19 Christmas Bathroom Decor Ideas on a Dime

Nobody decorates the bathroom for Christmas, which is exactly why a tiny bit of effort there gets noticed. I started with one small wreath on the mirror, and now the bathroom is the room guests comment on most. These christmas Bathroom decor ideas are all cheap, quick, and easy to undo in January, with honest costs and the small mistakes I made along the way. (see also: christmas-bedroom-decor-ideas) (see also: christmas-mantel-decor-ideas) (see also: budget-christmas-decor) Save this idea for your December clean, because that is the easiest moment to add the festive touches.

1. Mini Wreath on the Bathroom Mirror

I reach for mini wreath on the bathroom mirror whenever I want the room to feel finished but my budget is tight. A mini wreath on the bathroom mirror is a small surprise that makes the whole room feel festive. First, pick a light wreath so it does not strain the mirror. Then hang it from a ribbon loop over the top of the mirror. Finally, check it does not block the light when you look in it. The first time I tried this I skipped measuring and had to redo the whole thing, so now I measure twice. It takes minutes, costs very little, and it makes the whole space feel looked after.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 5 minutes

2. Red Hand Towels with a Festive Fold

This one is simple, cheap, and it gets compliments every single time someone walks in. Red hand towels folded neatly are the simplest Christmas change a bathroom can get. First, wash and press the towels so they look fresh. Then fold each one into thirds and hang it on the rail. Finally, add a small sprig of pine behind the top fold for a festive touch. I set this up on a Sunday afternoon and my mum asked where I had bought it, which still makes me smile. Step back, check it from the doorway, and tweak one thing until it feels right.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 10 minutes

3. Pine Sprig in a Small Vase by the Sink

Pine Sprig in a Small Vase by the Sink works because it uses things you probably already have lying around the house. A pine sprig in a small vase by the sink brings the smell of Christmas into the bathroom. First, cut a fresh sprig and trim the stem. Then fill the vase halfway with water. Finally, set it beside the tap where it will not get splashed. My first attempt looked lopsided, so I stepped back, moved one piece, and suddenly it clicked. That is the whole trick: one small change, done well, beats a trolley full of new decor.

Pro tip: take a photo from the doorway before you call it done. The camera shows clutter your eyes miss.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 5 minutes

4. Christmas Soap Dispenser Swap

If you only try one idea from this list, make it this one. It is quick, cheap, and it shows. Swapping the soap dispenser for a festive one is a two-minute change with a big effect. First, pick a dispenser in red, green, or gold. Then fill it with your usual hand soap. Finally, set it on the sink where it replaces the everyday bottle. I use this setup every day now, and the part that helped most was keeping only what I actually reach for. Live with it for a week before you change anything. You will know fast if it earns its spot.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 5 minutes

5. Berry Garland Around the Mirror

Berry Garland Around the Mirror looks far more expensive than it is, which is exactly the point on a tight budget. A berry garland around the mirror adds Christmas colour to the bathroom without taking up any counter space. First, measure the mirror and cut the garland to fit. Then hang it with small clear hooks around the frame. Finally, check the berries are spread evenly, not bunched in one corner. I almost skipped this one because it sounded too simple, and now it is the thing guests notice first. Keep the total low, reuse what you have, and let the room stay easy to tidy at the end of the day.

Cost: ~$9 | Time: 10 minutes

6. Scented Candle on the Bath Tray

Scented Candle on the Bath Tray is one of those small changes that makes the whole table feel ready for the season without a big spend. A scented candle on the bath tray turns an ordinary bath into a Christmas treat. First, set the candle on the tray where it will not get splashed. Then light it before you run the bath. Finally, blow it out before you get out, and never leave it burning unattended. Last year I rushed this and it fell apart by dinner, so this year I gave it ten extra minutes and it held. It takes minutes, costs very little, and it makes the whole space feel looked after.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 5 minutes

7. Plaid Shower Curtain for December

I reach for plaid shower curtain for december whenever I want the room to feel finished but my budget is tight. A plaid shower curtain in red and green makes the whole bathroom feel like December. First, take down the old curtain and wash the liner. Then hang the plaid curtain on the same rings. Finally, pull it closed once to check it hangs evenly. I learned this the cheap way: the bargain version did the same job as the fancy one, so I stopped overpaying. Step back, check it from the doorway, and tweak one thing until it feels right.

