17 Best Small Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas: Pretty & Practical

We all know the issues with having a small bathroom: no counter space, no place to display your cute decor – not to mention the lack of storage! Despite all of the shortcomings of small farmhouse bathrooms, I still love them. Because even though they can be a challenge to live with, they’re also incredibly charming and quaint. And if you can learn to work with their limitations, you can make your small bathroom into one of the most beautiful spaces in your home.

So if you’re thinking about renovating your small farmhouse bathroom, or want some ideas on how to make the most of this challenging space, read on for some of our best tips!

Please note: This article may contain affiliate links with these tiny farmhouse bathroom ideas. If you click on an affiliate link, we may make a small commission to help keep this site running at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Storybook Interiors

What are the Best Small Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of small farmhouse bathroom design, let’s talk about some general principles that can help you make the most of this space.

First and foremost, small bathrooms should be functional. That means having enough space to store all your toiletries, room to move around comfortably, and storage for all your towels and other bathroom necessities.

In terms of design, a small modern farmhouse bathroom should be cute and charming – but also practical. That means choosing finishes and fixtures that are both stylish and durable and finding ways to make the most of every square inch of space.

So with that in mind, let’s look at some of our favorite ideas for small farmhouse style bathrooms!

Tip 1: Use Towel Hooks.

Our first tip is a space saver. If you don’t have a lot of space to spare in your small farmhouse bathroom, towel hooks are a great way to save space and keep your towels within easy reach. You can either install them on the back of the door or on a wall, depending on what works best for your space.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Robby & Lisa Griffin Design

Hooks take up much less space than a towel bar. Plus, if you have multiple people using the bathroom, you can use hooks to keep everyone’s towels easily organized.

towel hooks

Tip 2: Get creative with Storage.

If you’re short on space, one of the best small farmhouse bathroom ideas is to get creative with your storage. Look for unique ways to store things like towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials. One clever way to do this is by hanging baskets on the wall for storage, using mason jars to store cotton balls and Q-tips, or repurposing some vintage enamelware as a tissue roll holder.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Cabinet-S-Top

Tip 3: Keep it simple.

One of the best ways to make a small farmhouse bathroom work is to keep it simple. That means avoiding too much clutter and dedicating yourself to only keeping things in the bathroom that are essential. So if you don’t need that extra towel rack or farmhouse bathroom decor, get rid of it! The less clutter you have, the easier it will be to keep your small bathroom clean and organized.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Karen Gallagher Interiors

Tip 4: Small Farmhouse Bathrooms Needn’t be Boring.

Just because your farmhouse bathroom is on the smaller side doesn’t mean it has to be boring. In fact, one of the best small farmhouse bathroom ideas is to make it as unique and interesting as possible. Choose a unique mirror, add some patterned tile or reclaimed wood, or create a pop of color with a bright rug or towels. Other ways to increase the visual interest in your bath include updating your faucets and fixtures, adding interesting hardware to your cabinets, or hanging some interesting artwork on the walls

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Reece Homes, LLC

Tip 5: Use the walls and ceiling as much as you can.

Another great tip for small modern farmhouse style bathrooms is to use the walls and ceiling as much as possible. Utilizing wall space is a great way to add storage without taking up valuable floor space. For example, you can install shelves above the toilet or towel racks on the back of the door. Consider installing hanging plants from your ceiling to add decor without sacrificing floor or counter space.

Tip 6: Light colors make a small space feel bigger.

If you want to make your small farmhouse bathroom feel more spacious, one of the best things you can do is paint it in light colors. White is always a good choice, but other light colors like pale blue or green can also work well. This does not mean you must avoid dark colors altogether – you can still use them as accent colors. Just use them sparingly to avoid making the space feel too small.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Benedict August

Tip 7: Install a Farmhouse Sink.

One of the best small farmhouse bathroom ideas is to install a farmhouse sink. Farm sinks are often shallow and narrow, which makes them perfect for small bathrooms. They also have a lot of charm and can really elevate the look of your space. Farmhouse sinks can be made from various materials, including porcelain, fireclay, ceramic, concrete, and even copper, so there is sure to be one that fits your style.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by J Marhofer Construction Inc.

Tip 8: Avoid using too many small pieces of furniture.

While small furniture can be cute, it’s important to avoid using too much of it in small modern farmhouse bathrooms. Small furniture can make a space feel cramped and cluttered, so stick to larger pieces whenever possible.

One more prominent element, like a dresser or armoire, can often do the work of several smaller pieces while leaving plenty of room to move around.

Tip 9: Use Classic Finishes.

