12 Cozy Small Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas with Tub for Charm

Let me guess—you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest at 2 AM, saving every gorgeous farmhouse bathroom you can find, only to realize your bathroom is roughly the size of a generous closet. Been there, done that, and honestly, I’ve got the screenshot folder to prove it.

But here’s the thing: a small bathroom doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice that dreamy farmhouse aesthetic you’re craving. In fact, some of the coziest, most charming bathrooms I’ve ever seen were compact spaces that made every square inch count.

I’ve spent years obsessing over farmhouse design (my friends would say “too many years,” but what do they know?), and I’ve learned that small bathrooms with tubs can absolutely deliver that warm, inviting farmhouse vibe. You just need the right approach, a dash of creativity, and maybe a willingness to think outside the conventional bathroom box.

So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s chat about fifteen seriously cozy small farmhouse bathroom ideas that’ll make you fall in love with your tiny space all over again.

1. Cozy Corner Farmhouse Tub Setup

Who says tubs need to dominate the center of your bathroom? When you’re working with limited square footage, corners become your best friends. A corner tub setup maximizes your floor space while still giving you that luxurious soaking experience you deserve after a long day.

Making the Most of Awkward Angles

Corner tubs come in various shapes and sizes, but for a farmhouse look, I recommend going with softer, rounded edges rather than harsh geometric designs. The key here is to work with your bathroom’s layout instead of fighting against it.

Consider adding:

Rustic wooden corner shelving above the tub for storage and display
A vintage-style shower curtain rod that curves around the corner
Potted plants or dried flowers to soften the angular setup
A small wooden stool nearby for towels and bath accessories

I once helped a friend transform her awkward corner bathroom into the coziest retreat by simply repositioning her tub diagonally and adding reclaimed wood floating shelves. The result? A space that felt twice as big and ten times more charming.

2. Rustic Wood Accents in Tiny Bathrooms

Nothing screams farmhouse quite like natural wood elements, and they work beautifully in small bathrooms when done right. The trick is finding that sweet spot between “charming rustic” and “overwhelming cabin.”

Strategic Wood Placement

You don’t need to cover every surface in reclaimed barn wood (though I won’t judge if that’s your thing). Instead, focus on strategic placements that create visual warmth without shrinking your space.

Best spots for wood accents:

A floating vanity made from reclaimed timber
Wooden mirror frames with a distressed finish
Ceiling beams (even faux ones work wonders)
Wood-topped stools or small benches
Open shelving in natural wood tones

Here’s a pro tip from my own bathroom renovation: always seal your wood properly in wet environments. I learned this the hard way when my gorgeous reclaimed wood shelf started warping after six months. A good marine-grade sealant will save you headaches and preserve that beautiful rustic look.

3. Minimalist Farmhouse Bathtub Design

Wait, can minimalism and farmhouse actually coexist? Absolutely, and honestly, this combination might be the perfect solution for small spaces. Think clean lines meets warm textures—it’s basically the design equivalent of a really good hug.

Stripping Down to the Essentials

The minimalist farmhouse approach focuses on quality over quantity. You keep the warmth and character of farmhouse design while eliminating visual clutter that can make small bathrooms feel cramped.

Key elements include:

A simple, elegant tub with understated hardware
Monochromatic or limited color palettes (think whites, creams, and soft grays)
One or two statement pieces rather than dozens of small decorations
Hidden storage to maintain clean surfaces
Natural materials like stone, wood, and cotton

IMO, this style works particularly well for people who love farmhouse aesthetics but also value a calm, organized space. Your bathroom becomes a sanctuary rather than a cluttered cottage—and your morning routine becomes infinitely less stressful.

Also Read: 15 Perfect Very Small Bathroom Ideas and Stylish Solutions

4. Vintage Clawfoot Tub for Small Spaces

Can we talk about clawfoot tubs for a second? These beauties are basically the crown jewels of farmhouse bathroom design, and yes, they can absolutely work in small spaces. You just need to choose wisely.

Sizing It Right

Standard clawfoot tubs run about 60 inches long, but you can find smaller versions around 48-54 inches that fit perfectly in compact bathrooms. The elevated design actually creates visual space beneath the tub, making your bathroom feel more open.

What to look for:

Slipper-style tubs that allow for comfortable reclining in less length
Cast iron for authenticity or acrylic for lighter weight and easier installation
Vintage-inspired feet in oil-rubbed bronze or matte black
Exposed plumbing fixtures that add character without taking up wall space

I found a gorgeous 54-inch clawfoot tub at an antique store for a steal, and refurbishing it became one of my favorite DIY projects. The character those original feet added to my bathroom was worth every hour of scrubbing and re-enameling. 🙂

5. White Shiplap Walls with Compact Tub

There’s a reason shiplap became synonymous with farmhouse design—it’s versatile, adds texture, and creates that quintessential country charm we all love. In small bathrooms, white shiplap works overtime by brightening the space while adding visual interest.

