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I. The Foundation: Walls and Flooring

Before you daydream about that cute mason jar soap dispenser. Or the “Home Sweet Home” sign you saw on Etsy. Get the basics right. Your walls and floors are the canvas. If they feel cold or cramped, nothing else will fix that. But if you nail this part? Everything else falls into place. Trust me. I skipped this once. Bought a fancy mirror first—spent $70 on it. Thought it’d “fix” the room. My bathroom still felt like a hospital closet. Oops. I took the mirror down, repainted, then put it back up. Total waste of a Saturday. But lesson learned: You can’t put a pretty bow on a boring box.

A. Embracing Classic Farmhouse Walls

Farmhouse walls aren’t flat and boring. They have texture. They have stories. They feel like someone actually lived there—spilled coffee, hung kid’s drawings, laughed with a friend while leaning against them. And in a small bathroom? That texture does two things: adds charm and tricks your eyes into thinking the space is bigger. Total win.

Shiplap and Beadboard: The OG Farmhouse Heroes

You can’t talk farmhouse without shiplap. Those horizontal wooden boards? They’re like a warm blanket for your walls. Last year, I helped my best friend put white shiplap in her 50-square-foot bathroom. We messed up the first measurement. Cut a piece an inch too short. We were too busy laughing about her cat stealing a screw. We grabbed a snack (cheese puffs, don’t judge), drove back to the hardware store, and tried again. But once it was up? She texted me three days later. Said, “I walk in and forget how small this is.” The horizontal lines stretch the room. The white reflects light so well, it’s like adding a window—no cost, no contractor hassle.

And you don’t have to stick to horizontal. If your bathroom has low ceilings (mine does—thanks, old house!), vertical shiplap changes everything. It draws your eye up, making the ceiling feel higher. I did this in my powder room. Now I barely hit my head on the light fixture. Win-win. Pro tip: If you’re renting, look for peel-and-stick shiplap. My cousin used it in her apartment. It came off clean when she moved—no landlord drama, no holes in the wall. She even texted me a photo of the landlord’s face when he saw it was gone. Priceless.

Beadboard is shiplap’s more polished cousin. Think delicate vertical grooves that feel like a lake cottage. My mom used it as wainscoting (the lower half of the wall) in her bathroom. Painted soft gray on the bottom, creamy white on top. It’s subtle. But it adds just enough texture without overwhelming the space. No more plain drywall that makes you feel like you’re in a doctor’s exam room—where you’re definitely getting a shot. She says every time she walks in, she feels like she’s at a little cabin. Even if it’s just to brush her teeth.

Paint Colors: Warmth Over “White White”

If you can’t (or don’t want to) install paneling, paint is your best friend. But here’s the rule: Skip stark, clinical white. Go for “quiet country morning” colors—soft whites, creamy off-whites, gentle grays. These shades bounce light around. They make your bathroom feel airy instead of boxed-in.

I made a mistake once. Painted my bathroom “pure white.” It felt like brushing my teeth in a fridge. Cold, bright, and so uninviting my cousin said, “Is this a walk-in cooler?” Embarrassing. I switched to a warm white with a hint of yellow. Think old lace, not bleach. Suddenly it felt cozy. Like wrapping yourself in a soft towel after a shower.

For grays, go for “greige”—gray with a touch of beige. My neighbor used it in her bathroom. It feels modern and rustic, like a cabin in the woods but with indoor plumbing. Thank goodness—no outhouses here. She even said her husband, who hates “decor stuff,” commented on how nice it looked. High praise.

If you want a pop of color? Try pale sage green or dusty blue. Nothing bright—we’re not going for a beach house. Just a soft hint that feels like nature snuck in. My cousin painted one wall pale sage. It’s so calm, I could stare at it while brushing my teeth for minutes. Not that I have that time—mornings are chaos. But still. It’s the little things.