Another way to make your small farmhouse bathroom feel more inviting is to use classic finishes. This means avoiding trendy colors and materials and sticking with timeless looks. For example, white subway tile is a classic finish that will never go out of style. Another example is using black and white hexagon tiles for the floor. These finishes will make your small bathroom feel like it belongs in a historic farmhouse, which can be very charming.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Robby & Lisa Griffin Design

Tip 10: Small Equals Charming and Quaint, so capitalize on that!

Speaking of charming…one of the best things about small farmhouse bathrooms is their sense of charm. One reason is that they force the eye to focus on the small details. So if you choose interesting fixtures, hardware, and decorations, your small bathroom can really stand out.

There is something about a small farmhouse bathroom that also feels old-fashioned and quaint, which can be very appealing. If you embrace the small size of your bathroom, it can be a very inviting space.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Marianne Simon Design

Tip 11: Add some greenery.

One of the best small farmhouse bathroom ideas is to add some greenery. Not only will plants make your space feel more inviting, but they can also help purify the air. Some great plant varieties for bathrooms include aloe vera, spider plants, and peace lilies.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Fine Architecture

If you have little natural light in your bathroom, choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions, like ferns and philodendrons. Or, you can always select artificial! Some of them look verrry realistic with absolutely no upkeep.

Tip 12: Work with what you have.

Another tip is to work with what you have. Small farmhouse bathrooms often have limited space, so you need to be extra creative with using that space. One way to do this is by repurposing furniture and fixtures from other rooms in your house. For example, an old dresser can be turned into a vanity, or an antique armoire can be repurposed as storage for supplies and toiletries.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
photo credit Vicki Smith

Tip 13: Keep It Clean!

No matter what size your farmhouse bathroom is, it’s essential to keep it clean. This means regular dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces after use. In a small bathroom, keeping things clean is vital since there is less space for dirt and grime to hide: any yuck that is allowed to build up will be on display. A weekly cleaning session should be sufficient to keep your small farmhouse bathroom sparkling.

bathroom cleaning

Tip 14: Use Mirrors to Create the Illusion of More Space.

One great way to make a small farmhouse bathroom feel more spacious is to use mirrors. Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space, so they are a great addition to any small bathroom. Hang them above the sink or on any wall that feels empty. A mirror collage can also be a fun and creative way to add mirrors to your small farmhouse bathroom.

Amazon Small farmhouse bathroom ideas

Tip 15: Small Farmhouse Bathrooms Need Ventilation

Don’t forget – small farmhouse bathrooms need good ventilation, just like any other bathroom. Install a fan or open a window to keep the space from feeling too stuffy. If you have a window, make sure the sill is accessible to open it when needed. Or, consider installing a fan/light combo.

https://amzn.to/3zHYVno

Tip 16: Consider a Small Farmhouse Bathroom Layout that Works for You.

When it comes to small farmhouse bathroom layouts, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to consider how you will use the space and what layout will work best for your needs. For example, if you have a small bathroom but relaxing in the tub is highly important, you might consider a layout that includes a clawfoot tub instead of an oversized vanity. Or, if counter space is more important to you, you might want to choose a layout that includes a shower instead of a tub so that you have room for a more significant piece. And if you are short on room, you might want to consider a pedestal sink to save the most space.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Amazon Small farmhouse bathroom ideas

Tip 17: Don’t forget the details!

Small farmhouse bathrooms can be incredibly charming, but they’re notorious for being neglected regarding the details. So don’t forget to add those finishing touches to make your space stand out. For example, you might want to update your tile. Or, consider installing some pretty sconces or a chandelier. Sliding barn doors are another quaint detail that also saves space! And installing decorative molding around the ceiling or baseboards can also add a touch of opulence to your small farmhouse bathroom.

Photo by Fairmont Homes

Bonus tip: Create a statement.

Small farmhouse bathrooms are the perfect space to make a statement. Whether it’s with a unique sink, gorgeous tile, a colorful shower curtain, or bold wallpaper, use your small bathroom as an opportunity to showcase your style. This is your chance to make the space your own, so have fun with it and choose items that you love.

small farmhouse bathroom ideas
Photo by Signature Designs Kitchen | Bath | Interiors

Conclusion

Small farmhouse bathrooms may have challenges, but they can also be charming and quaint. By using light colors, classic finishes, and interesting fixtures, you can create a small bathroom that is truly unique. If you’re willing to rise to the challenge and work creatively with their limitations, you can make a small bath into the most attractive space in your home. We hope these tips have inspired you to do just that! Thanks for reading!

What are your best small farmhouse bathroom ideas? Let us know in the comments!