The farmhouse style is characterized by its timeless and inviting aesthetic. This classic look brings the coziness and charm of rural living into the modern home. When designed properly, farmhouse style bathrooms evoke a sense of comfort, simplicity, and warmth.
In this article, we will explore how to create a beautiful farmhouse bathroom through the use of classic elements, natural materials, and purposeful decor. We will cover inspirational ideas for vanities, flooring, tile, lighting, and decor to help you craft your own timeless and inviting farmhouse bathroom.
Classic Farmhouse Style Elements
The farmhouse aesthetic is rooted in functionality and simplicity. When designing a farmhouse bathroom, focus on including these classic elements:
Natural Materials
Wood, stone, wicker, and metal bring organic textures into the space. Weathered, repurposed, or vintage materials add to the rustic charm.
Popular options include:
- Wood vanities, shelves, and crates
- Stone or brick flooring or walls
- Wicker baskets for storage
- Galvanized metal tub or accessories
Crisp White Color Palette
Crisp, bright white serves as the baseline for the color scheme. Paint the vanity, walls, ceiling, and trim in bright white for a clean, airy look.
Add warmth with natural wood tones and pops of black or brown for contrast.
Vintage Fixtures
Look for vintage-inspired fixtures with simple silhouettes. Oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and matte black finishes complement the aesthetic.
Consider reclaimed lighting, faucets, and hardware for more character.
Farmhouse Tub
A freestanding tub makes a fabulous centerpiece. Look for timeworn tubs, often with clawfoot legs or a sloped back. Add vintage charm with a curtain rather than glass doors.
Classic Patterns
Incorporate classic patterns like gingham, plaid buffalo check through shower curtains, rugs, and towels. Black and white subway tile or patterns like herringbone add subtle texture.
Farmhouse Vanity Ideas
The vanity provides ample opportunity to infuse farmhouse flair. Consider these vanity styles and ideas:
Rustic Wood Vanity
A wooden vanity makes a bold farmhouse statement. Opt for a classic shaker style vanity in a weathered finish. Repurposed wood or barnwood vanities add character.
Add vintage charm with details like exposed hinges, metal grates over cabinets, and dresser-style hardware. Pair with a stone countertop to complement the wood.
Painted Vanity
A coat of bright white paint turns any vanity into a farmhouse fixture. For added contrast, paint the cabinets white but leave the drawers natural wood.
Look for vanities with beadboard detail and shaker-style cabinet doors. Add black metal hardware for contrast.
Double Vanity
A double vanity provides functionality and style. two identical vanities placed side-by-side create visual impact.
Select vanities with clean lines – spiel or shaker styles work well. Include vintage-inspired fixtures and classic patterns for a coordinated look.
Repurposed Furniture Vanity
Turn a dresser, cabinet, or sideboard into a one-of-a-kind farmhouse vanity. Look for vintage or antique pieces to repurpose.
Sand and stain the piece, then protect it with a sealant. Add a stone countertop and farmhouse sink to finish the look.
Farmhouse Sink Vanity
A farmhouse apron-front sink is a hallmark of classic farmhouse style. White ceramic sinks look right at home against natural wood or white vanities.
Exposed pipework under the sink adds vintage flair. Optional legs give the sink a furniture-like appeal.
Farmhouse Bathroom Flooring Ideas
The floor makes a big impact in a small space like a bathroom. Consider these flooring options:
Wood Plank Flooring
Classic wide-plank wood floors bring warmth and texture. The unvarnished look helps achieve a timeworn aesthetic.
Stained oak or unsealed pine work well for flooring. Nail heads peeking through add to the vintage vibe. Using varying plank widths creates interest.
Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tile offers an alternate to traditional square tile and makes a gorgeous farmhouse floor. Opt for white, black, or terracotta tiles with a vintage appearance.
Pair hex tile with subway wall tile, wood vanity, and vintage tub for the complete farmhouse bathroom.
