5 Ways to Add Character to Your Minimalist Bathroom
24th Jun 2025
For many years, minimalism was one of the most popular looks for a bathroom. Photos of designer creations showed spaces with little or nothing more than the absolute essentials. In fact, if you entered such a bathroom, you might learn nothing at all of the homeowner’s personal style and tastes. Many of these spaces are monochromatic white or gray with the same hardware finish used throughout. This approach has its perks, such as:
- Lack of clutter makes for easy cleaning.
- The look is very hygienic.
- Sleekness and simplicity give the room high end vibes.
For these reasons, minimalism has not been entirely kicked to the curb even as home décor trends have shifted heavily in favor of personally meaningful items, eclectic décor, mixed metals, and nature-based color schemes. In fact, many current trends could be described as minimalism plus, as they are all about adding some inviting features to the uncluttered but often stark backdrop of a minimalist bathroom. If you designed or remodeled your bathroom during the height of minimalism, read on for how you can give it character and charm without a full-scale renovation.
1. Warm up the space with nature.
Biophillic design is a modern favorite, and it is based on bringing natural and nature inspired items into your home design and décor. These natural elements look lovely against a neutral backdrop, and their warmth balances the cool white porcelain and ceramic often used so heavily in bathrooms. Options include:
- Refinishing a painted vanity so that the natural tone and wood grain are visible.
- Installing glass shelves on metal clamps and filling them with potted plants.
- Optimizing natural light by replacing blinds or heavy curtains with privacy films on the window glass or translucent window treatments.
- Introducing nature-inspired contours and silhouettes to contrast with the clean lines and crisp edges of minimalist fixtures.
2. Introduce a few pops of color.
If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a bathroom makeover, one of the least expensive ways to make a minimalist space more personal and inviting is by adding thoughtful pops of color. Choose a main color and – if you wish – an accent color. Bring these shades into your space through items like:
- A cozy rug beside the tub
- New terrycloth, linen, or Turkish cotton towels
- Updated wall hangings
- Chic storage bins
You could also paint a white vanity a more vibrant color, hang new curtains, or brighten the space with vases of fresh flowers!
3. Choose a glass shower enclosure with lots of charm.
On the other hand, if you’re up for a more significant bathroom transformation, you could replace your shower curtain with a glass enclosure that has tons of personality. Consider designs like:
- A frameless sliding shower door system with hardware in a striking finish such as satin brass.
- Screen or enclosure built from grid-style glass that is surrounded by black U-channel and adorned with ceramic frit grids printed on its surface.
- Hinged door enclosure with a decorative pull handle such as this.
4. Create an accent wall.
A monochromatic bathroom will have a whole new look if you give just one wall some pizzazz. Consider both traditional and outside-the-box options:
- Painting one wall in a trending color.
- Covering a wall with boldly patterned peel-n-stick wallpaper.
- Creating a hanging garden on one wall.
- Making a gallery wall with assorted art work, mirrors, and other wall hangings.
- Tiling an entire wall outside the shower.
5. Replace some or all of the room’s hardware.
Another way to quickly change a bathroom’s look and feel is by altering the hardware finish. Today, mixed metals are popular, and switching from monochromatic metals to a blend of two or three finishes will give a minimalist space more character. Tips for a successful mixed metal design include:
- Choose two main finishes that are clearly distinct from one another.
- A third accent finish can also be included. As a neutral, matte black is good in this role.
- Use each finish in various parts of the bathroom rather than clustering them.
- Be thoughtful about where you use particular finishes. For instance, in a bathroom with hard water you might want to keep dark hardware away from shower sprays and faucets.
You can introduce this look without replacing all the hardware. For instance, if your minimalist bathroom has chrome hardware, you could bring in satin brass by:
- Replacing the shower door pull handle
- Putting in a new ceiling light
- Hanging a metal wrapped mirror
- Getting new toothbrush holder, trash can and soap dish
For all bathroom upgrade needs involving glass shower hardware, we invite you to shop Glass Simple. We prioritize timely turnaround of orders and 5-star customer care, serving homeowners and business clients alike. Call to learn more – (571)707-7760!