Going green is not just about helping the environment. It can also lend a sense of peace, tranquillity, and harmony to your home. And what better place to incorporate eco-friendly ideas than in your bathroom—that private personal space where you start and end your days?
Why Choose a Green Bathroom
Less Toxic Chemicals Switching to natural, non-toxic bath products helps reduce indoor air pollution and your exposure to harmful chemicals. This leads to better health.
Saves Water Installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures and toilets reduces water usage, which conserves this precious resource.
Energy Efficient Choosing ENERGY STAR appliances and LED lighting cuts your electricity usage, saving money and emissions from power plants.
Healthier Air Quality Using materials like natural linoleum flooring, low-VOC paints, and exhaust fans improves indoor air quality creating a healthier home.
Lower Utility Bills Combining several green changes slashes your water and energy bills month after month.
Greater Comfort Strategies like insulation, ambient lighting, heated floors, and dehumidifiers make your bathroom more comfortable.
Adds Property Value Remodeling with green materials and efficient amenities can significantly increase your resale value.
Less Waste Selecting durable, natural products reduces landfill contributions. And using non-toxic cleaners cuts down on plastic waste.
Connects You to Nature Greenery, views of nature, and natural light helps people feel calmer, happier, and more energized.
Green Design Ideas
Sustainable Flooring Options
1. Recycled Glass Tiles
Glass tiles made from recycled bottles have looks ranging from translucent to opalescent colors. Durable, non-porous, and stain-resistant.
2. Natural Linoleum
Made from renewable ingredients like solidified linseed oil and cork dust on a jute backing. Water resistant, scratch resistant, naturally antibacterial.
3. Bamboo Mat Flooring
Bamboo is naturally moisture-resistant, exceptionally durable, and beautiful with varying grain patterns depending on the species.
4. Recycled Porcelain Tiles
Durable, low-maintenance, and moisture-resistant tiles composed largely of repurposed industrial waste and pre-consumer scraps.
5. Concrete
Concrete bathroom floors can utilize recycled aggregates and fly ash in place of some cement content. Coating makes it impermeable.
6. Recycled Rubber Mats
Interlocking mats made from recycled tires provide cushioned comfort underfoot in bathrooms. Can be sanitized easily.
7. Cork
Made from renewable bark harvested from Cork Oak trees. Natural comfort underfoot, antimicrobial, warm, quiet, and able to conform to irregular surfaces.
Energy Efficient Lighting
8. Skylight
Allows natural daylight to illuminate your bathroom cutting down on energy usage. Combines outdoor views and fresh air when operable.
9. Nightlight Motion Sensor
LED nightlights outfitted with motion sensors provide low-level lighting for middle-of-the-night bathroom visits helping prevent accidents in the dark.
10. LED Lighting
LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25+ times longer than incandescent lighting. Dimmable designs available.
11. Natural Light
Strategically placed windows and/or skylights maximize sunshine minimizing the need for electric lights during daylight hours.
Water Saving Plumbing
12. High Efficiency Toilets
Only use 1.28 gallons per flush or less as opposed to older models which used 3.5+ gallons per flush helping conserve water.
13. Dual Flush Toilet
Has a split flush option offering choice between a full- or half-flush. Half flushes uses only 0.8 gallons saving water with liquid waste.
14. Watersense Labeled Faucets/Showerheads
Meet EPA criteria for efficiency and performance. Showerheads use <= 2 gallons per minutes. Faucets use <=1.5 gallons per minute.
15. Touchless Faucets
Motion sensor sinks shut off automatically limiting water waste from drips as well as conserving water that might be left running after use.
16. Water Recycling System
Greywater system filters used water from sinks/showers to reuse for flushing toilets cutting indoor water usage 45-60%.
17. Tankless Water Heater
On-demand heating as water flows through coils. No standby energy losses from keeping water hot in tank all day. Saves space.
Green Materials & Finishes
18. Low/Zero VOC Paint
Use water-based paints certified for low or zero emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) improving indoor air quality.
19. Organic Cotton Towels
Grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers protecting farmers and environment. Absorbent, sustainable, biodegradable.
20. Organic Bathmats
Cotton, jute, bamboo and other sustainable materials provide eco-friendly flooring options that avoid off-gassing and plastics.
21. Natural Fiber Shower Curtain
Sustainably grown cotton, hemp, bamboo or other natural fiber curtains are non-toxic alternatives to vinyl, healthier for people and planet.
22. Natural Brush Fibers
Look for toilet brushes/plungers with natural materials like plant-based bristles and bamboo handles as an alternative to oil-based plastic versions.
