The farmhouse style is making a major comeback in home decor, and nowhere is this more evident than in bathrooms. Characterized by vintage and rustic elements with a modern twist, farmhouse bathroom decor brings a cozy, inviting feel that works well in any home. Whether you have a master ensuite or a small powder room, there are many ways to incorporate farmhouse style for an updated, yet classic look.
Elements of Farmhouse Bathroom Style
Some key elements characterize the farmhouse bathroom aesthetic:
Natural Materials
Wood, stone, and other organic materials are heavily used in farmhouse style to connect to nature. Popular options include:
- Wood vanities, shelves, and ceilings
- Barn wood accents on walls or floors
- Stone tile, brick backsplashes, and marble counters
- Copper, galvanized metal, or tin for fixtures and accessories
- Wicker or rattan baskets for storage
Incorporating natural textures like wood and stone helps create a cozy, rustic vibe. Distressed, repurposed, or vintage finds also help achieve that timeworn farmhouse look.
Vintage Fixtures
Vintage-style fixtures complement the overall farmhouse aesthetic. Some options include:
- Clawfoot tubs or farmhouse sinks
- Freestanding tub faucets with cross handles
- Widespread faucets with porcelain lever handles
- Round, oval, or apron-front sinks on wood or metal bases
- Metal, enamel, or ceramic vessel sinks
Look for fixtures with antique finishing for a truly authentic appearance. Fixtures made from galvanized metal, copper, or brass also fit farmhouse style beautifully.
Relaxed Color Schemes
Farmhouse bathrooms use a relaxed color palette, often with whites and neutrals as a base. Some popular color options include:
- White on walls, cabinets, tiles
- Light greys and tans on walls or floors
- Black and white geometric floor tile
- Pale blue or green accents
- Wood tones for warmth and contrast
Crisp whites help create a light, airy feel. Earthy neutrals like greige and tan add coziness. Pops of blue, green, or brick red provide character without overwhelming the space.
Rustic Accents
Decor accents provide lots of room for creativity in a farmhouse bathroom. Ideas include:
- Galvanized buckets, watering cans, or tin stars
- Ladder shelves with rolled towels or plants
- Mason jars for soap dispensers or vases
- Framed botanical prints or mirrors
- Wreaths, dried flowers, or greenery in vases
- Woven baskets for storage
- Candles, lanterns, or sconces for lighting
Search antique shops, flea markets, or garage sales to find unique rustic accents that show signs of charming wear and tear. Display collections or meaningful sentimental finds to personalize the space.
Subtle Patterns and Textures
Intricate patterns and varied textures add depth and visual interest in farmhouse bathrooms. Consider:
- Herringbone, subway, penny, or hexagon tile
- Weathered natural stone or brick
- Beadboard wainscoting or ceilings
- Wood flooring, paneling, or shiplap walls
- Woven rugs, bath mats, or towels
- Lace shower curtains or window treatments
- Towels or shower curtains with subtle patterns
Mixing natural wood, stone, and metal with soft textiles helps strike the right farmhouse balance between rugged and refined.
Farmhouse Master Bathroom Ideas
The master bathroom is a retreat, making it a great spot to fully embrace farmhouse style. Here are some design ideas:
Wood Elements
Wood instantly brings warmth. Use real or faux wood on walls, vanities, ceilings, or floors. For example:
- White shiplap or beadboard wainscoting
- Wood-look tile flooring
- A distressed wood vanity with marble top
- Open wood shelving for display
- A wood ladder holding rolled bath towels
Introduce various wood tones, like light oak cabinets contrasted with darker barnwood accents. Wood adds both texture and nature-inspired color.
Vintage Fixtures
Select fixtures with antique charm like a clawfoot tub, apron-front sink, or standalone faucets. New reproductions with an aged patina or rubbed bronze finish can provide the farmhouse look without the hassle of real antiques.
