The holiday season is the perfect time to sprinkle a little magic in every corner of your home—even the bathroom!
Often overlooked, your bathroom can be a small but impactful space to show off your Christmas spirit.
With a mix of DIY projects, budget-friendly tweaks, and elegant touches, you can make your bathroom festive, cozy, and Instagram-worthy.
Planning Your Christmas Bathroom Decor
Before diving into decorations, it’s helpful to have a simple plan to make the process easier, more cohesive, and less overwhelming. Here are a few steps to guide you:
1. Choose a Theme or Color Palette
Decide on a central theme for your bathroom, such as classic red and green, winter wonderland with whites and silvers, or rustic holiday with natural tones. A consistent theme helps every piece—from towels to candles—feel connected.
2. Assess Your Space
Consider how much space you have. Small bathrooms may benefit from subtle touches like scented candles, holiday towels, or a mini wreath, while larger bathrooms can handle bolder elements like a festive shower curtain, countertop displays, or a small tree.
3. Prioritize Safety and Functionality
Bathrooms are wet and humid spaces, so choose decorations that are safe around water. Opt for battery-operated lights, washable fabrics, and non-slip rugs. Functional items like towels, mats, and storage can also double as decor.
4. Mix DIY and Store-Bought Items
Balance ready-made items with DIY touches to personalize your bathroom. Small handmade decorations, like mason jar snow globes or pinecone garlands, add charm and uniqueness to your space.
5. Set a Budget
Decorating doesn’t need to be expensive. Identify how much you want to spend and focus on high-impact, budget-friendly items first, like festive towels, soap dispensers, or small decorative accents.
Pro Tip: Planning before decorating ensures your Christmas bathroom feels cohesive, festive, and stress-free, setting the stage for the 25 ideas that follow.
1. Christmas-Themed Towels and Rugs
Swapping out your regular towels and bath mats is one of the easiest ways to instantly update your bathroom for the holidays. Look for towels with holiday colors like red, green, gold, or silver, or with festive patterns such as snowflakes, reindeer, or Christmas trees.
Tip: Choose towels and rugs that are machine washable to maintain convenience, especially if they’re bright or decorative. Pairing a festive bath mat with matching towels creates a cohesive look without overwhelming the space.
2. Festive Shower Curtains
A Christmas-themed shower curtain is a bold and impactful way to decorate your bathroom. You can opt for:
- Snowy landscapes
- Minimalist holiday prints
- Traditional red and green patterns
Pro Tip: Balance a busy shower curtain with simpler mats and towels to avoid clashing. If you like a neutral bathroom, a single statement curtain can be your main holiday accent.
3. Holiday Soap and Dispensers
Small details can make a big impact. Consider Christmas-scented soaps like peppermint, cinnamon, or pine. Pair them with festive soap dispensers in shapes like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or Santa hats.
DIY Idea: Reuse small mason jars with glitter and festive labels for a custom soap dispenser.
4. Mini Christmas Tree or Wreath
A mini tabletop tree or small wreath adds charm without taking up much space. Choose one with battery-operated lights to avoid water hazards and create a warm glow.
Tip: Decorate the tree with miniature ornaments or ribbons that match your towel and rug colors. A wall-mounted wreath can also add vertical interest without crowding countertops.
5. Scented Candles and Diffusers
The holiday season is all about cozy, inviting scents. Candles or diffusers in scents like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla can make your bathroom smell as festive as it looks.
Safety Tip: Always keep candles away from water, steam, and flammable materials. Battery-operated LED candles are a safe alternative.
6. Festive Wall Art and Prints
Adding Christmas-themed artwork can instantly elevate the mood. Ideas include:
- Framed prints with holiday quotes
- Winter landscapes
- Minimalist gold or silver designs
DIY Option: Create your own art with glitter, paint, or printables from online resources. Rotate the art annually to keep the decor fresh.
7. Christmas-Themed Shower Hooks and Accessories
Swap out ordinary shower hooks for festive ones shaped like:
- Snowflakes
- Reindeer
- Santa hats
Coordinating bathroom accessories—toothbrush holders, soap dishes, or toilet brushes—can further enhance the theme without looking overdone.
8. LED Lights and Fairy Lights
Battery-operated LED string lights are a simple way to add holiday sparkle. Wrap them around mirrors, shelves, or even a mini tree.
Pro Tip: Stick to waterproof lights or keep them away from direct water exposure for safety. Warm white or soft yellow lights create a cozy, spa-like atmosphere.
9. Christmas-Themed Toilet Seat Covers
Though small, a themed toilet seat cover can tie the bathroom decor together. Look for removable and washable covers in colors and patterns that match your towels and rugs.
Tip: Choose subtle designs if your bathroom is small, so it feels festive without being overwhelming.
