30 Gorgeous Primary Bathroom Design Ideas We're Loving (2024)

The height of luxury just mightbe having a primary bathroom in your home that looks and feels as opulent and lavish as the spa at a five-star hotel. Imagine slinking away to a freshly drawn bath wrapped up in a plush robe surrounded by stunning decor, mood-enhancing plants, and a sweeping view of the city orcountryside visible from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Primary Bathroom

The term “Primary Bathroom” is now widely used to describe the largest bathroom in the home, as it better reflects the space’s purpose. Many realtors, architects, interior designers, and the Real Estate Standards Association have recognized the potentially discriminatory connotations in the term “Master.” Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge.

While this fantasy might not be attainable depending on your home's square footage and location, there are plenty of ways to give your own bathroom thespa-like upgrade it deserves.Get inspired with these 30 primary bathrooms, plus see ways to transform yourspace into a sanctuary almost as glamorous as these.

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Hang Some Art

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This beautiful primary bathroom combines modern designs with a touch of glamour. Long curtains elevate the space while a large gold towel rack makes a statement, not to mention the tub-side fireplace and potted plant.

Steal the look and hang a print or painting on any open wall space to give your bathroom a simple improvement.

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Add Traditional Elements

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This all-white bathroom is relatively understated on its own, but a crystal chandelier, colorful rug, and pink flowers truly makethe space feel deluxe. If space allows, add a traditional rug in your primary bathroom for an unexpected element of décor.

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Go Dark and Moody

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This black-and-white primary bathroom feels dramatic and makes a statement without going too extreme thanks to lighter elements like the white paint, gold sconces, and wicker basket.

Aside from installing marble slabs in your bath, find a chic basket to store towels or other bathroom essentials to keep your spacetidy and clutter-free.

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Keep It Light and Airy

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This bathroom is filled with light thanks to large windows and white-painted walls. It also features a freestanding tub surrounded by a dip-dyed stool and delicate plant to finish the easy-breezy look.

Place a rustic stool near the tub to hold your bath essentials, display a candle, or rest your book while taking a soak.

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Focus on Texture

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This expansive room is covered in wall-to-wall white marble with black veins while silver pendants drape from the ceiling. It looks fresh, clean, and complements the nearby view of the ocean.

For your own bathroom, replace an overhead light with a stylish pendant light like this bathroom to refresh your space with ease.

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Do Something Different

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The terrazzo tile look originally popularized back in the '70s has been making a major design comeback. This primary bathroom has completely embraced the trend, displaying the material from the sink to the walls to the floors.

Make this trend work for your own bathroom and seek out small accent pieces like a candle or tissue box before retiling the entire space.

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Mix Styles and Eras

This bright white space features a glamorous silver clawfoot tub with a telephone faucet. Although the tub is clearly inspired by late 19th-century glamour, the rest of the décor, including the fringe bath mats, walk-in shower, and potted plant, is decidedly modern and layered.

Copy the vibe and trade in a utilitarian bath mat for one with a bit more style, such as a bold color, or striking print.

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Go With Fewer Yet High-Impact Décor

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Just a few ultra-stylish pieces completely transform this ordinary space into a ritzy retreat. There's the geometric pendant light, gold faucet, black and white tile, and unique light-wood stool.

In your own bathroom, search for an unexpected accessory like this interesting stool to prop near the tub.

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Mimic Natural Surroundings

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We love how this design riffs on the coastal oasis outside. And with stunning views of the ocean in the distance, this space doesn't need a lot of décor to make it feel deluxe.

Bring a bit of nature into your bathroom with a potted plant.

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Try Something Quirky

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Geometric multicolored tiles sit beneath a modern bathtub while contemporary artwork and an iridescentpendant light hangs above. Long, dramatic curtains frame the window, tied back by nautical ropes to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Similarly, if your primary bathroom has a window, hang curtains and try the rope tieback trend for yourself.

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Embrace Natural Materials

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This rustic primary bathroom looks like something straight out of a wellness retreat. The light-wood panel floorscontrast with the pristine rectangular tub while rough twigs replace traditionalplants. As the eye travels upward, notice the gold Sputnik chandelier and exposed wood beams.

Give your space a similar rustic makeover and display small branches in a sophisticated vase.

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Play With the Layout

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Double sinksact as bookends for this uniquely placed tub. Its position in the center of the room adds drama to the space. As if the room wasn't large enough, matching mirrors add even more depth.

Make your primary bath feel larger than it really is with a few strategically placed mirrors.

7 Designer-Approved Bathroom Layout Ideas that Never Fail

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Pick a Theme

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In larger spaces, keeping the look cohesive is key. In this contemporary Rococo-inspired space, pale shades, luxe textures, and glamorous elements tie everything together. Complementary pieces, like the vintage Murano glasschandelierand lucite vanity stool, up the cool factor, too.

