Rustic bathroom ideas: 10 ways to create a country washroom
Rustic bathroom ideas are making a revival in powder rooms, primary baths and washrooms all around the globe.
No longer are homeowners looking for modern bathroom ideas and sleek white suites. Instead, we’re reaching for weathered and bleached wood, natural materials and organic decorations found on nature’s front doorstep.
But cozy country decor doesn’t have to be be boring. So go bold with the old, and embrace the imperfections of a raw and edgy washroom.
Rustic bathroom ideas for a cozy country feel
1. Create a rustic bathroom idea with textured paint
(Image credit: Annie Sloan)
When facing with a decision on how to decorate your bathroom, many of us opt for tidy, uniform wall decor. Whether we choose a bathroom paint idea, or opt for bathroom wallpaper – the majority of us will want a clean-looking result.
For a rustic bathroom idea, go against the grain with a chalk paint design. By introducing visible paintbrush strokes and paint drips you can create a plaster effect, that doesn’t require professional decorators. It’s one way to create impact, especially if you’re thinking about budget bathroom ideas.
2. Mismatch textures for rustic decor
(Image credit: Tile Mountain)
If you’re looking to inject rustic charm into your bathroom scheme, then it’s time to mix things up a little. Rather than opting for a cohesive design, make way for mismatched motifs and textures.
From wooden bathroom shelving ideas, to shabby chic bathroom tile decor, messy, uncoordinated interiors are a la mode.
And, if you’re only adding details to a small space, consider going to yard sales to bag a bargain. Don’t stress over scuffs and scratches though. The condition of these hand-me-down items will only add homely, lived-in character to the space.
3. Add natural wood panels to your walls
(Image credit: Future)
While we’ve seen loads of colored wall panels in period living rooms and bathrooms, but we think there’s also a place for bare timber wall cladding. So rather than using varnished wood wall panels with a deep stain or lacquer, save time and go naked -just as you would in your bathroom!
If you have the urge to add some color into this scheme, the key is to keep it simple. Cream paneling would work well as part of a beige bathroom idea to add some interest and authentic country vibes to a white enameled bath. As would a pale blue bathroom tile idea as seen in this shower to create a watercolor effect.
Less is definitely more for this rustic bathroom idea. So strip back the accessories and accompany with a wooden stool to sit or display towels on. Hooks also provide a handy spot to hang a loofah or bamboo body brush.
4. Invest in farmhouse storage solutions
(Image credit: Garden Trading)
Want to add fruity farmhouse fun to your rustic bathroom decor? Then grab yourself a couple of boxy wooden crates to store your washroom essentials. Traditionally used to carry fruit and veg, these vessels will add cool ranch vibes to this room.
And if you’re a creative that can’t resist adding a little extra personality to your space, consider upcycling this bathroom storage decor with white or pastel paint to add a feminine accent to these boxes.
Don’t forget your smaller items too. Glass mason jars and colored soap dispensers make all the difference when designing a rough and ready bathroom scheme.
5. Consider a color scheme inspired by nature
(Image credit: Malcolm Menzies ©Future)
If you want your rustic bathroom to look more suave and less Shrek’s swamp, you’ll need to pay close attention to your color scheme. Often the best bathroom color ideas are foraged from Mother Nature. So we’ve turned to her as our muse for hues.
With distressed wood effect LVT, a wooden bath bath and a bounty of greenery, this is a Midsummer Night’s Dream. Paired with framed wall art and a ladder storage idea, it’s a scheme that even Shakespeare would swoon over.
6. Choose a window treatment made from natural materials
(Image credit: Apollo Blinds)
Wooden shutters are a window treatment that burst with rustic character and romantic charm. What’s more, they can be customized to fit any window size and shape. And boy, do we love this arched design!
This window treatment from Apollo Blinds is perfect for a rustic bathroom idea as they are 100% waterproof and can withstand steamy showers and long soaks in the bath.
Today’s technology and manufacturing means that they won’t bow or warp so you can rest assured that this is a durable design that will look good for years.
