Impress visitors with these clever guest bathroom ideas, including thoughtful amenities and clever storage hacks.

×00:0300:5226 Creative Guest Bathroom IdeasImpress visitors with these clever guest bathroom ideas, including thoughtful amenities and clever storage hacks.

Guests should feel welcome the moment they step into your house, and that hospitality extends to the guest bedroom and the bathroom, where visitors should feel at ease and have everything they need within arm’s reach.

JAY WILDE

Whether designing a guest bathroom from scratch or layering on the finishing touches, consider these guest bathroom ideas when planning for overnight visitors.

01of 26Install Privacy Shades

JULIE SOEFER

Most everyone loves a bathroom with natural light, but guests will feel more comfortable when they can close the shades to change or shower. A simple pull-down shade is often the best bathroom window treatment option so guests aren’t left wondering how to open and close them.

02of 26Corral Essentials on a Tray

BRIE WILLIAMS,

To pack efficiently, travelers often bring the minimum, especially if they’re flying via carry-on and must abide by the FAA’s 3.5-ounce rule. If you have the counter space, fill a tray with everyday toiletries such as lotion, cotton swabs, and cleansing pads.

03of 26Add Easy-to-Reach Storage

JAY WILDE

A small bathroom can present some challenges when preparing for guests. One solution to limited storage is to add shelves above the toilet. In addition to creating more space, displaying items in the open, such as plush bath towels, makes it easier for guests to find things.

04of 26Layer in Little Luxuries

MIKI DUISTERHOF

After a long trip (or even a short one), there’s nothing like a hot shower or bath. Keep your shower stocked with all the bathing essentials, such as washcloths, razors, body and face scrubs, and more in a corner shelving unit like this Better Homes & Gardens Satin Corner Bathtub Shower Storage Shelf, ($17, Walmart). If it’s in the budget, splurge on a nice shampoo or conditioner.

05of 26Don’t Forget the Toilet Paper

DANA GALLAGHER

Nothing is worse than an empty toilet paper roll when visiting someone else’s home. Don’t keep guests wondering whether there’s a roll in the vanity drawer or nearby linen closet. Displaying a basket out in the open (in a Better Homes & Gardens Small Bathroom Satin Wire Storage Basket, $12, Walmart) and stocked with extra rolls will put guests at ease.

06of 26Make It Accessible

JAMES NATHAN SCHRODER

If your visitors include little ones, add a stool into the guest bathroom so they can reach the sink. If they’re old enough to brush their teeth and wash their hands on their own, they won’t have to call their parents in for a boost.

23 Fun Kids Bathroom Ideas07of 26Consider Open Shelving

JAMES NATHAN SCHRODER

Opening and closing cabinets over and over old gets old (and noisy). Designing a guest bathroom with open shelving keeps bathroom accessories in the open and easy to locate. Here, wicker baskets keep extra towels neat and at the ready on an open vanity shelf. Leave small vanity organizers (similar to this Better Homes & Gardens Ceramic Blue Ombre Countertop Vanity Organizer, $15, Walmart) out on the countertop for them to use during their stay.

08of 26Add Greenery

STACEY BRANDFORD

There’s no reason houseplants can’t extend to the guest bathroom. If it’s a space used only when guests are in town, or if the bathroom is windowless, consider an artificial plant instead.

The 17 Best Fake Houseplants of 2023 to Add Stress-Free Greenery to Your Space09of 26Fake a Medicine Cabinet

MARTY BALDWIN

If you have a small bathroom sans a medicine cabinet, you can create storage by choosing a mirror with a built-in shelf. Make sure to add a cup to hold a toothbrush and toothpaste should guests want to store it there during their stay.

10of 26Punch It Up with Patterns

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

In the case of a small, windowless guest bathroom, don’t fight a lack of natural light. Rather than trying to brighten it up, embrace it by leaning into darker colors. Complete the look with bold patterns to make the space feel special.

11of 26Add Fresh Flowers

WERNER SEGARRA

A bouquet of flowers goes a long way to freshen up a bathroom and make guests feel welcome. Your floral arrangement doesn’t have to be elaborate either. A few blooms and sprigs of foliage cut from the garden can be the perfect touch.