B. Flooring That Fits the Farmhouse Feel

Bathroom floors have a tough job. They need to handle water, humidity, and you walking in with wet feet at 7 a.m. But they also need to feel warm. No cold tile that makes you jump like a cat when you step out of the shower. The good news? You don’t have to choose between durable and cute. I promise. I’ve tested both—badly, sometimes. And I found what works.

Wood-Look Tiles: The “Fake It Till You Make It” Win

Real wood in a bathroom? Bad idea. It warps, rots, and turns into an expensive mess. A friend tried this. Spent $800 on real pine. Six months later, it bubbled from shower steam. She cried a little, then ripped it out. Total disaster. But wood-look tiles? They change the game. Technology’s so good now, you can find tiles that look exactly like weathered oak or light pine—grain, knots, and all.

My other cousin used them in her bathroom. Every guest asks, “Is that real wood?” She just smiles and says, “Nope, and I never have to worry about it.” Go light with the wood tone. Darker floors make small spaces feel closed in. Light wood keeps things open—like walking on a sunny porch.

Bonus: They’re easy to clean. Spilled shampoo? Wipe it up. No stains, no stress. I dropped a tube of red lipstick on mine once. Panicked, grabbed a wet cloth, and it was gone. Miracle. Just avoid super-shiny ones—they look fake, and they’re slippery when wet. Ask me how I know. Spoiler: I slipped. No injuries, just pride. My cat stared at me like I was an idiot. Fair.

Patterned Tiles: A Little Personality (Without the Chaos)

If you want fun, patterned tiles are the way to go. But keep it simple. Think tiles from a 100-year-old farmhouse: black-and-white checkerboard (matte finish, not shiny—shiny feels too modern) or tiny floral motifs that look like they’ve been there forever.

My aunt did a checkerboard floor in her small bathroom. It’s like a little party underfoot. But here’s the trick: If the floor has a pattern, keep the walls plain. You don’t want to overwhelm the space—let the floor be the star. I once saw a bathroom with patterned tiles and patterned wallpaper. Felt like being inside a kaleidoscope. Not relaxing. I left after two minutes because my eyes hurt. Stick to one statement piece. Trust me, your eyes will thank you.

She even added a little woven rug on top—just to soften it up. Now it feels cozy, not chaotic. Perfect for a tiny space.

II. The Centerpiece: Vanity and Sink

Your vanity is where you start and end your day. Brushing teeth, doing makeup, fixing your hair when you’re late—again. It needs to work hard (storage, counter space) and look good (charm, character). In a small bathroom, you can’t have a bulky, generic vanity. You need something that pulls double duty. Something that feels like it’s yours. Not like it came from a big-box store where every other house has the same one.

A. Choosing a Space-Saving Vanity

Forget big-box store cabinets that look like hotel furniture. Farmhouse vanities have soul. They’re often old, repurposed, or designed to feel like they’ve been around for years. Like they have stories. Like they’ve seen someone spill coffee on them, or hide candy from their kids in the drawers.

Repurposed Furniture: One-of-a-Kind Charm

This is where the magic happens. Last year, I found an old dresser at a flea market. Solid wood, a little beat up. There’s a scratch on top—looks like a kid used it as a coloring table. But it had good bones. I talked the lady down from $150 to $80. Mentioned the scratch. She sighed and said, “Fine—take it before I change my mind. My grandson drew on it, and I’m tired of looking at it.”

I took it home, sanded it (way longer than I thought I needed to—lesson learned: sanding isn’t a 10-minute job), cut a hole for the sink, and sealed it with polyurethane. Pro tip: One coat isn’t enough. I did one coat, thought it was fine. A week later, the wood swelled from humidity. Had to sand it again and add two more coats. Humidity is a vanity’s worst enemy. Write that down.

Now it’s my vanity. Has drawers for all my stuff: makeup, hair tools, even extra toilet paper. No more hiding it behind the toilet where it gets dusty. It’s not just a vanity—it’s a conversation piece. Every time someone comes over, they ask about it. A neighbor even said, “Can you find me one?” Spoiler: I tried. But flea market finds are like unicorns—you can’t force them. You just have to keep looking.

