In this post, we’ll look at 17 of the most beautiful French cottage bathroom ideas that you can copy in your small bathroom to transform your space.
Last Updated: 11/4/24
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When it comes to the decor in my very small but very quaint home, I often tell myself that the more European it looks, the better.
I love old things and the architecture, design, and decor styles in many European countries still reflects the years these old buildings were erected.
My house is over 100 years old now and though that pales in comparison to the history of the architecture in France, it still looks older than most of my neighbor’s homes which I love.
My decor style really reflects this fascination with European design and when it comes to choosing a specific style, I want my home to look like a quaint French cottage more than anything.
It’s always a challenge to decorate in small spaces, but what I love about vintage French cottages is they are normally quite small and the owners always utilize the space well.
These are characteristics I’d like to copy in my own design approach, and that’s exactly what this list of French cottage bathroom decor ideas will help you accomplish.
All of these ideas have three things in common. They’re absolutely stunning, easy to achieve, and perfect for small bathrooms!
So keep scrolling and get inspired to bring the beautiful styles of the French countryside directly into your own home.
17 French Cottage Bathroom Ideas
Related to French Cottage Bathroom Ideas:
- Rustic Cottage Living Room Ideas
- Country Style Living Room Chairs and Where to Buy Them
- Breathtaking Cottage Garden Inspiration
1. Monochrome Sage Colorway
Credit: @cooneynest
Nothing screams french cottage bathroom to me more than a beautiful sage, sea foam green color. It’s elegant, whimsical, and stunning from floor to ceiling.
I love a good monochromatic look and this is photo is the way to do it. From the trim to the doors to the vanity, everything is painted the same color with just a pop of wallpaper overhead.
This look is totally achievable in any small bathroom, all it takes is a gallon or two of a perfect green and a little patience!
2. Wrap Around Shower Curtain
Credit: @luisabramble
I believe shower curtains are one of the hardest parts of a bathroom to nail when it comes to good home decor.
They easily look very tacky or cheap, but one of the best ways to combat that is with a wrap around shower curtain track.
Whether you have a full Clawfoot tub or a regular bath/shower combo, this look will instantly elevate your space. Plus, the added privacy is really lovely!
3. Rustic Wood Paneling
Credit: White and Wood Grain
Wood in a bathroom has become a very taboo design choice for some obvious set backs, but I don’t think it should be scrapped from the drawing table all together!
Especially if you have a bathroom with a tub for exclusively baths like the bathroom above, the potential for water damage is lessened.
This rustic weathered wood look is absolutely stunning and a wonderful to tie in the natural elements of that french country cottage look without breaking the bank.
4. Charming Sink Curtain
Credit: @stonecottage2250
This look is especially great for small bathrooms because it makes a statement without using a full and usually, rather bulky, sink vanity.
If the sink in your home is stand alone with no vanity or lower shelving, consider adding an adorable printed curtain around the edge for added character and storage.
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns with the other textiles in your space! Sometimes those bold choices are exactly what make the look work.
5. French Countryside Style Barn Door
Credit: @ourlittleflintcottage
A great way to elevate your small bathroom is by using every inch of design space available to you. Including the door!
Swap out your boring bathroom door for a stunning cottage style barn door with antique looking hinges.
This look instantly makes the space feel more vintage and cozy and all you had to do was find the right door, and screw in a couple bolts into hinges.
6. Chinoiserie Sink
Credit: @dom_pod_krolikiem
If you know anything about me, you know I’m obsessed with chinoiserie patterns. Especially when it comes to french countryside styling, this pattern is the way to go.
This blue and white color scheme is delicate and charming, yet simple. Plus it pairs great with gold and brass hardware.
Spruce up the white porcelain sink in your current bathroom by hand painting a floral blue pattern for a quick DIY project, or purchase a new sink and watch your bathroom transform in front of your eyes!
7. Vintage Framed Antique Mirror
Credit: @ourlittleflintcottage
This vintage framed mirror look is absolutely stunning for a french cottage bathroom. Modern bathroom mirrors are completely lacking in character or style and can really ruin the look you’re going for.
Especially when it comes to small bathrooms, changes like swapping your mirror will instantly make your space feel cozier.
Scrounge through your local antique and vintage shops for an ornate framed vintage mirror. The more flaws and spots on the mirror, the more character it will bring to your home!
8. Patterned Sconces and Pendant Lighting
Credit: @byemmadiaz
Lighting fixtures can make a night and day difference when it comes to achieving a vintage home decor style in a small space.
