Creating a rustic, farmhouse style bathroom is hugely on trend, whilst it can be difficult to achieve without spending a lot of money. After my own farmhouse bathroom renovation, there really are so many ways to achieve a small rustic bathroom on a budget.
We are not all blessed with a big bathroom in our homes, and small bathrooms are in fact more commonplace. Like in our situation, it may be that your small bathroom is so poorly configured that the space is not even workable. As our bathroom is part of a ground floor extension, it was a space that we wanted to make really nice. But the poor configuration and massive lack of space was the number 1 reason we had to do a complete renovation.
Creating a rustic, farmhouse style bathroom was my chosen decor trend, it creates a super stylish, yet relaxed aesthetic that looks fab in a small bathroom, and throughout a home. There are many rustic bathroom decorating ideas, but there is a strong focus on the use of natural elements, shiplap styling, patterned tiles and using a neutral color palette.
These small rustic bathroom ideas on a budget mean that anyone can create their own rustic transformation. Let these 21 small bathroom ideas inspire you!
21 Gorgeous Small Rustic Bathroom Ideas On A Budget
1.Shiplap Panelling
There is no rustic bathroom without shiplap panelling, in my opinion.
To some it can be dated, but it brings so many benefits to a small space if done correctly. For us, I knew I wanted shiplap panelling, but there are so many ways it can be fitted. I personally love it vertical because it is a great way to create the illusion of height, and perfect symmetry in a space.
It can also be fitted horizontally, and on the ceiling, which for me is a little bit too much. It is more inexpensive than tiles, and it’s super easy to fit. You don’t need to be a DIY professional for this.
Once fitted, it can be painted your chosen colour, to be in keeping with the rustic design, you want to keep it white or neutral. This brightens the space, but you want a blank background to bring in other colours to the room such as reclaimed wood, dark wood tones, natural furniture, and patterned tiles.
2. Patterned Tiles
If you have a small bathroom space, you’re looking at much less tiles to purchase, finally a benefit of the lack of space!
Some patterned tiles can be hugely expensive, but there are many inexpensive tiles companies with more widespread designs that are affordable. These tiles featured were from Topps Tiles and cost under £60, excluding the adhesive and grout costs.
So, what about patterned tiles makes them so rustic? Firstly, to pull this style off you need a blank canvas, and white fittings and white walls are really important as you want to make the flooring literally pop.
Patterned tiles are a recurrent theme in rustic bathroom decor ideas and farmhouse bathrooms because they look luxurious, whilst the slightly dated design of tile will transform your bathroom, all whilst working with a budget.
3. Natural Materials & Furniture
Rustic elements play a crucial role in a rustic bathroom, but use sparingly, and in carefully calculated use throughout. Natural materials add those earthy tones, and natural feel to the space, don’t just think wood either.
I set our small bathroom off with a wooden vanity unit, whilst the use of rattan and seagrass runs throughout, giving that rustic and natural feel.
Rattan baskets are one of the most perfect, rustic decor accessories for a bathroom, and they are great for additional storage space that’s hard to come by in a small space. Think wicker storage baskets for toilet rolls, towels, and wicker tissue holders for small rustic touches that matter.
Simply focusing on adding natural decorative touches like this requires no re-working of your current bathroom, and is hugely affordable and effective on the overall design of your bathroom.
4. Rustic Lighting
Adjusting your lighting is probably the easiest quick fix you can make without breaking the bank. I’m not necessarily talking about the light fixtures here, but the colour temperature of your current bulbs.
The colour temperature is hugely important because it can impact how your interiors look, and how the room feels. Your bathroom is one room in the home where the role changes throughout the day, you need brighter, daylight for tasks such as brushing your teeth and applying makeup. But as the evening rolls around and you want a relaxing soak in the tub, it’s not so enjoyable against the glare of a daylight bulb!
This is where flexibility is key, you could opt for a warmer colour temperature bulb in the main light, around 1800k-3000k for a rustic feel. This warmer light is perfect for creating a warm, and rustic ambience.
If you have wall lights positioned on either side of a mirror, opt for brighter daylight bulbs such as 3000k-4100k.
Alternatively, install a dimmer switch with your lights which gives you ultimate control over your lighting setup. The right lighting can CHANGE the game with your interiors, and the right colour temperature of bulbs will have an impact on how you feel, perceive your interiors, and even your mood. All for the cost of a bulb, the small details DO matter!
5. Decorative Prints & Mirrors
Another inexpensive way of getting the rustic charm for less is adding in decorative prints, and finding the right mirror. It’s worth shopping around for home deals online, on Facebook marketplace and antique stores to find something perfect, but on a budget.
For a small bathroom, a larger mirror will help to give the illusion of more space, whilst helping to bounce what natural light you do have around the room. Light is key in a rustic bathroom for their airy feel, whilst vintage style mirrors give that rustic edge. Shopping at flea markets and Facebook marketplace is a great place to pick up vintage style mirrors. In our bathroom, we chose a vintage, bevelled edge mirror for less than £25, such a style steal.
In addition, you could also try adding in coir mats for a pop of color.
Not only do they come in a range of different colours so you can find the perfect statement pieces to compliment your home, but they also come in different sizes too.
