49 Primary Bathroom Ideas to Covet Right Now

Primary bathroom ideas that work in harmony with the adjoining bedroom include something special that the other bathrooms in the home don’t have. That may mean more space, a spa-like soaking tub, a built-in dressing table, a new vanity, a double shower, statement lighting, patterned tile, wallpaper, or whatever else makes it feel special, stylish, and luxurious to you.

Whether you are remodeling a small or large bathroom or looking for easy modern ideas to refresh your space, there are a variety of ways to elevate your primary bathroom.

Check out these primary bathroom ideas for inspiration.

About This Term: Primary Bathroom

Many real estate associations, including the National Association of Home Builders, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" (or "Master Bathroom") as discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.

Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.

Hang Some Art

Framed artwork on the walls will give your bathroom the feel of a finished room. Leclair Decor chose a pair of black-and-white photographs in this large primary bathroom, adding a vintage-style runner and a sculptural stool to complement the neutral decor.

Install a Glass Shower

Make your primary bathroom feel extra spacious with a glass shower. Leclair Decor chose a glass shower with black metal framing that creates a self-contained shower for busy mornings.

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Add Boho Design Style

Interior designer Abbie Naber of San Diego, CA-based A. Naber Design added boho design style to this primary bathroom with patterned tile, a vintage rug, and a straw basket planter on the floor.

She added modern touches with warm wood, contemporary black plumbing fixtures, geometric mirrors, and black-and-white globe pendant lights.

Add a Shower Cubby

Leclair Decor tucked this spacious shower into a cubby off to the side of the bathtub. They tiled it to add texture and to give the space its own identity, running tiles from floor to ceiling to make the space feel even larger.

Float the Vanity

In this light and airy bathroom from Leclair Decor, a double sink vanity runs from wall to wall to maximize space.

The dark drawers add a grounding element while suspending the vanity gives it a sense of lightness. A seamless mirrored wall above reflects the light from the opposite window, doubling the space. Brass accents add warmth.

Try a Galley Layout

Britt Design Studio made use of the wide proportions of this spacious primary bathroom by installing twin vanities on opposite sides of the room to create a galley-style layout that allows couples to get ready at the same time with ease. The room is anchored by a large picture window and soaking tub for more relaxed moments.

Add Warm Wood Finishes

Use honey-toned wood finishes to add warmth to a white bathroom. Jessica Nelson Design complemented the warm wood vanity with a brass-framed mirror that is wide enough to accommodate both double sinks.

Keep Sightlines Open

If your primary en suite includes a million-dollar view, keep sightlines clear by skipping the bathroom door.

Laura Brophy Interiors framed the cased opening between the primary bedroom and en suite bathroom with wood to keep the transition between the two spaces seamless and highlight the ocean view from the adjacent bedroom windows.

Add Moody Black Stone

Laura Brophy Interiors went dark and moody in this primary bathroom by cladding walls and floor in black marble and stone. The bathroom vanity is finished in the same light wood tone as the floors in the primary bedroom for a cohesive feel.

Hang Cafe Curtains

Hang light and airy cafe curtains on the bottom half of wraparound windows to create privacy without blocking light. Calimia Home chose gauzy half-curtains that practically disappear. Simply framed mirrors superimposed on top of windows above the double sink vanity blend in seamlessly.

Add Sliding Double Doors

KG Designs installed imposing carved wood double doors on a barn door-style sliding track that provides privacy between the primary bedroom and bathroom when desired.

When open, the doors frame the view to the bathroom, highlighting the central tub under a large window, with a Sputnik-style chandelier above and twin vanities to each side.

Wood Paneled Ceiling

In this spacious primary bathroom from Emily Henderson Design, a large soaking tub is positioned in front of a bank of windows to highlight the view outside, and the soaring ceilings are clad in natural wood for a rustic chic vibe.

Hang a Shared Mirror

In this primary bathroom from Cathie Hong Interiors, the vanity is wide enough to comfortably accommodate double sinks, but a large shared round mirror instead of two individual mirrors helps the space feel more expansive, reflecting light from the opposite window.

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Maximize Light

In this primary bathroom from Cathie Hong Interiors, an adjacent curbless walk-in shower and clawfoot tub separated by glass partitions keep the natural light flowing.

Build a Giant Wet Room

In this contemporary primary bathroom from Cathie Hong Interiors, a luxuriously minimalist wet room with a generous soaking tub and shower highlights the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows.

