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24 Guest Bathroom Ideas That'll Give Your Visitors a Warm Welcome

Bold tile, well-dressed vanities and modern decor can make even the smallest room feel like home.

By
guest bathroom ideas
Amy Bartlam

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At home, your bathroom is one of your safe havens. So, when you have friends and family staying with you, it's totally understandable that you want your guest bathroom to provide a similar sense of calm. If you're looking to transform your space into something that visitors will love, check out these beautiful guest bathroom ideas.

Whether you're hosting an event in your home or having family and friends over for the holidays, your guest bathroom is one of the first places they'll see and use often throughout their stay. And at times, the guest bathroom is one of the areas that can often be overlooked. No matter if your bathroom is classic white, elegant pink or vibrant green, there are so many clever ways to create a space that feels like home. Some of these ideas require you to work from the ground up, while others simply offer tips on how you can maximize your small space with built-in shelves, storage solutions and vanities. From installing bold tile flooring to mixing in subtle pops of color throughout, these design tips and decor ideas are sure to welcome guests in style.

1

Built-in Shelves

guest bathroom ideas recessed shelves
Mike Garten

For easy storage, carve out a spot for recessed shelves. You can use them to hold extra towels and baskets full of bathroom essentials.

2

Statement Wall

guest bathroom ideas to tone walls
Mike Garten

Two-tone walls bring dimension to any design. Keep the bottom half of the wall in a solid color, then add patterned wallpaper on top. This can be done throughout the space or in a section you want to emphasize.

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3

Black and White

guest bathroom ideas a black and white contrast
Amy Bartlam

Black and white is a timeless color combination, especially in bathrooms. Mix in black lighting, hardware and trim to provide dramatic contrast and depth.

4

Contrasting Patterns

guest bathroom ideas a floral oasis
Jessica Bordner

Floral wallpaper and herringbone tile in coordinating hues pair nicely. Go with a medium or deep blue to give off a relaxing feel.

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5

Striking Gallery Wall

guest bathroom ideas art
Phil Crozier

Reena Sotropa In House Design Group changed the overall mood of this all-white guest bathroom by adorning a free wall with simple yet elegant artwork.

RELATED: Beautiful Black and White Bathrooms

6

Pop of Color

guest bathroom ideas the ideal pop of color
Paul Versluis Kearney

If you want to keep the rest of your bathroom one shade, paint the vanity in a statement hue, like a bold cobalt blue, for a welcome splash of color.

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7

Decorative Wallpaper

guest bathroom ideas decorative wallpaper
Christopher Dibble

Spending time in nature calms the heart and mind, so installing botanical-inspired wallpaper is an easy way to make the room more enjoyable for anyone who's in it.

8

Gold Accents

guest bathroom ideas gold accents
Beatriz da Costa

If you're only looking to make slight changes to your bathroom's design, bring in gold accents to add a touch of elegance.

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9

Warm and Bright Tones

guest bathroom ideas warm and bright tones
Becki Owens Interior Design

Mix dark and light by keeping the walls white and incorporating wooden accents throughout. A patterned rug is the perfect finishing touch.

SHOP RUG

10

Marble Design

guest bathroom ideas a marble design
Lisa Romerein

Not only is the arched entrance a striking statement, but the marble seating inside enhances the safety of the bath —great for guests who may need it.

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11

Bold Flooring

guest bathroom ideas bold flooring
Alec Hemer

If your guest bathroom is mostly one color, switch up the flooring to add interest. Pick a tile color and design that'll really pop against the walls, like the one shown here.

12

A Single Tone

guest bathroom ideas soft pink design
Jessica Bordner

Give your bathroom a modern upgrade by hanging a curved mirror and installing a terrazzo vanity top.

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13

Double Mirrors

guest bathroom ideas expand your vanity mirrors
Lisa Romerein

Having mirrors in your guest bathroom is essential. Hang two above a double-sink vanity to create a sense of symmetry.

14

Makeup Vanity

guest bathroom ideas makeup vanity
Julien Fernandez/Ninou Etienne

Stick a makeup vanity in an unused corner to give your guests a designated spot to get ready for the day. Slide the stool under the vanity when it's not in use to free up floor space.

SHOP VANITY SET

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15

A Grand Display

guest bathroom ideas entryway
Amy Neunsinger

Hanging a chandelier above the tub brings the drama, while a warm-toned runner adds a cozy contrast. By placing your bathtub in front of a bay window, your guests will be able to take advantage of the natural light that comes streaming through.

16

Comfortable Seating

guest bathroom ideas seating
Peter Murdock

If your bathroom is large enough, separate it into two sections: a sitting area for some quality R&R and, well, everything else.

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17

Boho Appeal

guest bathroom ideas boho appeal
Margaret Austin

Warm up an all-white bathroom with a range of earthy accents, everything from a rattan pendant to a slated bamboo bath mat.

18

Live Greenery

guest bathroom ideas greenery
John Michael Cooper ALTF

Plants breathe life into any space. Scatter a few air-purifying plants throughout the room — inside the shower, along the windowsill, hanging from the ceiling and more — to create a a sense of calm.

RELATED: The Best Houseplants That Purify the Air

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19

Sliding Door

guest bathroom ideas a floral oasis sliding doors
Jessica Bordner

Although it's just as functional as a traditional swing door, a sliding pocket door is ideal if you're working with limited floor space. Certain styles, like a farmhouse-inspired barn door, make any room feel more warm and inviting.

20

Custom Medicine Cabinet

guest bathroom ideas chalkboard medicine cabinet
Courtesy of Katherine Stiles

Cover the inside of your medicine cabinet with chalkboard paint, so you can leave positive notes for your guests. You can even write a list of everything that's free for them to use and where to find them.

Headshot of Mariah Thomas
Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. 

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