The bathroom is the room most people furnish last and think about least — and it shows. A functional vanity, a mirror that came with the flat, a soap dispenser that's been there so long you start using a bar instead. It's only when you start swapping things out that you realize how much the details matter. And do you know a surprisingly good place to shop for expensive-looking (but not necessarily actually expensive) bathroom accessories? IKEA.
That's right, there are plenty of great bathroom buys hidden amongst IKEA's best products. And it's not just the vanities; it's the smaller things too — stoneware accessories, mirrors that could belong in a boutique, or bamboo trays that make a cluttered shelf look more curated. Just like when making your bathroom look more expensive, it's all about material, finish, and a bit of extra thought.
So, what are the most expensive-looking IKEA bathroom buys? I've gone through the range to find 12 pieces most worth your attention, from hooks to hampers and handy little accessories.
Soft, diffused LED light that flatters any sink space vertically or horizontally. A well-lit mirror is one of those details that makes a bathroom feel finished and this one does the job without any visible hardware interrupting the clean white frame.
Reeded glass is a timeless style, and this cabinet delivers it at a price no high-end brand would ever entertain. Display your pieces on the open shelf while hiding everything else behind the glass. It might be a bit tricky to put together, but once it's built, it'll be worth it.
Storage that doubles as a seat? Yes, please. This sleek bamboo bench boasts clean lines, works well in humid environments, and, with a nearly perfect score (4.7/5) after over 100 reviews, seems like it works anywhere in the home, not just the bathroom.
Handwoven rattan, a removable, washable liner, and feet that keep moisture at bay. It reads as a deliberate purchase rather than a purely practical one — the kind of basket you don't feel the need to hide.
Chrome in the shower can't ever go out of style. This has an adjustable height, it's easy to clean, and sleek enough to make the rest of your shower fittings shine. Plus, level storage is always a good idea.
A bamboo tray works as hard on a bathroom shelf as it does inside a drawer — holding lotions and potions that would otherwise creep across every available surface. Stackable, moveable, and warm enough in tone that it looks intentional wherever it sits.
This enamelled steel three-piece set looks so chic, with sleek curved edges. Seperate them across your bathroom surfaces to complement each other from afar, or let them sit all together for a compact industrial look.
With a 10-year guarantee, I can't believe this zinc tap is only £95. It looks at least twice the price, with such a sleek metal finish and refined shape. Who knew you could get taps from IKEA?
This tilt-open beige bin is made from durable steel and looks so futuristic on a wall. One review claims it "feels like a higher quality bin", another says "well designed and good quality"... for £13!
Another IKEA 10-year guarantee for this £310 sleek piece feels like a safe bet, especially for the stunning oak-look drawer, crushed marble basin, and metallized tap — a triple threat!
This towel is woven in 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, with a weight that starts feeling genuinely hotel-grade. Not to mention this deep green is exactly the shade that's everywhere right now.
This three-lamp sconce provides a futuristic glow that you don't see in any old bathroom. Dimmable, it can be the perfect illumination for your morning wake-up to evening wind-down routine.
When it comes to modern bathroom trends, renovating isn't the only way (in fact, it's often not the best choice). These pieces are all reasonably inexpensive, but will make a massive difference to how your bathroom looks, feels, and functions.
And why stop there? The best IKEA kitchen storage buys could double (if not triple) the storage capacity in the heart of your home.
Sign up for the Livingetc newsletter for more design-led ideas and styling tips worth knowing about.