Horizontal vs. Vertical Installation

Here’s something many people don’t consider: the direction of your shiplap installation affects how your bathroom feels. Horizontal shiplap elongates walls, making narrow bathrooms feel wider. Vertical shiplap draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of higher ceilings.

For small bathrooms with compact tubs, I usually recommend:

Horizontal installation on the longest wall to maximize the widening effect
White or cream paint to reflect light and open up the space
Continuing the shiplap around the entire room for a cohesive look
Pairing with simple, classic fixtures that don’t compete for attention

One thing to keep in mind: shiplap needs proper moisture protection in bathrooms. Use a high-quality primer designed for humid environments, and consider semi-gloss or satin paint finishes that resist moisture better than flat paints.

6. Open Shelving Storage Ideas for Tiny Bathrooms

Let’s be real—small bathrooms have zero room for bulky cabinets. That’s where open shelving swoops in to save the day. It provides essential storage while keeping your space visually light and accessible.

Farmhouse Shelving That Works

Open shelving in farmhouse bathrooms should be both functional and beautiful. Think of each shelf as a mini vignette opportunity—storage that doubles as decor.

Smart open shelving ideas:

Reclaimed wood planks on wrought iron brackets
Floating shelves in weathered finishes above the toilet
Ladder-style shelving that leans against the wall
Corner shelves that utilize otherwise dead space
Built-in niches within walls for a seamless look

The secret to successful open shelving? Edit ruthlessly. Display your prettiest towels, glass jars filled with cotton balls, and one or two decorative items. Keep the everyday clutter in baskets or bins. Nobody wants to stare at their collection of half-used shampoo bottles while soaking in the tub.

Also Read: 14 Modern Small Bathroom Ideas with Tub and Space Hacks

7. Modern Farmhouse Lighting Over a Small Tub

Lighting can make or break a bathroom design, and when you’re working with limited space, strategic lighting becomes even more critical. Modern farmhouse lighting strikes that perfect balance between industrial edge and rustic warmth.

Choosing the Right Fixture

For small bathrooms, you want lighting that provides adequate illumination without overwhelming the space. Think proportions—a massive chandelier over a tiny tub just looks awkward.

Great modern farmhouse lighting options include:

Cage pendants in black or bronze finishes
Small chandeliers with candle-style lights
Wall sconces on either side of mirrors (the “bathroom flanking” technique)
Vintage-inspired Edison bulb fixtures
Simple drum pendants with natural materials

FYI, if you’re placing a light fixture near your tub, check local electrical codes first. There are specific requirements about distance and moisture ratings for bathroom lighting. Safety first, even when chasing that perfect aesthetic.

8. Neutral Toned Small Farmhouse Bathroom

Ever walked into a space and immediately felt calm? That’s the power of a well-executed neutral palette. In small farmhouse bathrooms, neutral tones create a serene, spa-like atmosphere while making the room feel more spacious.

Building Your Neutral Foundation

Neutral doesn’t mean boring. The key is layering different shades and textures to create depth and visual interest without introducing competing colors.

My favorite neutral combinations:

Warm whites with greige (gray-beige) accents
Cream walls with natural wood and soft taupe textiles
Pure white backgrounds with black iron hardware for contrast
Soft gray palettes warmed by honey-toned wood elements

The magic happens in the texture mixing. Combine smooth surfaces (like a porcelain tub) with rough textures (like woven baskets), matte finishes with slight sheens, and hard materials with soft textiles. This layering prevents neutral spaces from feeling flat or sterile.

9. Space-Saving Vanity Ideas for Farmhouse Style

When every inch counts, your vanity choice matters enormously. The right vanity provides essential storage and prep space without dominating your small bathroom or competing with your beautiful tub.

Vanity Styles That Work

Forget the bulky, floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Small farmhouse bathrooms thrive with lighter vanity options that maintain visual openness.

Consider these space-saving options:

Floating vanities that create the illusion of more floor space
Narrow console-style vanities with open shelving beneath
Repurposed furniture pieces (old dressers or tables work beautifully)
Wall-mounted sinks with visible plumbing in vintage-inspired finishes
Corner vanities that utilize awkward spaces effectively

I converted an antique washstand into my bathroom vanity, and honestly, it’s the piece everyone compliments first. The slender profile takes up minimal space, and the aged wood adds character that no big-box store vanity could match.

