9 DIY Maximalist Bathroom Decor Ideas for Bold Style

Is your bathroom feeling a little… boring? Maybe sterile, tired, or just “blah” after years of neglect? If you’re ready to inject personality, bold style, and cozy warmth into your bathroom, a maximalist makeover could be exactly what you need. 

Maximalism is all about layering textures, patterns, and colors while keeping the space functional and inviting. The best part? You don’t need a huge budget or a contractor — these DIY ideas make it achievable for renters, small apartments, or anyone wanting a creative upgrade.

Here are 9 DIY maximalist bathroom decor ideas inspired by a real-life transformation that turned a rundown bathroom into a lively, colorful, and highly functional space.

Table of Contents

• 1. Start With a Bold Shower Curtain — Your Design Anchor
• 2. Layer Textiles for Texture and Color
• 3. Add Plants — Real or Faux, for Natural Life
• 4. Create a Gallery Wall With Personal Art
• 5. Reinvent Cabinets and Storage
• 6. Play With Wall Color — Even a Single Accent Wall
• 7. Layer Lighting for Ambiance and Function
• 8. Incorporate Natural and Textural Elements
• 9. Add Personal Touches and Quirky Details
• Conclusion

1. Start With a Bold Shower Curtain — Your Design Anchor

The shower curtain is your canvas in a maximalist bathroom. It’s the first thing your eyes catch, and it sets the tone for everything else.

Why it works:

• Covers a large visual area
  
• Introduces color, pattern, and personality instantly
  
• Anchors other décor choices like towels, rugs, and accessories
  

DIY tips:

• Choose patterns inspired by nature, abstract art, or vibrant geometry.
  
• Add tassels, fringe, or iron-on decals for a custom touch.
  
• Pair your curtain with coordinating hooks or curtain rings for a polished look.
  

Renter-friendly:

No drilling or permanent installation required — a tension rod and removable curtain hooks are perfect.

2. Layer Textiles for Texture and Color

Maximalist bathrooms thrive on layers — and towels, rugs, and bath mats are an easy way to achieve this.

How to layer:

1. Base towel: Solid neutral to anchor the look
   
2. Middle towel: Complementary color or pattern
   
3. Accent towel: Pop of bold color or texture
   

DIY upgrades:

• Embroider initials or small patterns on plain towels
  
• Roll or fold towels in baskets for a boutique hotel feel
  
• Mix textures: waffle, Turkish cotton, ribbed, or terry cloth
  

Styling tip:

Layer rugs or mats to create visual interest — consider patterns, stripes, or contrasting colors.

3. Add Plants — Real or Faux, for Natural Life

Nothing breathes life into a bathroom like greenery. Plants soften sterile tiles, add texture, and even improve mood.

Best choices for humidity:

• Pothos
  
• Ferns
  
• Snake plants
  
• Spider plants
  

DIY hacks:

• Hang trailing vines from adhesive hooks or tension rods
  
• Create mini terrariums in glass jars for vanity displays
  
• Use faux greenery for windowless or low-light bathrooms
  

Maximalist twist:

Mix plant sizes, textures, and containers — rattan baskets, ceramic pots, or gold planters add layers and sophistication.

4. Create a Gallery Wall With Personal Art

Maximalism loves storytelling. A gallery wall lets you display art, photography, and quirky finds, giving your bathroom character.

DIY approaches:

• Frame thrifted art, your own canvases, or small prints
  
• Include unconventional items like painted tiles or pressed flowers
  
• Mix frame styles, textures, and finishes for visual depth
  

Placement ideas:

• Above the toilet
  
• Beside the mirror
  
• On small shelves to create layered visual interest
  

Renter-friendly:

Use adhesive hooks, Command strips, or lightweight frames — no drilling needed.

5. Reinvent Cabinets and Storage

Functional storage is crucial in a bathroom, and giving old cabinets a DIY makeover adds both personality and utility.

DIY upgrades:

• Repaint cabinets in bold colors drawn from your shower curtain or rugs
  
• Replace old hardware with brass, matte black, or gold handles
  
• Add peel-and-stick tiles or wallpaper to cabinet fronts
  

Maximalist touch:

Mix decorative and functional items — stack towels, display perfumes, or layer small baskets on open shelves.

Budget-friendly:

Thrifted cabinets or repurposed furniture work perfectly. You can upcycle and save money while adding charm.

6. Play With Wall Color — Even a Single Accent Wall

Maximalist bathrooms thrive on bold hues. A single accent wall or ceiling color can transform the space dramatically.

DIY approach:

• Pick a color from your shower curtain or towels for cohesion
  
• Consider jewel tones like emerald, teal, or sapphire for drama
  
• Use washable or rental-safe paint if allowed
  

DIY trick from the transcript:

Even mistakes can be part of the fun — if the color overwhelms, repaint another wall to balance it. Maximalism encourages experimentation.

7. Layer Lighting for Ambiance and Function

Good lighting elevates every bathroom. Maximalist style isn’t just about looks; it’s about warmth, mood, and functionality.

Ideas:

• Replace harsh bulbs with 2700K–3000K warm LEDs
  
• Add sconces or plug-in lamps with adhesive mounts
  
• Wrap fairy lights around mirrors or shelves for subtle glow
  

DIY flair:

Use colored or patterned lampshades to tie lighting into the overall palette.

Tip:

Safety first — always turn off electricity before changing fixtures, and call a friend if needed for extra hands.

8. Incorporate Natural and Textural Elements

Maximalism thrives on mixing textures and materials. Wood, rattan, stone, and metals add warmth and interest.

Ideas:

• Bamboo trays or shelves
  
• Woven baskets for storage
  
• Wooden bath stools or small benches
  
• Stone soap dishes or countertop accessories
  

DIY upgrades:

• Wrap jars in jute or rope for a rustic touch
  
• Repurpose driftwood as towel hooks with adhesive
  
• Use small pebbles in glass containers for natural décor
  

Maximalist effect:

Layer textures on countertops, shelves, and floors to make the space feel rich, cozy, and curated.

9. Add Personal Touches and Quirky Details

Maximalism is all about you. Accessories, art, and even playful items make your bathroom uniquely yours.

Ideas:

• DIY art canvases with abstract squiggles or paint pours
  
• Small sculptures, figurines, or curios on shelves
  
• Personal mementos like photos, shells, or thrifted finds
  
• Statement mirrors and gold accents
  

DIY approach:

• Make your own art from scrap canvases
  
• Upcycle thrifted objects with spray paint
  
• Arrange items in small groups for intentional clutter
  

Budget note:

The transcript example achieved a full maximalist transformation for around $150, proving style doesn’t have to break the bank.

Conclusion

Maximalist bathroom décor isn’t about chaos; it’s about layering color, texture, and personality to make a functional space vibrant and fun. By combining bold textiles, art, plants, creative lighting, and DIY storage solutions, you can turn even the most neglected bathroom into a personal sanctuary.

The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid to experiment. Mistakes, mismatched patterns, or bold color choices are part of the fun — and in maximalism, they only add character.

With these 9 DIY maximalist ideas, you don’t need a huge budget, a long renovation, or a professional designer. Your bathroom can finally reflect your personality, creativity, and style — and maybe even become the most-talked-about room in your home.