Festive or Tacky? Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Bathroom Decor

Have you ever wondered if you could extend the holiday cheer into every corner of your home, including the bathroom? You’re not alone. This guide explores the growing trend of festive bathroom decor, from elegant touches to the much-debated Christmas-themed toilet, giving you plenty of inspiration for your own space.

The Great Debate: Decorating the Toilet for Christmas

The question posed in the ad, “Would you decorate your toilet like this for Christmas?” touches on a surprisingly divisive topic. For some, it’s a fun, whimsical way to surprise guests and commit fully to the holiday spirit. For others, it crosses a line into tackiness or raises questions about hygiene. Both viewpoints are valid, and the “right” answer is simply a matter of personal taste.

Those who love it often point to the joy and humor it brings. Imagine a guest’s surprise when they discover a cheerful snowman toilet seat cover or a roll of festive toilet paper. It’s an unexpected detail that shows a playful personality. On the other hand, those who find it “unacceptable” often worry about cleanliness. Fabric seat covers and floor mats require frequent washing, and some feel that decorations can make a functional space feel cluttered.

Ultimately, there are many ways to approach this trend. You can go all-out with a matching set or add a single, subtle touch. Here are some common ways people decorate the toilet itself:

Themed Seat Covers and Mat Sets: These are the most popular option. You can find sets that transform your toilet into Santa Claus, a snowman, a reindeer, or an elf. Brands like Elcoho or Lomohoo on Amazon offer a wide variety of these humorous sets.
Festive Toilet Paper: Yes, this is a real thing. You can buy toilet paper printed with holiday patterns like holly, snowflakes, or even little Santas. It’s a small, temporary touch that’s sure to get a reaction.
Tank Toppers and Decals: A simple way to add flair is to place a festive item on the toilet tank, like a small ceramic Christmas tree or a figurine of a reindeer. You can also apply removable vinyl decals to the tank or lid for a less bulky decoration.

Beyond the Toilet: Creating a Cohesive Christmas Bathroom

Whether you decide to decorate the throne or not, you can still create a wonderfully festive atmosphere in the rest of the bathroom. The key is to choose a theme and stick with it. This prevents the space from feeling chaotic and instead makes it look thoughtfully designed.

Theme 1: Winter Wonderland

This theme is elegant, serene, and easy to coordinate. It relies on a cool color palette and natural textures to create the feeling of a peaceful, snowy landscape.

Colors: Focus on whites, silvers, and icy blues.
Shower Curtain: Choose a shower curtain with a subtle snowflake pattern or a simple, crisp white one. A great example is the iDesign Anzu Bathroom Shower Curtain in a wintery print.
Towels: Swap your regular towels for plush white or silver-gray ones. You can find beautiful options at stores like Pottery Barn or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Accessories: Fill a clear glass vase with silver and blue ornaments. Use a silver soap dispenser and toothbrush holder. Add snowflake window clings to the mirror or window for a frosted look.
Scent: Complete the atmosphere with a pine or eucalyptus-scented candle or reed diffuser.

Theme 2: Classic Red and Green

You can’t go wrong with the traditional colors of Christmas. This theme is cheerful, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable.

Colors: Bold reds, deep greens, and pops of white or gold.
Shower Curtain: A plaid or tartan pattern is a perfect choice for this theme. Look for a fabric curtain to add a touch of warmth.
Towels: Go for deep green or rich red hand towels. Bonus points if they have embroidered details like holly leaves or reindeer.
Accessories: Place a small, faux poinsettia on the counter. Use red and green soap bars. Hang a small boxwood wreath on the door or a wall.
Scent: A cinnamon, clove, or orange spice scent works beautifully with this classic theme.

Theme 3: Rustic Farmhouse Holiday

This theme is cozy, warm, and inspired by nature. It’s perfect for creating a welcoming, down-to-earth holiday vibe.

Colors: Creamy whites, browns, forest green, and hints of barn red.
Shower Curtain: A simple linen or burlap-textured shower curtain in a neutral color sets the stage.
Towels: Look for towels in neutral tones like oatmeal or beige. You can tie a sprig of real or faux pine to the towel rack with a piece of twine.
Accessories: This is where you can get creative with natural elements. Fill a wire basket with pinecones. Use mason jars for holding cotton balls or Q-tips, perhaps with a plaid ribbon tied around the rim. A small, rustic wooden sign with a holiday message like “Joy” or “Peace” can be a charming addition.
Scent: Cedarwood or balsam fir scents enhance the rustic, woodsy feel.

Simple Swaps and Creative Setups

You don’t need to do a complete overhaul to make your bathroom feel festive. Sometimes, a few small, creative changes are all it takes.

Switch the Soap: One of the easiest changes is to swap your regular hand soap for a holiday-scented one. Brands like Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day release seasonal scents like “Iowa Pine” or “Orange Clove,” and Bath & Body Works is famous for its “Winter Candy Apple” and “Vanilla Bean Noel” foaming soaps.
Use Fairy Lights: Battery-powered fairy lights are incredibly versatile. Bunch them up inside a large glass jar or apothecary canister for a magical glow on your countertop.
Update Your Artwork: If you have framed art in your bathroom, consider swapping it out for the season. You can find thousands of affordable, festive prints on sites like Etsy that you can download and print yourself.
Create a Festive Tray: Use a small decorative tray on your counter as a base. Arrange a few items on it, such as a holiday-scented candle, a small bottle of lotion, and a couple of shiny ornaments. This keeps things organized and looks intentional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I decorate a small bathroom without making it feel cluttered? For small spaces, focus on vertical decorations and simple swaps. Use window clings on the mirror, hang a small wreath on the door, and switch out your hand soap and towels. Avoid bulky countertop decorations and floor mats that can make the room feel smaller.

Is it hygienic to use a fabric toilet seat cover? It can be, as long as you commit to washing it regularly. Treat fabric bathroom accessories like you would any other towel or bathmat. It’s recommended to wash them at least once a week in hot water to keep them clean and fresh.

What are some kid-friendly bathroom decoration ideas? Kids often love the most whimsical decorations. A snowman or Santa toilet seat cover is usually a big hit. You can also use fun, cartoonish window clings of reindeer and elves. A rubber ducky dressed as Santa for the bathtub is another simple, playful touch.