Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy a delicious meal, and give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. While many of us focus on decorating our living rooms and dining areas, the bathroom is often an overlooked part of the house. However, this essential space is one that guests will undoubtedly visit during the holidays. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to put in some effort to make it feel cozy and inviting. With some simple Thanksgiving bathroom decor touches, you can easily transform your bathroom into a festive fall oasis. You could add some autumnal-scented candles, hang up some seasonal towels or a wreath, or even place a small pumpkin or gourd on the vanity. These small touches will go a long way in making your bathroom feel warm and welcoming for your guests.
Bring Nature Indoors
One of the easiest ways to make your bathroom feel autumnal is to bring elements of nature indoors. Dried leaves, acorns, pinecones, branches and twigs are perfect for filling vases, jars, bowls or displaying in a decorative platter. You can forage for these items yourself or purchase them.
Arrange fallen leaves in the colors of fall – oranges, yellows and reds. Display branches in a tall vase or lean them against the wall. Pinecones add great texture and come in assorted sizes from tiny to oversized. For added visual interest, spray paint them metallic gold or silver.
Twigs bundled together into a log shape makes a great hand soap or toothbrush holder. Or weave them into a wreath shape and hang on the wall. Acorns are ideal for filling glass containers of all sizes and scattering them across the vanity and windowsill.
Incorporate faux florals and greenery as well. Plush sunflowers, colorful leaves, mini pumpkins, and cloth foliage garland liven up any bathroom. Drape the garland across mirrors, around sconces, and over cabinets for a quick dash of autumn.
Warm Up with Fall Colors
Nothing gets you into the Thanksgiving spirit faster than incorporating autumn’s vibrant hues. From burnt orange, mustard yellow, and ruby red to forest green and rustic brown, these colors embody the season.
Look for bathroom accessories like wastebaskets, soap dispensers, shower curtains, rugs, and towels in these warm shades. Use gold accents and black contrasts to make the colors pop even more. Switch out your bathroom mats, shower curtain and towels for ones with fall leaves, plaid, and pumpkin motifs.
For a coordinated look, paint one wall in a rich autumn tone like red or brown. This jewel-colored focal wall can provide a dramatic backdrop. Or paint your vanity a glossy chocolate brown for a mod look. Use washi tape to create a creative plaid design on your mirror.
Candles and faux florals in autumnal colors add more seasonal personality. Display vibrant red flowers or sunflowers in a vase on the vanity. Group together an assortment of ivory and orange candles in varying heights for bold impact. Their cozy glow casts a warm ambiance.
Light It Up
Lighting instantly makes any space feel more inviting. During the holidays when days are shorter, lighting becomes even more important.
For the bathroom vanity, sconces provide ideal task lighting. Go for rustic wrought iron wall sconces or modern brass fixtures. Warm incandescent bulbs give off cozy illumination, while LEDs offer bright crisp light. Use a dimmer switch to adjust the lighting as needed.
Candlelight adds flickering ambiance and visual interest. Group pillar candles, votives or tea lights on the corner of the bathtub, vanity top, or windowsill. Float candles in glass vases or bowls for ethereal light.
Rope lighting strung along the wall or around the mirror border creates a festive glow. Opt for classic warm white or go bold with fall hues like orange, red or amber. Set timers or get remote-controlled lights to easily control when they turn on and off.
Inside the shower or tub, waterproof string lights allow you to safely illuminate this space. Drape them along the ceiling or outline the tub. Their twinkling glow sets a relaxing mood.
Infuse Festive Scents
Aromatic scents naturally put us in the mood for Thanksgiving. Fill your bathroom with fragrances reminiscent of the holidays to delight your guests’ senses.
Scented candles come in delicious aromas like apple pie, cinnamon spice, clove pomander, and pumpkin pecan waffle. Place these mouthwatering candles on the vanity, windowsill or in the corner of the tub.
