These 15 cottage bathroom ideas will transform a washroom even in the smallest of spaces

Renovating a cottage or considering purchasing one, but worried about how you'll make your bathroom design work in a potentially restricted space? While the thought of exposed beams, low ceilings and antiquated heating systems may all seem somewhat challenging, with the right treatment, cottage bathroom ideas needn't become dark and dull washrooms.

From colours to flooring, layout to lighting or how to create a cottage like feel – even if you don't live in one – we asked the experts to share their best advice for bringing your cottage bathroom ideas to life.

Keen to add a contemporary twist to your new bathroom? Don't worry, we've covered that too. So sit back, relax, and enjoy these pretty but practical cottage bathroom ideas.

Why are cottage bathroom ideas so popular?

Even though for some homeowners cottage bathroom ideas are a necessity, for others they're purely a design choice. But why? Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms shares her thoughts on why bathroom design ideas are embracing a different approach.

"Cottage bathrooms, is an aesthetic that celebrates simple living, still has a huge following and has remained popular for the last few years. This is most certainly not a new bathroom trend, but a revisit to life in times gone by in a new way.

"Popularised in the 70s, with an idealistic lifestyle in mind of living off the land, and being self-sufficient, cottage core embraces artisan trades. This way of life has certainly grown in favour since lockdown," says Louise. "The simplistic aesthetics of this follow through into bathrooms – with the core idea of naturalistic living in the countryside, and creating a personal space which is safe, welcoming, cozy and inviting, offering respite from the outside world – in essence your sanctuary, which is often the request we receive from clients when designing their bathrooms."

Louise Ashdown

Louise is Head of Design at West One Bathrooms, having worked in the industry for over 18 years. At West One Bathrooms, one of the UK’s premium and luxury bathroom retailers, she heads up the design and creative teams, overseeing all the bathroom projects, as well as sourcing the latest products. Her passion for bathroom design is unparallel. 

Cottage bathroom ideas

1. Wet rooms are entirely possible in cottage bathroom ideas

Although it may feel like exposed timbers and wet room ideas don't make the perfect partners, as this bathroom design from The Baked Tile Company proves, anything is possible when you know how.

Lesley Taylor, interior designer and founder of The Baked Tile Company shares how they transformed this cottage bathroom into a style sanctuary.

“We wanted to create a spacious bathroom that wasn’t interrupted by a separate shower cubicle. So we created a wet room complete with tiled shower tray to give the feel of a more expansive bathroom.

“We laid Marrakesh Terracotta Brick in both light and dark variants in a classic herringbone style to add rustic charm. And unlike real terracotta, there is no need to seal the tiles," explains Lesley, "which means minimal maintenance is required to keep them looking stunning.”

To create a showpiece behind the bath and shower enclosure, Lesley used Tuscany Flower Décor – a tile that has an artisan, handcrafted feel with all the resilience of modern tiles.

Completing the look is the Designer Basic tile in Boux, a range which "has been designed to complement a wealth of patterned tiles and ensure homeowners can keep their bathroom renovation costs to a tight budget.”

2. Combine a palette of natural and honest materials

If you're undertaking a cottage renovation, you may find yourself starting from scratch with your bathroom design in which case you will have free reign on your choice of materials. Or, perhaps you have a town house and want to create a cottage feel, in which case you may be seeking inspiration. So where do you start?

Creating a cottage or country feel is easy to achieve," says Louise Ashdown. "Embracing natural and honest materials such as woods, natural unlacquered brass fittings which develops a patina over time, natural honed stones and marbles, wicker and wood effect flooring such as plank tiles or laying them in a herringbone effect for your bathroom flooring ideas are still very popular, and extremely effective at creating the look you desire."

3. Mix and match styles and materials

"When it comes to designing a cottage bathroom, these spaces can often be small or have unconventional shapes. So, the accessories and furniture you use, need to balance functionality with style," says Richard Ticehurst, brand expert at Burlington.

"You want to make sure that you’re creating a timeless yet rustic aesthetic, paying homage to the architecture of the home, whilst mixing the old with the new. Embracing the simplicity of cottage life, is a great starting point when considering design aspects," he adds.

And it's a philosophy demonstrated well in this cosy cottage bathroom idea. From the pop of colour on the vanity unit, to the delicately patterned wallpaper, fabric covered wall lights, pink modern brick wall tiles and mosaic style tiled floor it's the perfect combination of old, new and traditional all rolled into one.

Shop for cottage bathroom tiles

Richard Ticehurst

Richard is a brand expert passionate about design, quality and performance in bathrooms. His background in European manufacturing, projects and retail was the perfect start to bim becoming a product expert in everything related to designing and creating bathrooms.

