I’ve lived in more rentals than I can count, and honestly? Not every bathroom got a glow-up. Back then, I was just trying to make them livable. But now that coastal bathroom style is everywhere online, I’ve been so inspired by how calm, light, and effortless it feels—even in small spaces.
Now living in my own apartment with my husband (still with a small bathroom!), I’m finally bringing together everything I learned from rental living and this coastal trend I love. These ideas are renter-friendly, small-space smart, and totally doable—no renovation required.
What You Might Need
Before we start our “glow-up,” here are the rental-essential supplies to have on hand:
- Command Strips & Hooks: Your best friends for damage-free hanging.
- Peel-and-Stick Vinyl: For floors or backsplashes that pop right off later.
- Warm LED Bulbs: To kill that “hospital” lighting vibe.
- Woven Baskets: Seagrass or jute for that organic texture.
- Ziploc Bags: To save every single original screw and knob for move-out day!
1. Coastal Bathroom Inspiration Starts with the Floor (If You Let It)
I’ll be honest: in most of my rentals, I didn’t touch the floors. I thought it wasn’t worth the effort. But seeing how many Coastal Bathroom makeovers online start from the ground up completely changed my mindset.
When your bathroom is small, the floor takes up a surprising amount of visual space. Light, coastal-inspired flooring instantly makes everything else feel cleaner and brighter—even if nothing else changes.
How to DIY your floors:
- Prep is Key: Deep-clean the existing tile with rubbing alcohol so the adhesive actually grips.
- Choose Your Pattern: Opt for peel-and-stick planks in light oak, whitewashed wood, or soft stone tones.
- Start in the Middle: Lay your first tiles from the center of the room outward to keep things symmetrical.
- The Slow Trim: Use a sharp utility knife to slowly trim around the base of the toilet and corners.
Picture This: Walking barefoot on pale, beachy flooring that makes your small Coastal Bathroom feel intentional instead of temporary.
2. Coastal Bathroom Style Is Really About Texture
One thing I’ve realized watching this coastal trend unfold online is that it’s not about seashells everywhere—it’s about texture. And this is something I actually did even in rentals, just without realizing it had a name.
Plastic storage always made my bathrooms feel cold. Swapping to woven textures instantly softened the space.
Actionable Texture Tips:
- Baskets Over Bins: Replace plastic under-sink organizers with seagrass or jute baskets.
- The Rug Swap: Ditch the shaggy neon bath mat for a flat-weave cotton rug in a sand color.
- Linen Touches: Use a linen-blend hand towel with a raw edge for that “lived-in” seaside feel.
Picture This: A Coastal Bathroom where storage feels cozy, layered, and quietly stylish—like a relaxed seaside hotel.
3. Coastal Bathroom Glow-Up with a Simple Hardware Swap
I didn’t start swapping hardware until later in my rental years—and I wish I had done it sooner. It’s one of those changes that feels bold but is actually very low risk.
Now that coastal style is trending, softer metals and ceramic knobs feel especially right.
Step-by-Step Hardware Update:
- Remove the Old: Carefully unscrew the existing knobs and pulls.
- The “Safety Bag”: Put the old hardware and screws in a labeled bag so you can put them back when you move.
- Choose Your Vibe: Look for brushed brass, matte white ceramic, or even sea-glass green knobs.
- Install: Simply screw in the new ones by hand—don’t over-tighten!
Picture This: Subtle hardware catching the light and making your Coastal Bathroom feel curated, not builder-basic.
4. Coastal Bathroom Focus Point: The Shower Curtain
Looking back, every bathroom I disliked had one thing in common: a bad shower curtain. Now, inspired by all the coastal bathrooms I see online, I treat it like the main design element.
How to Style Your Curtain:
- Choose Fabric: Opt for linen, waffle-knit, or a light cotton with a subtle stripe.
- Go High and Wide: Use a tension rod and hang the curtain as close to the ceiling as possible to “lift” the room.
- The Double Layer: Use a high-quality fabric liner on the inside and your pretty “show” curtain on the outside.
Picture This: A flowing curtain that turns your small Coastal Bathroom into a calm, cabana-like space.
5. Coastal Bathroom Storage That Respects Small Spaces
Living in rentals taught me this lesson the hard way: too much storage makes a small bathroom feel smaller.
Coastal bathrooms work best when storage is light, open, and edited.
Actionable Storage Advice:
- Use the Vertical Space: Install a “floating” look-alike shelf using heavy-duty adhesive strips.
- Trays are Magic: Coral your daily products (perfume, skincare) onto a small wooden or marble tray.