Cost: ~$14 | Time: 10 minutes

8. Ornaments in a Glass Jar on the Shelf

This one is simple, cheap, and it gets compliments every single time someone walks in. Ornaments in a glass jar on the shelf add sparkle to the bathroom without any work at all. First, pick a clean glass jar with a wide mouth. Then fill it loosely with small ornaments in red and gold. Finally, set the jar on the shelf where the light catches it. I made the mistake of buying the pricey version first, then found the same look for a few dollars at a thrift shop. That is the whole trick: one small change, done well, beats a trolley full of new decor.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 5 minutes

9. Snowflake Window Clings on the Glass

Snowflake Window Clings on the Glass works because it uses things you probably already have lying around the house. Snowflake window clings on the bathroom glass turn a plain window into a winter scene. First, clean the glass so the clings stick properly. Then peel and press the snowflakes on, starting from the top. Finally, step back and check the pattern from outside as well as inside. The first time I tried this I skipped measuring and had to redo the whole thing, so now I measure twice. Live with it for a week before you change anything. You will know fast if it earns its spot.

Pro tip: if it wobbles, it is not finished. A dot of museum putty under the base fixes most wobbles.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 10 minutes

10. Festive Bath Mat in Deep Green

If you only try one idea from this list, make it this one. It is quick, cheap, and it shows. A festive bath mat in deep green is a practical change that also makes the bathroom feel like Christmas. First, wash the mat so it is fresh for December. Then lay it flat in front of the bath or sink. Finally, smooth out any curls at the edges so it does not trip anyone. I set this up on a Sunday afternoon and my mum asked where I had bought it, which still makes me smile. Keep the total low, reuse what you have, and let the room stay easy to tidy at the end of the day.

Cost: ~$11 | Time: 5 minutes

11. Small Tree on the Bathroom Counter

Small Tree on the Bathroom Counter looks far more expensive than it is, which is exactly the point on a tight budget. A small tree on the bathroom counter is a funny, charming touch that guests always comment on. First, pick a tiny tree that fits the counter without crowding it. Then set it in a small pot. Finally, add a few miniature ornaments and keep it away from the tap. My first attempt looked lopsided, so I stepped back, moved one piece, and suddenly it clicked. It takes minutes, costs very little, and it makes the whole space feel looked after.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 10 minutes

12. Candy Cane Stripe Towel Ring

Candy Cane Stripe Towel Ring is one of those small changes that makes the whole table feel ready for the season without a big spend. A candy cane stripe towel ring is a tiny detail that makes the bathroom feel dressed for Christmas. First, wrap red and white ribbon around a plain towel ring. Then secure the ends with a dot of glue. Finally, hang a white hand towel on it so the stripes show. I use this setup every day now, and the part that helped most was keeping only what I actually reach for. Step back, check it from the doorway, and tweak one thing until it feels right.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 15 minutes

13. Pinecone Soap Dish Made at Home

I reach for pinecone soap dish made at home whenever I want the room to feel finished but my budget is tight. A pinecone soap dish is a clever little craft that looks far more expensive than it is. First, pick a flat pinecone and clean it thoroughly. Then glue it to a small wooden base so it sits level. Finally, set the soap on top and keep it by the sink. I almost skipped this one because it sounded too simple, and now it is the thing guests notice first. That is the whole trick: one small change, done well, beats a trolley full of new decor.