Alternatively, if the size of you bathroom doesn’t make fancy window treatments feasible, go for a cotton, burlap or linen curtains for a light option in a small bathroom design. Just because the space is snug, don’t be afraid to use color and pattern. Styled correctly, gingham and plaid add a punchy pop to an otherwise plain space.
7. Add interest to your space with rustic bathroom lighting
(Image credit: Carpetright)
If you want to add a bathroom lighting idea to your rustic bathroom decor, you’ll need to remember that less is more. Because this trend pays homage to the natural world, you’ll want to avoid anything that looks artificial.
So swap harsh, cool lighting for a soft glow. To do this, you’ll need to buy warm bulbs and ditch any task lights for fixtures that will create a welcoming ambiance.
Want to add a little fairy tale glamour? A beaded chandelier will not only add a focal point to a pared back scheme, but will also add pearl-like silhouettes to your interior space too.
8. Add wooden fixtures for a classic look
(Image credit: Future)
Classic, hard-wearing and sustainable. There are so many benefits to wood. If you want a rustic bathroom idea that will last for years – it’s time to take to timber.
From golden teak to maroon-hued mahogany, rich-grained walnut and light ash, different trees have their own charming characteristics. So it’s worth doing your research to decide what time of finish you’d like for your bathroom furniture.
Your budget may also influence your buying decision. While engineered wood can be enhanced with decorative laminates and finishes to fake a certain look and feel, reclaimed wood and antiques are stunning, but less affordable options.
If your bathroom remodel has made a significant dent in your savings, you’ll want to be thrifty with your rustic bathroom decorating ideas. And for a trend that’s sole purpose is to appear aged, why bother buying new?
By looking to online marketplaces such as Etsy, Ebay and Gumtree, you can purchase pre-owned rustic bathroom furniture for a fraction of the original price. What’s more, it’s a sustainable way of shopping for your bathroom homewares.
Pair with brass faucets and bathroom cupboard handles to complete the look.
9. Add stone effect wall and floor tiles for a cave-like aesthetic
(Image credit: Dunelm)
If you want to create a rustic bathroom that is awash with soothing spa bathroom vibes, then look no further than stone walls and tiles.
Whether you choose limestone for a coastal bathroom feel or Travertine for an authentic stony scheme, these rocky, whitewashed textures will add a contemporary touch to your space.
Simply add Himalayan salt accessories and natural finishes to style your oasis. Think macramé wall hangings, slate displays and other organic ornaments. Plants are the perfect companion for this material too.
10. Add framed wall art for an instant hit of rustic decor
(Image credit: Retrobad)
Wall art can do wonders for your imagination, especially in a space where we spend our time in solitary reflection.
So if you’ve forgotten your phone or book to keep you entertained, framed landscapes can give you something to reflect on when indulging in a long soak or when visiting the restroom.
But if you’ve young children using this space, add a Moo-moo here and a moo-moo there with farmyard animal prints. This will certainly add some fun to bath time in true Old McDonald style.
How can I make my bathroom look rustic?
We interviewed Sofia Charalambous, sales and marketing director of Bathroom Origins. She says: ‘What better way to bring the outside in, than with a rustic style bathroom!’
‘Recreating this look in a modern space can be as simple as painting your walls in natural earthy textured tones and as easy as introducing rattan or wicker baskets and accessories to store your towels and toiletries in.’
‘Choose organic materials and rough, unrefined textures such as a stone basin and an upcycled wooden vanity unit or timber shelves. In an older house, look to see if you can expose and restore woodwork, pipes bricks and flooring.
‘The key to the rustic look is that it should be perfectly imperfect.’
‘Traditionally, rustic bathrooms we’re about what materials were available – stone, reclaimed wood, slate and fitting them into the a room which didn’t hide exposed surfaces such as beams and pipework.’
‘The modern rustic look is about embracing the old and updating to create a warm clean contemporary feel – think uncluttered and pared down.’