For a stronger scent, use a diffuser or oil warmer. Add essential oils like clove, nutmeg or ginger to the water. Warmers with a tea light can melt festive scented wax cubes.
Potpourri is another fantastic option for scenting your bathroom. Fill bowls or fabric sachets with clove studded oranges, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, dried leaves, rose hips and more. For DIY potpourri, add your favorite holiday spices and extracts to create custom blends.
Display fresh herbal bunches like eucalyptus, rosemary or thyme in vases. As guests wash hands, the running water will activate the plant oils and release their aromas. You can also hang them upside down to dry.
For an instant scent boost, use thanksgiving inspired soaps, hand wash and lotions. Look for festive scents like pumpkin maple pancakes, spiced pear cobbler and hot apple cider. These themed bath accessories scent every nook.
Warm Up with Plush Textiles
As temperatures drop, plush textiles will make your bathroom feel cozier. Swap out lightweight towels and rugs for extra plush versions. After a hot shower or bath, there’s nothing better than wrapping yourself in a oversized velour or cotton bath sheet.
Look for tub rugs and mats with extra cushioning and thickness. They’ll feel comforting underfoot when getting out of the shower or bath. For a pop of color, choose ones in rich autumnal tones.
Give bathrobes and slippers a boost for the holidays too. Swap out your worn ones for new thick terry or velour bathrobes. Upgrade to slippers lined with faux fur or fleece. Flannel PJs paired with your cozy bathrobe makes the perfect outfit after your bath.
For an extra layer of warmth, add a throw blanket on a bench or folding stool. Your guests will love wrapping themselves in the soft throw after using the facilities. Choose one in autumnal plaids or solids.
Create Mini Vignettes
Turn any empty corner, windowsill or ledge into a seasonal display. Mini vignettes with a few thoughtful items can create big visual impact when grouped artfully together.
For the bathtub, create a bath caddy set with candles, small pumpkins, and dried florals. Or fill a galvanized bucket with bath salts, essential oils, loofah, and a rolled up towel for a rustic Spa setup.
On a corner shelf, stack velvet pumpkins in shimmering metallics with natural jute woven baskets. Use one to hold a bundle of plush hand towels. Or anchor the display with a brass urn filled with foliage.
For the vanity, gather apothecary jars filled with cotton balls, swabs and accessories. Adorn with mini gourds, pine cones, and raffia bows. Display fresh flowers in vintage bottles for a charming still life.
Repurpose a wall mounted magazine rack to hold rolled up washcloths tied with raffia. Or fill it with neatly folded plaid hand towels. Place the rack within easy reach of the sink for convenience.
Infuse DIY Touches
Part of the charm of Thanksgiving bathroom decor is incorporating handmade elements. DIY projects allow you to add personal touches that reflect your taste and creativity.
One simple idea is to stencil “Thankful” or “Grateful” in large script on the bathroom walls. Use temporary wall decals or removable chalkboard paint if you don’t want something permanent.
Paint clay pots or glass jars in autumnal hues to use as toothbrush holders, cotton swab jars, or makeup brush caddies. Apply polka dots, stripes, or painted leaves for decorative flair.
Make towel toppers by sewing fabric leaf shapes and attaching rick rack ribbon. Layer them onto hand towel stacks for a handcrafted touch. You can also glue fake leaves onto bar soap for easy embellished soaps.
Use masking tape and acrylic paint to create a buffalo plaid pattern on candles, vases, and bottles. Wrap the tape diagonally across the vessel to make the iconic plaid checkers. Spray with an acrylic sealer so the paint doesn’t run when wet.
Craft natural potpourri inside wide mouth jars tied with burlap and raffia bows. Print free printable labels and attach them to your DIY blends for professional looking gifts.
Display Cheery Signage
Signage is an effortless way to instantly infuse Thanksgiving bathroom decor and meaning into your bathroom space. Pick phrases, blessings or lighthearted quips to encourage thankfulness and set the tone.