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Go Graphic

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The paneled cabinets and stark black-and-white palette give this cool bathroom a graphic look in the best way. Such a bold color scheme can often make the space feel a bit cold, but transitional shades, like the grey shower and floors, soften it up a bit, and make it feel more welcoming.

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Consider All-Black

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Thismonochromaticspace is the definition of cool. Dark, matte walls, Ferguson bulbs, and shiny hardware only enhance this moody bathroom's industrial feel.

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Minimize the Shine

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This space looks more like a five-star spa than it does a residential primary bath, but we'll take it! In our opinion, lots of super-shiny metallic accents can make a bathroom feel a bit futuristic, so keeping all of the metal matte is a bit easier on the eyes.

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Layer Your Rugs

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Rugs in a bathroom are one of our favorite design choices. Because the floors tend to get pretty wet, a lot of people shy away from rugs while others, like designer Katie Hackworth, double up on rugs. Not only are they super-soft, but they also are an easy way to add some color to your space.

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Focus on Lighting

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Lighting is a great way to add something unique and personal to your space. Plus, in an all-white space, you really can't go wrong because seemingly every color and style will work. For instance, this bathroom feels uber-contemporary, yet a more bohemian, wood-beaded chandelier fits right in.

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Don't Be Afraid of Antiques

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In this Pure Salt Interiors Bathroom, the vanity is a repurposed antique chest and, paired with the muted gold faucet, simple mirror, and ocean-blue painton the walls sets the tone of the space. A gold-trimmed mirror completes the look.

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Embrace Your Huge Space

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If you're blessed with a large space, use it! In this sprawling bathroom, Lava Interiors built a miniature room for the shower.

Working with a smaller space? Opt forwhitewalls, which tends to trick the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it actually is.

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Prioritize Your Needs

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If you prefer baths over showers, let yourself splurge on a greattub(or design your space around it). In this large bathroom by Whitney Parkinson, the bathtub, with its own chic light fixture above it, is certainly the space's spotlight.

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Don't Skimp on Lighting

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Even if your bathroom gets a good deal of natural light, opting for maximum lighting options is always a good idea. After all, once the sun goes down, your space will get pretty dark. Take note of this bright white bathroom with two separate lighting schemes: one over the tub and one for the vanity.

The Best Bathroom Lighting: Your Complete Guide

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Pick a Central Color

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This soothing bathroom boasts a few shades of green: An olive tone on the walls and a rich emerald on thetiled shower. As long as the color you choose doesn't overwhelm the space, you can't go wrong.

If you're going to mix two tones of the same color, try to go light and dark rather than two light and two dark. That way, you'll add dimension to your space.

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Expose Your Pipes

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Generally speaking, exposed pipes aren't the chicest design choice, but, as always, there's an exception to every rule. Case in point: this ultra-chic patterned bathroom by Becca Interiors. With a beautiful marble sink and dramaticwalls, the luxe gold-toned pipes under the sink (which match the faucet) look glamorous, not industrial.

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Match Neighboring Spaces

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If your primary bath is right off the primary bedroom, try to keep the design of both spaces in sync with each other. For instance, if the bedroom is quiet and pared-down, opting for a maximalist look in the bathroom might be too jarring.

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Be Bold

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Black is technically neutral, but it feels like a pretty bold choice in a bathroom. Of course, that's not a bad thing!

If you're feeling daring, and want to try something different in your bathroom, go ahead and clad walls in dramatic black marble. Black pops especially well with light wood floating vanities.

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Remember Symmetry Is Key

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In a small space, symmetry can make a space look bigger than it is. This bathroom is a perfect example. Notice that designer Laura Brophy didn't pare the design down; Brophy just made sure the bold pieces were exactly the same on both sides.

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Paint the Door Black

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We're not sure why we're not all out here painting our bathroom doors black because they're so cool—especially in a white space with brass accents. This Katie Martinez-designed bathroom is giving us London townhouse vibes in all the right ways.

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Add a Pop of Color

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This is another spa-like space courtesy of the soothing white surfaces and greenery on the counter. Our favorite element, though? The blue-tiled shower. It is totally unexpected and doesn't detract from the relaxing vibe of the bathroom.

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Play With Pattern

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When it comes to bathroom tiles, there are almost limitless patterns to try. In our opinion, you can't go wrong with a classic chevron using slightly different-colored gray tiles à la JK Interior Living.

30 Gorgeous Primary Bathroom Design Ideas We're Loving (2024)

FAQs

What is a primary bathroom? ›

A primary bathroom is one that is connected to the primary, or largest, bedroom in the house. A primary bathroom is also called an en suite bathroom or an attached bathroom. Typically, the primary bathroom is a full bathroom or a three-quarter bathroom.

How to style a primary bathroom? ›

An en suite primary bathroom should work in harmony with the primary bedroom, and include something special that the other bathrooms in the home don't have—whether that means more space, a luxurious garden tub, a built-in dressing table, a double shower, a chandelier, patterned tile, wallpaper, or whatever else makes ...