Look for small pieces: antique chests of drawers, old sewing machine cabinets, even weathered console tables. Just make sure it’s sturdy. You don’t want it wobbling when you lean on it to put on mascara. And seal it well—bathrooms are humid, and wood hates humidity. I had to fix a swollen drawer once. Not fun. Involved a hair dryer and a lot of patience. But now it’s perfect.

Open-Shelf Vanities: Airy and Tidy (Sort Of)

If your bathroom feels like a closet, an open-shelf vanity is your new best friend. No closed cabinets blocking the view. You can see the floor and the wall behind. That makes the space feel bigger. My sister has one. She uses the shelves for folded towels and woven baskets (more on those later).

It also forces her to stay tidy. No more junk piling up inside closed cabinets. We’ve all had that cabinet—open it, and stuff falls out like an avalanche. I once had a lotion bottle hit me in the forehead. Ouch. Now she keeps only the stuff she uses every day on the shelves. The rest goes in a basket under the sink.

Pro tip: Use pretty stuff. No plastic bottles or random tubes. Stick to matching towels and baskets that look good. It’ll feel like a curated display, not a storage shelf. My sister has white towels folded neatly and a rattan basket for her hair dryer. Looks so put-together, I almost asked her to organize mine. Almost. She’s the tidy one. I’m the “pile it and hope for the best” one.

Also, don’t put anything too tall on the shelves. My sister tried a big shampoo bottle. Fell off in the middle of the night. Scared her half to death. Now she sticks to travel-sized bottles for the shelf. Lesson learned.

Floating Vanities: Maximize Space (and Cleanliness)

Floating vanities mount on the wall. Nothing’s under them—just open space. This changes everything for small bathrooms. Makes the floor look bigger. And cleaning under it? A breeze. No more bending down to sweep dust bunnies. We’ve all ignored those, right? Raise your hand.

They can feel a little modern. But you can make them farmhouse. My neighbor has a white floating vanity with a reclaimed wood countertop. Modern shape, rustic material. Perfect. She even added a little plant under it—just to fill the space.

Just make sure it’s installed right. You don’t want it falling off the wall. Hire a pro if you’re not handy. I tried to install one once. Drilled a hole in the wrong spot, hit a stud, and the drill bit broke. Let’s just say my husband fixed it. He still teases me. “Remember when you tried to be a handyman?” Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. Some of us aren’t meant to use power tools.

B. Selecting the Perfect Sink

The sink isn’t just for washing hands—it’s part of the vanity’s vibe. Pick the right one, and it ties the whole look together. Pick the wrong one, and it feels like a mismatched puzzle piece. Like wearing socks with sandals—functional, but not cute.

Vessel and Trough Sinks: Statement Makers

Vessel sinks sit on top of the vanity, like a big bowl. Perfect if you want a custom look. I’ve seen them in natural stone (pretty, but heavy—make sure your vanity can hold it), concrete (industrial-farmhouse vibes), and hammered copper (warm and shiny, like old farm kitchen stuff).

My friend has a white ceramic vessel sink. Looks like a little cloud on her wooden vanity. She says she smiles every time she turns on the faucet. I get it—hard not to smile at something that cute.

Word of warning: Vessel sinks can be deep. I used my friend’s once and splashed water all over my shirt. Oops. She just handed me a towel and said, “Yeah, that happens. I keep extra towels under the sink now.” Smart lady.

Trough sinks are long and narrow. Originally for barns, but now perfect for bathrooms. They give you more space to wash hands (or even your face) without taking up too much counter space. My uncle has one in his powder room. Surprisingly practical. Plus, it has that “authentic farmhouse” feel—like it’s been there for decades. He loves telling people it’s “barn-inspired.” Even adds a little “moo” when he says it. Dorky, but cute. His wife rolls her eyes, but she secretly loves it.

