Creating a Cottage Farmhouse Bathroom: 6 quick decor swaps

Incorporating charming cottage-farmhouse style in your bathroom, no renovation required.

Potties aren’t charming. Even when you add those fuzzy toilet seat covers like my granny had. And those little crocheted dolls that covered the toilet paper roll on the back of the commode… Anyone else remember those? No? Just me?  😆 

Let us all accept bathrooms come in every size and array of finishes. And those finishes may or may not match our current decor style. The good news— Dated trends don’t have to result in a remodel.— Regardless of your tile or linoleum, cabinet style, or light fixtures, a few decor tips and tricks can drastically change your space. No renovation necessary!

So keep reading if you have indoor plumbing (aka a functioning potty) that needs a little diy charmhouse update. And if you have a frilly toilet seat cover, my apologies…I’m gonna need you to remove that. Let’s discuss six easy decor swaps to achieve charming-cottage-farmhouse style in your current bathroom.

Tip 1: Switch out that mirror.

Mirrors are essential in every bath- Don’t let them be basic or builder-grade. Add character with a wooden mirror or repurpose an antique mirror. You can add mirrored glass to an old window frame or simply add molding to that basic mirror already hanging.

Mirrors are a major element in your space; don’t miss this opportunity to make them a wow factor. Treat it like a decor focal-point instead of just a functioning component in the bathroom. 

And I know I said no renovations, but this is technically like changing out a picture frame on the wall. Treat your mirror like a true design element, as a piece of art. 

My wooden arched master bathroom mirrors can be purchased here. And they are a steal!

Tip 2: Use window curtains instead of a shower curtain. 

Shower curtains are typically expensive, too short, and limited in design options. Why not hang REAL curtains?! Opt for something that is breathable (think single layer/unlined in a quick-drying fabric) and add an oversized liner behind it. Amazon carries shower liners in every size imaginable. A hack to accomplish this look is hang a double shower rod. Use the window curtains on the outside rod; liner on the inside rod. 

AND while we are talking about it, tall curtains are a must, guys. Take those panels as high as you possibly can. Let the length brush the floor. This single tip will make your windows and ceilings look so spacious. 

Another quick tip for shower curtains (or any curtains): Buy two shower curtains and extend the length of one by adding a ruffle to the bottom using the second curtain. You will save money by not purchasing the extended lengths and give yourself more options for prints. 

I picked up my striped blue panels here. The floral curtains are vintage; I extended their length by ruffling an extra third panel on the bottom. ((I tend to switch the two sets of curtains between the bathrooms for an occasional, quick refresh. They are both roughly 96″ in length.))

Tip 3: Try a vintage rug or vintage look-a-like.

Bath mats can be blah. They collect dirt and shedding hair and are impossible to vacuum. After you wash them, they only look pretty until someone steps on it, leaving behind a mashed footprint in the center. Why not use a traditional rug in your bath? Source a vintage rug on Etsy or buy a look-a-like! Choose a traditional patterned rug or even go kitschy with a fun print. My only avoidance is thick pile wool because of moisture and its tendency to not dry quickly. 

If you are dealing with an unsightly floor, opt for the largest rug possible (avoiding the toilet area, of course). Accent and compliment dated tile with your rug option too. Update with accessories vs renovation 👍🏻

This vintage look-a-like can be found here. 

Tip 4: Balance the space with light & dark. 

Use white to brighten the space, paint the walls and/or cabinetry to get a clean, fresh look. This is especially true for rooms without natural light. Grab my free paint guide here to get a list of my go-to paint recommendations! When using so much white, it’s important to ground the room with something dark and/or masculine. Every room needs a touch of black for balance. Dark hardware is one of my favorite ways to accent a white cabinet. Mixing metals is definitely a fun way to incorporate variety. I love the mix of brushed nickel plumbing fixtures with black cabinet hardware for the equal balance of light and dark.  

Remember painting is the cheapest and most effective way to update a space. Start with the walls and decide if other elements should be painted as well. 

Tip 5: Add sentimental items into your daily storage and display routine. 

Use a tray to corral everyday items and display them with personality. A blue mason jar is still my go-to for cotton balls, q-tips, and floss picks. I love using vintage china to store my makeup brushes and glasses too. This is an ideal spot to incorporate a sentimental item into your daily decor. Consider your grandmother’s cream pitcher or a tea cup to hold brushes and collect some of your small jewelry pieces. Tiered cake stands are another unique way to incorporate storage with sentimental pieces in a bath. 

What are some sentimental pieces you could add to your bath? There is no better charm-factor. 

Tip 6: Use natural elements to add cozy warmth. 

Add natural elements like: wooden accessories, greenery plants, fresh flowers, candles, neutral textiles and baskets. Though not warm in color, I love all white towels for a cohesive, clean spa feel. Plush white towels are easier to care for and add a simple coziness. Brushed brass and gold metals are another component that can add warmth. Photo frames are a great way to incorporate warm metals. (Remember mixing metals is A-OKAY, unlike those fuzzy toilet covers.)

Are you ready to charm-up your bathroom space? Leave me a short comment below with one change you would love to try! And I definitely want to know if you remember those toilet dolls and granny covers. haha

Follow me on Instagram & Facebook for more daily Cottage Farmhouse fun. And feel free to save images to Pinterest for later inspiration. Happy Decorating!

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