Simple bathroom ideas

If you're looking to make your bathroom a cool and calm environment that you can't wait to spend time in, there's no need to spend on expensive fittings or splurge on extravagant extras. A few simple tweaks and smart choices will easily create the perfect bathroom setting you're looking for.

There are classic accessories and traditional materials you can work with to give your whole bathroom a brand new feel. Natural colours and textures are key to creating a simple but effective bathroom. Plus, a small bathroom can be completely transformed by a simple design - and if you are working on a budget, you can still achieve a luxurious finish without breaking the bank.

If you want to create a glamorous vibe, but without going over the top, a free-standing bath in an otherwise paired-back bathroom will make for a striking centre piece that still looks clean and fresh.

Or, you could add some stylish touches to a neutral bathroom by opting for some varied textures. Knitted or woven bathmats in cream, grey or white will add depth and a luxe, sensory element to your bathroom. Layering woven fabric over a plastic shower curtain will have the same effect.

You can still work pattern and more elaborately designed furniture into your simple bathroom design. A frosted film on your bathroom window that features a decorative pattern is both practical and stylish. A vintage console table in an otherwise modern bathroom will also add an extra focal point to give your bathroom an on-trend mix of sleek design and traditional elements.

Look through our ideas for simple bathroom design and be inspired to update your room today...

1/9 Classic roll-top bath

The key to a country bathroom is a traditional roll-top bath, which adds glamour to a simple space. Place a screen painted in a soft grey nearby for a decorative touch.

2/9 Bathroom towels and rack

Cotton bath mats

Add texture and comfort to the floor with the latest knitted or woven bath mats in natural taupe, grey or classic white. Air and store on a sleek wooden towel rail.

3/9 Bathroom storage idea for robes

Summer robes

Cover up and keep cool with feel-good cotton or a silk robe. Create a peg rail in the bathroom with a wooden board and hooks made from pretty doorknobs - perfect for airing lightweight linens.

4/9 Bathroom window treatment

Window treatments

Frosted window film with a decorative pattern is perfect for instant privacy and easy to apply. Painted wooden shutters add architectural interest to a window while a simple roller blind closes easily at night.

5/9 Bathroom laundry zone

Laundry drop

Pop clothes and towels in these smart white bins to organise clothing ready for washing and keep bathroom floors clutter free.

6/9 Bathroom vanity unit and armchair

Vanity unit

A teak bathroom basin adds warmth and a contemporary feel when fitted on to a classic console table. Arrange beauty buys and lotions on a wooden tray. A comfortable armchair covered in linen or cotton is the ideal place to relax and indulge in a beauty treatment.

7/9 Bathroom shower idea

Summer weight shower curtain

Layer a loosely woven voile fabric over an everyday plastic shower curtain to stop stray water spray beautifully.

8/9 Bathroom accessories for the bath

Soaps and stones

Body brushes, pumice stones and soaps on ropes are small details that complete this country-style bathroom look.

9/9 Bathroom curtain craft idea

Shell trim

Weight shower curtains and voiles at the window with stones and shells tied to the hem with string.

Looking for more bathroom inspiration? Check out our decorating videos: how to create a hotel-style bathroom and how to add spa-chic to your bathroom. Plus find out what Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen's 4 steps to add glamour to the bathroom are.