Worn Brick
Reclaimed brick with an aged, worn look contributes to the timeworn style. Brick comes in warm red/orange hues or weathered grays.
For a modern update, opt for faux brick tile printed to mimic an old brick surface. Finish the floor with black grout lines.
Stone Tile
Natural stone like slate or travertine provide an organic, textured look. Stone tile comes in gray, beige, brown and has variation that complements the farmhouse aesthetic.
Mosaic stone tile or larger rectangular tiles both work well. Finish with grout to match the stone color.
Black and White Patterned Tile
Classic black & white patterns like checkered tile or harlequin patterns embody the farmhouse style. Use geometric designs sparingly against white walls.
Pair black and white tile floors with wood vanities, galvanized metal tubs, and white subway wall tile.
Farmhouse Bathroom Walls and Tiling Ideas
Wall color, materials, and tile patterns dramatically impact the overall look and feel. Here are some top options:
Subway Tile
The quintessential farmhouse tile, white 3×6 subway tile offers clean lines and timeless appeal. Use it on walls, shower surrounds, or as an edging or backsplash.
Pair subway tile with marble or wood countertops and vintage black and brass fixtures for a coordinated look.
Shiplap Walls
Vertical shiplap boards provide texture and visual interest on walls and ceilings. Paint or stain the boards for color variation.
Ideal for smaller bathrooms, shiplap makes the space feel cozy and warm. Use planks with varying widths for added depth.
Wallpaper Accent Wall
Make a statement with vintage floral or scenic wallpaper on one wall. Alternatively, use black and white striped or checkered paper for graphic impact.
Frame the wallpaper with white painted trim and wainscoting for a bold focal point against crisp white walls.
Exposed Brick Accent Wall
Exposed original or faux brick lends rugged character. For a modern update, opt for clean-lined white brick tiles or exposed brick veneer panels.
Finish the other walls with crisp white paint to let the brick wall stand out. Add wood shelving against the brick for contrast.
Beadboard Wainscoting
Classic tongue-and-groove beadboard wainscoting creates visual appeal in any farmhouse bathroom. Use white paint or soft wood stain to finish the boards.
Install beadboard on the lower half the walls or a single accent wall. Cap with a wood chair rail and paint the upper walls bright white.
Farmhouse Bathroom Lighting Ideas
Proper lighting sets the tone and illuminates farmhouse details. Try these lighting ideas:
Vintage Pendants
Hanging pendants make a stylish statement over vanities and tub areas. Seek out unique vintage pendants or replicated vintage styles.
Aged metal, worn filaments, and simple silhouettes embody farmhouse style. Cluster 3-5 matching pendants for impact.
Exposed Filament Bulbs
Exposed filament bulbs showcase the inner workings of vintage bulbs. Pair with dark metal pendants, sconces, or ceiling fixtures for bold contrast.
Use bare bulbs or bulb cages for a timeworn industrial look perfect for farmhouse baths.
Wall Sconces
Classic wall sconces flanking a mirror provide both task lighting and ambiance. Black metal and oil-rubbed bronze finishes work beautifully.
For a vintage look, choose sconces with candles or Edison bulbs. Install at eye level on each side of the mirror.
Recessed Ceiling Lights
Rows of recessed ceiling lights provide ambient lighting to brighten up the space. Opt for LED recessed lighting for functionality and energy efficiency.
Arrange recessed lighting to highlight the tub, vanity, or architectural details. Dimmers allow adjustable brightness.
Window Lighting
Strategically placed windows draw in abundant natural light. Opt for vintage-style windows with multiple panes, shutters, and window boxes.
East-facing windows offer the best morning light, while south-facing windows get great light throughout the day.
Farmhouse Bathroom Decor Ideas
Homey touches and purposeful accessories give farmhouse bathrooms authentic lived-in appeal. Incorporate these decor elements:
Framed Botanical Prints
Black and white drawings or etchings of wildflowers, herbs, and plants in vintage-style frames make lovely farmhouse accents. Group in threes down a wall or above the toilet.