Undermount Sinks: Streamlined and Easy

If you prefer clean lines, an undermount sink is best. Installed under the countertop. No rim—just a smooth transition from counter to sink. Wiping down the counter? Swipe crumbs (or makeup, or toothpaste) right into the sink. No rim to trap gunk.

I used to have a top-mount sink. Spent way too much time scrubbing toothpaste off the rim. Never again. It’s the little things, right? The things that save you two minutes in the morning? Total game-changers.

This is great if your countertop is pretty—like reclaimed wood or marble. The sink fades into the background, letting the counter shine. My mom has an undermount sink with a soapstone countertop. So easy to keep clean. She says it’s the best home upgrade she’s ever made. High praise from a mom who loves her kitchen—she once called her new oven “the love of her life.”

Just make sure the sink is deep enough. My cousin got one that was too shallow. Now she splashes water everywhere. Sound familiar? She keeps a towel by the sink now. Says it’s “part of the routine.” Hey, whatever works.

III. Functional Elegance: Storage and Shelving

Let’s talk about the elephant in the bathroom: clutter. Extra toilet paper, mismatched towels, lotions, potions—where do you put it all? Farmhouse storage isn’t just about hiding stuff. It’s about making the stuff you need look good. No more plastic bins that scream “I’m hiding mess!” No more shoving things behind the toilet and praying no one sees them.

A. Smart Storage Solutions

The key is containers that add to the decor, not take away from it. Things that feel like part of the room, not an afterthought. Like they belong there, not like you grabbed them from the grocery store last minute.

Woven Baskets: The Farmhouse Staple

What can’t woven baskets do? I have a big seagrass one on my bathroom floor for bath towels. Has a cute handle. Hides that my towels don’t all match—I keep forgetting to buy more of the same color. And it adds texture. It’s not just a bin. It looks like I meant to put it there.

Smaller baskets go on my vanity for toiletries: q-tips, cotton balls, my favorite lotion. They look pretty. And I can find what I need in two seconds. No more digging through a drawer like a mad person.

Look for natural materials: rattan, wicker, seagrass. Avoid anything too shiny or plastic. We want “organic,” not “store-bought.” I saw a plastic woven basket once. Looked fake—you could tell from a mile away. Even had a sticker that said “Woven!” Yeah, right. Steer clear.

Also, make sure baskets have liners if you’re putting small things in them. My q-tips kept falling through the gaps until I added a little cotton liner—old pillowcase I cut up. Problem solved. Cheap, easy, and it adds a little extra charm.

Wire Baskets: Industrial-Farmhouse Vibes

If you like a little edge, wire baskets are perfect. Rustic and useful, like something from a barn. My cousin uses them on her open shelves for toilet paper rolls. Can see when she’s running low. No more mid-shower panics where you yell for someone to bring a roll.

We’ve all been there—standing wet and cold, yelling “TOILET PAPER!” at the top of our lungs. Not our finest moment. Now she just glances at the basket when she’s getting ready. No more panic.

Wire baskets are also good for hand soaps or extra washcloths. The open weave keeps them from feeling heavy. Good for small spaces.

Just make sure they’re coated (like galvanized steel) so they don’t rust. Bathrooms are humid, and rust is not a good look. My friend had an uncoated wire basket. Started rusting after a month. Had to throw it away. Waste of money. She now uses coated ones and says, “Never again.” Wise words. I took note—all my wire baskets are coated now. No rust, no stress.

B. The Charm of Open Shelving

Closed cabinets can make small bathrooms feel cramped. Open shelving keeps things accessible. Also makes the space airier. But there’s a catch: You have to style them right. No clutter allowed. I repeat—no clutter. This is where I struggle. I want to put everything on them, but it just looks messy.