23. Recycled Glass Counters
Agglomerated recycled glass mixed with concrete or resin creates durable, resilient countertops keeping waste out of landfills.
24. Recycled Paperboard Tiles
Durable water-resistant tiles with high recycled content provide eco-friendly backsplashes. Easy install requiring no special tools.
25. Natural Stone & Tile
Locally sourced natural materials like quartzite, granite, limestone, ad terra cotta avoid toxins while supporting local economy.
26. Reclaimed Wood
Salvaged wood made into flooring, shelving, cabinets or trim gives a rustic, eco-conscious look while diverting waste. Distressed or refinished options are available.
Green Accessories
27. Motion Sensor Faucets
Faucets with built-in motion sensors turn on and off automatically preventing water being left running accidentally. Some self-adjust to desired temperature.
28. Dual-flush Converter
Affordable kits convert existing toilets into dual flush improving efficiency. Also consider adding eco-friendly tank banks. Reduces water use 30%.
29. Bamboo Towel Bars
Trade metal or plastic bars and rings for sustainable bamboo versions with adjustable lengths to fit your space and towels.
30. Natural Bathroom Tissue
Choose toilet paper, paper towels and tissues made from sustainable rapidly renewable bamboo fiber or recycled paper waste.
31. Compost Bin
For food-waste while brushing teeth/doing hair to transfer to outdoor compost pile later diverting waste from landfills.
32. Bio-Based Laundry Basket
Sturdy laundry bins made from natural renewable materials like banana leaf fiber avoid plastics made from fossil fuels.
33. Recycled Steel Shelves
Factory seconds or reused scrap metal makes finding recycled steel storage solutions much more affordable for most budgets. Great way to avoid waste.
34. Bath Mat/Seat Combo
2-in-1 mat rotates up providing a towel/clothes hook when not in use. Convenient space-saving way to have an accessible bath seat option.
Green Cleaning Strategies
35. Natural Cleaning Products
Biodegradable green cleaners deep clean naturally without toxic fumes or residue left behind from artificial chemicals found in conventional cleaners.
36. DIY Natural Scrubs
Simple homemade cleaning pastes for tile, tub, toilet, sink etc allow you to control ingredients eliminating toxins. Check out some recipes online.
37. White Vinegar & Baking Soda
This non-toxic disinfectant combo offers an easy economical way to cut grease, remove stains, unplug drains and deep clean most bathroom surfaces.
38. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
Ultra-fine fibers trap and hold dust better than sponges eliminating need for chemical cleaners while cutting down on paper towel waste. Machine washable & reusable.
39. Castile Bar Soap
Pure moisturizing olive oil-based soap in bar form leaves no plastic
Green Bathroom Inspiration
Let’s explore some eye-catching ways to incorporate green design elements into stylish soothing bathrooms.
Natural Material Luxury
40. Spa Escape
Create a relaxing oasis using natural stone vessel sinks, granite counters, acacia wood cabinets, cork floors and live plants. Strategic lighting and windows to maximize natural light.
41. Tropical Organic
Bring the tropics indoors with banana bark bins, woven abaca hampers, cork doors, bamboo towel racks, raffia rugs, and sheer hemp shower curtain. Vibrant colors, warm woods, knowing greenery.
42. Eco Industrial
Exposed pipes, salvaged wood, concrete floors, metal accents, track lighting and stone vessel sinks exude rough luxe style. Gallery wall of recycled glass, metal, and wood art pieces.
43. Modern Organic
Clean lines, large feature windows and skylight brighten minimally decorated space. White quartz counters with undermount sinks, wheat straw floor tiles, linen curtains, reclaimed wood open shelving provide zen organic contrast.
44. Earthy Glam
Cut stone slab walls, bronze fixtures, patterned cement tile floor, chandelier and antique mirror create a sense of elegance. Jute bath mats, wicker basket, eucalyptus shower curtain provide natural, grounded contrast.
Inviting Small Bathrooms
Just because space is limited doesn’t mean you have limit green design elements that provide comfort and efficiency.
45. Attic Bath Nook
Take advantage of odd sloping ceiling and walls to tuck in a narrow tub, adding coordinating shower curtain and bath rug to create continuity. Storage benches provide seating and eliminate clutter.
46. Stand Up Shower Stall
Having separate sinks in adjoining space allows for a more spacious stand up shower. Rainfall showerhead for relaxing experience. Heated stone floors for comfort and bamboo bath caddy for convenience.
47. Pattern Play
Vibrant global inspired patterns on shower tile, window treatment, bath rug and accessories enliven tiny bathrooms. Painted cabinets, bold light fixture and round mirror balance pops of patterns beautifully. Strategic shelving maximizes storage.
