Antique bathroom designs
50 Refined Vintage Bathroom Décor Ideas
Vintage is all about timeless elegant, refined styling and chic accessories, and many homeowners and designers opt for it while decorating. There are many ways to pull off vintage, many styles and themes that can be called vintage, so let’s find out more about this style and particularly how to style a vintage bathroom.
What Styles Can Be Paired With Vintage?
Vintage means just the epoch and the direction you are going, and the main style itself can be various: French country, English country, shabby chic, industrial, art nouveau, Victorian, Georgian and so on, choose and decide yourself. All of these styles paired with vintage will have certain aesthetics and chic.
a beautiful black Gothic bathroom with black walls and black wallpaper, a black cabinet, a vintage bathtub, a crystal chandelier and candles
a beautiful vintage bathroom with a brick fireplace, a gold carved console table and mirrors, a free-standing bathtub, a crystal chandelier
a black and white vintage bathroom with white square tiles, a black and white floor, a black statement wall, a crystal chandelier and lots of greenery
a chic and fancy bathroom with light blue planked walls, a navy tub and a fantastic marine gallery wall plus a glam gold lamp
a chic moody bathroom with a vintage feel, a white free-standing sink and a bathtub, a mirror, sconces and blooms
a chic vintage bathroom with a checked black and white floor, a white clawfoot bathtub, a creamy chair, some plants and a chic chandelier
a chic vintage bathroom with a navy chevron tile floor, stained furniture, a black clawfoot bathtub, a white subway tile shower space
a contrasting bathroom with black paneled and floral print walls, a free-standing bathtub and sink, a chandelier and artwork is pure elegance
a country bathroom with neutral walls, a neutral clawfoot bathtub, a wooden vanity and blooms and towels
a cozy English country bathroom with floral wallpaper, green panels, a navy clawfoot bathtub, a free-standing sink and side tables
a delicate neutral bathroom with creamy paneling, a free-standing sink, a light-stained chair, a bathtub and a crystal chandelier
How To Style A Vintage Bathroom?
If you want to create a vintage look in your bathroom, you need to style just some features to do that, changing the whole space isn’t necessary. The walls and floor can be covered of subway tiles or black and white tiles. For the mirror, use a white chipped painted wooden frame, a rustic raw wooden one, or go with mirrors that have a more antique, refined and ornated frames. Use porcelain pedestal sinks if you are not tight on space; take faucets with porcelain handles, or brass hardware. If it’s possible, make a fireplace, a faux or a real one, even filled with candles it will create an ambience. A clawfoot bathtub is a must and is a star of your vintage bathroom, make sure it looks gorgeous.
a fancy and whimsy bathroom with a gorgeous printed tile floor, a black vintage tub, a crystal chandelier and vintage furniture and a potted plant
a fancy bathroom with white planked walls and a floor, a vintage bathtub, vintage and refined furniture, a striped curtain looks wow
a fancy bathroom with white planked walls, a dark stained floor, a vintage navy bathtub, a floor mirror in a gilded frame, a mini gallery wall and a crystal pendant lamp
a fantastic Gothic bathroom with black molding on the walls, a polished metal tub, a parquet floor, black refined furniture, a black chandelier
a French chic neutral bathroom with a clawfoot bathtub, a vanity, a mirror in an ornated frame, neutral textiles and a crystal chandelier
a jaw-dropping vintage bathroom in neutrals, with a double vanity, a mirror in an ornated frame, a bathtub and a crystal chandelier
a lovely fancy bathroom with a black and white mosaic tile floor and tiles on the wall, a chic bathtub, purple curtains, a crystal chandelier
a luxorious bathroom with a black and white tile floor, white subway tiles and black walls, a chic tub, gold fixtures and a lovely chandelier
a neutral bathroom with black and white tile floor, a vintage dresser, a free-standing sink, a gallery wall and a couple of mirrors
a neutral cottage bathroom with paneling, a crystal chandelier, a neutral chair, a glass cabinet, floral and neutral textiles
a neutral vintage bathroom with a faux fireplace, a shiny free-standing bathtub, a checked floor, a black chair, a crystal chandelier
a neutral vintage bathroom with tan walls, white paneling, a tan clawfoot bathtub, a metal chair, a ladder and a mirror in an ornated frame
a pastel and neutral cottage bathroom with floral wallpaper, creamy paneling, a light blue clawfoot bathtub, a pendant lamp and a vintage stool
a refined and luxurious bathroom with white walls, a mosaic tile floor, a white vintage tub and an oversized mirror and a gold chandelier
a refined vintage bathroom with a chic faux fireplace, a marble bathtub, a black chandelier, a gallery wall and a green chair
a refined vintage bathroom with a faux fireplace, a black clawfoot bathtub, a free-standing sink, a vintage chandelier and shutters on the window
a small vintage bathroom with green subway tiles, a vintage stained vanity, artwork and a mirror, blooms and some decor
How To Decorate A Vintage Bathroom?