Neutral Color Scheme
Stick to a simple, calming color palette. For example, try:
- Walls and cabinetry in crisp white
- A light gray wood laminate floor
- Neutral tan stone or marble tile
- Pale blue, green, or gray towels and accessories
Neutrals create a clean backdrop to layer in wood tones and vintage metals. Pops of green or blue add just enough color.
Rustic Accents
Display meaningful collected finds or flea market treasures. For example:
- A set of vintage glass bottles along a shelf
- Galvanized buckets holding fresh flowers or bath salts
- A framed collection of botanical prints
- An antique mirror above the vanity
Rustic accents show off personality while enhancing the handcrafted appeal.
Relaxing Tub Area
Create a spa-like tub zone with farmhouse style. Try:
- A freestanding clawfoot tub
- Vintage handles and trim on tub/shower faucets
- White shiplap walls around the tub
- Galvanized buckets holding bath towels and products
- Wicker baskets for stool seating or storage
- Potted greenery for natural zen
Add a rustic wood bath caddy, candle sconces, and woven rug for cozy tub appeal.
Farmhouse Half Bath Ideas
Even the smallest bathrooms can showcase farmhouse charm:
Vintage Vanity
An antique-style vanity makes a big impact. Seek out:
- Distressed wood or painted finishes
- An apron-front sink basin
- Cross handles or porcelain knobs on the faucet
- Open shelving or framed mirror above
A dainty wall-mount or pedestal sink also fits farmhouse powder rooms well.
Wood Panel Accent Wall
One wood wall adds warmth without total commitment. Options include:
- Distressed shiplap planks
- Weathered barnwood
- Salvaged wood cut into geometric patterns
Complement with white on remaining walls for crisp contrast.
Woven and Burlap Accessories
Natural fiber accents enhance the rustic vibe in a small space. Ideas:
- Jute rug on floor
- Burlap shower curtain
- Wicker or rattan wall shelf
- Woven basket on vanity or floor
- Dried botanical wreath above sink
Stick to one or two statement accents to keep the look cohesive.
Rustic Mirror
An antiqued mirror feels special above a half bath sink. Seek:
- Distressed wood frame
- Weathered black finish
- Ornate metalwork or carvings
- Unique shape like oval, arched, or starburst
Hang solo or flank with wall sconces for ample rustic flair.
Farmhouse Kids’ and Teens Bathroom Ideas
The casual comfort of farmhouse style works well in family bathrooms too. Some kid-friendly ideas:
Reclaimed Wood Vanity
A wood vanity feels fun and fresh for kids. Consider:
- Distressed or brightly painted wood base
- Marble, concrete, or stone sink top
- Vessel bowl or rectangular undermount sink
- Matte black metal faucet and handles
Salvaged barnwood brings character, or use new wood for a cleaner look.
Black and White Geometric Tile
Bold black and white tile floors feel youthful, especially arranged in geometric patterns. Square, hexagon, or octagon shapes create visual interest underfoot.
Pair with crisp white walls and wood vanity for contrast. Use tile sparingly on walls or shower tile stripe accents.
Colorful Textiles
Weave in bright colors and patterns through towels, shower curtains, rugs, and other textiles. Try:
- A rainbow striped cotton shower curtain
- Woven multicolor wool area rugs
- Monogrammed white bath towels
- Baskets in primary colors for toy storage
Since tile, walls, and cabinetry stick to neutrals, textiles can supply the pops of color.
Rustic Wood crates for Storage
In lieu of cabinets, stack galvanized metal and wood crates to corral kids’ bathroom clutter. The farmhouse look hides toys or extra towels when not in use.
For teens, add a reclaimed wood ladder to hold folded towels or a woven rug for their personal style.
Double Sink or Shared Vanity
Allow space for siblings to get ready together with a split vanity or side-by-side sinks. Two mirrors and light fixtures keep things equal.
For smaller baths, a shared trough sink creates division while maximizing room for multiple kiddos.
