Vintage charm: designing a cottage bathroom

Cottage bathrooms blend the new and the old to create a magical and relaxing atmosphere.

Whatever space you have to work with and no matter your budget, there are plenty of clever ways to introduce vintage character: think classic fixtures, warm textures, and storied detail. See our ideas to spark inspiration and help you shape a beautiful cottage bathroom of your own.

Wooden features
A big part of what makes a cottage bathroom are its rustic features.Get the look by incorporating wooden elements into your space. If your bathroom has any wooden beams, keep them exposed where you can. Consider a reclaimed wooden floor, as this helps create the magic. Also, try elements such as wood-effect bathroom wall panels, which are good for your pocket and easy to install.
Give wainscoting a go –  panelling the lower half of the wall. It is perfect for timeless, vintage look, with the added bonus that it helps protect walls from moisture and can make your bathroom appear larger.

Repurpose vintage gems
A cottage bathroom often includes vintage elements, so incorporate old and upcycled pieces. Adding old crates, candle holders and vintage mirrors gives a traditional feel. Either shop your home or find at charity stores, flea markets or online.

• An old ladder can be used as a towel rack.
• Add a sink to a chest of drawers to create a charming vanity.
• Use a vintage glass fronted cabinet.
• Old doorknobs on the wall to hang towels.

Soft Elements
Soft tones and textures really make a difference to help your space feel more comfortable.

• Neutral and pastel colours: These convey a calm – try sage green, pink, cream and luxe metallic pops.
• Textiles: A fluffy bathroom mat, super soft towels and airy shower curtains are calming.
• Natural lighting: If possible, have as large a window as possible and don’t frost the whole thing, maybe just the bottom pane for privacy.  Add a breezy curtain or lace panel to let the light flood in. It’s tempting to go for full bright lighting, but maybe just have this around the mirror, or try dimmable bulbs.

Biophilic design
Bring in the plants that are suitable for a wet space, such as snake plants, peace lilies, and ferns. Pop them in vintage enamel pitchers or terracotta pots for an extra cottagecore flourish.

Beautiful Artwork
Hunt down watercolour landscapes of the Lake District or Cornwall, vintage railway posters, or quaint animal illustrations (think Beatrix Potter). Hang in mismatched, weathered wooden or gilt frames you’ve picked up from a charity shop or car-boot sale and group as a mini gallery wall above the loo or beside the mirror.

Botanical prints are classic: try old seed-packet illustrations or pressed-flower artworks for a splash of colour. If you’re after something larger, a floral fabric panel stretched over a simple frame makes an easy DIY focal point. A shower curtain covered in wildflowers is a nice touch, too.