6 Ways to Use Decorative Bathroom Patterns

How Simple Patterns Can Liven Up a Traditional White Bathroom

All white bathrooms are as common as ever and will probably never go out of style because it’s a very “safe” choice. But even all white bathrooms can take on more interesting characteristics and personality with the use of simple bathroom patterns.

Imagine walking into a typical bathroom in a typical house. Everything is white – the paint, the tile, the floor, the cabinets, the shower. Clean? Yes. Missing something? Definitely.

Now imagine the same stark, white bathroom, but suddenly a series of diamond shapes begin to appear in the wall tiles. You look over to the shower enclosure and notice a raindrop pattern on the shower glass. Now the area rug beneath your feet has a similar diamond pattern to that of the walls, and voila! With three minor changes, this once generic, one-dimensional bathroom is starting to show some real personality!

Can You Mix Patterns in the Bathroom?

Absolutely! Mixing patterns in the bathroom is an excellent way to liven things up. But don’t get too overzealous with your choices, you don’t want too much of a good thing.

Some shapes and patterns compliment each other, while others can clash. We recommend experimenting during the planning phase to discover the right combination.

Decorative patterns, like geometric shapes or botanical themes, are a wonderful element to include in your bathroom. But where and when should you use them?

Understanding that it’s just as easy for patterns to overwhelm or overpower is why choosing where to use patterns in your bathroom is an important decision.

Limit your patterns to one main area and you’ll enjoy all the benefits and intrigue that patterns have to offer. Here are 6 great places you can choose to use patterns in your bathroom:

1. The Floor

Bathroom tiles, laminates, vinyl, and even concrete floors can incorporate patterns.
Whether you opt for a geometric or natural stone pattern, you can make a big impact.

For floor patterns, many people opt for subdued or natural colors so as not to overwhelm the whole room. Depending on your plans for the decor, going bold is also an option.

From square white and black tiles to dark blue diamonds, flower inspired designs and more, you can make your bathroom floor the focal point of the space.

2. Rug

A large bathroom rug is perfect for keeping your toes warm as you dress or undress. Make it pop with a pattern featuring your bathroom colors. Some popular patterns for rugs include chevron, herringbone, imperial trellis, quatrefoil, and even a scale pattern can work well.

3. Walls

Cover all of your bathroom walls with a painted pattern, tiles or wallpaper. You can also for one or two accent walls. In addition, you can extend this pattern, or a contrasting one, to the tiles of your walk-in shower or bath.

In any of these cases, using a pattern on the wall can really set the tone for your whole bathroom.

If you’re looking for a more subdued approach, you might try using one line of greek key around the room or halfway down the shower wall.

Florals are another popular choice that presents a world of possibility, with not only shapes but brilliant, beautiful colors. An obvious starting point for florals would be wallpaper, but if you’re super artistic and crafty yourself you can always hand-paint some wonderful flowers too (I).

4. Artwork

If you prefer to keep the overall look clean and elegant, you can add a pop of interest and color in the form of a piece of artwork. Hang a frame, large or small, with a southwest, paisley, floral, or another favorite pattern. This way, you can control exactly how much patterned space will be in your bathroom.

Sometimes all it takes is a pop of color and interesting shape to transform a space, and a white bathroom with a colorful wall or freestanding sculpture can have a huge impact (II).

5. Shower Curtain

If you use a shower curtain, this is a great opportunity for displaying a pattern. There are a wide array of patterns and designs available for your shower curtain that can match just about any paint color on your walls. So, consider this as a possible focal point in your bathroom.

Shower doors and enclosures provide a myriad of options due to the availability of glass types and textures. For example, higher end shower glass can be made to order, based on the size, thickness, color – or tint – and pattern you’re seeking. There are many quality “off the shelf” styles available as well that are just as appealing and easier on your budget.

6. Shower Glass

Have you considered including a pattern on your shower’s glass enclosure? Shower doors and enclosures provide a myriad of options due to the availability of glass types and textures.

For example, higher end shower glass can be made to order, based on the size, thickness, color – or tint – and pattern you’re seeking. There are many quality “off the shelf” styles available as well that are just as appealing and easier on your budget.

frosted or textured pattern can be perfect for adding privacy to your bathroom while also bringing dramatic style and elegance.

References:
(I): Homedit, “Using Patterns in the Bathroom: Ideas & Inspiration!”, https://www.homedit.com/using-patterns-in-the-bathroom-ideas-inspiration/
(II): Elle Decor, “10+ Creative Ways to Enhance Your Bathroom With Art”, https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g30337713/bathroom-art-ideas/