15 Chic and Functional Behind Toilet Decor Ideas You’ll Love

Let’s be honest—decorating the space behind the toilet isn’t exactly at the top of most people’s home decor to-do list. But it should be! That little nook has so much potential to add charm, storage, and personality to your bathroom.

Whether you’re working with a tiny powder room or a spacious spa-like retreat, giving that blank wall some love can make your bathroom feel more intentional, polished, and Pinterest-perfect. So grab a coffee, and let’s chat about some creative, stylish, and totally doable behind toilet decor ideas that will take your bathroom from “meh” to magazine-worthy!

What You Might Need:

✔️ Floating shelves or over-the-toilet storage unit
✔️ Baskets, jars, or small trays
✔️ Framed art, mirrors, or wall decor
✔️ Houseplants (real or faux)
✔️ Candles, essential oil diffusers, or small decorative pieces

1. Floating Shelves for a Functional & Stylish Look

A set of beautifully stained wooden shelves floating above your toilet, holding pretty glass jars, rolled-up towels, and a small potted plant. It’s simple, chic, and so functional.

How to Do It:

1. Measure your space. You don’t want shelves too deep or too high up—aim for around 6-8 inches deep and 16-20 inches above the toilet.
2. Choose your style. Rustic wood, sleek black metal, or classic white? Pick something that complements your bathroom.
3. Install brackets and secure shelves. Use anchors if needed to keep things sturdy.
4. Style them up! Add a mix of decorative and functional pieces—think woven baskets, candles, and a cute sign.

Picture This: Soft, neutral-colored towels tucked into a woven basket, a ceramic jar holding cotton swabs, and a framed quote that makes you smile every morning. This behind toilet decor idea turns a blank wall into a stylish and practical space.

2. Over-the-Toilet Cabinet for Hidden Storage

If you need extra storage but don’t want things looking cluttered, an over-the-toilet cabinet is a game changer. You can tuck away all those bathroom essentials—extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and personal care items—while keeping things looking polished.

How to Do It:

1. Pick a cabinet that fits your space. You can go for a freestanding unit or wall-mounted option.
2. Secure it properly. If it’s a freestanding unit, make sure it doesn’t wobble. If it’s wall-mounted, anchor it well.
3. Organize inside. Use small bins or baskets to separate toiletries, so everything stays neat.
4. Decorate the top. Add a plant, candle, or a pretty tray to soften the look.

Picture This: A sleek white cabinet blending seamlessly with your bathroom, its doors hiding all the essentials. On top, a small eucalyptus plant and a scented candle add a spa-like feel to this behind toilet decor idea.

3. Art & Prints to Add Personality

Your bathroom should feel just as you as the rest of your home. A fun way to do that? Hang some eye-catching artwork or framed prints above your toilet! Whether you love quirky bathroom humor, vintage botanical prints, or modern abstract designs, the right art can instantly elevate your space.

How to Do It:

1. Choose the right size. If you have a small space, opt for one medium-sized piece. If you have more wall space, create a mini gallery wall.
2. Pick your style. Go for framed prints, canvas art, or even a decorative mirror.
3. Hang it at eye level. Typically, the center of the artwork should be around 57 inches from the floor.
4. Mix and match. Combine different frame sizes or pair prints with floating shelves for a curated look.

Picture This: A chic black-and-white typography print that says “Wash Your Worries Away” framed in natural wood, hanging perfectly centered above the toilet. A trailing pothos plant adds a pop of green, making this behind toilet decor idea effortlessly stylish.

4. Baskets for Easy & Aesthetic Storage

If you’re all about storage that’s both practical and pretty, baskets are your best friend. They add warmth, texture, and a cozy, spa-like vibe to any bathroom.

How to Do It:

1. Choose the right size. A large woven basket can sit on the toilet tank, or smaller ones can be wall-mounted.
2. Fill them up. Store extra toilet paper, rolled hand towels, or self-care essentials like bath salts and lotions.
3. Layer for dimension. Combine different shapes and textures for a relaxed, organic look.

Picture This: A neatly stacked trio of rattan baskets on floating shelves—one holding extra plush towels, another with rolled-up washcloths, and the last one filled with beautifully labeled glass jars of bath salts and cotton rounds. This behind toilet decor idea makes every detail feel intentional.

5. Greenery for a Fresh, Airy Feel

Nothing makes a bathroom feel fresher than a touch of greenery. Even if your bathroom doesn’t get much natural light, there are plenty of faux plant options that will give you that same lush look.

How to Do It:

1. Pick plants that thrive in humidity. Pothos, snake plants, and ferns are great real options.
2. Choose the right placement. A trailing plant on a high shelf, a mini succulent on the toilet tank, or a wall-mounted planter are all great choices.
3. Use stylish pots. Go for ceramic, woven, or metallic planters to match your bathroom aesthetic.

Picture This: A cascading pothos plant draping gracefully from a shelf above the toilet, its green vines softening the space. A small ceramic pot with a snake plant adds a sculptural touch, making this behind toilet decor idea feel like a breath of fresh air.

