These 7 Things Create a “Perfect” Bathroom, According to Real Estate Agents

If you thought the bathroom was your escape before, it’s even more important to make it your oasis now. Whether you’re flooded with Zoom meetings, homeschooling, or burnout from the work-from-home life, a daily bath or shower may sometimes be your only moment for precious alone time.

Even if you think your bathroom has all the essentials right now, quick fixes like switching out your shower head or sink fixture can help give it modern and luxurious flair. Here, real estate agents provide seven simple things that create the perfect bathroom. 

Small rugs are the quintessential bathroom staple. Not only do they provide functionality when placed right next to the shower, but they’re also great accent pieces if the room has neutral tones. Real estate agent Nicole Christie says you should ditch classic bath mats.

“Runners are great — or, smaller size antique rugs give the bathroom a modern, fresh feel,” she says. If you have the classic two-piece matching rug (like myself), consider branching out with something unconventional.

Dimmable overhead lighting is an attractive option for a bathroom, as you can set the mood based on the task, be it a bath or a shower.

Real estate agent Lindsey Koolik says natural light is ideal, but if your bathroom lacks a window, you can make up for it. For starters, look to your vanity for inspiration. “Light right next to your vanity is really important because you need to see yourself,” Koolik says. Simply changing the wattage around your sink’s mirror can reinvigorate the space.

Statement artwork brings your personality into the bathroom. Christie says to go for glass-framed artwork or vintage textiles. The best way to incorporate more than one piece of art? Hang a series of similarly themed photos.

Whether you’re refurbishing a master bathroom or a powder room, there’s a ton you can do to maximize storage. The easiest fix? Add shelves inside your vanity mirror. And use other space-saving pieces to declutter.

“Choose an accent piece that works for the immediate needs like the towels, and then make sure that your closed-door storage can hold what you need so you don’t have to have bottles outside,” Christie says. “You can also be creative with floating shelves.”

Looking to go completely out-of-the-box? Christie suggests turning a bar cart into a bathroom cart; then add candles and rolled up towels to up your design. 

To give your bathroom a tranquil feel, use neutral colors. “The darker the colors are in the bathroom, the less you’re going to see the natural light.”

If you’re not one for quiet colors, Koolik says adding wallpaper behind the vanity can create an accent wall that’s not overbearing. Plus, if you use temporary wallpaper, you can change up your style every season.

Updating the hardware in your bathroom goes a long way. “It’s such an accessible way to either go really vintage or go modern,” Christie says. “You can change the whole look of your bathroom and utilize the same plumbing.” 

Consider replacing your old faucet with rose gold or matte fixtures. Refresh your shower experience with a new shower head, keeping in mind finish, size, and function. 

A good scent is the hallmark of a luxurious bathroom. Koolik recommends putting a scent diffuser or candle of your favorite scent in the bathroom. “Subconsciously every time you walk in, it switches the way you’re thinking and brings happiness to you,” she says. A diffuser on the vanity or by the bathtub elevates your style, while also giving the room an oasis-like vibe.