48. Sleek Subway Tile
White subway tile paired with wood-look porcelain floors, chrome fixtures and accessories keep small bathrooms looking clean, bright and feeling open. Frameless glass shower enclosure. Recessed niches provide storage nooks.
49. Retro Revival Storage
Retro color schemes, fittings and sanitary ware hearken back to decades past for a funky, nostalgic aesthetic even in tight quarters. Patterned floor tile disguises dirt. Wall-hung sink and cabinetry conserve floor space in style.
Spa Style Soakers
Transform your bathroom into a home spa sanctuary for restoring both body and mind.
50. Tubside Tropical
Escape with an exotic soak accompanied by cascading greenery, rainfall showerhead palm prints and rattan organizers. Strategic lighting sets the mood.
51. Zen Garden
Minimalist stone and wood textures centered around soaker tub, accented with natural fiber mat, floating wood shelves, glass vases and unscented candles encourages quiet contemplation.
52. Woodland Waterfall
Immerse in nature’s beauty with textured wood plank feature wall, stone vessel tub, separate rainfall shower complete with pebble stone flooring. Misty fogged mirror and glass refinish the look.
53. Botanical Bathing
Indoor garden creates a living wall of tranquility to frame extra deep oval tub placed in bay window. Astroturf bath mat adds playful twist.
54. Heavenly Bath Haven
Cloud-inspired bath mats, breezy curtains and sky blue walls surround this sanctuary-like space focused on relaxation. Heated floors and surrounding candle sconces for next-level luxury.
Green Kids Bathrooms
Teach eco-awareness through design elements even the littlest residents can appreciate.
55. Ocean Adventure
Kids dive into aquatic adventures with playful marine life shower curtains, wall decals, blue mosaic tiles. White quartz, chrome accents and LEDs keep it crisp.
56. Organic Modern
Clean lines allow kids characters to shine against crisp white backsplash and walls. Pops of primary colors in organic cotton towels, bins and bath mats makes routine fun. Eco-friendly cleaners within reach.
57. Nature Nook
Beautiful scene completes the space with harmonious blue and green glass tile, leafy shower curtain and coordinating green towels/rug. Walnut accents and basketweave tile flooring finish natural theme.
58. Upcycled Chic
Repurposed and reused materials reinvented into one-of-a-kind fixtures and functional decor spark imagination. Rainchains become towel racks. Colored glass bottle construction chandelier casts multi-hue glow.
59. tactile Terrazzo
Glittery quartz and glass chips set in concrete make for dazzling floors that withstand heavy use. Cork wall panels, woven banana fiber hamper, reclaimed wood vanity echo eco-theme.
Green Bathroom Additions
Sometimes little upgrades or additions can make all the difference bringing your space greater eco-comfort.
60. Composting Toilet
Waterless self-contained toilets completely compost human waste internally into reusable soil. Great option for net-zero buildings and eliminating blackwater.
61. Glass Block Window
Stylish choice provides natural lighting while obscuring views for privacy. Available in colors, frosted, patterned and transparent options to filter light.
62. Tub Garden Surround
Concrete planters secured evenly around soaker tub perimeter overflow with trailing ivy, ferns or herbs for an immersed outdoor experience indoors. Added humidity benefits plants and skin.
63. Towel Warmer
Rapidly dry wet linens preventing mold and mildew growth while warming towels for post bath comfort. Invest in Energy Star model to maximize efficiency. Can be hardwired or plug-in.
64. Heated Bathroom Floor
Subsurface radiant heating coils under tile or a thin electric underlayment provide heavenly warmth under feet for improved comfort. More efficient than space heat and customizable.
65. Natural Daylight
Solatubes or sun tunnels redirect and transmit daylight from roofs decreasing reliance on artificial light. Great option when adding windows poses challenge.
66. Air Plants
Self-sustaining tropical plants attach onto wood without soil. Offer green accent without need for regular watering or drainage. Help filter the air too.
Accent Walls Make Statements
Paint, plants, tiles or wood provide relief from sanitary white bathrooms and offer chance to highlight eco-options.
67. Green Wall Garden
Vertical hydroponic garden green wall sustains itself naturally while purifying and humidifying indoor air. Low maintenance and endlessly interesting. Automatically self-waters too.
68. Recycled Wood Feature Wall
One vibrant focal wall of salvaged wood makes big impact displaying beautiful organic variation in pattern, texture and tone for rustic modern aesthetic.
69. Rainforest Escape
Delight the senses by bringing dramatic jungle scenes into the room with immersive panoramic murals. Toucans, botanicals and butterflies soothe. choose low-voc inks.