6. Ladder Shelf for a Chic & Space-Saving Look

If you love that effortless, cozy farmhouse-meets-modern aesthetic, a ladder shelf is the perfect way to decorate behind your toilet. It adds height, storage, and a relaxed, stylish vibe—without feeling bulky.

How to Do It:

1. Choose a ladder shelf that fits your space. A slim, leaning one works well in small bathrooms, while a freestanding one is great for more storage.
2. Secure it if needed. Leaning shelves are sturdy, but if you have kids or pets, anchor them for extra stability.
3. Style it up. Place baskets on lower rungs for storage, then add folded towels, candles, or small plants on the higher shelves.

Picture This: A rustic wooden ladder shelf leaning effortlessly against the wall behind your toilet. A woven basket on the bottom holds extra TP, while soft white towels, a glass jar of bath salts, and a trailing ivy plant make this behind toilet decor idea feel straight out of a home magazine.

7. Wall-Mounted Hooks for Easy Access

For those who love minimalist decor with function, wall-mounted hooks are a must! They’re great for hanging hand towels, robes, or even a decorative element like a macramé piece or dried floral arrangement.

How to Do It:

1. Pick a style that suits your bathroom. Matte black for modern, brass for glam, or rustic wood for farmhouse charm.
2. Measure and space them evenly. If hanging multiple hooks, keep them about 6-8 inches apart.
3. Use them for style and storage. Hang a towel, a cute basket, or even a piece of art from a hook.

Picture This: A row of sleek matte black hooks mounted behind the toilet, holding a hanging basket with dried lavender, a soft waffle-knit hand towel, and a wooden bead garland. This behind toilet decor idea keeps things stylish yet practical.

8. Statement Wallpaper for a Bold Pop

Want to make a big impact in a small space? Wallpaper is the way to go! Whether you love floral, geometric, or moody dark hues, a fun wallpaper pattern behind the toilet can turn an ordinary bathroom into a design masterpiece.

How to Do It:

1. Choose a peel-and-stick wallpaper for easy application. It’s renter-friendly and easy to change later!
2. Measure and cut carefully. Apply the wallpaper in small sections, smoothing as you go.
3. Pair with simple decor. Since wallpaper is bold on its own, stick to minimal accessories like a small shelf or framed art.

Picture This: A moody navy-blue wallpaper with delicate gold floral patterns behind the toilet, giving the space a luxe, boutique-hotel vibe. A single gold-framed mirror reflects the light, making this behind toilet decor idea look effortlessly chic.

9. A Small Console Table for Elegance

If you have extra space behind your toilet, consider placing a narrow console table there. It adds elegance while providing a spot for candles, plants, or even a decorative tray with self-care essentials.

How to Do It:

1. Find a narrow table that fits behind the toilet. Look for one around 6-8 inches deep.
2. Style it simply. Use a small lamp, a reed diffuser, or a stack of beautiful books to elevate the look.
3. Use baskets underneath for storage. If your table has open space underneath, tuck in a few stylish baskets for extra organization.

Picture This: A sleek, narrow wood and metal console table behind the toilet, topped with a glass cloche candle, a ceramic vase of dried pampas grass, and a decorative gold tray. This behind toilet decor idea adds a luxurious feel with minimal effort.

10. DIY Shiplap or Board & Batten for Texture

If your bathroom wall feels plain, why not add some architectural charm? Shiplap, board & batten, or even simple beadboard wainscoting can give your behind-the-toilet space a fresh, high-end look.

How to Do It:

1. Pick your style. White shiplap for farmhouse, dark board & batten for modern, or beadboard for classic charm.
2. Measure and install panels. Cut and secure panels to the wall using a nail gun or adhesive.
3. Paint and finish. Go for crisp white, moody charcoal, or soft pastels to match your bathroom’s aesthetic.

Picture This: A crisp white shiplap wall running behind the toilet, making the space feel bright, fresh, and totally Pinterest-worthy. A single black-framed art print and a warm wood shelf complete this behind toilet decor idea, giving the bathroom a cozy, modern-farmhouse vibe.

11. Leaning Artwork for an Effortless, Artsy Vibe

Not a fan of hammering nails into the wall? Try leaning framed artwork on a shelf or even directly on the toilet tank for a laid-back, artsy look.

How to Do It:

1. Choose a statement piece. A framed print, a minimalist line drawing, or even a vintage-style painting works great.
2. Pick the right size. Something between 8×10 and 16×20 inches is ideal for leaning without overpowering.
3. Layer with other decor. Pair with a small vase, a candle, or a tiny potted plant for a curated look.

Picture This: A warm wood-framed watercolor painting casually leaning against the wall behind the toilet, accompanied by a small ceramic bud vase with dried eucalyptus. This behind toilet decor idea adds a soft, artistic charm with zero effort.

12. Apothecary Jars for Pretty & Practical Storage

If you want to keep everyday bathroom essentials within reach but still looking stylish, apothecary jars are the way to go. They make cotton swabs, bath salts, and other small items look like part of the decor.

How to Do It:

1. Pick clear glass or ceramic jars. They should be aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
2. Fill with bathroom essentials. Cotton balls, bath salts, mini soaps, or even hair ties.
3. Arrange them neatly. Place them on a shelf, in a basket, or on a small tray for a polished look.

