5 ways to elevate an IKEA bathroom to make it look and feel more unique

There are so many easy yet effective ways to elevate your IKEA bathroom to transform your scheme from simple to a design that showcases your style and personality. IKEA's designs are a go-to for many homeowners, offering affordable and transitional furniture, but there's no reason you shouldn't put your touch on the space.

Whether you've renovated your bathroom or simply want to give your scheme a refresh, there are so many bathroom ideas and inspiration, that it can be tricky to know which route to take. But, to simply elevate your IKEA bathroom, a few subtle additions can make all the difference.

From relaxed, tranquil schemes to personality-filled spaces, these simple yet effective ways to elevate your IKEA bathroom will help you create a space that feels reflective of your interior design style.

5 simple ways to elevate an IKEA bathroom

IKEA's bathroom furniture is pared-back and functional – they're actually a really great way to create a space that works for your everyday needs. But, to add a unique appeal to your scheme, a few fun and stylish additions can make your IKEA bathroom feel more bespoke.

1. Create a tranquil atmosphere with lighting

The power of bathroom lighting cannot be denied – creating an ambient atmosphere and a sense of tranquility in a space, it sets the mood for each bathroom use. On top of that, the right fixtures add style and help to create your desired aesthetic in the space.

'Bathroom lighting needs to be practical, but it can also be sublimely beautiful. For task lighting, ensure sufficient illumination around areas like the sink. For a relaxing ambiance, consider warm, ambient lighting solutions, like pendants or small chandeliers, tailored to fit your bathroom’s size and ceiling height,' suggests Jo Plant, head of design at Pooky.

Consider how you will use your bathroom, and where and what style of lighting will be the most beneficial, practically and aesthetically. 'Matching wall lights on either side of a bathroom mirror give a high-end feel, providing a balanced and flattering glow, reducing glare and shadows from overhead lighting,' Jo adds.

2. Update the bathroom cabinet doors

In the same way that replacing cabinet doors is a great way to elevate an IKEA kitchen, adding a bespoke feel to your IKEA bathroom with replacement fronts to your cabinets or vanity can completely transform the look and feel of your scheme.

In this IKEA bathroom, the vanity has been elevated with oak fronts from Fronteriors to make it feel more bespoke and luxurious. There are lots of companies that specialize in creating custom doors and fronts to elevate IKEA furniture, so it's a relatively easy change to make.

The benefit of elevating your vanity in this way is that you still get the practical streamlined design IKEA is renowned for, but you can create a look that is more tailored to your bathroom scheme, and you get a greater range of colors, materials, and finishes.

3. Add character with tiles

A pretty and practical way to elevate an IKEA bathroom is by adding striking tiles, whether you introduce a playful backsplash, statement flooring, or colorful wall tiles. Bathroom tiles come in all shapes, sizes, finishes, and colors, so you can create a truly bespoke feel to your scheme.

'Adding handmade tile like Fireclay to an IKEA bathroom truly elevates the space, giving it more character and depth. I'll always suggest choosing one of our more high-variation ceramic glazes or our textured Brick, which are just so dynamic,' says Kali Gibson, of Fireclay Tile.

While tiles have many practical functions (such as adding a watertight feature to your walls and floor), they add so much to a space aesthetically, too. 'They transform the space from ordinary to extraordinary, infusing it with unique character and depth that elevates the entire room,' Kali adds.

4. Introduce collected decor pieces

Want to elevate an IKEA bathroom while adding personality to the scheme? Decor is the ultimate way to do so. Gather your favorite decorative items that can withstand the damp environment – this could be trinkets, art, or even aesthetic pieces like soap dishes and toothbrush holders.

There are so many options here depending on what space you have. Walls are an easy and space-saving way to add decor, or if you have surface space, bathroom countertop decor can make your room feel more personal and homey.

In large bathrooms, open shelving or tall units can be utilized to add a decorative touch. Create a bathroom shelf to display pretty decor, your favorite products, such as perfumes and pots for accessories, or a plant. Styling a shelf, especially in a bathroom, takes some time, but it's worth it for the result.

5. Elevate your bathroom scheme with brassware

A swap that always transforms the finished look of a bathroom scheme is the hardware. From handles and door knobs to faucets and shower heads, replacing them with elevated, brass alternatives can give your bathroom luxury appeal.

'A few carefully selected pieces of brassware can make all the difference and instantly make ceramics and sanitaryware feel more luxurious and higher-end. If you also currently have an IKEA bathroom in situ, updating tired brassware, such as those with limescale can instantly refresh and provide a polished and sleek finish,' suggests Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs.

While beautiful brassware is a more luxurious choice, high-quality pieces will last a long time and add so much character to your IKEA bathroom. 'Choosing new taps for a basin or bath is like dressing up a bathroom and giving it a bit of a facelift with the latest trends. As one of the main products in your bathroom that has moving parts, investing in a higher quality product means it will last longer, along with looking the part,' adds Barrie.

A few simple additions and accessories can really elevate your IKEA bathroom, and give it a more luxurious, bespoke feel. Whether you want to add a sanctuary feel with lighting or add luxe appeal with brassware, there are plenty of ways to make your space feel more you.