4. Incorporate existing structural features into your design

If during your renovation or small bathroom remodel you uncover hidden treasures such as detailed struts and beams that are too good to cover up, embrace them instead and incorporate them into your cottage bathroom ideas.

It's a concept demonstrated well in this scheme which makes the most of a wooden strut but pairs it with the paler colours and a mirror to ensure the bathroom doesn't feel too dark. In addition, the walls and bath panel idea continues with the wood theme, but with a modern twist – it's painted.

"Painted wood bathroom panelling will add another dimension and depth to your cottage bathroom ideas," says Louise Ashdown, "and when we consider colours for it, city greys are making way for more neutral softer shades, with blush pink still very popular."

5. Or, add a modern twist to your cottage bathroom walls

Prefer to bring your cottage well and truly into the modern world? It's an option many will prefer, but there's always scope to reference your home's history if you know how.

This clean lined and contemporary bathroom design from Crosswater features modern bathroom furniture and a stylish freestanding bath idea, but equally relies on natural materials such as wood. Although the slat wood panelling is a modern take on traditional timbers, it's a subtle reference tool if you want to create a cottage bathroom idea that's modern, but reminds you just how far your home has come.

6. Be bold with colour choice

Colour in cottage bathroom ideas doesn't always have to be meek and mild. Instead, work with this year's trends for darker colours and pick ones that add warmth and fun to your washroom.

The dark green bathroom wall tiles in this shower room contrast perfectly with the bright pink. A curtain base to the sink is also a traditional idea but updated with the modern bold stripe.

Tight on window space? Adding a skylight to a sloped low ceiling will add natural light to help counteract the darker colour scheme, without taking up any of the available wall space.

7. Use tiles with a wallpaper like design to cover less than perfect walls

If your bathroom renovation has uncovered less than perfect walls that aren't picture perfect, with some preparatory DIY, you could maybe cover up imperfections with a combination of patterned and plain tiles. And while it's easy to question can you use wallpaper in a bathroom, the answer is yes as long as you follow the right advice and ensure sufficient bathroom ventilation. However, tiles can also offer that wallpaper effect as this lovely scheme shows.

"Cottage bathrooms work well when these are designed in keeping with the property, for example its whereabouts, the location, its historic importance, and architectural features," says Louise Ashdown which is why the different elements of this design work so well. "Style lines can be blurred to achieve a softer more individual bathroom.

There's also one important feature that shouldn't be forgotten, says Louise. "Fabric window dressings are often completely overlooked, but should be considered when planning any cottage bathroom design."

Take inspiration from this bathroom and opt for simple roman blinds to soften your window but add privacy and warmth.

Shop for bathroom wallpaper

8. Be clever with your bathroom shelving

Space can be compromised in cottage bathroom ideas if you aren't considering adding an extension of any kind in which case you might need to be clever when it comes to your bathroom shelf ideas.

"Designing a bathroom in a cosy cottage can certainly be a challenge," agrees Zoe Jones, senior creative producer at Roper Rhodes. Since space might be limited, every inch counts.

"When it comes to furniture and storage, blending practicality with character is the way to go. Consider a fitted bathroom to make the most of your cottage space," says Zoe. "Fitted furniture can be customised to fill the entire space while also concealing plumbing and pipes.

"Also think about installing compact or wall-hung toilets and basins," she adds. "These will help to free up floor space and make the room feel more open. Using corners wisely can make a big difference; corner basins or showers can save space without skimping on functionality."

Opting for a walk in shower idea in your cottage bathroom? "Built-in niches in the shower or walls are handy for storing toiletries without taking up extra space," says Zoe, "and using wall space for hooks and towel rails keeps things organised and within easy reach."

Zoe Jones

Zoe Jones, is Senior Creative Producer at Roper Rhodes, managing all the media projects for the brand. With 19 years of expertise, and a passion for design and architecture, Zoe is responsible for Roper Rhodes signature style.

9. Pick a playful peach and terracotta colour scheme

This colourful cottage bathroom idea from Ca'Pietra used the natural tones of terracotta combined with the perfect shade of peach as part of a bathroom renovation scheme.

Why these colours? Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra, explains.

“Terracotta is rich and warming to look at, it’s textured and rugged to the touch, and it’s immensely easy going to live with, so what’s not to love? Helped along by the fact that the colour to go cuckoo for this year is earthy brown, terracotta tiling ticks every box out there, helping to create the perfect cottage bathroom.

“It is worth remembering that terracotta is a colour as much as a material," adds Grazzie, "and so when it comes to colour combinations, there are those that are known to work well – beige, creams, whites, butter whites, in fact, most neutral shades or anything with an earthy undertone that provides a rich and warming backdrop.”

