A Provencal-style bathroom combines elegance, cosiness, and warmth, introducing a French ambiance into the interior. This style, inspired by the picturesque landscapes of Provence, has a unique character that perfectly creates a relaxing space in every room. In this article, we will show you how to create a Provencal-style bathroom to fully capture its unique charm and atmosphere.
What Will You Learn from This Article?
Designing a Provencal-style bathroom is the perfect way to bring southern France into your home at a low cost. Discover how to step-by-step create the perfect Provencal arrangement by selecting the right colours, furniture, and accessories. Moreover, read about:
- What elements to choose to create a Provencal-style bathroom?
- What materials best capture the atmosphere of a Provencal interior?
- What to pay attention to when designing a small bathroom in this style?
What Are the Characteristics of a Provencal-Style Bathroom?
A Provencal-style bathroom is primarily about cosiness, natural materials, and subtle elegance. In such an interior, light colours dominate, along with delicate patterns and warm shades like warm beiges, soft yellows, or white. Furniture on curved legs and the ubiquitous wood play the most important role in the entire arrangement. It's a style that impresses with its simplicity but is full of refined details such as decorations, carvings, or porcelain knobs.
- Colour Scheme – Provencal bathrooms are bright and spacious, with light colours as the foundation, as they add freshness to the interior and also visually enlarge it.
- Materials – natural materials are very often used in the Provencal style. For example, ceramic tiles with a delicate pattern or travertine walls fit perfectly with its character.
- Furniture and Accessories – it is worthwhile knowing that the Provencal-style bathroom is largely distinguished by furniture and warm light sources. A simple wooden cabinet under the sink or even an upholstered chair in an aged frame is one of the many proposals you can use yourself!
The Foundation of the Provencal Style – Bright Colours and Natural Materials
Are you wondering how a Provencal bathroom should look? The most important thing is the right colour scheme and materials used for the arrangement. They must primarily introduce a warm and natural ambiance into the interior. To achieve an authentic Provencal style, it is necessary to choose the right colours that reflect the idyllic character of southern France.
Bright colours play a leading role here – mainly shades of white, beige, and pastel colours like blue, mint, or lavender. These colours evoke endless purple fields and the bright sunlight present in Provence throughout most of the year. These colours not only bring calmness to the bathroom but also optically enlarge the space, which is particularly important in smaller rooms.
Tiles for a Provencal-Style Bathroom – What to Put on the Walls?
The finish of the walls is another important element that affects the final character of a Provencal bathroom. Therefore, in this case, ceramic tiles with a delicate pattern such as floral motifs or a smooth texture in light shades are an excellent choice. They make the interior more cosy and also easier to keep clean. An alternative can be painted walls that give the interior a subtle, almost rustic character. If you want to add more expression to the bathroom, Provencal brick is an excellent choice – its aged look and natural texture fit perfectly with the rustic atmosphere of the interior.
For floors, stone or wood materials are the best choice. They complement the Provencal-style arrangement, giving the interior warmth and authenticity. The floor should be kept in neutral colours like beige, grey, or sandy shades. Wooden variants can be either natural or aged, further highlighting the character of such an interior. Stone, on the other hand, not only adds elegance but is also durable and moisture-resistant, making it a practical choice for a bathroom.
Furniture and Accessories for a Provencal Bathroom
Provencal-style bathroom furniture is the essence of this aesthetic. Characteristic of Provence are simple models with classic shapes, often made of wood or wicker. The furniture can be aged or decorated with delicate carvings.
- Cabinet Under the Provencal Sink – it's one of the main elements of the interior that should be both functional and tasteful. A cabinet under the sink in Provencal style should have subtle decorations, porcelain knobs, and curved legs. This piece, made of natural wood or its imitation, will fit perfectly within the warm, rustic character of a bathroom, emphasizing its Provencal vibe.
- Freestanding Bathtub – it's the focal point of a Provencal bathroom. Bathtubs in this style often have an oval shape and are made from elegant materials like brass or stone. An interesting solution can also be a bathtub with carved details or an ornate frame.
It's also worth paying attention to accessories that will add warmth and cosiness to the interior. Provencal bathroom furniture can be complemented with elements such as a mirror in an ornate frame, porcelain bathroom accessories, soft rugs with a delicate pattern, or lavender accents.