Cost: ~$5 | Time: 20 minutes

14. Twinkle Lights Around the Vanity Mirror

This one is simple, cheap, and it gets compliments every single time someone walks in. Twinkle lights around the vanity mirror make the bathroom glow softly in the evening. First, run the lights around the frame with small clear hooks. Then hide the battery pack behind the mirror or in a drawer. Finally, switch them on at dusk and check they do not shine in your eyes. Last year I rushed this and it fell apart by dinner, so this year I gave it ten extra minutes and it held. Live with it for a week before you change anything. You will know fast if it earns its spot.

Cost: ~$10 | Time: 15 minutes

15. Holiday Hand Soap in a Pretty Bottle

Holiday Hand Soap in a Pretty Bottle works because it uses things you probably already have lying around the house. Holiday hand soap in a pretty bottle is the smallest Christmas change with the biggest payoff. First, pick a soap with a festive scent like pine or cinnamon. Then pour it into a pretty pump bottle if the original is plain. Finally, set it on the sink where guests will use it. I learned this the cheap way: the bargain version did the same job as the fancy one, so I stopped overpaying. Keep the total low, reuse what you have, and let the room stay easy to tidy at the end of the day.

Pro tip: buy the clearance version after the season starts, not before, and you will pay half as much.

Cost: ~$7 | Time: 5 minutes

16. Eucalyptus and Berry Bundle on the Shower Head

If you only try one idea from this list, make it this one. It is quick, cheap, and it shows. A eucalyptus and berry bundle on the shower head releases its scent in the steam. First, tie the stems together with twine. Then hang the bundle from the shower head, away from the direct spray. Finally, replace it every couple of weeks when the scent fades. I made the mistake of buying the pricey version first, then found the same look for a few dollars at a thrift shop. It takes minutes, costs very little, and it makes the whole space feel looked after.

Cost: ~$8 | Time: 5 minutes

17. Christmas Print in a Small Frame

Christmas Print in a Small Frame looks far more expensive than it is, which is exactly the point on a tight budget. A Christmas print in a small frame on the bathroom shelf adds a festive touch for very little money. First, print a simple festive image at home. Then pop it into a small frame you already own. Finally, lean it on the shelf where it will not get splashed. The first time I tried this I skipped measuring and had to redo the whole thing, so now I measure twice. Step back, check it from the doorway, and tweak one thing until it feels right.

Cost: ~$6 | Time: 10 minutes

18. Red and White Striped Bath Rug

Red and White Striped Bath Rug is one of those small changes that makes the whole table feel ready for the season without a big spend. A red and white striped bath rug brings Christmas colour to the bathroom floor. First, wash the rug so it is fresh for December. Then lay it flat in front of the bath. Finally, smooth out the edges so it sits neatly and does not slide. I set this up on a Sunday afternoon and my mum asked where I had bought it, which still makes me smile. That is the whole trick: one small change, done well, beats a trolley full of new decor.

Cost: ~$12 | Time: 5 minutes

19. Gift-Wrapped Tissue Box Cover

I reach for gift-wrapped tissue box cover whenever I want the room to feel finished but my budget is tight. A gift-wrapped tissue box cover turns an ugly box into a Christmas decoration. First, wrap the tissue box in festive wrapping paper like a present. Then cut a slit in the top for the tissues. Finally, add a small bow and set it on the counter. My first attempt looked lopsided, so I stepped back, moved one piece, and suddenly it clicked. Live with it for a week before you change anything. You will know fast if it earns its spot.

Cost: ~$4 | Time: 15 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it worth decorating the bathroom for Christmas?

A: Yes, because it is the room guests use most, and one small wreath or a festive towel makes the whole house feel finished.

Q: What is the cheapest Christmas bathroom decoration?

A: A pine sprig in a small vase costs almost nothing and makes the room smell like Christmas.

Q: How do I keep bathroom decorations dry?

A: Keep paper and fabric decorations away from the shower and the sink, and use plastic or glass pieces near water.