You know that awkward moment when guests use your bathroom during the holidays and you realize it’s the only room you forgot to decorate? Yeah, I’ve been there too.
While we’re busy hanging garlands in the living room and transforming our kitchens into gingerbread wonderlands, the bathroom sits there looking like Scrooge’s forgotten closet.
Here’s the thing – decorating your bathroom for Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
I’ve spent years perfecting the art of bathroom holiday decor (yes, that’s a thing!), and I’m here to share 15 ridiculously easy ideas that’ll transform your bathroom from boring to festive faster than you can say “jingle bells.”
Festive Red and Green Towel Display
Let’s start with the easiest win you’ll ever score in holiday decorating. Swapping out your regular towels for red and green ones instantly transforms your bathroom’s vibe. I remember the first time I did this – my husband actually noticed! That’s when you know you’ve made an impact.
The key here is layering different shades and textures. I like to use forest green hand towels with cherry red bath towels, or mix it up with burgundy and sage green. Don’t just fold them normally either – try rolling them into cylinders or creating fancy hotel-style displays.
Want to really nail this look? Add a simple ribbon bow around each rolled towel. Takes literally 30 seconds per towel, and suddenly your bathroom looks like it belongs in a holiday home tour magazine. Pro tip: hit up the after-Christmas sales and stock up for next year – I scored luxury towels for 70% off last January!
Mini Christmas Tree on the Counter
Who says Christmas trees only belong in living rooms? A mini tabletop tree on your bathroom counter adds instant holiday cheer without taking up precious space. I’m talking about those cute 12-18 inch trees that fit perfectly next to your sink.
Here’s what works best:
- Artificial trees (because humidity and real trees don’t mix)
- Battery-operated LED lights (no messy cords near water)
- Miniature ornaments that won’t shatter if knocked over
- A small tree skirt or festive placemat as a base
I keep mine simple with white lights and tiny silver ornaments. The reflection in the bathroom mirror doubles the sparkle effect – it’s basically free decoration multiplication! Just make sure you position it where it won’t get splashed during teeth brushing sessions.
Holiday-Themed Shower Curtain Makeover
Changing your shower curtain might be the biggest visual impact for the least effort. Seriously, we’re talking five minutes max to completely transform your bathroom’s largest vertical surface.
You’ve got two routes here. First, buy a festive shower curtain (they’re everywhere from November through December). Or second, DIY it by adding removable decals to your existing curtain. I’ve done both, and honestly? The DIY option rocks because you can customize exactly what you want.
Last year, I stuck snowflake clings all over my plain white curtain. Looked like a winter wonderland, cost me $8, and peeled right off in January. No commitment issues here!
Christmas Scented Candles Arrangement
Nothing says “holidays” quite like the right scent wafting through your bathroom. But here’s where most people mess up – they go overboard with competing fragrances. One cohesive scent theme is the way to go.
My personal favorite combo:
- Pine or evergreen as the main scent
- Vanilla or cinnamon as subtle accents
- Avoid mixing fruit scents with spice scents (trust me on this)
Arrange three candles of varying heights on a festive tray near your sink or on a shelf. The visual grouping creates impact, and the different heights add dimension. Safety tip though – never leave them burning unattended, especially in a small space with towels and toilet paper around!
DIY Snowflake Window Clings
Remember making paper snowflakes in elementary school? Well, that skill comes in handy now! Window clings are basically the grown-up version, and they’re perfect for bathroom windows that need privacy anyway.
You can buy pre-made clings for about $10, or make your own with white contact paper. Cut out various sizes and patterns, then stick them randomly on your window. The natural light filtering through creates this gorgeous, frosty effect that makes your bathroom feel like a snow globe.
FYI, these also work great on mirrors if you don’t have windows. Just don’t go too crazy or you won’t be able to see yourself for morning makeup application. I learned that the hard way 🙂
Glittery Bathroom Rug and Mat Combo
Your bathroom floor deserves some holiday love too! Swapping out your regular bath mats for festive ones instantly ups the Christmas quotient. I’m partial to the sparkly, glittery options because, well, who doesn’t love a little glamour underfoot?
Here’s my setup:
- A larger rug in front of the tub/shower
- A smaller coordinating mat by the sink
- Toilet seat rug (if you’re into that – no judgment!)
Red plaid patterns work great for a cozy cabin vibe, while silver and gold options give you that elegant holiday party feel. Just make sure whatever you choose has a good non-slip backing. Nothing ruins Christmas cheer faster than slipping on a festive bath mat!
Also Read: 15 Creative Christmas Door Decorating Contest Ideas That Wow
Christmas Ornament Jar Decor
This idea makes me ridiculously happy because it’s so simple yet effective. Grab a clear glass jar or vase, fill it with colorful Christmas ornaments, and boom – instant decor. I use mason jars, apothecary jars, or even large drinking glasses.
Mix different sizes and textures of ornaments for visual interest. Shiny balls, matte finishes, glittery options – throw them all in there! Place these jars on your toilet tank, counter, or shelving units. The best part? When an ornament falls off your tree (and they always do), you’ve got a backup stash right there.
Holiday-Themed Soap and Lotion Bottles
Why keep your regular soap dispensers out when you can have festive ones? Holiday-themed hand soaps and lotions are everywhere during the season, and they’re usually the same price as regular ones.
