No one likes to admit they’ve got tacky decorations. We’re referring to those things that make guests double-take with surprise. It might be something dated, or perhaps it just doesn’t work in the room. But who’s to judge? Interior designers are.
Interior designers decorate homes for a living and are the most qualified to recognise tacky additions. So, what things should we avoid? We spoke to four interior designers who have rounded up the tackiest things they see in the bathroom. Plus, they’ve given suggestions on what you can do instead. How many of these are in your bathroom?
1. Dated shower curtains
You’ll know what we’re talking about; those shower curtains that have seen better days. They’ve dulled, frayed and the plastic liner looks slimy with spots of mould and mildew.
Miriam Prada, director of Miriam Prada Interiors, advises: ‘If possible, go for made-to-measure or fitted glass. If not, use a heavy cotton or linen-look curtain, and consider the full room to understand hanging height – hanging higher and wider works well to elongate the space visually.’
If you’re keen to hang on to your shower curtain, but you know it needs a refresh, wash according to the care label using a reduced amount of biological detergent on a delicate cycle. Padding out the load with towels can protect the curtain from tumbling damage and provide additional scrubbing. Check out how to remove mould from your shower curtain for more details.
2. Matchy-matchy bathroom accessories
You might buy a matching accessory set for consistency, with the intention of it bringing the bathroom together. But, this can have the opposite effect, according to Andrew Pho, home renovation and improvement expert at Mister Baluster.
‘The theme of every single product, (e.g. soap dispenser, artwork) in the bathroom when they all come from the same "boxed" collection makes the bathroom feel old and not intentional. My preference is to mix materials, e.g., wood, glass, and stone, and keep colours simplified. There are many affordable ways to create a more polished feel in your bathroom by removing all themed signage and replacing them with subtle artwork, plants, etc.’
If you don’t want to dispose of the set, you can always find ways to reuse them around the home. An unused toothbrush holder works well as a pen pot in the office, or a soap tray can act as a makeshift catchall in the hallway or even a jewellery tray.
3. All your beauty products on display
While you want your beauty products to be accessible for your morning routine, it’s not what guests want to see in your bathroom. They’re often visibly covered in makeup and leave traces behind where used. It's one of the many things guests judge you for in the bathroom.
Rachel Simpson, senior interior designer at Revive Design and Renovation, stresses that: ‘A countertop covered with skincare products, toothbrushes, and miscellaneous accessories can instantly make even a beautiful bathroom feel cluttered and inexpensive.
‘I recommend displaying only a few attractive essentials and storing the rest in drawers, cabinets, or decorative containers. Simple trays can create a more curated, spa-like appearance without spending much money.’
Beauty products can be organised in the cabinets with a rotating organiser, or tiered racks for easy access. Even a wash bag is handy for keeping things together, and then easily putting them away once you're done.
4. Inspirational signs
While it might give the impression of deep thought and meaning – or just highlight the purpose of the bathroom – word art and inspirational quotes can create a tacky aesthetic, says Rachel.
‘Signs with phrases like "Relax," "Wash," or "Soak" can make a bathroom feel overly themed and less sophisticated. Instead, incorporate framed artwork, photography, or even a small sculptural piece that reflects your personal style. It creates a more elevated and timeless design while adding visual interest.’
Family photos are a more homely way to decorate. And hanging plants can add greenery, while hooks on the back of the door are functional for holding dressing gowns and hand towels.
5. Blank walls
Blank walls may make the bathroom feel clean, open and uncluttered, but it can also leave it lacking personality.
Lauren Covino-Smith, founder and principal designer for Styled Ivy Interiors, says: ‘In a small space like a bathroom, leaving walls blank makes the entire room look unfinished and dull. Traditional millwork and wainscoting added to the walls, a rich luxurious paint colour, or a large scale floral wallpaper all immediately set the tone for a calming and elevated retreat.’
When choosing the paint for your bathroom, stick to specialist emulsions that are durable and easy to scrub. These will better cope with the humidity and can even feature anti-mould properties.
6. Toilet rugs
While it might have been all the rage in the 70s, toilet rug sets aren’t something that appeals today.
Rachel continues: ‘The traditional matching rug set around the toilet, sink, and bathtub tends to make a bathroom feel cluttered and dated. A better approach is using one larger, high-quality runner or bathmat with texture and visual interest. This creates a cleaner, more designer-inspired look.’
While these fuzzy additions might keep your feet warm, they’re full of bacteria – especially the one surrounding the toilet. When you think about all the ‘splashback’, it’s no wonder guests might feel a little uneasy when they stand on it. You should be washing such mats once a week on a 60 degree setting (or as high as allowed by the care label) with biological detergent.
The bathmat is the one item in your bathroom that's dirtier than the toilet seat, so goodness knows where the toilet mat stands.
7. Wall-to-wall mirrors
Wall-to-wall mirrors – while intended to be glamorous – are another tacky addition, according to Lauren.
‘Builder-grade wall-to-wall vanity mirrors are a huge no and scream cheap. Rather, choose decorative vanity mirrors in interesting shapes, such as an octagon with an attractive, minimal frame that compliments the metal finishes in the space.’
To remove limescale and finger marks from your mirror, make up a solution of 1-part distilled white vinegar to 9-parts water and spritz that over the surface, followed by polishing with a microfibre cloth. For any foundation, hairspray or fake tan stains, rubbing alcohol on a cotton ear bud can target them.