How to make a shower more cozy? ›

how to make your bathroom cosy
  1. add a rug. A rug will add instant warmth to your bathroom especially if you have cold tiles like most of us do. ...
  2. add a fabric shower curtain. ...
  3. add some heat. ...
  4. add textured towels. ...
  5. add plants. ...
  6. add wood. ...
  7. add some seagrass or rattan.
Jan 9, 2024

What size is a luxury primary bathroom? ›

1-Wall Luxury Primary Bathroom layouts have typical widths between 17'-20'6” (5.18-6.25 m) and depths of 5'6"-6' (1.68-1.83 m). Overall floor areas for 1-Wall Luxury Primary Bathrooms are in the range of 94-123 ft2 (8.7-11.4 m2).

What is the smallest full bath? ›

What's the smallest size for a full bathroom? The smallest possible size for a full bath is 40 square feet. 40 square feet is the bare minimum that fits a bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink comfortably.

What is a primary room? ›

The term “primary bedroom” identifies the bedroom as the largest in the home, but it lacks the negative connotations that “master bedroom” carries. It also implies no expectations of who in the house might be most entitled to the bedroom. It simply describes what the room is.

What is a master bathroom? ›

A master bathroom is the largest bathroom area within the home, featuring at the very least a toilet, sink, shower system and hot and cold water supply.

How to design a master bathroom? ›

7 Design Details to Consider When Planning Your Master Bathroom
  1. Consider Using the Same Color Tiles for the Floor and Walls. ...
  2. Make Windows as Big as You Can. ...
  3. Don't Forget the Power of Good Lighting. ...
  4. If Space Is Tight, Choose a Sliding Door. ...
  5. Think Carefully About Where to Put Accessories. ...
  6. Know the Factors That Affect Cost.

How to make a luxury bath? ›

How To Make Your Bath A Luxurious Experience
  1. SET THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE. Bathing in cold water has its benefits but when it comes to relaxation you'll want your water warm. ...
  2. SMOOTH ON A FACE MASK. ...
  3. CREATE THE PERFECT AMBIANCE. ...
  4. TRY DIFFERENT BATH PRODUCTS. ...
  5. BRING AN ACTIVITY. ...
  6. GO ALL OUT WITH YOUR BODY ROUTINE. ...
  7. BRING A DRINK.
Jan 15, 2021

How to create a hygge bathroom? ›

Mixing textures can make all the difference when creating your Hygge inspired bathroom. Try mixing your textures from the walls to the fabrics to turn a usually clinical space in your home into a cosy room so sit back and unwind. Opt for thick luxurious towels, bath mats and robes.

What is a 3/4 bathroom? ›

A three-quarter bathroom will have three of the four key components. Most commonly, these rooms will include a toilet, sink, and a shower stall without a bathtub (or in some cases, a bathtub without a shower).

What is the perfect bathroom size? ›

Common Dimensions for a Full Bath

While 40 square feet (8×5) is the minimum size for a full bathroom, it is fairly small and most layouts make it seem cramped. The average size for a full bathroom is around 60 square feet (6×10), which is considered the most efficient size for a bathroom.

How many bathrooms is ideal? ›

The average ratio for most homeowners is that there should be at least two bathrooms for every three bedrooms. For instance, if you have a three-bedroom house, it is most likely that there will be the main bathroom for adults, and a family bathroom for children and other members of the family.

What is a slipper bath? ›

A slipper bath features one raised sloping end, enabling the bather to relax and soak in a comfortable lounging position. Since one end of this freestanding bath is higher than the other, it looks like a traditional slipper.

What is a good size for a walk-in shower? ›

The average walk-in shower in the U.S. measures 60" x 30", though size options can vary widely, typically up to 60" x 42" for a rectangular shower and 42" x 42" for a square one. For smaller bathrooms, most experts recommend a shower enclosure no smaller than 36" x 36".

What type of bath is best for a small bathroom? ›

Inset baths are the ideal solution for small bathrooms that are tight on room but still crave luxury and comfort.

Do primary bathrooms need a tub? ›

More often than not, people choose to remove the bathtub from the primary bathroom,” added Liz. “After it is gone, we have more flexibility in the design, and can even work in some more storage.

Why primary instead of master? ›

Why the shift of name? The shift from “master” to “primary bedroom” has been made due to negative implications and perceptions involving the word “master.” Consumers and real estate professionals realize and understand the term “master” as something racist and offer a sexist implication.

What is the main bathroom called? ›

Master bathrooms

The master bath is the main bathroom in your home and is often attached to or close to the master bedroom. The focus here is on relaxation. A large, open space for easy changing, a bathtub for unwinding in, and a vanity sink for applying your skincare before bed.

How do you classify bathrooms? ›

Bathrooms are generally categorized as "master bathroom", containing a shower and a bathtub that is adjoining to the largest bedroom; a "full bathroom" (or "full bath"), containing four plumbing fixtures: a toilet and sink, and either a bathtub with a shower, or a bathtub and a separate shower stall; "half bath" (or " ...

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