How adorable are these gingham sconce lampshades paired with the polka dot pendant light taking center stage?
Without these light fixtures, this bathroom would look much more plain (yet still beautiful due to the beautiful pink walls and brass piping). Choose lamp shades in fun and contrasting patterns for an added burst of personality.
9. Accent Color Tub Siding
Credit: @dean.hearne
If you really want your small bathroom to feel like a french cottage bathroom, we’ve got to do something about that ugly modern tub.
Gone are the days of beautiful and ornate porcelain tubs, but that doesn’t mean we have to be stuck with the boxy modern design elements we see today!
Building a frame for your tub with custom siding is a very easy and effective way to mask the look and transport your bathroom to the french countryside. Opt for a fun accent color to really add some life and vibrancy to the look.
10. Ruffled Shower Curtain
Credit: @farmhouseluv
Maybe the easiest way to transform your bathroom decor overnight is by switching out your shower curtain.
It’s arguably the focal point of the space and can have a huge effect on overall feel.
I’m absolutely obsessed with this ruffled shower curtain displaying cute petite florals and stripes. It’s feminine, it’s elegant, it’s a little bit quirky, and it’s totally french cottage bathroom vibes.
11. Black Clawfoot Tub
Credit: @gettingstuffdoneinheels
If you have a bigger budget in mind for your french cottage bathroom renovation, I would have to argue that swapping the tub for an antique style would be the best investment for your space.
It’s undeniable that a classic claw foot tub instantly makes a bathroom look much more sophisticated and purposefully styled.
One doesn’t see many black tubs, but I’m actually obsessed with how this looks. Sometimes all white bathrooms just look too squeaky. A dark tub adds the perfect amount of character and visual interest.
12. Antique Faucet Head
Credit: @my_yorkshire_barn
One of my favorite ways to makeover a bathroom or a kitchen is with a swap in hardware! You’d be amazed at the stark difference these finishing touches can make.
If you’re plumbing allows for it, this faucet head and knobs protruding directly from the walls is one of the coolest and most unique sinks I’ve seen in a while.
My bathroom would definitely not allow for this look, but something similar can still be achieved with a vintage or antique looking faucet with patina on brass.
13. Stunning Stained Glass
Credit: @grantcottage_1924
Browsing Facebook marketplace is my most frequented hobby and I’m always surprised by the amount of stained glass windows for sale on it.
They aren’t too hard to come by, at least in my neck of the woods, and adding this stunning accessory to your bathroom is beautiful!
You can find all types, sizes, and designs of stained glass whether it’s a large window, or a smaller hanging piece. The refracted natural light will instantly illuminate your small bathroom achieving that French country look.
14. French Style Country Landscapes
Credit: @mojeaniutkowo.mojeaniutkowo
If you can’t live in the French countryside, bring the French countryside to you! Transport your mind and soul to the stunning mountains of France with a landscape painting.
Go for a rustic elements and vintage finds like this wooden frame to really achieve that old cottage look.
You can either source landscape style paintings from your local thrift store or purchase prints on sites like Etsy or Pinterest.
15. Periwinkle Blue Tiles
Credit: @lonikachande
Periwinkle blue is such a French color in my mind. It’s the perfect color for bathrooms and a great choice if you’re looking to update your tiling.
Whether you’re looking to tile your whole tub area or maybe just do an accent stripe around the room, consider a soft French blue porcelain tile!
I love how the homeowner above has contrasted the pale blue with green stripes and pops of red. The French know their colors and aren’t afraid to experiment with a wide variety of colors.
16. Mixed Patterned Accessories
Credit: @bessmckinneyphotography
I have been seeing mixed patterns everywhere in home decor trends this year and honestly, I can’t get enough.
Brightly colored and patterned wallpapers are making a huge comeback and I love the idea of pairing different prints in similar colorways with your wallpaper.
Because all the colors live in the same spectrum, the ornate details in the patterns still look cohesive and sophisticated.
17. Cottage Style Stone Walls
Credit: @byemmadiaz
I absolutely adore the look of stone and it drives me nuts that it isn’t often used in interior design anymore.
This look can be recreated, though, through stone veneer! Stone veneer is surprisingly easy to apply to walls and make to look very realistic.
Especially when using a German smear technique when applying mortar, it can produce a very realistic and ethereal look in the entire room for your french cottage bathroom inspiration.
Related to French Cottage Bathroom Ideas:
- Rustic Cottage Living Room Ideas
- Country Style Living Room Chairs and Where to Buy Them
- Breathtaking Cottage Garden Inspiration
