When it comes to interior design, the allure of vintage aesthetics never seems to fade. By infusing modern updates with old-time charm, you can transform the most plain space into a masterpiece that will withstand the test of time. One area of the home where this aesthetic can be particularly appreciated is in the bathroom.
Bathroom renovations are expensive, which means you want the design you choose to be timeless rather than trendy. Vintage-inspired bathrooms evoke classic elegance, while seamlessly integrating into modern homes.
With that in mind, check out these 14 dreamy vintage bathrooms that are sure to inspire you to elevate your own bathroom by adding some timeless vintage charm.
Ideas for Elegant Vintage Bathrooms
Ensure an enduring appeal by selecting timeless materials
The starting point for any bathroom renovation is the materials. Timeless choices include: marble or white ceramic subway tile for showers or walls and penny tile, black and white marble, or other natural stone tile for the floors. These are all classics and will never look dated.
Craft a color palette for your bathroom
Don’t be afraid of color because color plays a pivotal role in curating a timeless aesthetic. As you’ll see, none of the bathrooms that are featured are plain white! Dramatic choices for paint or wallpaper will not look dated if they are executed correctly. If you’re working with a small space, the correct color choices can be especially transformative.
One of the most basic color principles is that dark colors recede from your field of vision, while light colors are brought forward. Use this to your advantage in a small space. If you paint your ceiling a darker color, it can help it “recede”, looking higher. Another trick you can use is to paint your ceiling, trim, and walls the same color. This removes the visual discontinuities, again, making your ceiling look higher and your room feel larger.
Embrace colored tile for authentic vintage charm
One element of older bathrooms that people often think makes them look dated is colored tile. This couldn’t be farther from the truth! The issue is not understanding how to style the rest of the bathroom.
If you need proof, check out this gorgeous shower with colored tile below. The black accents and brass shower fixtures give it a modern, luxurious feel, while maintaining the vintage charm. Now, imagine that same shower with an old shower head, covered in hard water buildup, rusty knobs, and chipping paint on the windows… not as appealing, right?
Add allure to your powder room with a skirted sink
You can accomplish several things by adding a skirt to your sink. You can hide unsightly plumbing, create hidden storage, and add an element of vintage appeal to your bathroom.
Choose vintage-inspired fixtures
Invest in vintage-inspired fixtures to give your bathroom an authentically old feel, while enjoying modern amenities.
Surprisingly, vintage-inspired fixtures are difficult to find on a budget. We learned this the hard way when we renovated our bathroom. But, don’t worry! There are tricks to finding options budget-friendly options. I am planning to cover where to find these in a follow-up post.
Illuminate your bathroom with vintage lighting
True vintage lighting is actually easier and cheaper to find than reproduction vintage lighting. If you go to your local Habitat for Humanity or check Facebook Marketplace, people are practically giving it away.
However, older lighting may not be the best option for a damp environment, like near a shower. For tips on finding beautiful reproduction vintage lighting for a great price, check out this post!
Create a jewel box powder room with statement wallpaper
Chinoiserie wallpaper is iconic and is featured in some of the grandest homes and palaces. Capture some of that grandeur in your own home by recreating the look in your powder room.
Incorporate wainscoting in your design for a vintage aesthetic
Adding wainscoting is an upgrade for your bathroom that you can complete in an afternoon! It is an easy way to add some vintage flair to your bathroom.
Select vintage art for decorative bathroom accents
Another quick and easy way to add historic vibes to your bathroom is by hanging vintage art.
Old books can be filled with colored or black and white lithographs that you can frame to create a unique collection for your bathroom.
Choose exposed brass piping for a vintage industrial look
Exposed brass piping adds a glamorous, industrial touch to your bathroom. In addition to creating a stunning focal point, exposed piping has the added bonus of greater accessibility for repairs.
Maximize the space in a small vintage bathroom
If you’re modernizing an older bathroom, chances are, you are working with a small footprint. Here are some space-saving tips:
- Choose a medicine cabinet mirror for additional storage space
- Pick a toilet with a round bowl rather than an oval-shaped one to take up less space
- Hang things where possible (like toilet paper holders and towel racks)
- Select a wall-mounted sink
- Utilize vertical space by adding floating shelves
Add classic flair to your bathroom with accessories
Vintage-inspired accessories like mirrors, hooks and towel racks, toilet paper holders, and even waste bins are a perfect way to help tie this look together.
Select vintage-style storage for added authenticity
Store your modern essentials like mouthwash or cotton rounds in sophisticated glass decanters or jars to enhance the vintage feel.
Focus on elegant details to add the final flourishes to your vintage bathroom
The key to taking your space to the next level is in the fine details. Elegant touches like contrasting trim on the sconce shades, decorative vases, and candles help add the final flourishes.
With these tips and ideas you will be able add timeless elegance to your own home by curating a vintage aesthetic in your bathroom.
You may also like:
How We Transformed Our Dated Bathroom: One Room Challenge Reveal
Hold the White Paint! A Case for Colorful Trim.
What Color Should I Paint My Ceiling? – Design Tips & Inspiration
Thanks for reading!
Sasha
