Your bathroom is more than just a functional space; it’s a sanctuary where you can unwind and rejuvenate. One of the most captivating ways to enhance this retreat is by introducing plants into your bathroom design. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of a “botanical bathroom” and answer common questions about designing with plants. From selecting the right colour scheme, materials and greenery to arranging them in a small bathroom, we’ve got you covered.

What is a botanical bathroom

A botanical bathroom is a bathroom that incorporates natural elements such as plants and flowers, either by bringing them into the bathroom itself or by using them for inspiration for the colour scheme, fixtures and art. Typically there will be botanical-themed artwork and textiles, coupled with the inclusion of plants and flowers throughout the room.

What colours to use in a botanical bathroom

Whilst most would immediately think the only viable colour scheme for a botanical bathroom is a green one, they are wrong. Whilst it is a great option, it is not the only option. Greenery lends itself well to many colour schemes – pink and green bathrooms are making a huge comeback (previously the done thing in the 80s), and muted blues are used in a lot of contemporary botanical bathrooms as well.

Ultimately, it will depend on your style and tastes. We would advise you to find the wallpaper or tiling that you absolutely fall in love with, and use that as the basis for your colour schemes. Whilst some botanical prints can be dark and moody, others can be bright and colourful, or you may be sticking to white walls and letting the plants do the talking, so it’s best to make your wallpaper choice your starting point and working from there.

Top tiles and wallpapers to use in a botanical bathroom

You’ll likely want to mix and match tiling with a statement wallpaper, if you’re aiming to lean into the theme of a botanical bedroom. If you are aiming for a more neutral bathroom where the plants themselves do the talking, stick to stone tiling and neutral colours.

Personally, when I think of botanical wallpaper I immediately think of William Morris designs. The king of the floral print, this style of illustrative wallpaper works incredibly with elegant, vintage style designs in Victorian or Edwardian homes with luxurious claw foot tubs and beautiful floor tiling. These prints can be mixed with your choice of irregular tiling too to create a more cohesive look.

You’re also able to create wall murals with tiles themselves, such as the bakedtiles example above. This is great for those areas that require tiling, such as showers and around the bath, and really pack a punch. Mix them with clashing floor tiles for maximum impact.

Again, some may prefer for a more subtle nod towards the botanical bathroom, where the colour scheme and the plants themselves do all the heavy lifting. In this case, Zellige tiles in neutral or earthy tones work wonderfully (blush pink tiling also looks unreal), mixed with woods and gold hardware.

What materials and hardware work best in a botanical bathroom

As a botanical bathroom is all about incorporating nature and bringing the outdoors in, we see other natural materials working well here – think woods panelling or furniture, and rattan accessories. The warmth of these materials makes the botanical bathroom look even more cosy and inviting.

For hardware we have a less ‘natural’ option (although I guess it depends who you ask!) – gold and brass tones mixed with green are an interior designers dream, and you will see these metals used on the majority of hardware – lighting, shower heads, taps, photo frames – to great effect! Globe lamps are very popular in a botanical design, perhaps as they came to popularity in atriums in the mid 19th century.

How to design a bathroom with plants

Of course, whether you go for one or many, the main component of your botanical bathroom design will be the plant(s) themselves. Here’s how to plan for a beautiful bathroom garden:

Dressing your bathroom with plants involves styling them for aesthetic appeal:

a. Group plants of varying heights and sizes for visual interest.

b. Use decorative pots or planters that match your bathroom’s theme.

c. Combine plants with candles, towels, and other bathroom accessories to create a cohesive look.

d. Add decorative mirrors to create the illusion of double the plants, and your own mini-jungle!

Which plants are best for the bathroom

Not all plants are suited for bathroom environments. Some plants that thrive in high humidity and low-light conditions include:

a. Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Known for its air-purifying properties and adaptability to low light.

b. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A trailing vine that does well in indirect light and high humidity.

c. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Requires minimal care and thrives in bathrooms with indirect light.

d. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Prefers high humidity and can bloom indoors with bright, indirect light.

e. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Flourishes in high humidity and filtered light.

Can You Put a Plant in a Bathroom Without a Window?

Yes, you can! While many plants benefit from natural light, some can thrive in low-light conditions. Consider the snake plant, pothos, or the ZZ plant for bathrooms without windows. Alternatively, use artificial lighting to supplement their growth.

Which plants to avoid using in the bathroom

Certain plants are not suitable for bathroom environments due to their requirements or potential issues. Avoid plants like:

a. Cacti and succulents: These thrive in dry conditions and bright sunlight, which bathrooms typically lack.

b. Orchids: Orchids require specific care and may not thrive in the humid, low-light conditions of a bathroom.

c. Jade Plant: The Jade Plant does not do too well in extremely humid conditions and needs to be placed in areas with plenty of air circulation.

How to display plants in a small bathroom

If you have a small bathroom, you can still incorporate plants:

a. Use wall-mounted shelves or hanging planters to maximize space.

b. Opt for smaller, compact plants like air plants.

c. Place plants on windowsills, countertops, or in corners where they won’t obstruct movement.

Botanical bathroom wall decor

One of the best parts of creating a botanical bathroom is, in my opinion the wall decor. Plants and flowers make for the most beautiful illustrations, and you can find them in every single art type imaginable. Just search Etsy.com for ‘botanical prints‘ and you’ll see exactly what I mean. You may want to go for one or two statement art pieces, or you may find a gallery wall, as seen above, suits your space better.

You can also use the plants themselves as wall décor, either through shelving or ingenious plant wall mountings as we see above, made with real preserved moss.

Botanical bathroom accessories

Accessories will also have a key role to play in the cohesiveness of your new botanical bathroom. Again, stick to natural tones or brass, dependent on your colour scheme. Here are my personal favourites from across the web:

In conclusion, designing a botanical bathroom with plants can transform your space into a serene and refreshing oasis. By selecting the right plants, arranging them thoughtfully, and considering your bathroom’s unique conditions, you can create a lush and inviting retreat that soothes the senses and enhances your daily routine. Embrace the beauty of nature in your bathroom, and let it flourish!

If you enjoyed this post, and are keen for those zen vibes in your new tropical paradise, check out my post on making your bathroom like a spa!