Hardware That Completes the Look

Don’t underestimate the power of farmhouse-appropriate hardware. Swap out generic knobs for:

Cup pulls in oil-rubbed bronze
Cast iron bin pulls
Ceramic knobs with vintage designs
Simple brass or matte black round knobs

Also Read: 15 Stunning Small Bathroom with Shower Ideas and Space Hacks

10. Tiny Bathroom with Freestanding Tub

Here’s where people get scared—a freestanding tub in a tiny bathroom? Sounds counterintuitive, right? But hear me out: freestanding tubs can actually make small bathrooms feel more spacious when positioned correctly.

The Psychology of Freestanding Tubs

Unlike built-in tubs that create visual walls, freestanding tubs allow the eye to travel around and beneath them. This creates a sense of openness that built-ins simply can’t match.

Making it work in tight spaces:

Choose compact freestanding models (they exist, I promise)
Position the tub at an angle to break up boxy layouts
Keep the surrounding area clean and uncluttered
Use a simple floor-mounted or wall-mounted filler to minimize visual bulk
Select tubs in white or light colors to maximize the airy effect

The key is proportion. A small Japanese-style soaking tub or a petite slipper tub works beautifully in compact spaces. You’re not trying to fit a hotel-sized soaker into your powder room—you’re choosing a tub that respects your space while still delivering that freestanding elegance.

11. Farmhouse Decor with Rustic Fixtures

The fixtures you choose tell a story, and in farmhouse design, that story should whisper “history” and “character.” Rustic fixtures transform ordinary bathrooms into spaces with soul—even the tiny ones.

Fixture Selection Guide

Every fixture in your small bathroom should contribute to the overall farmhouse narrative. Think aged metals, vintage-inspired designs, and pieces that look like they’ve been around for generations.

Must-have rustic fixtures:

Cross-handle faucets in oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass
Vintage-style shower heads with exposed pipes
Clawfoot tub fillers with hand-held showers
Farmhouse-inspired light fixtures (see tip #7)
Aged metal towel bars and toilet paper holders

Where to find authentic pieces:

Antique stores and architectural salvage shops
Online marketplaces like Etsy or Chairish
Reproduction specialists who create vintage-style fixtures
Estate sales (my personal goldmine for unique finds)

One word of caution: ensure any vintage fixtures are functional and safe before installation. That gorgeous antique faucet loses its charm pretty quickly if it leaks all over your bathroom floor. Ask me how I know. :/

12. Compact Tub with Wall-Mounted Storage

When floor space is at a premium, walls become valuable real estate. Wall-mounted storage keeps your compact tub area functional without sacrificing precious square footage.

Strategic Wall Storage Placement

Think about your actual bathing routine. Where do you need things? What do you reach for most often? Strategic placement means putting storage exactly where you need it.

Effective wall-mounted storage solutions:

Floating shelves at arm’s reach from the tub
Wall-mounted baskets for towels and washcloths
Magnetic strips for small metal containers
Vintage-style wall cabinets with mesh or glass doors
Pegboard systems painted in farmhouse colors
Hook rails for hanging baskets and accessories

Near my compact tub, I installed a small reclaimed wood shelf at just the right height for my candles, a book, and a small plant. It’s become my designated “relaxation station,” and everything I need for a peaceful soak lives right there.

Maintaining the Farmhouse Look

Even practical storage should contribute to your aesthetic. Choose storage pieces in farmhouse-appropriate materials:

Wire or woven baskets
Galvanized metal containers
Wooden crates or boxes
Mason jars for small items
Vintage-inspired hooks and brackets

Bringing Your Small Farmhouse Bathroom Vision to Life

So there you have it—fifteen ways to create a cozy, charming farmhouse bathroom that makes the most of limited space while delivering all the warmth and character you’re craving. The beautiful thing about farmhouse style is its forgiving nature. It celebrates imperfection, embraces history, and prioritizes comfort over pretension.

Quick recap of the key principles:

Maximize vertical space with wall-mounted storage and open shelving
Choose compact tub options that fit your footprint
Layer neutral colors with interesting textures
Incorporate authentic rustic elements (wood, vintage fixtures, natural materials)
Prioritize light and airy atmospheres through color and lighting choices
Balance pattern and simplicity for visual interest without overwhelm

Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or just looking to refresh your existing space, remember that small bathrooms have big potential. Some of the most memorable, inviting bathrooms I’ve ever experienced were compact spaces designed with intention and love.

Start with one idea that resonates with you—maybe it’s that clawfoot tub you’ve been dreaming about, or perhaps it’s finally installing that shiplap accent wall. Every farmhouse bathroom transformation begins with a single step, and before you know it, you’ll have created a cozy retreat that makes every bath feel like a mini vacation.

Now go forth and create that farmhouse bathroom magic. Your future relaxed, soaking-in-the-tub self will thank you. And hey, when it’s done, I expect to see it on Pinterest at 2 AM—right where all good farmhouse bathroom inspiration belongs. 🙂