Mix Black and Brown

Leclair Decor chose an earthy palette of black and brown to outfit this primary bathroom. Brushed brass mirrors and plumbing fixtures add a bit of bling.

Install a Double Shower

In this elegant primary bathroom from Mary Patton Design, a corner double shower with separate doors on either side is anchored by a generous tub with a sculptural freestanding faucet.

Create a Zen Feel

In this primary bathroom from Laura Brophy Interiors, calming textures and tones of white and black accents create a minimalist, zen mood.

Build a Platform

In this San Francisco high-rise bathroom from Kendall Wilkinson Design, floor-to-ceiling glass highlights the view while a stone platform houses an all-glass shower and generous egg-shaped soaking tub for taking it all in.

Match Wall and Floor Tile

Cathie Hong Interiors added interest to this long and compact all-white primary bathroom by installing dark gray tiling in a herringbone pattern that runs from the wall to the flooring. It creates a floor-to-ceiling backsplash for the tub, while adding depth and framing the view.

Darken the Ceiling

In this primary bathroom with high ceilings and a large skylight, Erin Williamson Design added an unexpected dark navy painted ceiling that grounds the space.

She kept the rest of the design simple, white, and clean, with patterned floor tiles, a hexagonal mirror, and a wood vanity for a cozy touch.

Hang Whimsical Wallpaper

Mary Patton Design chose a delicate illustrated wallpaper, a dainty chandelier, and layered window shades to create a timeless bathroom design in this primary en suite with a built-in bathtub.

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In the Details

Pattern and vintage touches add warmth and personality to a simple modern primary bathroom from Mary Patton Design.

Choose a Fun Paint Color

Feel free to paint the walls and the ceilings of a primary bathroom in your favorite hue, like this unexpected shade of lilac from Mary Patton Design.

Just keep the rest of the design simple so that you can refresh the bathroom with a coat of paint if you want to change the mood.

Try a Copper Bathtub

In this contemporary take on a Victorian-style bathroom, Erin Williamson Design installed a blingy hammered copper clawfoot tub, added graphic floor tile, painted the ceiling in a dramatic black, and kept the rest of the room light and cool with white tiles and retro-style silver plumbing fixtures.

Celebrate Tudor Style

Whittney Parkinson Design remodeled this 1920's Tudor with a classic walk-in shower, juxtaposed with an antique-style dark wood double vanity, vintage mirrors, and brass fixings all around for a well balanced mix of old and new.

Add Contemporary Flair

Whittney Parkinson Design outfitted this contemporary bathroom with gleaming marble, a sculptural tub, and a Sputnik-style chandelier.

Twin vanities are positioned under the high windows that provide privacy and natural light. A herringbone wood patterned floor adds movement and a classic note to balance all the gloss and shine.

Accent With Wood

In this primary bathroom from Mindy Gayer Design Co., white vertical shiplap walls and wood touches including a decorative ceiling beam add a modern farmhouse feel.

Hang a Romantic Chandelier

Whittney Parkinson Design made the soaking tub the star of this primary bathroom, positioned under the window, framed with gauzy curtains, and a chandelier. The spacious room also includes double vanities, a built-in dressing table, a large shower, and a patterned tile rug feature in the center of the floor.

Add a Skylight

In this light and airy primary bathroom from Mindy Gayer Design Co., wrap-around windows flood the space with natural light, and a skylight over the tub tucked into the far end of the room provides a view of the stars at night.

Add a Double Wide Sink

Leah O'Connell Design chose to install a double-wide shared concrete sink on the vanity rather than two individual sinks in this primary bathroom. A wide shared mirror on the wall above reflects the forest green shower tile.

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Add a Barn Door

Chelius House of Design separated this spacious primary bathroom from the primary bedroom with a modern white sliding barn-style door that allows it to disappear when not in use.

Include a Dressing Room

Charbonneau Interiors created a hybrid dressing room and fully equipped primary bathroom space with floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinetry that runs the length of the entire right wall.

The abundant bathroom storage keeps the space looking showroom-ready and clutter-free.

Hang Tall Curtains

Blogger Elsie Larson from A Beautiful Mess created a focal point in this long and linear primary bathroom with salmon pink floor-to-ceiling curtains, a sputnik-style chandelier, and a clawfoot tub.

Add a Green Wall

In this primary bathroom from Brexton Cole Interiors, a floor-to-ceiling green wall made from faux lawn grass panels creates a focal point, an inexpensive way to bring the outdoors inside in a windowless room.