Logo door mats can also be personalised to have a fun inside joke or heartwarming message on, so you can make your bathroom your own, no matter where you are. They also won’t break the bank and are available at affordable prices. This is the perfect way to accesorise your rustic bathroom on a budget!
6. Dark, Wooden Tones
This is one of my favourite small rustic bathroom ideas, this modern rustic bathroom uses a perfect combination of wood paneling and sage green shiplap paneling for an accent wall.
The natural stone sink adds a gorgeous rustic quality to the overall look of the bathroom, whilst the mirror brings a welcome focal point to the bathroom wall.
7. Lean Into Black Accents
A key component of a rustic farmhouse look is adding well placed black accents throughout. This is an affordable and easy update that will define the space and bring a touch of modernity.
​Black helps to ground the other neutral colors in the space and is a great addition in a small room.
You only need to feature black on a few well placed ares such as with a mirror, faucet, towel radiator or shower screen. It could even be as small as updating a bath mat or introducing a black vase.
8. Use Wooden Furniture To Bring A Rustic Touch
I love the simple addition of this wooden bench in this small bathroom, it brings a rustic touch and is a great use of natural materials.
It provides the perfect accent color and placement for displaying a candle and decorative accessories.
Don’t forget to add a few well placed black accents to tie the color scheme together.
9. Add Brick Slips For Rustic Fabrication
Adding brick slips to your bathroom is one of the best ways to enjoy that natural warm from the slips, and add a rustic charm to your bathroom.
Combine with wooden tones and white walls to keep the bathroom looking neutral and clean in comparison.
10. Horizontal Rustic Wood Wall Panelling
Typically we see shiplap panelling in a vertical formation, but adding it horizontally can be just as good a way to elongate a bathroom, whilst delivering oodles of rustic charm.
Leaving the rustic wood panels as they are lends further rustic interest to the bathroom. Just ensure it is primed accordingly to avoid any issues with the wood as it comes into contact with water and humidity in the bathroom.
11. Double Vanity Unit
A double vanity unit is a classic feature in Farmhouse and rustic style bathrooms. Everything about this space screams rustic style.
From the wooden frames on the mirror, vintage signs, brass hardware and black light fittings, this space is perfectly cohesive and just looks incredible against the white metro tiles.
12. Use Farmhouse Signs For A Rustic Touch
Adding decorative prints or signs to execute the rustic look is a failsafe, and affordable option for refreshing your rustic bathroom.
We’re not talking about creating clutter, but carefully placed, vintage style prints or signs that require no hefty makeover costs.
13. Black & White Floor Tiles
A monochromatic color scheme is key in a rustic, farmhouse bathroom. White walls are a predominant feature, yet black is what ties the space together and adds the definition we need.
These black and white floor tiles add gorgeous interest against the wooden tones and white walls, whilst it grounds the space and instils visual interest as you step through the door.
14. White Tiles With Black Grout
These classic white metro tiles are a recurring theme in farmhouse bathrooms, they look incredible in a rustic scheme without detracting from the rest of the space.
Add a black grout to the tiling to define the area, and tie the space together with other black accents like a shower rail, vases and photo frames.
15. Statement Vintage Pieces
You can easily win at rustic style by introducing a vintage, wooden piece into your bathroom.
Vintage pieces are often more affordable to pick up, they bring more character and they can totally transform a bathroom.
16. Vertical Wooden Shelving
Where space is a premium it can be difficult to tackle storage solutions. Using your vertical space to draw the eye up and add storage is a smart solution that won’t eat into your floor space.
Wooden shelves add a rustic touch and definition against the all white walls, display with your favourite items, towels, toilet rolls and anything else that needs to be within easy access.
17. Natural Elements
Natural elements will go a long way in transforming your bathroom into a rustic retreat on a budget.
If you can’t bring wooden tones into the bathroom, lean onto other natural elements such as rattan and wicker baskets that double up as storage options too.
18. Defining Black Mirror
A good mirror is worth spending money on in a mini small bathroom remodel. It provides function first and foremost, but a design aspect that will continue to bounce light around the room all day, giving the illusion of a bigger space.
This chunky black mirror brings such a defining accent to this bathroom, do add other black accents throughout to tie the bathroom together.
19. Chunky Wooden Vanity
If you have the DIY capabilities, have a go at crafting a chunky wooden vanity unit. This style is perfect for small bathrooms with little available space.
Add a set of rattan baskets beneath and fill with towels or toilet rolls for added floor storage.
20. Add Brass Hardware For Warmth
Whilst black accents should be used in every rustic bathroom for definition, you can mix with other metal hardware for added visual interest.
Brass and gold accents are a popular choice, they bring a beautiful natural warmth and they work so well with a neutral color palette and wooden tones.
21. Rustic Runner Rug
If you have the space, adding an oriental, rustic runner rug is a great way to elongate the space, and add additional colors into the mix to brighten your color scheme.
A rustic decor scheme is one of my favourites at the moment, there is no such thing as a bathroom being too small to benefit from this relaxed, yet stylish design.
Use these rustic bathroom ideas on a budget to create a luxurious, stylish bathroom that the whole family can enjoy.