Easy Farmhouse Updates for Renters
Love the farmhouse look but limited on permanent changes? These quick DIYs add rustic flavor:
Wood Crate Storage
As mentioned above, vintage wood crates make great organizers in bathrooms. Stack them horizontally or vertically on the floor or counters for instant storage and style.
Framed Botanical Prints
Pick up a few antique-style frames at a craft store, then print and frame some free high-resolution botanical images in black and white. Cluster over the toilet or above the tub for natural art.
Shiplap Framed Mirror
Frame a builder-basic mirror with easy DIY faux shiplap using paint stir sticks trimmed to size. Custom cut each stick, then adhere around the mirror perimeter with wood glue and nails. Distress with sandpaper before painting or staining for authenticity.
Black Chalkboard Wall
Paint one wall with black chalkboard paint, letting kids decorate with chalk art that easily wipes away. Use chalk marker to draw permanent organic shapes like leaves, branches, or flowers.
Woven Textiles
Bring in jute, cotton, or woven wool rugs and natural fiber shower curtains and towels for quick cozy farmhouse texture. Weave ribbon through hanging metal rod for textile shower curtain.
Antique Finds Display
Scour flea markets or online auctions for antique oil cans, jars, and tin stars ideal for farmhouse bathroom counters and shelves. Create instant vintage charm!
Creating a Cohesive Farmhouse Bathroom
When designing a farmhouse bathroom, remember that rustic does not have to mean messy. Follow these tips for a thoughtfully curated space:
Quality over Quantity
Carefully choose a few high-quality elements like an antique clawfoot tub or reclaimed wood vanity. Well-made vintage finds trump cluttered knick-knacks and cheap reproductions.
Consistent Color Story
Stick to a cohesive neutral palette so wood tones, metals, and texture stand out. Avoid bright colors that detract from the organic warmth of natural materials.
Meaningful Collections
Thoughtfully display collections that reflect hobbies or memories vs random flea market finds. For example, group framed family photos, float antique bottles collected on vacations, or display favorite lush plants.
Balance of Textures
Too much wood feels heavy. Too much stone equals cold. Mix up natural wood, stone, tile, and textiles for pleasing depth and contrast.
Clean Lines
While individual pieces like an aged vanity may show distressing, choose sturdy furniture with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Mixing modern shapes with vintage keeps the look feeling fresh.
Multi-purpose Pieces
Opt for antique benches or stools that provide seating and storage. Hang a full-length mirror that doubles as a door to conceal clutter. Use crates and baskets to corral everyday bathroom items.
With careful curation, farmhouse style can result in a bathroom that feels cozy and laid-back, not cluttered. Focus on quality vintage finds, purposeful collections, and decor that works as hard as it looks. The result is a welcoming farmhouse bathroom that feels clean, organized, and full of rustic personality.
6 Key Questions about Farmhouse Bathroom Decor
Some common questions come up when considering a farmhouse-style bathroom redesign. Below are answers to the top FAQs:
What paint colors work best in a farmhouse bathroom?
Stick with a neutral color palette. Crisp whites and very light grays or beiges work well on walls and cabinetry to create a light, airy backdrop. Accent walls in deeper gray-brown add contrast.
What flooring options fit farmhouse style?
Wood-look tile or laminate, weathered natural stone, and hexagon or subway tile work nicely. For rustic charm, try real or faux reclaimed wood floors. Add texture with seagrass or jute area rugs.
Should I use wallpaper in my farmhouse bathroom?
While wallpaper can feel too ornate for farmhouse, some muted patterns like blocked stripes or floral work well. Stick to matte finish papers in light neutrals and blues. Use sparingly on one accent wall or limit to a chair rail border.
How do I decorate my farmhouse bathroom vanity?
Keep it simple with vintage-inspired hardware, an apron-front sink, and galvanized or wood crate storage. Add a framed mirror and sconces for lighting. Mini plants, candles, and antique glass bottles provide rustic decoration.
