Interior designers share the 9 biggest mistakes people make when decorating and designing a bathroom

Gena Kirk, vice president of design at KB Home, told Business Insider that sometimes a customer's "design aesthetic" can prevent them from actually thinking practically about their bathroom, especially when it comes to storage. 

She suggests using a medicine cabinet that incorporates lighting, electrical outlets, and integrated mirrors for a space that's both beautiful and functional.

She also suggests adding extra storage through built-in cabinetry near the sink or toilet.

Proper lighting is a must throughout your home, especially in your bathroom, Kirk told BI.

"We all do a lot of close-up work in the bathroom, from brushing and flossing to plucking and applying. If you do not have proper lighting this could go horribly wrong," she said.

Ideally, she sai,d you should include three forms of it in your space — overhead, close-up, and task lighting, which can be moved or adjusted so you can use it for specific activities.

Jessica Lagrange, founder and principal designer of Jessica Lagrange Interiors, told BI that low toilets and high tubs are just a few of the design faux pas that can cause problems in the bathroom.

"These things can be lethal to not only older household members or guests but anyone who isn't being cautious every moment they use the bathroom," Lagrange said.

She said that it's important to have a bathroom that's safe and sustainable, especially since major renovations can be expensive — so you may want to be especially careful when choosing the height and measurements of your most-used bathroom pieces. 

Many people spend time in the bathroom styling their hair, applying makeup, and getting dressed — all of which require the right mirror. 

"My pet peeve in any bathroom are mirrors that are too short," Ami Austin, principal designer at Ami Austin Interiors, told BI. "It is always best to take the mirror to the ceiling or crown molding from the vanity. It allows for a more spacious bathroom.

If your shower curtain is too long or too short it can distract from the room's overall design, Austin told BI.

She said she prefers hanging shower curtains high up to help add depth to a room, which can also be a wise idea if you've bought a shower curtain that's a bit too long. 

Gail Barley, principal designer at Gail Barley Interiors, told BI that bathrooms often get wet and slippery, which can be a safety hazard. 

Because of this, she said you should avoid slick finishes on your bathroom tiles, opting for rough or matte ones instead. If you already have a slippery floor, try topping it with washable rugs that can be held in place with carpet tape. 

Without proper storage solutions, your shower can quickly become cluttered with bottles and sponges. 

"When designing your shower, you should always consider where your shampoo bottles and other bathroom accouterments will go," Barley said.

Even if you are unable to redesign your entire shower, you can use a caddy or adjustable shelf to affordably add more storage to the space. 

"No one wants to shower in the dark, but so many people neglect to place lights in their showers thinking that a central fixture will put out enough light," Barely told BI.

Because of this, you may want to invest in having a light fixture installed in your shower, especially if your space has a dark shower curtain or no window. 

Colorful bathrooms can be fun, but you might be better off adding pops of color with art instead of using vibrant tiles, tubs, and sinks that can be costly to replace. 

"Unless you are decorating for a child's bath, themed baths are also busy and uninviting," Austin told BI. "Instead, use neutrals with a pop of color from art to bring out the best look."

This story was originally published on December 30, 2019, and most recently updated on May 16, 2024.