How to Decorate Your Bathroom Cabinet with Vintage Flair
Add charm to your bathroom with this easy medicine cabinet makeover using scrapbook paper and whimsical bee magnets. Simple, fun, and budget-friendly!
Are you searching for a simple project that will make you smile every day? You might be surprised by how much joy a tiny makeover can bring—especially when it’s in a space you use every single day, like your bathroom. Today I’m sharing a quirky little project that gave our upstairs bath an unexpected sprinkle of fun and function: a whimsical medicine cabinet makeover!
If you’ve been following along, you may recall me saying that it’s the small things in life that bring me the most happiness. I truly mean that. Whether it’s the wallpaper inside our closets, the chandelier Mr. Vintage built for me (yes, inside a closet!), or the little fancy touches that make a room feel special—I believe in surrounding ourselves with things that spark joy. Life has gotten so complicated, and if I can reclaim even a tiny sliver of simplicity and delight, I’m going to take it.
Life’s Too Short for Boring Cabinets
Let’s be honest: medicine cabinets are often overlooked. They’re utilitarian. They serve a purpose. But they don’t have to be boring. Our medicine cabinet is original to the house, and I adore that about it. It’s massive, with so much storage space—definitely a rarity in newer homes. But the outside? Painted ivory with dry-brushed gold detailing that I’ve never been too fond of. It’s one of those features that’s always been on my mental to-do list, and I’ve finally decided it was time to give it a touch of cheer.
I’ve been debating what color to paint the frame—black feels too dark, white too washed out, and gray? Maybe. It would tie in nicely with the yellow, white, and gray theme we have in this bathroom, with just a few black accents sprinkled throughout. But while I mull over paint colors, I decided to start small—with a bit of whimsy hidden inside the cabinet.
Throwing Practicality Out the Window… Just a Little
Now, I’ll be the first to admit I have a soft spot for projects that make people scratch their heads. The ones that might seem unnecessary or purely decorative to some, but to me? They’re essential. They’re the pieces of our home that reflect who we are. Our home is our sanctuary—why not make it a place that makes us laugh, smile, and feel genuinely happy?
Which brings us back to the medicine cabinet.
This little DIY makeover was born from the idea that joy doesn’t have to be big or grand. Sometimes, it’s a bee magnet stuck to floral scrapbook paper that brings a grin to your face when you reach for toothpaste. It’s about adding sprinkles of silliness to your space—bits of beauty and whimsy that make even the most mundane tasks just a little brighter.
A Secret Peek Inside
Can I tell you a funny story? I once had a friend who confessed she used to open medicine cabinets when she visited people’s homes. Yes, you read that right. She was curious—wanted to see what people stored inside. Nothing too scandalous, just human curiosity, I suppose. I was a little shocked, a little amused… and a little mortified. Because what if someone did that at our house?
So this makeover is partly in honor of her. If anyone dares peek behind the mirror in our upstairs bathroom now, they’re in for a surprise—flowers, bees, and all!
How I Made Over Our Medicine Cabinet
I started by giving the entire inside of the cabinet a good cleaning. I took everything out, tossed anything expired, and wiped down every shelf. If someone’s going to be snooping, we’re not going to give them a dusty show!
Then came the fun part: lining the back of the cabinet with scrapbook paper. I rummaged through my paper stash and came across a design with handwritten script that made me think of old letters—those slower, sweeter times when communication wasn’t just a quick text but something you lingered over. I nearly chose something that matched our bathroom’s colors, but then I thought… why not go bold? Fun won out. After all, this project was for me, and it was about adding joy.
I didn’t want to permanently glue anything in place, so I decided to use magnets to attach the paper. This way, I can swap it out whenever inspiration strikes—seasonal paper, holidays, or just whenever I feel like mixing things up.
The Bees Knees
During my search for magnets, I stumbled upon the most adorable French bee magnets. You know how sometimes you don’t realize you need something until you see it? That was me with these little bees. The minute I laid eyes on them, I knew they belonged in this project. They add a touch of silliness, charm, and French flair all at once. I stuck them right onto the paper inside the cabinet—buzzing next to the printed flowers, just living their best little lives.
It’s whimsical. It’s unexpected. And it makes me grin every time I open the cabinet.
A Little Lightness, A Lot of Joy
I know this isn’t the kind of makeover that will end up on the cover of a magazine. But it’s the kind of project that makes me happy—and that’s what matters. It reminded me of those times before life got so busy, before we all carried the weight of a thousand notifications in our pockets. Back when a slow weekend with loved ones, a cold glass of sweet tea, and a long conversation could fill your cup in the best way.
This project helped me reclaim a little piece of that. It gave me a reason to pause, to clean out a space that’s often forgotten, and to make it just a little more special. And every time I see those bees, I’m reminded that even in the smallest corners of our home, we can create beauty and joy.
My Thoughts on This Easy Bathroom Update
If you’ve been thinking about how to makeover a medicine cabinet, don’t overthink it. You don’t need fancy tools or a big budget. Sometimes all it takes is a few sheets of scrapbook paper, some magnets, and a sprinkle of imagination. Whether you’re trying to bring more charm into your bathroom or just want to try something new, this is one of those easy bathroom updates that’s low cost, low effort, and high reward.
So go ahead—have fun with it. Throw practicality out the window for a day. Make your home into the haven you’ve always wanted. And don’t forget to smile at the silly little bees when you brush your teeth in the morning. I know I do.