Lace curtains will add privacy while letting in a nice soft glow during the day.
For the curtain railing, you could use iron bars and wall mounts, or rustic wooden ones. Vintage style glass bottles can be used to replace any generic plastic bottles you have around the sink. Metal letters, vintage style maps, botanical prints, and subway signs are some ideas for wall decor pieces. Look for more ideas below!
a subtle neutral bathroom with neutral walls, paneling, a clawfoot bathtub, a crystal chandelier, a black and white floor and neutral textiles
a Victorian style bathroom with moody wallpaper walls, a non-working fireplace, a clawfoot bathtub, navy wardrobes, a crystal chandelier and plants
a vintage bathroom with blue walls, white paneling, a black clawfoot bathtub, artwork, printed rugs, a chair with printed pillows and colored candles
a vintage bathroom with grey paneling and shutters, a vintage metal bathtutb, a crystal chandelier, a fre-standing sink and a ladder for towels
a vintage bathroom with marble and neutral tiles, a taupe wall, a dark-stained vanity, a clawfoot bathtub and vintage lamps
a vintage bathroom with moody floral wallpaper, creamy paneling, a free-standing bathtub, black and white tile floor and a vintage vanity
a vintage countryside bathroom done in neutrals, with an oversized mirror, floral curtains, vintage carved furniture, a clawfoot bathtub and pendant lamps
a vintage rustic bathroom with a brick floor, white shiplap on the walls, a tan clawfoot bathtub, a cnaopy and some wooden stools
an airy vintage bathroom with a bathtub opposite the window, a dark-stained storage unit, a daybed with neutral upholstery and a pritned rug
an exquisite Gothic bathroom with dark floral wallpaper and green panels, a tub with black panels, white appliances, a chic table and butterfly art
a vintage pink bathroom with a green clawfoot bathtub, with a shelving unit on the wall, a large mirror in an ornated frame, a bright rug and shabby chic furniture
a chic vintage bathroom with neutral storage units built-in, a tan free-standing bathtub, a boho rug, a vintage white chandelier and white curtains
a cute vintage bathroom with a floral print floor, a white clawfoot bathtub, floral blinds, floral towels, a wooden mat and a floral box
a neutral bathroom with white subway tiles, a neutral bathtub, a free-standing sink, a black chair and gold fixtures is amazing
a lovely vintage bathroom with floral wallpaper, a wardrobe a white clawfoot bathtub, a free-standing sink, an oversized mirror and a gorgeous parquet floor
a neutral shabby chic bathroom with a black clawfoot bathtub, white shabby space dividers, a lovely vanity and vintage signs is delicate and subtle
a vintage bathroom with green printed wallpaper, fantastic molding, an oversized mirror in an ornated frame, a copper bathtub, a vintage chair and a side table
a neutral vintage countryside bathroom with neutral paneling, a tan clawfoot bathtub, a wooden ladder for towels and a side table plus a bench for storage
Source: hometreeatlas, pinterest
Vintage bathroom ideas: 13 modern schemes that are timeless
(Image credit: Future)
If you’re looking for vintage bathroom ideas then you’re in luck as there are a wealth to choose from.