Seek out reproductions of classic botanical lithographs. Floating frames keep the look light and airy.
Galvanized Metal Tub
Use a galvanized metal washtub or basin as an attention-grabbing accent. Display bath towels or soaps inside. Let it patina over time for a weathered look.
Vintage galvanized tubs work perfectly or opt for a new tub and artificially age it.
Ladder Towel Display
An old wooden ladder leaning against the wall provides charming farmhouse decor. Drape towels over each rung for a handy display.
Sand and stain an antique ladder or use a faux reclaimed ladder. Add hooks along the side rails for hanging robes or bags.
Wicker Baskets
Incorporate wicker baskets around the bathroom for a natural texture. Use for storing rolled towels, bath mats, or other essentials.
Look for vintage baskets with well-worn wicker. Neutral natural tones work best.
Macrame Hanging Planter
Hang a macrame or rope plant hanger in a window to liven up the space. Fill with trailing herbs, ivy, ferns, or succulents.
Make your own boho-chic macrame hanger or purchase one to complement your decor.
Creating Your Farmhouse Bathroom
When thoughtfully designed, farmhouse style bathrooms offer a soothing, welcoming retreat right at home. Use this guide to help craft your own timeless and inviting farmhouse bathroom. Focus on:
- Natural materials like wood, stone, and wicker
- Classic white color palette with black and wood accents
- Vintage-inspired fixtures and hardware
- Classic patterns like subway tile, plaid, or gingham
- Purposeful vintage-style decor touches
The ultimate goal is to create a comfortable, relaxed space reflective of traditional farmhouse style. Incorporate personal touches and well-loved antiques to give your bathroom a collected look and feel. With an eye for timeless farmhouse design principles, your bathroom can become a cherished oasis for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Farmhouse Bathrooms
What defines a farmhouse bathroom?
A farmhouse bathroom is defined by natural materials like wood and stone, vintage-style fixtures, bright white paint colors, subway tile, and classic accents like checkered towels or botanical art. The overall look is intended to be timeless, cozy, and welcoming.
How do I choose a farmhouse vanity?
Look for a vanity with shaker cabinets, wood construction, and metal hardware. Opt for crisp white paint or light wood stain. Add a farmhouse sink, exposed piping, and a stone countertop. Consider repurposing a dresser or cabinet as a unique vanity.
What flooring works best for a farmhouse bathroom?
Classic wide-plank wood flooring, subway tile, hexagon tile, brick tile, and natural stone tile all complement the farmhouse aesthetic. Look for materials with a worn, vintage appearance.
Should I use shiplap in my farmhouse bathroom?
Shiplap provides great texture and visual interest on walls and ceilings. For smaller bathrooms, shiplap makes the space feel cozy. Stain or paint boards for variation. Use planks of varying widths for added depth.
What type of tub suits a farmhouse bathroom?
A vintage clawfoot tub or freestanding slipper tub makes a beautiful statement. Look for tubs with sloped backs, rolled edges, and porcelain finishes. Place on top of a decorative rug. Opt for a shower curtain rather than glass doors.
Where should I position the vanity in a small bathroom?
In a small space, position the vanity on one wall with the toilet beside it. This creates an efficient workflow. Place the tub on the opposite wall. Include wall sconces on both sides of the vanity mirror for lighting.
Final Thoughts on Farmhouse Bathroom Style
With their timeless appeal and inviting warmth, farmhouse bathrooms offer the best of vintage character and modern functionality. By incorporating natural materials, crisp whites, and purposeful accents, you can create a space that feels cozy yet still airy and bright. The farmhouse look provides a soothing retreat right at home.
Focus on classic elements like subway tile, clawfoot tubs, galvanized metal accents, and botanical art. Include personal antique touches and well-loved pieces to give your space that collected charm. With these inspirational farmhouse bathroom ideas in mind, you are sure to craft a bathroom with enduring style and timeless appeal.