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You know how some people go all out with fall decor in their living rooms and kitchens, but then totally forget about the bathroom? Guilty… that was me for years. I’d throw pumpkins on the mantel, switch my throw pillows to burnt orange, and light every pumpkin spice candle I could find—but then I’d walk into my bathroom and it felt like a completely different season. Cold. Bare. Almost like fall hadn’t gotten the memo.
This image is by AI for inspiration only.
So last year, I decided to change that. I challenged myself to give my bathroom a cozy, autumn-inspired refresh without making it feel cluttered or like I’d accidentally opened a pumpkin patch inside. And you know what? It worked. Every time I walk in, I get that same warm, seasonal vibe I love in the rest of the house.
Here are the fall bathroom decor ideas I used to create the look—and how you can pull them off too.
Start with Warm, Earthy Textiles
The fastest way I brought fall into my bathroom was by swapping out the linens. I traded my usual crisp white towels for ones in warm shades—burnt orange, deep forest green, and a rich mustard yellow. I even layered in a striped Turkish hand towel with rust and cream tones.
The bath mat? I switched it out for a plush, terracotta-colored one that instantly made the space feel cozier underfoot. Honestly, textiles do half the work for you when it comes to seasonal decorating.
This image is by AI for inspiration only.
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Add a Touch of Nature
Nothing says fall like bringing the outdoors in. I styled a little bundle of dried eucalyptus in a ceramic vase on the vanity. Not only does it add texture, but it also gives off that subtle, earthy scent. If eucalyptus isn’t your thing, branches with colorful leaves (fake or real), dried wheat stalks, or even pinecones in a bowl can give the same effect.
It’s those little natural touches that make the space feel less sterile and more like a warm autumn retreat.
Swap Out the Shower Curtain
This one might sound small, but it made a big difference. My old shower curtain was plain white (classic, but kind of blah). For fall, I switched it to a deep rust-colored curtain with subtle linen texture. Suddenly, the whole bathroom looked like it belonged in October.
If bold isn’t your thing, you could go with a neutral curtain that has a muted plaid or even a botanical print in warm tones.
Layer in Fall Scents
I’m a sucker for seasonal scents, and the bathroom is the perfect place for them. I added a candle on the shelf—my go-to is “Pumpkin Clove” from Anthropologie, which makes the whole room smell like fall baking. I also keep a small amber glass diffuser with cinnamon and vanilla oil blends near the sink.
It’s subtle, but when you step into the bathroom and smell warm spices instead of just soap, it really sets the mood.
Update the Wall Art (Yes, Even in the Bathroom)
People forget that bathrooms can have art too! I swapped out a small framed print for something with fall tones—a watercolor of autumn leaves I found on Etsy. Even just one piece of seasonal art makes a big difference because bathrooms are usually minimal to begin with.
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And pro tip: you don’t have to buy new art. You can print seasonal free downloads online and pop them into frames you already own. Budget-friendly and festive.
Bring in Cozy Storage
Baskets are basically the fall MVP. I used a woven seagrass basket to hold rolled-up towels and a smaller one for extra toilet paper. It gave me functional storage but also added that rustic, cozy vibe that screams autumn cottage.
If you have open shelving in your bathroom, styling baskets with a few amber glass jars, folded towels, or a pumpkin or two makes it both practical and seasonal.
Add Subtle Seasonal Accessories
This is where it’s easy to go overboard (I’m looking at you, glitter pumpkins). Instead of flooding the space with seasonal trinkets, I kept it simple: a small ceramic pumpkin on the vanity tray, a copper soap dispenser, and a little amber glass jar filled with cotton swabs.
It’s just enough to make it feel festive without turning it into a fall gift shop.
This image is by AI for inspiration only.
Play with Warm Lighting
Bathrooms tend to have bright, sometimes harsh lighting, which doesn’t exactly scream cozy. I swapped out my cool-toned bulbs for warm white LEDs, and it instantly gave the bathroom a softer, more inviting glow. If you’re lucky enough to have counter space, you could even add a little lamp with a warm-toned shade for that extra autumn coziness.
Cozy Up the Floor (If You Can)
If your bathroom is big enough, consider layering a small vintage rug or runner instead of the standard bath mat. I found a washable Persian-style rug in shades of rust and navy that gave my bathroom serious fall character. It made the space feel less utilitarian and more like an actual styled room.
Don’t Forget the Mirror Moment
Here’s one of my favorite hacks: I draped a small faux fall garland (think subtle leaves, muted oranges, and creams) around the edge of my bathroom mirror. It was the simplest little DIY, but every time I catch my reflection, the cozy vibe makes me smile.
Wrapping It Up: The Coziest Bathroom Season Yet
Now, when I walk into my bathroom, it doesn’t feel like a forgotten corner of the house. It feels like part of the seasonal story my home tells every fall. From the warm towels to the dried eucalyptus and that faint pumpkin-spice scent in the air, it’s become one of my favorite little seasonal refreshes.
And here’s the best part—it didn’t take much. A few swaps, a little creativity, and suddenly the bathroom feels like a warm, autumn retreat. So if you’ve been overlooking your bathroom when decorating for fall, consider this your sign: it deserves some cozy seasonal love too.