Lighting in a Provencal-Style Bathroom
Do you want to design a Provencal-style bathing room? Remember, therefore, about lighting. Properly matched light sources significantly affect both the atmosphere and functionality of the interior. Lighting plays a key role in the arrangement of a retro-style bathroom, as it accounts for the proper reception of the bathroom. Therefore, gentle, warm light dominates, creating a cosy and relaxing space. Wall sconces and lamps with lampshades fit perfectly into this climate, as they add subtlety to the interior and create a romantic atmosphere. These solutions not only fulfill a practical role but also serve as an important decorative element.
You can also apply:
- Wall Sconces – delicate metal sconces with porcelain lampshades or wrought iron elements perfectly match the Provencal style. Mounted on both sides of the mirror, they add elegance to the interior and pleasantly diffuse the light.
- Lamps with Lampshades – table or hanging lamps with a shade, made of fabric in a light colour, give the interior a soft climate. The soft light spreading from such lamps introduces a cosy, home atmosphere characteristic of Provencal interiors.
- Chandeliers – if the bathroom has enough space, an ornamental chandelier with brass or wrought-iron elements can be a real interior decoration. Provencal-style chandeliers are often adorned with small bas-reliefs and have subtle finishes, adding luxury to the bathroom.
- Natural Light – large windows are an inseparable element of the Provencal style, as they let in the maximum amount of natural light into the bathroom. If you have the opportunity, it's worth opting for large glass windows or light, sheer curtains that do not block sunlight.
- Candles – in bathrooms inspired by Provence, candles are often used as an additional light source, adding a romantic atmosphere to the interior. They can be placed on the freestanding bathtub, shelves, or the cabinet top.
Well-chosen lighting accentuates the beauty of natural materials like wood or stone, and it also highlights other decor elements such as ornamented mirror frames or small carvings. To maintain balance, it's best to avoid overly bright and cold light sources which can disrupt the gentle atmosphere of the interior.
A Provencal-Style Bathroom – Ideal for Small Spaces
Do you have a small bathroom? Don't worry; that doesn't mean you have to give up on the Provencal style. A small bathing space can be not only functional but also full of charm if you use the right design solutions. The main challenge is visually enlarging the space. This effect can be achieved through light colours, appropriate lighting, and smart arrangement of furniture and accessories.
White, warm beiges, and pastel shades of blue and mint are ideal colours adding lightness and freshness to a small space. It's also important to ensure well-chosen light sources – not only ceiling lamps but also wall-mounted sconces. Soft, warm light reflecting off the light surfaces makes the Provencal bathroom look more spacious.
A Provencal-Style Bathing Space – A Bathroom You Can Have!
To further enlarge the bathing room, don't forget about properly chosen mirrors. Large mirrors, especially those with ornate frames in the Provencal style, not only enhance the aesthetics and vibe of the bathroom but also optically enlarge it. Installing a mirror above the sink or even on the entire wall is a great way to increase the sense of space.
For small bathrooms, special attention should be paid to furniture. Furniture on curved legs – typical of the Provencal style – brings lightness and subtlety to the interior. Using a cabinet under the sink with delicate embellishments and porcelain knobs makes the interior look elegant while not being overwhelmed with heavy furniture. A simple cabinet with minimalist decorations is also a good solution, as it does not disrupt the harmony prevailing in the small space.
A Bathroom Also Needs to Be Functional!
Additionally, it's worth having clever storage solutions, such as wall-mounted shelves or built-in cabinets, that help keep things organized without taking up too much space. As a result, a Provencal-style interior won't be overwhelmed with too many items, but will convey a sense of spaciousness and aesthetics.
As you can see, even a small bathroom can successfully use the Provencal style. The key to success is bright colours, practical solutions, appropriately chosen furniture, and lighting. These factors together create a cosy and charming interior that perfectly captures the atmosphere of Provence.
A Small Provencal-Style Bathroom – It Will Work for You Too!
Designing a Provencal-style bathroom is a wonderful way to create a warm, cosy interior that brings the sunny atmosphere of Provence into your home. Simply combine the right colours, use natural materials, employ elegant furniture, and appropriately selected accessories. Whether you're designing a spacious bathroom or a small room, the Provencal style adds elegance and character to any interior. It's worth choosing wood, stone, delicate patterns, and natural light to create a space perfect for everyday relaxation.
If you dream of a Provencal-style bathroom, remember that its character can be achieved even in small spaces. The right bathroom furniture, ceramic tiles, and well-chosen lighting will create a space where you feel like you're in southern France, among endless fields of lavender.