College dorm bathrooms are anything but fabulous. They are basic white walled, beige countertop, clear shower curtain disasters of nothing but drab. There is nothing special about a dorm bathroom, unless you make it unique and interesting. 

There are a few options for bathrooms in college -- the common communal bathroom that is shared by the whole floor, the suite style and apartment bathrooms that are usually shared by four people, the ever so lucky two person bathroom, and single bathrooms, which may very well be your bathroom situation this year!

A lot of times we’re limited to what we can do with a bathroom space and this is because multiple people share the bathroom, so you all have to compromise on colors and decor. However, the world is always changing and in off years like this one, you might not have to work around others and the decorating options are completely up to you!

When you’re sharing a bathroom with four people, the economical approach is to have each person buy one item -- someone takes care of the shower curtain, another person picks up a bath mat, and maybe someone else purchases a slip resistant mat for inside the shower. Coordinating makes decorating easier, but this year, it’s up to you to decide what you want to purchase for the bathroom depending on your tastes and what you think needs to be in your bathroom. Sometimes it's best to go with classic colors that are simple yet still improve the overall aesthetic -- like black, white, gold, blue, etc. 

Another factor to consider when decorating your dorm bathroom is its size. University bathrooms are usually small and have one or two sinks, one shower, and a bathroom stall. Because of this, sometimes the best way to decorate is with storage options. 

It’s important to remember that you have shower products that need to be stored somewhere other than inside of the shower. You need space to move around in the shower, which can be compromised if it’s filled with bottles and cans. If you have your own bin or basket for your things, this will help minimize clutter and give your more counter space. 

With coordinating, store options, and limited space in mind -- let’s talk about cute ways to elevate your basic dorm bathroom into something special. The bathroom should be personalized just like your dorm room, because after all it is an important space. 

Your moments in the bathroom can sometimes be the only real privacy you get in college. This space is also where you will wash off the stress of the day and renew yourself for tomorrow. Using an old, lackluster bathroom everyday won’t do anything for your serotonin. 

Here are a few ways to spice things up:

• Add a Shower Curtain 
• Pep Yourself Up With a Motivational Bath Mat 
• Cute and Nifty Storage Options for All the Roommates 
• Rejuvenate in Nature

Add a Shower Curtain 

You might have never realized the power of shower curtains until going to college. Growing up, we’re used to a certain shower curtain that represents you and your personality, or seeing a new curtain with every season. 

Walking into your dorm bathroom on the first day and seeing a basic white, off white, clear shower curtain is the equivalent of watching a horror movie -- it’s not a pleasing sight. A change as simple as switching the shower curtain might not seem like a big deal, but it'll be a bigger improvement than you would expect. 

Even if it’s as simple as your love for chevron, walking into the bathroom everyday and seeing the beautiful chevron patterned curtain can bring a little smile to your face. 

With the stress of college, a small improvement can make a lasting impact, take our word for it and pick out a new shower curtain that makes you feel happy inside. 

Boost Your Daily Serotonin With a Motivational or Funny Bath Mat

While we’re on the topic of small improvements, just like a shower curtain, a cute bath mat can go a long way. Of course you can get your basic shaggy bath mat in a rainbow of colors, but ones with funny or motivational phrases can do wonders for your mood. 

Sometimes the floor just needs to be funny or motivational and it’s as simple as that. You look down, see the phrase “peachy clean,” chuckle to yourself, and carry on with the day. Imagine if you had a plain bath mat, or none at all, and you didn’t get to laugh that day. It just wouldn’t be the same. 

When you pair your bath mat to match the shower curtain, you’re really taking the decor to the next level. You could pick a theme and stick with it like tropical oasis, or bohemian chic. Any added sense of personalization in your bathroom will help make your college campus seem more like home. 

When we walk into a plain, drab bathroom that has nothing but white walls, we are once again reminded that we’re at college as opposed to someplace that feels like home. It doesn’t have to be this way because with these two simple improvements -- shower curtain and bath mat -- you will feel at home and energized during the day.

Cute Storage Options

Counterspace is vital, crucial, of the utmost importance in college. You usually only get one or two sinks with a little bit of extra space off the sides -- it’s important to keep this space clear so that you can actually use it. 

The counter easily becomes cluttered with an array of bath and skin care products, hair styling tools, accessories, cords, dirty dishes, you name it. While you might not be able to do anything about the dirty dishes, you can get the products and appliances out of the way. 

With a simple shelf that goes over the door, or attaches to the way, you now have an extra storage location. This is where the products will go so that they don’t take up your precious counter space. After all, you want to have somewhere to put your clothes and other products for when you get ready in the morning. 

If you can find a shelving until that has an individual shelf for each roommate, this is the best option that way no one is fighting over space. You will each have your own location for products and other shower items. 

Sometimes, colleges and universities don’t allow you to put holes in the walls, or you might not have any available wall space for a shelving unit -- so you may decide to get a cart as a storage option instead. 

The cart has the same idea as the shelf, each one of you can have your own rack for storing your shower products. Carts are cute because they look like they belong in the bathroom and can sit off to the side so that they’re not in the way. 

Just like the photo above, you can add cute touches by putting a plant on your rack or picking the color of the cart to match the shower curtain. Little matching elements will help tie the space together and make it feel more like home. 

Rejuvenate in Nature 

One way to liven up your bathroom and make it feel fresh and inviting is to decorate it with life! All the images used in this article have one thing in common -- they all contain plant life. 

If you’ve ever felt stressed or overwhelmed then went to a park and immediately felt better, that is because our brains are connected to nature. It improves our mental well being and makes us feel happier, healthier, and smarter. 

All you have to do is add a plant or two and instantly your bland bathroom space will upgrade to a natural wonder. There are a variety of plants that require little to no light, enjoy high humidity environments, and thrive in a bathroom setting. So, if your dorm bathroom has no windows then that’s not a problem -- you can still decorate using plants. 

Some plants also help to purify the air and remove harmful toxins, which is just what you need in a stuffy dorm room. Most buildings have poor air circulation and few windows to bring the fresh air inside -- so with a few plants, you’ll have your own fresh air supply. 

Plants can also be cost effective for a tight college student budget. Many smaller plants cost less than $10 and with a little love and care, they will grow big and full within a few months -- so you’ll definitely be getting your money’s worth. 

If you don’t feel confident in caring for plants, or you have a notorious brown thumb, there are many options for fake plants that look like the real deal! No one will know but you and your roommates. 

With a few simple touches like a shower curtain, bath mat, storage options, and a plant or two, you can upgrade your cold and uninviting dorm bathroom to a cute and cozy space that makes you feel right at home!