7 Must-Have Budget-Friendly Decor Pieces for a Rustic Bathroom Remodel
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Have you ever dreamt of transforming your bathroom into a cozy, farmhouse-inspired space without spending a fortune? A rustic bathroom remodel can turn your space into a warm, inviting sanctuary, and the best part is that you don’t need to break the bank to achieve it.
Whether you’re working with a tight budget or just prefer DIY projects, there are many affordable ways to give your bathroom that charming farmhouse look.
In this post, I’ll share 7 budget-friendly decor must-haves that helped me remodel my own bathroom into the rustic haven I envisioned. These items are all DIY-friendly, cost-effective, and will instantly elevate your bathroom’s style.
You are going to learn about all of the cozy bathroom decor I used, tips on achieving the rustic bathroom look, tiny bathroom storage ideas, and more.
This post is all about the 7 Must-Have Budget-Friendly Decor Pieces for a Rustic Bathroom Remodel.
Best Cozy Bathroom Decor
1. Rustic Toilet Paper Holder
When thinking of rustic bathroom decor, many people overlook the small details that can make a big impact. One such detail is the toilet paper holder. Swapping out a basic chrome version for this industrial style toilet paper holder can add that perfect touch of rustic charm. Look for holders made from natural materials like wood, iron, or copper, as these are classic elements in rustic design.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Instead of buying an expensive, pre-made rustic toilet paper holder, consider DIY-ing your own. Use a small piece of reclaimed wood and a rustic pipe fitting for a truly personalized and budget-friendly option. Not into DIY? This rustic toilet paper holder offers the perfect combination of affordability and rustic style.
Pro Tip: When choosing a rustic toilet paper holder, go for neutral tones like weathered wood or aged metal. These shades will complement most bathroom color schemes and add an authentic, aged look.
2. Industrial Coat Hook Used as a Towel Hook
One of the best ways to add a rustic touch to your bathroom is by swapping out traditional towel bars for industrial coat hooks. These sturdy, metal hooks—often made of black iron, cast iron, or antique brass—give your bathroom a rugged, farmhouse feel while being practical and space-saving.
Unlike towel racks, which take up more space and require neatly folded towels, industrial-style hooks allow for a more effortless, relaxed look. Simply hang your towels on wall-mounted iron coat hooks, and they’ll dry quickly while adding to the overall rustic aesthetic.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Instead of buying overpriced “bathroom-specific” towel hooks, repurpose industrial-style coat hooks from a hardware store or online shop. They often cost less and have a more authentic vintage factory or farmhouse chic appeal. If you want an easy-to-install option, these industrial coat hooks are a perfect blend of function and rustic style.
DIY Idea: For a more customized look, mount several coat hooks on a reclaimed wood plank and install it on your bathroom wall. This creates a rustic towel rack that’s completely unique and budget-friendly.
3. Under-Sink Storage Cabinet
One of the best ways to incorporate rustic elements into your bathroom is by upgrading your under-sink bathroom storage cabinet. Choose cabinets made of reclaimed wood or ones that have a distressed finish for that perfect rustic look. These cabinets not only add to the overall aesthetic but also offer much-needed storage space for your bathroom essentials.
Budget-Friendly Tip: If you don’t have the budget for a pre-made rustic cabinet, consider DIY-ing one. You can transform an old, plain cabinet with some wood stain and chalk paint to achieve a rustic look without spending much. If you’re looking for a ready-to-install option, I recommend this under-sink cabinet that combines rustic design with modern functionality.
4. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
If you’re aiming for a rustic bathroom look but don’t want to deal with the mess of traditional wallpaper, peel-and-stick wallpaper is your solution. They are easy to apply and remove (if you follow the factory instructions and also have E-Z Hang Spray which I’ll talk about later), making them perfect for anyone who prefers hassle-free home updates.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Use peel-and-stick wallpaper for just an accent wall or behind the vanity. This will give your bathroom a rustic, farmhouse look without having to cover every inch of the walls. I highly recommend this peel-and-stick wallpaper that offers a high-quality, rustic finish at an affordable price.