Reclaimed Wood Shelves: History in Every Board

Reclaimed wood shelves are my favorite. They have knots, scratches, and dents—each one tells a story. My neighbor used old barn wood for shelves above her toilet. Stunning. Thick, sturdy, and full of character. Got the wood from her grandpa’s old barn. He helped her sand it down. Now every time she dusts the shelves, she thinks of him. How sweet is that? They only cost $50 in materials. Total steal.

Install them above the toilet (that space is usually wasted!) or next to the vanity. Perfect for storing things you use often: towels, hand soap, a small plant. And they add warmth. No more blank walls that feel like a prison.

I used to have a blank wall above my toilet. Looked so sad. Now I have two reclaimed wood shelves. Feels like a whole new room. Just make sure you install them level. My friend’s shelves are a little crooked. Drives me crazy. She says it’s “rustic.” I say it’s “annoying.” To each their own. I used a level when I installed mine. No arguments from me.

Styling Your Shelves: Curated, Not Cluttered

Here’s the secret to great open shelving: Mix functional and decorative stuff. Don’t just pile on towels. Add a small plant, a mason jar with cotton balls, or a framed photo.

My shelves have: three folded white towels (neat, not messy—fold them like you’re wrapping a present, not just shoving them), a snake plant (low maintenance—perfect for someone who forgets to water plants… cough me cough), a mason jar with q-tips, and a small lavender candle (so calming, I sometimes light it just to relax).

Vary the heights too. If everything is the same size, it looks boring. Put the plant on a small wooden block to make it taller. Or stack towels so they’re a little higher than the jar. Creates visual interest without trying too hard.

Keep it simple. Too many things make it look cluttered. I once tried to put six things on one shelf: a plant, a jar, a candle, a photo, a towel, and a soap dispenser. Looked like a garage sale. Oops. Paring it down to four things made all the difference.

Also, dust them regularly. Nothing kills a cute shelf like dust on your pretty candle. I try to dust mine once a week—usually while I’m waiting for my hair dryer to heat up. Multitasking at its finest.

IV. Illuminating Your Space: Lighting and Mirrors

Lighting and mirrors are the unsung heroes of small bathrooms. Bad lighting makes you look tired. Who wants that at 7 a.m.? A small mirror makes the space feel even smaller. But get these right? Your bathroom will feel brighter, bigger, and way more inviting.

I used to have terrible lighting. My makeup always looked patchy. Thought I had dark circles under my eyes. Turns out, it was just the light. Now I actually like how I look when I do my makeup. Miracle. No more leaving the house with a foundation streak—thank goodness.

A. Setting the Mood with Lighting

Harsh overhead lights are the enemy. They cast shadows, make your skin look sallow, and feel sterile—like a hospital room. Farmhouse lighting is warm, layered, and feels like it has a story. Like it’s been around for a while. Like it’s seen late-night bathroom runs and early-morning hair emergencies.

Rustic Sconces: Flattering and Cozy

Sconces on both sides of the mirror? They change everything. They cast even light on your face. No more “just woke up” shadows under your eyes. My sister has black metal sconces with glass shades in her bathroom. She says doing makeup is way easier now. No more missing spots with foundation. We’ve all had that moment—leaving the house with a streak. So embarrassing.

She even takes selfies in the bathroom now. She’ll never admit it, but I saw her. Said it was “for her friend,” but I know the truth. The lighting’s just that good.

Look for rustic materials: black metal, oil-rubbed bronze, galvanized steel. Mason jar sconces are super farmhouse. My aunt has them. Cute—plus, she put fairy lights inside for extra warmth. Makes the bathroom feel magical at night.

Just make sure they’re rated for bathrooms. Humidity can mess with unrated fixtures. My cousin bought a cheap sconce that wasn’t rated. Shorted out after a month. She was lucky it didn’t start a fire. Not worth the risk. Spend a little extra—your safety (and your vanity lighting) is worth it.

Vintage-Inspired Fixtures: Stories in Every Bulb

Gooseneck lights are classic farmhouse. Look like the ones that light up barn doors. My dad installed them above his bathroom mirror. So cool. Matte black, simple design—no frills, just functional. Says they remind him of his grandpa’s farm. Where he used to help feed the chickens at dawn. Now every time he uses the bathroom, he thinks of his grandpa.