70. River Rock Stone
Layered multisized rounded rocks secured to drywall create textural energy reminiscent of riverbeds in nature. Uplighting adds dimension. Seals to allow easy cleaning between stones.
71. Woven Cane Panels
Durable woven panels with organic textural appeal lend spa like vibe to space. Available in multitude of weaves, textures, widths and colors suiting traditional or modern aesthetics.
Double Duty Furniture
Multipurpose furniture lets you “squeeze” more functions from limited space available.
72. Storage Ottoman Bench
Lift-top bench offers convenient spare seating plus hidden storage for rolled towels, bath pillows and other necessities conveniently within reach.
73. Fold-down Wall Desk
Discreet fold-down desk emerges providing space for washing, removing makeup and styling hair then tucks away out of sight when not needed opening floor space.
74. Corner Shelves
Angled corner shelves fully utilize awkward space while eliminating need for bulky storage cabinetry. Great for soap, oils, plants, towels or decorative items.
75. Recessed Niche Shelves
Shallow nooks set unobtrusively into walls hold bathroom necessities clearing counter space. Functions as wall art the rest of the time. Backlighting takes the look up an artistic notch.
76. Window Seat Storage
Bench seating at windows provide room for storing extra toilet paper, cleaning items or rolled towels right within reach. Open on one
Clever Towel Storage Ideas
Creative solutions help tidy up towels in style.
77. Wall-mount Towel Ladder
Lean ladder-inspired towel racks against walls, behind doors or in corners to hold multiple towels conveniently in small spaces. Choose sustainable materials like bamboo, rattan or metal.
78. Towel Storage Bench
End-of-bed bench offers handy extra seating and discretely stashes towels within arm’s reach. Some designs include pull-out racks for customizable organization.
79. Rail Shelving Towel Rack
Discreet slim line rails mount below floating shelves to let towels hang behind ceramics, candles or baskets displayed above concealing untidy wet linens.
80. Storage Cart Caddy
A wheeled cart organizes essentials from razors, cosmetics to extra TP, conveniently mobile to tuck out of the way into corners or closets. Consider recycled plastic or bamboo builds.
81. Sliding Barn Door Cabinet
Concealed storage keeps towels, backup supplies and toiletries organized yet accessible behind a sliding barn door built using reclaimed wood. Handles optional.
GreenVanity & Sink Ideas
82. Concrete Rectangle Sink
Solid appearance offers cool sleek contrast to wood vanities. Stained, stamped or polished concrete sinks come in array of custom colors. Makes statement!
83. Recycled Glass Vessel Sink
Showcase artisan recycled glasswork. Light dances through translucent sink basins handcrafted from reused wine and beer bottles, providing eco-inspired focal point.
84. Bamboo Floating Vanity
Sleek modern aesthetics of wall-mounted cabinetry adds visual space. Bamboo build offers durable easily renewable alternative to conventional cabinet builds.
85. Stone Organic Vanity
Rough-hewn stone slab sink atop natural edged wood base makes organic textural statement. Wood-grain cabinets and jute baskets reinforce au natural look.
86. Industrial Metal Vanity
Salvaged pipes, antique washed oak cabinetry, and recycled metal kickplate strike balance of rustic and modern for urban farmhouse style. Open shelving provides handy display.
87. Wall-Hung Vanity
Cantilevered modular wall-hung vanities with thin profiles suitable for small spaces. Concealed plumbing. Floating visual expands sense of openness.
Green Backsplashes & Wall Treatments
88. Recycled Glass & Shell Tile
Shimmering smoky glass, iridescent mother of pearl and Capiz shell tiles lend one-of-a-kind mermaid vibe to bathrooms in soothing neutral hues.
89. Seagrass Weave Panels
Woven water reed panels in soothing naturals work well in humid bathroom settings. Available in variety of tidy weave patterns from fine to dramatically open.
90. Eco-Friendly Wallpaper
Non-toxic ink prints of organic patterns, grasscloths or reclaimed woods provide dramatic focal backdrop. New peel-and-stick options allow for easy application and future removal.
In Conclusion
The possibilities are endless when looking to green your bathroom design, whether building new or giving an existing space an eco-conscious makeover. We explored a range of inspirational styles featuring sustainable materials from countertops to cabinets to tile and accent walls. Simple fittings such as showerheads and toilets along with convenient space-saving furniture also help maximize both efficiency and comfort. Lastly, managing basics like lighting, cleaning and towels in greener ways completes your bathroom’s transformation into a private green oasis that nurtures both you and the planet.