Paint or stencil inspirational quotes in whimsical fonts onto boards, canvas or directly on the walls. Display them on shelf ledges, hang them on hooks, or lean against the backsplash.
Some beautiful sentiments include: “Give Thanks”, “Thankful, Grateful, Blessed”, “Bless this Mess”, or Bible verses about gratitude.
Use vinyl or wood cutouts for quick and easy signs. These come premade so you can just peel and stick or hang them up. Find a cornucopia bounty, wreath, turkey or other nod to Thanksgiving.
For a fun frivolous touch, add signs like “Wash your troubles away”, “You’re so fresh and so clean”, or “Don’t forget to wash your wings”. Bathroom wit provides some entertainment for your guests.
Place signs near entryways, above the toilet, inside the shower, or on mirrors where they’re most visible. Change them out year after year or mix up new creative sayings.
Highlight Gourd-geous Accents
No Thanksgiving bathroom decor scheme is complete without incorporating pumpkins, gourds and squashes. Take advantage of these quintessential symbols of the harvest season for a classic autumnal look.
Fill a vintage crate, galvanized tub or wheelbarrow with mini pumpkins, acorn squash, yellow gourds and Indian corn. Stack them at staggered heights for variation. Arrange them on the floor, in the corner of the room, or atop antique crates.
Paint and embellish plain pumpkins to make them showstoppers. Glue on berries, mini pinecones, leaves or raffia bows. Paint mini pumpkins in glossy black or metallic copper, then cluster them on the vanity or windowsill.
Hollow out medium size sugar pumpkins to use as functional décor. Fill them with rolled up hand towels, bath salts, cotton rounds, Q-tips or seashell soaps. Carve out mini pie pumpkins to hold tealight candles.
For natural fall foliage, fashion mini pumpkins, acorns, leaves, and berries on wire stems. Tuck them into vases and jars for organic accents. Arrange longer wired wheat and faux sunflower stems in galvanized buckets or window planters.
Celebrate with Cornucopias
The cornucopia overflows with fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts and grains. Use mini versions of this horn-shaped symbol to show gratitude for abundance.
Hang shiny gold or silver cornucopias on the walls as dazzling art. Fill them with faux florals, hardy gourds, mini pumpkins, pinecones, or ears of Indian corn. For a natural look, use dried grasses and leaves as filler.
Small cornucopias make excellent vessels for accessories. Place them in a windowsill and fill with rolled washcloths. Or put one on the vanity to hold cotton balls and swabs. Fill paper cornucopias with popcorn or candies for guests to take.
For an elegant tablescape, display a horn-shaped platter filled with nuts, dried fruit, persimmons, pomegranates and kumquats. Surround it with twinkling candles and gilded accessories for visual richness. The colors and textures symbolize Harvest and Will be a talking point!
No matter where you display them in the bathroom, cornucopias always convey the classic Thanksgiving spirit. Their vibrant bounty reflects on the many blessings we receive.
Infuse Rustic Farmhouse Touches
Rustic farmhouse is a popular and soothing style for holiday decorating. Natural textures, worn finishes, and vintage finds embody cozy simplicity.
Introduce galvanized buckets, watering cans, tin tubs, and wire baskets. Fill them with bath salts, aromatic soaps, rolled towels, or seasonal flowers and foliage. Gather and display them on an antique bench or deep windowsill.
Incorporate wooden crates and boxes to stack rolled hand towels or to display candles and accessories. Line them with burlap or jute before filling for a downhome vibe. Use an oversized crate as a holder for extra TP rolls.
Add vintage inspired accents like ceramic pitchers, enamelware mugs, and lidded glass jars tied with gingham ribbon. Fill them with cotton balls, swabs, scrub brushes, soaps or bath toys. Gather them atop open shelving or in nooks.
Macramé wall hangings and planters lend bohemian flair. Display air plants or fountain grasses for hardy greenery. Hang macramé specimen holders filled with branches, dried foliage or live plants near the tub or shower. Their cascading textures feel earthy.