DIY Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, focus on one area at a time. A small section, like behind your sink or in the corner of your bathroom, will have a huge impact and create a stylish focal point.
BONUS Tip: If you are applying the wallpaper to wall paneling, just be sure that you scrape + sand the wall FIRST to remove any old paint. SECOND, wipe down the ENTIRE wall to remove any dust / debris. THIRD, apply the wallpaper. FOURTH, use a squeegee to remove any air bubbles by lightly applying pressure in an outward sweeping motion. If you apply hard pressure or push the wall paper between the paneling, the spaces will show through the wallpaper, messing up that smooth finish you wanted to achieve.
5. E-Z Hang Spray for Easy Wallpaper Application
When using traditional wallpaper (or even peel-and-stick), the application process can sometimes…okay most times, be tricky. If you want to make it as smooth and effortless as possible, E-Z hang Spray is a game-changer. This spray helps to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in the wallpaper and ensures that it sticks properly to your walls.
Budget-Friendly Tip: A little goes a long way with E-Z Hang Spray, so one bottle should be enough for multiple projects. You can find it on Amazon or simply click here: E-Z Hang Spray.
Pro Tip: Before applying any wallpaper, ensure your walls are clean and dry. This will help the wallpaper adhere more effectively and create a smooth, seamless look. Just be sure to REMEMBER to use GENTLE pressure.
6. Sunflower Vase Decor
Bring the outdoors in with sunflower vase decor. Sunflowers are the perfect way to add a cheerful, rustic touch to your bathroom. Sorry, I’m a sunflower lover so this was a MUST. A simple vase filled with faux or real sunflowers can make your bathroom feel warm, inviting, and cozy. Add some lavender essential oil and you’ll want to sit in your bathroom all day.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Buy faux sunflowers from a craft store or online for a long-lasting option. A small vase from a thrift store or a mason jar will complete the rustic look. I love this particular sunflower vase decor for its affordable price and rustic charm, note the twine just gives it that extra vibe.
DIY Tip: If you’re feeling crafty, you can even make your own sunflower vase by painting a mason jar with chalk paint and filling it with fresh sunflowers from your garden, just remember that the pollen will fall off as each day goes by.
7. Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
If you want to take your rustic bathroom remodel to the next level, adding a peel-and-stick backsplash is the perfect solution. It’s an affordable way to achieve the look of real tile without the installation hassle. Choose designs that resemble reclaimed wood or classic subway tiles for that rustic farmhouse vibe.
Budget-Friendly Tip: Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are an easy DIY project that anyone can do in a weekend. These peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are affordable, easy to install, and look stunning in any rustic bathroom.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a peel-and-stick backsplash, make sure to properly measure your space before applying the tiles. This will help prevent mistakes and ensure that your backsplash looks seamless. If you want a completed + finished look, you could even go one step further like I did and apply caulking where the tiles meet and around the edges.
Bonus Tips for a Rustic Bathroom Look
To truly capture the rustic vibe in your bathroom, consider these additional tips:
✔ Stick to a Warm Color Palette: Go for softer, neutral shades like cream, beige, light gray, and soft taupe. These colors pair beautifully with natural materials and create a calming, rustic feel.
✔ Mix Textures: Don’t be afraid to mix different textures like wood, metal, and stone. This combination is key to achieving a rustic yet sophisticated look.
✔ Add Vintage Accessories: Use mason jars, wire baskets, and twine to add farmhouse charm. Using these simple accessories will complement the rustic decor and add a vintage touch to your bathroom.
Transforming your bathroom into a rustic retreat doesn’t have to cost a fortune! These budget-friendly decor pieces helped me create a cozy, farmhouse-inspired bathroom without breaking the bank. From vintage-inspired towel hooks to peel-and-stick wallpaper, these simple upgrades can completely change the feel of your space.
This post was all about the 7 Must-Have Budget-Friendly Decor Pieces for a Rustic Bathroom Remodel.
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