It's no secret by now that we are endlessly inspired by Shea McGee's layered designs. So when she shared a selection of bathrooms from her project archives, we immediately scrolled through for inspiration.
But there's one thing each of these spaces has in common – a vintage-style bathroom rug. It's a simple addition, but one that adds warmth, interest, and plenty of comfort. And it's something easy and affordable to add to your own space.
Here's a closer look at each of the archival bathroom projects she shared, and the impact the simple addition of a bath rug has on the space. Plus, we've found a few stylish buys to elevate your own scheme.
As you scroll through the archival bathrooms, you notice that each space has Shea McGee's signature layered neutral aesthetic, but each with its own style and identity. The first two lean heavily towards organic modern style, with sleek finishes and hints of organic textures.
The Oaks Project bathroom is cozier, softer, with curvaceous silhouettes with more traditional details, while the design from the Hilltop Estate project embraces a timeless, traditional aesthetic. It's fair to say they all showcase very different looks and architectural styles.
But the one thing that unites them all is the addition of a bathroom rug. From small rectangular designs to elongated runners and larger area rugs, it's a small (and relatively affordable) way to add warmth, texture, and a grounding feature to a bathroom.
And what's particularly interesting is that no matter the style of the bathroom, whether it's modern or traditional, Shea always embraces a more vintage-style rug to infuse character and interest.
It's also a way to add contrast. In each of these neutral bathrooms, the rug is darker, moodier, and in some cases, slightly more colorful. It creates balance in each scheme – a room solely designed around light neutrals can feel flat, so introducing one contrasting element creates depth and reinforces that sense of layering.
A bathroom rug might seem like a small detail, but it has such an impact on a design. It's the finishing touch in each of Shea's projects that elevates and completes the room – and proves these unexpected elements can be the most transformative.
Whether you have a small bathroom or a sprawling space, these vintage-inspired rugs are the detail your space is missing – and bring a dose of Shea's signature style to your bathroom.
In a long, narrow bathroom, a runner is the perfect rug shape. This flatweave tug comes in 2 colors and 13 sizes, ranging from square and rectangular to runners like this one. The moody color adds warmth to a neutral bathroom and feels decidedly vintage.
If you already have more colorful features in your bathroom, a more neutral rug might be the best fit. This vintage-style rug (which is an incredible price) is a chic option, coming in 15 sizes in a range of shapes to suit your bathroom layout.
Rich, chocolate brown hues are the talk of the town, and this vintage-inspired rug, which has an almost western feel to it, is a great way to embrace the color. Available in 6 sizes, the faded aesthetic and fringed edge make it a charming addition.
In a coastal bathroom, this blue and white design is a chic way to add warmth and contrast. It still feels very inspired by vintage rugs, but with a more contemporary color palette. This one comes in 5 sizes, including a runner for galley bathrooms.
Not everyone loves that distressed vintage look, so if you'd prefer to layer with something more playful, this scalloped rug is a winner. It's another rich chocolate brown palette to pay into that moodier look, but it feels a bit more transitional.
If you are searching for the perfect rug for a small, hardworking bathroom, we've got you covered. This small Persian-style bath rug is a stylish option, available in two 2 colors, and is the perfect piece to layer in front of your bathroom vanity area.
Shea McGee's layered designs prove that a bathroom is more than just a functional room and should be decorated accordingly. Adding a chic, vintage-style rug, the same way you would to cozier rooms in your home, is the perfect finishing touch to add warmth and interest. If you're feeling inspired, check out our round-up of the best places to buy rugs.