10. Seasonal Storage Baskets
Storage baskets in holiday colors or patterns are both functional and decorative. Use them for:
- Extra towels
- Toilet paper rolls
- Toiletries
Plaid, red, or green baskets add a classic Christmas touch, while woven natural baskets feel rustic and cozy.
11. DIY Bathroom Decorations
Adding a personal touch makes your bathroom feel uniquely festive. Some beginner-friendly DIY ideas:
- Pinecone garlands: String pinecones along a shelf or mirror frame.
- Mason jar snow globes: Add glitter and mini figurines for a whimsical touch.
- Painted candle jars: Use metallic or festive paints to transform plain candle jars.
Tip: Stick to small, lightweight decorations to avoid cluttering countertops.
12. Festive Window Treatments
Windows are a perfect canvas for holiday cheer:
- Mini holiday curtains
- Frosted decals with snowflakes or holly
- Removable window stickers
These add a seasonal touch without permanent changes and can be reused year after year.
13. Christmas-Themed Bathroom Scents
Enhance the festive atmosphere with natural scents:
- Cinnamon sticks in a glass jar
- Pinecones scented with essential oils
- Potpourri bowls with cloves, oranges, and pine
Tip: Combine visual and aromatic elements for a multi-sensory holiday experience.
14. Coordinated Color Scheme
Choosing 2–3 primary colors keeps your bathroom cohesive. Popular combinations include:
- Red, green, and gold
- Silver and white
- Rustic tones like brown, red, and green
Balance patterns with solids to avoid a chaotic look.
15. Small Ornaments and Accents
Tiny details can make a big difference:
- Christmas-shaped bath bombs
- Decorative soap trays
- Mini ornaments on shelves
Even subtle touches help reinforce the festive theme.
16. Seasonal Bathroom Towels for Guests
If you host holiday guests, consider festive guest towels. Simple patterns like candy canes, holly, or snowflakes are charming but not overwhelming.
Tip: Keep these towels separate from daily-use towels to preserve their festive look.
17. Holiday-Themed Mirror Decals
Mirror decals are a temporary and easy way to add cheer. Try snowflakes, holly, or even Santa silhouettes.
Pro Tip: Use decals that are easy to remove to avoid damaging the mirror surface.
18. Holiday-Themed Bathroom Shelves or Counter Displays
Turn your shelves or bathroom countertop into a mini holiday display. You can use:
- Small Christmas figurines (like Santa, reindeer, or snowmen)
- Mini pinecones, ornaments, or faux snow
- Candles or LED tea lights arranged in a festive way
Why it works: Even a small bathroom has surfaces that can double as a festive focal point. This idea lets you mix textures, colors, and lights for a cohesive and charming seasonal look.
Pro Tip: Use trays or decorative boxes to keep items organized and prevent clutter while still looking decorative.
19. DIY Mason Jar Decor
Mason jars can be transformed into festive holders for:
- Cotton balls
- Bath salts
- Small ornaments
Paint, glitter, or wrap jars in ribbons to match your bathroom theme.
20. Seasonal Toilet Paper Rolls
Yes, even toilet paper can be festive! Look for holiday-themed patterns or colors. Stack them in a decorative basket for a charming display.
21. Christmas-Themed Toothbrush Holders
Swap plain holders for fun, holiday-themed ones:
- Snowmen
- Santa Claus
- Candy canes
These small swaps instantly bring charm and character.
22. Wall Hooks with Holiday Flair
Add hooks in festive shapes to hang towels or robes.
- Snowflakes, stars, and Santa hats work perfectly.
- Mix functionality and decor for a practical yet cheerful touch.
23. Add Metallic Accents
Gold, silver, or copper accents instantly feel luxurious:
- Soap dispensers
- Small trays
- Candle holders
Metallics pair well with red, green, or neutral holiday tones.
24. DIY Snow Jar or Snow Globe
Create a mini snow globe with:
- Mason jar
- Water, glitter, and small figurines
Place it on the counter or shelves for a magical, whimsical effect.
25. Safety First with Decorations
Bathrooms are wet and humid, so prioritize safety:
- Use battery-operated lights instead of candles near water
- Avoid placing ornaments where they can fall into the sink or tub
- Choose washable towels and rugs to prevent mold
A beautiful bathroom is only functional if it’s safe and practical!
Conclusion
Decorating your bathroom for Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
From festive towels and rugs to DIY snow globes and scented candles, even small touches can transform the space into a cheerful retreat. By mixing functional accessories with decorative flair, you can enjoy a merry and bright bathroom all season long.
Remember, the key is balance: keep decorations practical, safe, and cohesive with the rest of your home.
Your bathroom can now sparkle just as brightly as your living room or kitchen this holiday season!
I’m Anastasios Moulios, co-founder of DIY Cozy Living. I enjoy finding creative, practical ways to make small spaces feel warm, stylish, and lived-in — whether it’s a camper, a backyard, or a cozy room inside. I started this blog with Katerina to share real ideas that make home feel a little more personal and a lot more comfortable.