Try Earth Tones

Will Brown Interiors carved out a spacious primary bathroom in this open loft with warm earth tones including brown paint, gleaming mosaic shower tile, and a matte beige tiled bathtub block in the center of the room.

Hang a Gallery Wall

Black wall paint creates a dramatic backdrop for an eclectic gallery wall in this modern primary bathroom from Brexton Cole Interiors.

Add a Hidden Door

In this Florida primary bathroom from interior designer Maite Granda, white wood paneling on the walls conceals a trompe l'oeil surprise: a door that leads to the outdoors and transforms the space into an indoor-outdoor oasis perfect for a Sunday afternoon soak in the tub.

Add a Boudoir Feel

Will Brown Interiors created a primary bathroom with a boudoir feel complete with a bathtub niche with an arched architectural surround, and a dedicated vanity decorated with a Venetian glass mirror.

Instead of designing built-in shelving, Brown used freestanding twin armoires and a mirrored dressing table that integrate more harmoniously with the style of the adjoining primary bedroom.

Keep It Minimalist

This sleek contemporary primary bathroom from interior designer Maite Granda has an air of minimalist luxury, with floor-to-ceiling window panels, rectangular sinks, silver plumbing fixtures, and a graphic black-and-white stool by the bathtub for a note of whimsy.

Add a Window Seat

The star of the show in this spacious primary bathroom design from Desiree Burns Interiors is a spacious window seat between the double vanities that invites lingering and relaxation.

Mix Metals

Blogger Ursula Carmona of Home Made by Carmona used a subdued black and white palette for this primary bathroom makeover, with wood panel details, framed art, wall sconces, and mixed metals to add polish.

Add Custom Built-Ins

One way to make a primary bathroom feel comfortable and luxurious is to look for opportunities to build in custom niches for essentials and decor.

In this primary bathroom from Desiree Burns Interiors, the double vanity has built-in shelving for spare towels, and niches and a built-in shelf around the tub to display artwork and house bath salts.

Keep It Open

This minimalist design by MVRDV with Mole Architects for Living Architecture has a bathtub open to the plywood-clad primary bedroom, with an adjacent wc that includes a pocket door. It's a space-saving, contemporary take on the notion of a primary bedroom en suite perfect for couples without secrets.

Install Privacy Shutters

If your primary bathroom has a view of neighboring windows, install privacy shutters rather than curtains on the lower half of the wall.

Studio Peake outfitted this colorful primary bathroom with neon yellow window shutters and ceiling wallpaper for a whimsical touch.

Add a Tile Accent Wall

Include a tile accent wall in your primary bathroom to add color or pattern. Desiree Burns Interiors highlighted the shape of the roof in this light and airy primary bathroom with sea-green wall tiles. A semi-opaque glass partition protects against splashes while allowing the color to shine through.

Add Comfy Seating

If you have the space, add seating to your primary bathroom for a luxurious feel. Michelle Boudreau Design added a comfy armchair in the corner by the soaking tub of this bright and glamorous Palm Springs bathroom with legs that match the brass hardware throughout the room.

Tile Walls and Ceiling

Tile both walls and ceiling around a walk-in shower to create a striking feature that is easier to maintain. Desiree Burns Interiors square blue zellige tiles that add a textural handmade feel to this spacious room.

Upgrade Vanity Hardware

Dress up a double vanity with sculptural gold-toned hardware that looks like jewelry. Desiree Burns Interiors chose brass handles to echo the mirrors and sconces in this stylish primary bathroom.

How do I begin styling a primary bathroom?

Clean and declutter, repaint, add fresh towels, a new bath mat or rug, window treatments, lighting fixtures, and wall decor. Add finishing touches like a bathroom set for your countertop, plants, and decor objects to make the space feel inviting as well as functional.

Should all primary bathrooms feature a tub?

The only reason to have a bathtub in a primary bathroom is personal preference. Once a necessity, bathtubs are now a luxury that many people forego due to space constraints and over concerns about excessive water use given the climate emergency. Many modern homeowners prefer a large walk-in shower instead of a bathtub in the primary bathroom as a lifestyle choice.

What bathroom features add the most value?

According to Angi, remodeling your bathroom has the highest return on any home updates, with an average 72.7% return on investment. Get the best bang for your buck with bathroom additions, walk-in showers, bathtub refinishing, luxury vanities and countertops, flooring, and cabinets.

Read the original article on The Spruce.