Mason jars painted in creamy ivories or light blues make charming fittings for vases and organizers when decorated with raffia bows. Vintage milk glass has a timeworn appeal layered atop open shelves or vanities.
Welcome Guests with Charm
Part of creating a festive atmosphere is making guests feel comfortable, pampered, and cared for. Place thoughtful touches that let them know you want their visit to be enjoyable.
Provide extra towels, bathmats, and robes so they feel warm and welcomed. Stock the shower or tub area with new soap bars, quality bath products, loofahs, and pampering accessories.
Supply shampoo, conditioner, body wash and other toiletries in case they’ve forgotten anything. Keep a well stocked basket of essentials guests may need like Q-tips, cotton balls, hair ties, lotions, etc.
Place freshly wrapped bars of floral or peppermint castile guest soaps in a pretty dish or basket. Infuse them with essential oils for homemade spa soaps. They’ll make guests feel pampered.
At the sink, provide high quality hand soap that smells amazing. Refresh hand towels daily so they are super plush and clean for each new guest.
Keep a spray bottle with a water and essential oil mix to lightly scent and refresh bathroom towels as needed between visits. It’s a thoughtful personalized touch.
Design a Soothing Sanctuary
During the busy holidays, your bathroom should be designed as a tranquil oasis from all the hustle and bustle. A spa-like atmosphere helps everyone decompress.
Use calming colors like tranquil blues, soothing greens, and misty greys. They naturally lower energy and relax the senses. Burn relaxing lavender or eucalyptus scented candles to enhance the zen vibe.
Minimize visual clutter and embrace peaceful organization. Neatly stack plush towels, contain bath accessories in matching bins and jars, and keep counters clean and clear. Allow breathing room between displays.
Finally
Incorporate greenery from live plants, cut branches and eucalyptus stems. Water features like a small tabletop fountain also soothe with pleasant trickling. Hang dripping terrariums for added serenity with these Thanksgiving bathroom decors.
Set the perfect ambiance for your Thanksgiving celebration by crafting a festive tablescape adorned with a charming ceramic turkey centerpiece; complement the cozy atmosphere with soft instrumental melodies like acoustic guitar or piano, drowning out household noises, while maintaining a warm and serene glow through layered, low lighting, enhanced by the addition of a Himalayan salt lamp.
Provide a comfortable space to unwind like a cushioned bench or stools. This encourages guests to slow down and take a moment for themselves amid the hustle and bustle of celebrations.
FAQs
What are some quick and easy ways to decorate a bathroom for Thanksgiving?
Some fast and simple ideas include:
- Swap out hand towels and bathmats for ones with fall/Thanksgiving motifs
- Drape string lights along the mirror or around sconces
- Fill a vase with fall foliage like leaves, branches, and dried grasses
- Place a mini wooden sign on the counter or mirror with a seasonal quote
- Set out autumn scented candles like pumpkin pie or apple cider
- Scatter small pumpkins, gourds and pinecones around the room
How can I incorporate DIY projects when decorating my bathroom for Thanksgiving?
Get creative with these DIY ideas:
- Paint and stain small wood slices to use as tray for soap or candles
- Decorate plain pumpkins with burlap, ribbon, paint, and added embellishments
- Make towel toppers by sewing on leaves cut from fabric
- Craft natural potpourri using your favorite spices and extracts
- Use removable vinyl or chalkboard paint to stencil quotes on the walls
- Glue faux leaves and berries onto plain white candleholders
What type of lighting helps create a warm cozy vibe in a Thanksgiving bathroom?
Look for lighting options like:
- Candles in autumn colors and scents placed around the room
- String lights lined along the tub/shower ceiling or above the mirror
- Wall sconces with Edison bulbs or other warm lighting on each side of the mirror
- Tabletop lamp with amber or yellow shade to provide soft glow
- Night light with fall leaves projection for ambiance at night