Think of it like creating a collection that’s personal, not perfect.

Boho decor thrives on layers and interesting textures. Look for these specific items:

• Patterned shower curtains: Opt for curtains with bold prints, fringe, or tassels. Moroccan or tribal designs work great. Try layering a fabric curtain with a clear liner for both style and function.
• Bath mats with texture: Think woven, hooked, or tufted mats. Persian-style or kilim rugs add warmth and pattern—sometimes more so than a basic, fluffy mat.
• Baskets for storage: Use woven baskets for towels, toilet paper, or toiletries. They’re budget-friendly, easy to find at places like IKEA, and perfect for small spaces since they double up as decor and storage.
• Unusual mirrors: Swap out a plain mirror for one with a rattan, macramé, or wooden frame. Round and sunburst styles are super popular in boho decor.
• Mixed metals: Don’t stick to just one finish. Mix brass, matte black, and copper. Even changing out hardware for something vintage or mismatched makes a big difference.
• Small shelves or ladders: Leaning bamboo or wooden ladders are a fun way to hang towels and clothes. Open shelving can show off pretty bottles, candles, or even more plants.

Here’s a quick look at average prices so you get a sense of budget:

Don’t forget the small stuff—soap dispensers in amber glass, thrifted ceramic trays for jewelry, or funky hooks for hanging stuff. Layer in a few accessories at a time. The main thing is not to force it. Let your collection grow, and soon your new boho bathroom will come together almost by itself.

Bring Nature Inside

If you want your bohemian bathroom to feel truly chill, you need plants. It’s not just for looks; a couple of easy-care greens can improve air quality and boost your mood every day. Bathrooms are perfect for greenery because there’s usually enough humidity and less direct sun, which many houseplants love.

Let’s get into the details. Some plants seriously thrive in the bathroom—think pothos, snake plant, spider plant, or bamboo. These guys handle steam and lower light without throwing a fit. For a real boho look, hang an air plant or two by the window or pop a hardy fern in a basket. Bonus: most houseplants don’t break the bank, so you can grab a few without worrying about cost.

• Spider Plant: Handles humidity and low light; barely needs attention.
• Pothos: Fast-growing, trails everywhere, and super forgiving.
• Bamboo: Just pop the roots in water and it grows—simple as that.
• Snake Plant: Loves neglect and thrives even if you forget to water.
• Air Plants: Look cool hanging and just need a weekly soak.

If your bathroom gets almost no sunlight, consider a small grow light. They’re cheap and can make a huge difference. Don’t forget about pots and planters—swap out anything plastic for woven baskets, upcycled jars, or mismatched mugs for a touch of boho decor without a trip to the store.

By the way, NASA ran air quality tests showing that houseplants like snake plant and spider plant can filter toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Don’t worry about being a plant expert. Start with one or two, see how they do, and build up from there. Bringing in nature’s what gives your boho bathroom a laid-back, fresh vibe that feels anything but generic.

Smart Storage with Boho Style

Let’s be honest: most bathrooms just don’t have enough storage. But if you’re leaning into the bohemian bathroom look, you don’t have to settle for boring plastic bins or standard medicine cabinets. Storage can be part of your style, not just a way to hide toothpaste and towels.

Baskets are huge in a boho space—woven, rattan, or even the random ones you find at secondhand shops. Stack a few under the sink or line them up on open shelves to stash toilet paper, hand towels, or hair products. The mix-and-match feel is totally on brand and doubles as easy access storage.

Go for wall hooks that look like they’ve been brought back from a trip—think hammered metal, carved wood, or colorful ceramic knobs. Not only do they hold towels and robes, but they’ll add a punch of personality right to your walls. If you’re really short on space, check out macrame hanging shelves. They’re light, don’t need much wall space, and give you a spot for small essentials or trailing plants.

Open shelving is another boho decor staple. Pop up a couple of floating shelves and group your everyday things—face wash, candle, a cool jar with cotton pads—so it looks collected, not cluttered. Just keep like with like: all your skincare in a tray or basket, your soaps in another. It’ll stay neat but not boring.

Check out the quick comparison of storage ideas below for a hit of inspiration:

If you live with other people, label baskets or get different colors so everyone knows what’s what. One thing Sophia and I do is leave a basket on the counter for just the stuff we use every day—makes mornings faster and the space actually tidier. Storage can be beautiful and useful at the same time—you just need to break away from the usual bathroom aisle stuff.

Finishing Touches That Make It Yours

This is where you get to put your stamp on the space. In a bohemian bathroom, personality comes through in the little details. You don’t need big-budget items—just things that tell a story or make you smile every time you walk in.

Start by adding accessories that really fit your vibe. An old, mismatched mug can work great as a toothbrush holder. Hang up beaded or macramé wall art—there are tons of cool options from local artists online or at markets, and it’s an inexpensive way to get that boho feel. Don’t ignore the floor either: throw down a woven rug or kilim for extra texture and warmth (and bonus points if it’s washable).

Try layering in scents. Odds are people skip this, but it’s a game-changer. Toss in a soy candle with a warm, spicy fragrance, or put out a few sticks of incense. Even a small jar of dried lavender makes a difference, and studies show certain scents like lavender and vanilla can ease stress (according to research published by the International Journal of Neuroscience in 2024).

If you’ve got the wall space, set up a lean-to ladder or floating shelves with a mix of baskets, vintage perfume bottles, or little potted cacti. Mirrors also add big impact—think frameless, carved wood, or even rattan sunburst styles. They bounce light around and make the room feel bigger (especially important in a small bathroom).

Here are some quick ideas to personalize your boho decor:

• Print a few artsy photos (even snaps from your phone) and clip them up with mini clothespins on twine for a casual gallery feel.
• Hang a strand of fairy lights or Moroccan lanterns for soft, cozy lighting.
• Switch plain soap dispensers with painted glass ones or jars wrapped in jute twine.
• Use a mix of baskets: one for toilet paper, one for extra towels, another for skincare stuff.

Don’t worry about things matching perfectly—that’s the whole point of mixing it up in a boho bathroom. Every item you pick should feel like you, not just something out of a catalog. The final result? A bathroom that actually feels fun to hang out in—not just a spot for your morning routine.