Sometimes the light makes a little buzzing sound. But he refuses to fix it. “It’s part of the charm,” he says. Okay, dad. Whatever you say.

Schoolhouse lights are another good option. Milky glass, simple shape. Feel nostalgic—like something from an old country school. My friend has one in her powder room. First thing people notice. She says it’s “the star of the room.” And she’s right—it ties everything together.

Lighting doesn’t have to be boring. It can be a conversation starter. I once had a guest ask about my gooseneck light. We ended up talking about our grandparents for 20 minutes. Who knew a light fixture could bring people together?

B. The Power of a Good Mirror

A mirror isn’t just for checking your hair. It’s a magic trick for small spaces. Bounces light around, makes the room feel bigger, and adds depth. Trust me—invest in a good one.

I used to have a tiny mirror. Made my bathroom feel like a closet. Now I have a big one. Feels twice as big. Can even see my whole outfit in it. No more leaning back to check if my pants match my shirt. Game-changer.

Wood-Framed Mirrors: The Focal Point

A big wood-framed mirror can turn a boring bathroom into something special. My bathroom has one with a chunky reclaimed wood frame. Darker than the walls, so it stands out. Bigger than I thought I needed. Was worried it would take up too much space. But that’s the point. Reflects light from the window, making the room feel twice as big.

Look for frames with character: old barnwood, distressed paint, even a little chipped. Perfect doesn’t mean pretty—imperfect means authentic. I found my mirror at a thrift store for $20. Had a scratch on the frame. But I sanded it down and added a coat of clear sealant. Good as new (but with way more soul than a store-bought one).

Just make sure it’s securely hung. You don’t want it falling off the wall. My friend’s mirror fell once. Didn’t break, but it scared her so much she slept with the bathroom door closed for a week. I used heavy-duty anchors when I hung mine. No falling, no panic.

Medicine Cabinets with a Farmhouse Feel

If you need storage (and let’s be real, most of us do), a medicine cabinet is a must. But you don’t have to settle for a plain plastic one that looks like it belongs in a dorm room. Now you can find ones with wood frames, distressed finishes, even ones that look like rustic mirrors.

My mom has one recessed into the wall (so it doesn’t stick out) with a wood frame. Inside, she has shelves for vitamins, makeup, and travel-sized toiletries. She never throws those away—same, mom. Even has a little note taped inside from her grandma. Says “Don’t forget your calcium!” She reads it every morning.

It’s functional. And it looks like part of the decor, not an afterthought. She used to hide her medicine cabinet with a towel. Now she shows it off. “Look at my cute cabinet!” she’ll say to anyone who comes over. It’s adorable. I might get one for my bathroom—just to steal her idea.

V. The Finishing Touches: Decor and Accessories

Now’s the fun part—adding little things that make your bathroom feel like yours. These aren’t just “decor.” They’re the details that turn a well-designed room into a space you’ll want to spend time in. Even if it’s just a minute longer than before. Even if that minute is spent staring at your cute cow soap dish. No judgment.

A. Textiles That Add Warmth

Bathrooms are full of hard surfaces—tile, porcelain, wood. Textiles soften things up. Make it feel cozy. Add a pop of texture. They’re like the hug your bathroom needs. The one that doesn’t involve bumping the door.

Rugs: Soft Underfoot (No More Cold Tile)

Stepping out of the shower onto cold tile is the worst. A good rug fixes that. Look for woven ones—jute, cotton, or even a vintage runner. My rug is small, jute, with a simple pattern. So soft. I actually look forward to stepping on it now.

Also hides water spots. Win! No more wiping up every drop with a towel. I used to spend five minutes after every shower drying the floor. Now I just step on the rug and call it a day.