- Edit Ruthlessly: If you haven’t used that hair mask in six months, it’s time to let it go!
Picture This: A Coastal Bathroom where everything has a place—and nothing feels overwhelming.
6. Coastal Bathroom Walls That Feel Like a Window
Not every bathroom gets natural light. I’ve had a few with none at all. The coastal trend really leans into visual openness, and wall art is how you fake it.
How to Create Your Coastal View:
- Select Art: Look for vintage coral prints, abstract waves, or simple sea botanicals.
- Cohesive Framing: Use matching light-wood or white frames to keep the small space from feeling cluttered.
- The Power of Three: Hang three vertical prints side-by-side to create a “window” effect.
Picture This: Art that makes your Coastal Bathroom feel like it has a view—even when it doesn’t.
7. Coastal Bathroom Life Through Greenery
This is one thing I carried straight from rental life into our own apartment. Plants—real or faux—instantly make a bathroom feel alive.
Actionable Greenery Tips:
- The Eucalyptus Hack: Hang a bundle of fresh eucalyptus from your shower head for a spa scent and visual texture.
- Air Plants: These are perfect for small spaces! Tuck them into a large seashell or a wall-mounted glass globe.
- Faux is Fine: If you have zero light, a high-quality faux fern will still give you that lush vibe.
Picture This: Soft green tones breaking up whites and neutrals in your Coastal Bathroom, adding calm and freshness.
8. Coastal Bathroom Light Tricks I Actually Use
Rental lighting is rarely flattering. Even now, in our own place, I rely on mirrors and warm bulbs to make the bathroom feel softer.
How to Soften the Light:
- Bulb Swap: Switch out cool white bulbs for “warm daylight” LEDs.
- The Mirror Trick: If you have a plain mirror, add a “MirrorMate” frame or even a rope border using Command strips.
- Add a Secondary Source: A battery-operated wall sconce can provide a soft “spa” glow for evening baths.
Picture This: Light bouncing gently around your Coastal Bathroom, making mornings feel slower and more peaceful.
9. Coastal Bathroom Mood Is About Scent, Too
This is something I picked up from watching spa-inspired coastal bathrooms online—and once I tried it, I never went back.
How to Scent Your Space:
- Reed Diffusers: Use scents like Sea Salt, Driftwood, or Bergamot. Reed diffusers are safer than candles for small, enclosed spaces.
- DIY Mist: Mix water and a few drops of lemon and eucalyptus oil in a pretty glass spray bottle.
- Open Soap: Keep a bar of high-quality sea-mineral soap unwrapped on a wooden dish.
Picture This: A Coastal Bathroom that smells clean, fresh, and subtly beachy—never artificial.
10. Coastal Bathroom Balance with the Rule of Three
This is where trend inspiration meets lived experience. Whether renting or owning, balance always matters.
The 3-Color Plan:
- The Base (60%): White or soft cream (usually your walls and tub).
- The Secondary (30%): Sand, “greige,” or misty grey (your rug and baskets).
- The Accent (10%): Seafoam, navy, or soft blue (your towels and art).
Picture This: A Coastal Bathroom that feels cohesive, calm, and timeless—no matter how small it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will these updates really work in a tiny apartment?
A: Absolutely! In fact, coastal style is perfect for small spaces because it focuses on light colors and “opening up” the room visually.
Q: How do I handle a “builder-grade” large mirror?
A: You don’t have to remove it! You can buy lightweight wood trim and use Command strips to “frame” it, which adds instant character without the demolition.
Q: What if I don’t like blue?
A: You can still have a coastal bathroom! Focus on “Neutral Coastal”—think creams, tans, whites, and natural wood textures without using any blue at all.
Q: Did you always style your bathrooms like this?
A: No—and I think that honesty matters. Coastal bathroom style is something I’m inspired by now, thanks to how popular and refined it’s become online.
Conclusion: Coastal Bathroom Style Is Inspired, Not Fixed
Living in a rental taught me that you don’t have to wait for “forever” to have a home you love. Your coastal bathroom is more than just a trend—it’s about creating a feeling of calm and intention in the place you start and end your day. By focusing on textures, light, and smart renter-friendly hacks, you can turn any small space into a seaside retreat.
For extra inspiration and styling ideas, check out this Coastal Aesthetic Pinterest Board—it’s packed with dreamy, budget-friendly looks that work in rentals and small spaces alike.
At Lady Lifestyle Blog, I use AI as a tool to assist with research, idea generation, and content refinement. While much of my content is shaped with AI’s help, I personally review and adjust each post to ensure it aligns with the blog’s style and purpose. My focus is on providing stylish, creative, and practical inspiration for every modern lady!