Picture This: A set of sleek glass apothecary jars arranged neatly on a floating shelf above the toilet—one filled with cotton pads, another with pink Himalayan bath salts, and a third with lavender-scented bath beads. This behind toilet decor idea makes storage feel luxurious.

13. Vintage Window Frame for a Rustic Touch

If you love a farmhouse or cottage-core aesthetic, hanging a vintage window frame behind the toilet is a perfect way to add some old-world charm. Bonus points if you add a wreath or fairy lights!

How to Do It:

1. Find an old window frame. You can repurpose one from a thrift store or use a decorative faux frame.
2. Mount it behind the toilet. Hang it like a piece of artwork or lean it against the wall.
3. Add some accents. Drape a eucalyptus garland over it, attach a mini wreath, or weave in some fairy lights.

Picture This: A distressed white vintage window frame mounted behind the toilet, draped with a delicate strand of twinkle lights and a faux eucalyptus wreath hanging in the center. This behind toilet decor idea brings cozy farmhouse vibes to the space.

14. Candle Display for a Spa-Like Atmosphere

There’s nothing quite like the soft glow of candles to make your bathroom feel like a luxury spa retreat. A simple candle display behind the toilet can instantly elevate the ambiance.

How to Do It:

1. Choose a variety of candles. Mix pillar candles, votives, or even flameless LED candles for safety.
2. Arrange on a tray or shelf. Use a wooden, ceramic, or marble tray to keep the look cohesive.
3. Add a scent element. Pick candles with relaxing scents like lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus.

Picture This: A sleek marble tray sitting behind the toilet, holding a trio of soft ivory candles flickering warmly, with a small glass jar of dried lavender next to them. This behind toilet decor idea transforms your bathroom into a tranquil spa escape.

15. A Mini Book or Magazine Shelf for a Cozy Touch

Let’s be real—bathroom reading is a thing! Instead of leaving books and magazines scattered, why not create a cute little reading nook with a dedicated shelf?

How to Do It:

1. Install a small wall-mounted shelf. A floating or narrow ledge-style shelf works best.
2. Pick stylish books or magazines. Choose aesthetically pleasing covers that fit your decor style.
3. Add a little extra charm. A small plant, a candle, or a framed quote can finish the look.

Picture This: A slim wooden shelf mounted behind the toilet, neatly stacked with a few design books, a mini succulent, and a framed print that reads, “Just Breathe.” This behind toilet decor idea makes bathroom reading both stylish and intentional.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to decorate behind a toilet in a small bathroom?

If you’re working with a small space, go for vertical storage like floating shelves, wall-mounted hooks, or a ladder shelf. You can also use wall art or peel-and-stick wallpaper to add personality without taking up space.

2. How do I make my bathroom look expensive on a budget?

A few budget-friendly ways to make your bathroom look luxe include:

• Adding framed artwork behind the toilet
• Using glass apothecary jars for a spa-like feel
• Installing a sleek floating shelf for decor & storage
• Choosing a cohesive color scheme with neutral tones & metallic accents

3. Is it okay to put storage over the toilet?

Absolutely! Over-the-toilet storage is a great way to maximize space. Whether it’s a small shelf, a basket, or a full cabinet, just make sure it’s securely mounted and styled to blend seamlessly with the rest of your decor.

4. How do I keep the area behind my toilet from looking cluttered?

Stick to the less is more rule! Choose a few well-curated pieces rather than overloading the space. Use decorative baskets, neatly stacked towels, or a small tray to keep everything looking intentional and organized.

5. Can I use plants as behind toilet decor?

Yes! Plants are a great way to add life and freshness to your bathroom. Some of the best low-maintenance, humidity-friendly plants include:

• Pothos
• Snake plant
• ZZ plant
• Ferns
• Air plants

Place them on a shelf, in a hanging planter, or even on top of the toilet tank for an easy, natural touch.

6. How do I install floating shelves behind the toilet?

Here’s a simple step-by-step:

1. Measure the wall space to determine the shelf size.
2. Mark the placement using a level for accuracy.
3. Drill anchors into the wall for sturdy support.
4. Screw in the brackets and attach the shelf.
5. Style it with decor & storage essentials.

7. What are some renter-friendly behind toilet decor ideas?

If you can’t drill into walls, try:

• Leaning artwork instead of hanging it
• Using a freestanding ladder shelf
• Adding removable peel-and-stick wallpaper
• Using adhesive hooks for lightweight decor
• Placing a stylish tray on top of the toilet tank

Closing Thoughts

Who knew the space behind your toilet had so much potential? With the right decor choices—whether it’s a sleek floating shelf, a cozy candle display, or a bold wallpaper statement—you can turn that overlooked spot into a stylish, functional part of your bathroom.

The best part? You don’t need a massive budget or a complete remodel to make a difference. Just a few simple tweaks can elevate your bathroom from basic to Pinterest-worthy in no time!

So, which behind toilet decor idea is calling your name? Whether you go with a chic ladder shelf, a spa-like apothecary jar setup, or a mini gallery wall, I’d love to hear what you try. Happy decorating!