Don’t be afraid of a little wear. Faded colors or a frayed edge make it feel like it’s been with you forever. I saw a rug at a flea market once. So worn, it had a hole. But it was perfect. Looked like it had stories—like someone dried their feet on it after a hundred showers. Wanted to take it home, but it was too small. Sad face. I still think about that rug sometimes.

Towels and Shower Curtains: Simple is Best

Towels: Stick to white or neutral colors. They look clean, timeless, and spa-like. My towels are white cotton—fluffy, and they go with everything. If you’re worried about stains (I am—coffee, makeup, you name it), light gray works too.

Avoid bright colors or busy patterns. They can make small spaces feel cluttered. I had a bright pink towel once. Clashed with everything and made my bathroom feel tiny. Used it as a cleaning rag after a month. Never again.

Pro tip: Wash towels with vinegar the first time. Keeps them soft and prevents that weird mildew smell. My mom taught me that. Works every time. My towels still feel fluffy after a year.

Shower curtains: Keep it simple. A classic ticking stripe (black and white, or gray and white), a plain linen curtain, or a white cotton one with subtle texture. My shower curtain is linen, off-white. So calm. No more loud patterns that hurt my eyes when I first wake up.

Bonus: Linen dries quickly. No mildew. I used to have a plastic shower curtain that got mildewy every month. Scrubbed it with bleach and still hated it. Now I wash my linen one once a month. Good as new.

Just avoid super-thin linen. My cousin had one that was so thin, you could see through it. Oops. She returned it and got a thicker one. Lesson learned: Read the reviews.

B. Hardware with Character

Hardware is like jewelry for your bathroom. Small, but it makes a big difference. Swap out boring chrome faucets or plastic knobs for something with personality. Suddenly the whole room feels different. It’s like putting on a necklace with a plain outfit—total transformation. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Faucets and Knobs: Dark Finishes = Farmhouse Vibes

Matte black and oil-rubbed bronze are your friends. They contrast well with white sinks and light walls. Add a bold, rustic touch. My faucet is matte black—simple, no frills. Looks way more expensive than it was. Got it on sale for $60. Score!

Swapped out the knobs on my vanity for oil-rubbed bronze ones. Took 10 minutes. Total transformation. My vanity went from “meh” to “wow” in less than a quarter-hour. Even took a before-and-after photo. Sent it to my sister. She was impressed—high praise.

Look for classic shapes: bridge faucets (they look like old farm faucets) or cross handles (vintage and cute). Avoid anything too modern. We want “timeless,” not “trendy.” I saw a faucet once with all curves and shiny chrome. Looked like it belonged in a spaceship, not a farmhouse bathroom. Nope.

Also, make sure the faucet fits your sink. My friend bought a beautiful faucet that was too tall for her vessel sink. Had to return it. So sad. Measure first! I measured three times before buying mine. No returns, no tears.

C. Bringing Nature Indoors

A little greenery goes a long way. Adds life, color, and fresh air to a small bathroom. And you don’t need a green thumb. There are plants that thrive on neglect. I’m proof of that. I’ve killed cacti. Cacti! But even I can keep these alive.

Greenery and Florals: Low-Maintenance Wins

Snake plants: They don’t need much light or water. I have one on my vanity. Water it once a month. Still alive. Miracle. Even forgot to water it for two months—still alive. If you can kill a snake plant, stick to fake plants. No shame—fake plants have come a long way. I saw some fake eucalyptus once that looked so real, I touched it to check.

Ferns are good too. They love humidity, so they’re perfect for bathrooms. Just put them near a window. My friend has a fern in her bathroom. So big, it looks like a little jungle. She even talks to it. “Good morning, Fern!” It’s weird, but it works for her. The fern’s still alive, so who am I to judge?

Dried flowers: If you kill every plant (no shame—we’ve all been there), dried eucalyptus or lavender works. Tie a bunch together and put it in a mason jar. Looks pretty. And the steam from the shower releases the scent. My friend does this. Her bathroom smells like a spa. I walk in and want to stay forever.