Should I get a clawfoot tub?
A clawfoot tub evokes traditional farmhouse style, but they are expensive and require more cleaning. Consider a freestanding tub or built-in tub with vintage style faucets and feet for a similar aesthetic.
Are farmhouse bathrooms expensive to create?
Not necessarily! You can easily achieve the farmhouse look on a budget with faux wood wall panels instead of real reclaimed barnwood, ceramic apron-front sinks, and DIY galvanized bucket storage. Source vintage accessories at flea markets. The style is more about creativity than cash!
Achieving Farmhouse Style on a Budget
Creating a farmhouse bathroom does not require a full gut renovation or designer budget. There are many DIY shortcuts and thrift store treasures to develop the light, vintage look on the cheap. Some budget-friendly ideas include:
- Painting existing cabinets and walls white
- Stenciling wood paneling on walls
- Creating a “shiplap” wall with paint stirricks
- Using peel-and-stick tile for backsplashes
- Choosing stock vanities and dressing up with vintage hardware
- Sourcing lighting and accessories from thrift stores
- Displaying glass bottles, jugs, or tins found around the house
- Creating wall art from framed dried flowers or ferns collected outside
- Making your own herringbone wood floor using pavers or cut picnic table boards
- Installing a retro-look faucet and handles from a hardware store
- Painting an existing mirror frame antique black
- Using a tablecloth as a café curtain around clawfoot tub
The farmhouse aesthetic stems from creativity and resourcefulness. With some simple DIYs and vintage add-ons, you can build a charming farmhouse-style bath without breaking the bank. Focus your budget on one or two impactful salvaged wood or antique items, then get thrifty with the details.
Bringing Farmhouse Charm to Modern Bathrooms
For those starting with a builder-basic bathroom, the key to infusing farmhouse style comes down to materials, fixtures, and accents. Some ideas to farmhouse-ify modern bathrooms include:
Natural Wood Vanity
Replace plain cabinetry with a reclaimed wood vanity, or add wood paneling along the walls. Staining to light, neutral wood tones keeps it modern.
Vintage Fixtures
Swap out basic metal faucets for vintage reproduction cross handles and porcelain knobs. Source a farmhouse, apron-front, or hammered copper sink.
Woven Textures
Bring in baskets, a braided oval rug, woven shades, and fabric shower curtain. Natural jute, seagrass, cotton, and wool add cozy texture.
Stone Tile Accents
Use natural stone or faux tiles on shower walls, bathtub surround, or backsplash behind sink for an organic vibe. Keep grout light.
Rustic Accessories
Display unique antique finds like glass bottles, galvanized buckets, or farm tools along ledges, sinks, and vanities. Add a vintage ladder to hold towels.
Relaxed Color Scheme
Mute modern brights with a softer farmhouse palette of light tans, greys, sage greens, and sky blues. Crisp white cabinets/walls keep it fresh.
With thoughtful details, you can bring farmhouse coziness to even the most basic builder bathroom. Focus on natural and vintage accents to create rustic farm charm within a modern bathroom footprint.
In Conclusion
The farmhouse style offers a charming way to bring cozy vintage character into any bathroom. Focus on natural materials like wood, stone tile, and woven textiles contrasted with crisp white walls and cabinetry. Allow raw materials like wood and metal to show their age. Source authentic antiques or distressed reproductions for fixtures and decor. Display meaningful collections and accessorize with plants and flowers. Keep the color scheme relaxed, primarily neutral with pops of green, blue, brick red, or black.
With careful curation and creative DIYs, you can achieve the light and welcoming farmhouse bathroom aesthetic in spaces big and small. Rather than cluttered, aim for a thoughtfully collected look that feels clean, organized, and full of rustic personality. The farmhouse bathroom should feel like a vintage retreat from busy modern life.