10. Bring the outdoors in with a modern country cottage bathroom idea

Green bathroom ideas have always been popular for their soothing and nurturing feel. Helping to bring the outdoors in with their subtle references to nature's natural colour scheme, they're the perfect palette for a cottage bathroom idea that's located in the countryside.

And while this design has embraced cottage life with some modern updates such as a large double glazed window and skylight to help add natural light and improve energy efficiency, again, the use of wood and natural materials can be a great way of nodding to a building's roots and heritage.

11. Choose a contemporary cabincore scheme

"A cottage can feel like the ultimate escape from the world around you, so designing a bathroom that creates the allure of a private oasis is one way to approach your design," says Richard Ticehurst.

"Using oak finishings can also create the feeling of bringing the outdoors in, perfect for those wanting a cottage appeal," he adds, although as this design demonstrates, rustic bathroom ideas don't have to feel dated.

We love how this bathroom takes the cabincore trend we've seen on the rise over the last year and turns it into a contemporary version of itself, with thick wooden plank flooring and wall cladding. It's smooth, sleek and far from twee.

12. Use wall lights if ceiling beams make lighting tricky

Getting your bathroom lighting ideas right in cottage bathroom ideas can be challenging, especially if your oak beamed ceiling makes installing downlights a little tricky.

"Lighting sets the mood in your bathroom, so it's worth getting it right," says Zoe Jones. "Warm-toned lights can make the space feel cosy and inviting to reflect your wider home."

"When thinking about lighting, accent wall lights can introduce a cosy ambience and allow for interesting wall features," says Richard Ticehust, "and they can also be an effective way to infuse hints of modernism amongst a more traditional layout."

However if ceiling beams make directional or overhead light a little less effective, "for practical tasks like shaving or applying makeup, wall lights beside or above the mirror are really helpful," says Zoe Jones.

"Opting for smart lighting solutions that give you control over the lighting, so you can adjust it to suit your mood or the time of day, can also be beneficial," she adds.

Colour is also essential in a scheme with beams, says Louise Ashdown.

"With beamed spaces, these work well with light airy colour palettes. It is best to avoid bright and dark colours to avoid a heavy country pub feel."

13. Pick wall mounted radiators to free up floor space

"When thinking about heating a bathroom in a cottage, it could be worth considering vertical radiators if space is tight," says Nick Duggan, managing director of The Radiator Centre.

"Vertical radiators can free up wall space, especially now that some designs are focusing on producing high heat outputs which are ideal for taking advantage of dead wall space, such as behind doors or on supporting piers or dwarf walls.

"Wall hung towel rails are also ideal for small cottage bathrooms," adds Nick, "freeing up floor space while providing valuable storage for towels and clothing, keeping them dry and warm."

14. Be clever when it comes to your layout and fittings

If you have a narrow bathroom in you cottage and sloped ceilings, it can be tricky to get your bathroom layout right. Balancing the need for natural light as well as a mirror for practical purposes can leave you struggling for somewhere to place your vanity unit and sinks.

However, a solution is to hand as demonstrated in this clever bathroom design from Simon Taylor Furniture. A long double sink vanity unit provides ample storage, countertop mounted mixer taps allow for extra large sinks, while mirrors mounted to the counter and window alcove ensure you can get ready bathed in natural light – all while still enjoying the view from your bathroom window.

15. Transform an outhouse into a bathhouse

If your period property comes with a traditional outhouse or WC, rather than resigning it to becoming a storage space, why not revitalise its purpose and create a rustic cottage bathhouse. Adding an extra bathroom to your property could not only add value to your life, but also add value to your property.

Embrace the nature of its original design and clad with brick slips, wooden cladding on walls and ceiling, a column radiator for essential heating and a large freestanding copper bath tub for the ultimate wow factor.

Of course, on a practical level, with wood often a feature of cottage bathroom ideas, how do you ensure your finishes don't get destroyed? Zoe Jones offers some practical advice.

"If your bathroom has those lovely exposed beams, you might wonder if you can have a shower without causing damage. The good news is, you can! Just make sure to protect the wooden beams from moisture.

"Applying a waterproof sealant will help prevent any damp or mould in the bathroom," says Zoe. "Using glass enclosures for your shower also helps to keep the water contained and lets beautiful beams stay on show.

"Don't forget about ventilation," she adds. The best bathroom extractor fans and windows will all help to keep humidity levels down, which is great for preserving the wood."

Renovating a cottage from the Victorian era? Head to our Victorian bathroom ideas to find double the inspiration for your next project.