She even gave me a bunch of dried lavender. Now my bathroom smells like a field in Provence. Just don’t put them too close to the shower. Too much moisture makes them moldy. Ask me how I know. Spoiler: Moldy lavender smells terrible. Threw it away and bought a new bunch. Kept it on the shelf instead. Works perfectly.

D. Wall Art and Personal Touches

This is where you make the space yours. Add things that reflect your personality—photos, art, vintage finds. These are the things that make your bathroom feel like you, not a magazine spread. The things that make you smile when you walk in.

Farm-Inspired Artwork: Simple and Personal

You don’t need expensive art. A botanical print (I have one of lavender—simple, pretty), a landscape painting of a field, or even a framed vintage postcard. My grandma gave me a framed print of an old farmhouse. A little faded, but it reminds me of her. Hung it in my bathroom. Now every time I look at it, I smile.

It’s not worth a lot of money, but it’s priceless to me. That’s the point of art—it’s not about the price tag. It’s about how it makes you feel.

Keep frames simple: rustic wood, or even no frame at all. No need for fancy gold frames. We want “cozy,” not “fancy.” I saw a framed print once with a gold frame and crystals. Looked like it belonged in a palace, not a farmhouse bathroom. Too much. Made me feel like I needed to wear a tiara to brush my teeth. Not the vibe we’re going for.

Vintage Finds: The More Imperfect, the Better

Vintage finds are the soul of farmhouse style. An old wooden stool (I use mine to hold a plant—its legs are a little wobbly, but I love it), a set of vintage glass jars (for cotton balls or bath salts), or a unique soap dish (I found one at a thrift store shaped like a cow—silly, but it makes me smile every time I use it). My friend thinks it’s ridiculous. I think it’s perfect.

These things don’t have to match. In fact, they shouldn’t. Mix and match—an old jar here, a wooden stool there. It feels curated, not forced. My bathroom has a little of everything: a vintage mirror, a thrifted stool, a mason jar with eucalyptus. It’s messy, but it’s mine. And that’s the best part.

I once went to a home decor store and saw a “farmhouse bathroom kit.” Had matching jars, a stool, and a soap dish. Looked perfect… and totally fake. No thanks. I’ll keep my mismatched, imperfect stuff. It tells my story. Not some store’s idea of “farmhouse.”

Conclusion

Turning a small bathroom into a farmhouse oasis isn’t about following rules. It’s about choosing things that feel good. Things that turn a space you rush through into one you savor. It’s about shiplap that makes you smile when you walk in. A vanity that has stories. A mirror that makes the room feel bigger.

It’s about the little things: the lavender candle that smells like a field, the cow soap dish that makes you laugh, the framed print that reminds you of your grandma.

I used to hate my small bathroom. I’d rush in, brush my teeth, and get out fast. But now? I take an extra minute. I look at how light hits the shiplap. I smell the lavender candle. I run my hand over the reclaimed wood shelves. It’s not big. It’s not perfect. Some days I still knock my toothbrush into the sink. But it’s mine. And that makes all the difference.

You don’t need a big budget or a lot of space. You just need to be intentional. Start with walls and floors, pick a vanity that works for you, add storage that looks good, and finish with little things that make it feel like home. Your small bathroom doesn’t have to be a frustration. It can be the coziest spot in your house. The spot where you take a deep breath before the day starts, or a minute to unwind before bed.

Want me to help you put together a custom tiny bathroom checklist? I’ll break down each step—from measuring your space to picking out the perfect towel color—and throw in extra tips I learned the hard way (like how many coats of polyurethane to use, or why you should never buy a too-shallow sink). Just say the word, and I’ll draft it up for you.

I can also create a simplified shopping list tailored to your budget—whether you want to spend $50 or $500—so you know exactly what to grab without wasting time or money. Do you want me to work on that instead?

Small Farmhouse Bathroom Decor That Makes Your Space Look Bigger