But here’s my secret hack: buy pretty holiday dispensers once, then refill them every year with regular soap. I’ve got these adorable ceramic Santa and reindeer dispensers that I bought five years ago. Every December, I fill them up, and instant bathroom upgrade!
Don’t forget about the guest soaps too. Those little decorative soaps shaped like snowflakes or Christmas trees? Perfect for the powder room when company comes over. Though honestly, nobody ever uses them – they’re too pretty!
Pine Garland Around the Mirror
Your bathroom mirror is prime real estate for holiday decorating. Draping pine garland around it creates this gorgeous frame effect that makes everything look more festive. Real or artificial? IMO, go artificial for the bathroom – the humidity will make real garland drop needles faster than my kids drop hints about presents.
Here’s how I secure mine:
- Command strips on the back of the mirror frame
- Fishing line for invisible support
- Small battery-operated lights woven through
Add some small ornaments or bows every 6-8 inches for extra pizzazz. The reflection doubles your decorating efforts, making the garland look twice as full. Just leave enough clear mirror space to actually see yourself!
Also Read: 15 Joyful Window Christmas Decor Ideas and Cozy Home Style
Festive Toilet Lid Covers
Okay, I know toilet lid covers might seem a bit old-school, but hear me out. Modern festive toilet covers are actually pretty cute and they’re an easy way to add holiday spirit to an otherwise boring fixture.
You can find everything from simple red velvet covers to full-on Santa face designs. My personal favorite? A subtle snowflake pattern that doesn’t scream “LOOK AT MY TOILET!” but adds a nice festive touch. Plus, they’re machine washable, so post-holiday cleanup is a breeze.
Christmas Wall Art Prints
Empty wall space in your bathroom? Time for some holiday prints! You don’t need expensive framed art – printables from Etsy or even free downloads work perfectly. Print them at home, pop them in simple frames, and you’ve got instant Christmas art.
I rotate three different prints above my towel rack:
- A funny Christmas bathroom quote
- A vintage holiday advertisement
- A simple “Let It Snow” typography
The frames stay up year-round; I just swap the prints seasonally. Takes five minutes and costs basically nothing if you already have frames. Smart decorating is all about working with what you’ve got!
Holiday-Themed Toothbrush Holders
This might sound weird, but switching out your toothbrush holder for a festive one actually makes a difference. Ever notice how you look at your toothbrush holder multiple times a day? Might as well make it cheerful!
I found this adorable ceramic Christmas tree toothbrush holder last year for $8. Every time I brush my teeth, it makes me smile. Sometimes it’s the little things, right? You can also DIY this by wrapping ribbon around your existing holder or adding small stickers that peel off easily.
Also Read: 15 Elegant Christmas Entryway Table Decor Ideas That Wow Guests
String Lights Around the Vanity
Nothing creates ambiance quite like string lights, and your bathroom vanity is the perfect spot for them. I’m talking about those tiny LED fairy lights that run on batteries – no electrical hazards here!
Wrap them around your mirror frame, drape them along the top of your medicine cabinet, or create a swag above your vanity. The soft glow makes everyone look better (holiday party prep win!) and creates this cozy, spa-like atmosphere.
Pro tip: get the ones with a timer function. Mine automatically turn on at 5 PM and off at 11 PM. Set it and forget it decorating at its finest!
DIY Snow Globe Display
Creating mini snow globe displays in your bathroom adds whimsy without taking up much space. You don’t need actual snow globes – mason jars work perfectly! Fill them with fake snow, tiny trees, and miniature ornaments, then display them on shelves or the back of your toilet.
Here’s my recipe for the perfect DIY snow globe:
- Mason jar (any size)
- Fake snow or epsom salt
- Mini bottle brush trees
- Tiny figurines or ornaments
- Hot glue gun
- Optional: glycerin and water for a real snow globe effect
Line up three different sizes for a gorgeous vignette. Kids absolutely love these, and they’re basically unbreakable – perfect for a bathroom setting.
Mini Wreaths on Cabinet Doors
Last but definitely not least, mini wreaths on your cabinet doors pull the whole festive bathroom look together. We’re talking 6-8 inch wreaths that add charm without overwhelming the space.
I use removable adhesive hooks to hang them – no drill holes required! You can buy mini wreaths for about $5 each, or make your own with wire frames and greenery from the craft store. Add a small bow, maybe some tiny ornaments, and you’re golden.
The best part about cabinet door wreaths? They’re at eye level, so you actually notice and enjoy them every day. Plus, opening a cabinet door decorated with a wreath just makes grabbing toilet paper feel more festive. Who knew?
Pulling It All Together
Alright, so you don’t have to do all 15 ideas at once (unless you’re feeling super ambitious). Pick 3-5 that speak to you and start there. The beauty of bathroom decorating is that it’s a small space, so even minimal effort yields maximum impact.
My go-to combo? Festive towels, a mini tree on the counter, some string lights around the mirror, and holiday hand soaps. Takes me 20 minutes to set up, costs less than a fancy dinner out, and makes me happy every single day of the season.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s adding joy to a space you use every day. Whether you go all out with every idea or just swap in some red towels, you’re spreading holiday cheer in your own way. And honestly? Your bathroom will probably look better than mine anyway. Happy decorating, friends!