Taking inspiration from period homes and traditional bathrooms from across the centuries, vintage bathrooms are elegant, timeless spaces that are stylish but also practical, providing somewhere to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day.
Whether you're looking for easy updates or starting a new vintage bathroom design from the planning stage, we’ve rounded up our favorite vintage bathroom ideas along with tips from the interior experts.
Vintage bathroom ideas
There are many ways to channel vintage bathroom style for your master bathroom, from adding in ageless fabrics through curtains and blinds for a cottage bathroom feel, to fitting wood paneling for a traditional bathroom aesthetic.
Upcycled, salvaged and retro pieces all have their place in a vintage scheme. The key is to reference the look rather than slavishly reproduce it, using statement colors, favorite pieces and a less-is-more approach for a vibrant, cohesive scheme. As long as one decorative item links the color scheme, your vintage bathroom interior will come together.
1. Wow with vintage-inspired floral wallpaper
(Image credit: Francois Halard / Schumacher)
Your bathroom may be the smallest room in the house, but with the right wallpaper it can easily be the room that packs the most personality. Start off by thinking about color. The palette you choose will guide your decisions when it comes to choosing the perfect vintage floral designs – and will act as the basis for pulling your scheme together.
When working floral prints into a small bathroom, think about the scale of the flowers in the patterns. Large prints can make small rooms appear even smaller so stick to daintier designs to create an illusion of space. For added intrigue, take your paper all the way up to the fifth wall – the ceiling.
2. Decorate in a modern vintage color scheme
(Image credit: Anna Stathaki)
Are you after a bathroom color scheme that beautifully blends contemporary with vintage design? 'The secret is to pick one color as a foundation – from a favorite artwork, image or piece of clothing – to form the thread that runs through the bathroom,' says Charlotte Archer, head of brand, Sanderson .
'Build your palette around this with complementary or tonal shades. My number one rule is: decorate for yourself, not others – choose heritage tones that you love and you won’t go wrong.’
However, if you prefer a truer retro aesthetic, then look to design movements of the era, such as Bauhaus from which you could choose from primary colors such as cobalt blue or tomato orange. These vintage colors need to be bold but not bright, so choose hues that are knocked back to give them a more authentic tone.
3. Invest in luxurious materials
(Image credit: Future)
Materials matter when it comes to designing a luxury bathroom that embraces a vintage aesthetic. Tactile finishes please the senses and introduce visual style to a vintage scheme that puts comfort over style. For many years, bathrooms have been all about ultra-practical smooth surfaces, brassware and tiles. But increasingly the design has focused less on pure functionality and more on practicality mixed with comfort and style – and the tactile quality of traditional fittings and fixtures have moved to the fore.
4. Bathe in a luxurious roll-top bath
(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)
If you’re looking for inspiration to create a luxury bathroom with classic elegance, then this beautiful room with its delicate cream and duck-egg scheme has all it all. Taking center stage is a classic cast iron roll-top bath – guaranteed to bring period elegance to you bathing space.
Team this with a beautiful sinuous floral such as Colefax & Fowler ’s Snow Tree wallpaper in Aqua, traditional panelling and an opulent light fitting from Fritz Fryer and you have all the ingredients for five-star scheme worthy of a boutique hotel.
5. Add vintage pattern with a basin skirt
(Image credit: Sharland England )
Adding fabrics and ruffles to a bathroom is a guaranteed way to add vintage charm. For simple yet effective interest, try adding a basin skirt, made from your favorite fabric. As we transition to 2022, this more confident approach to interiors has encouraged a step away from safe, muted tones of the past, in favor of expressionist trends that rich color palettes,’ says Louisa Tratalos, Head of Brand, Arley House .
‘Bathrooms, a bit like kitchens, can easily feel quite stark and clinical. I like to warm them up with lots of ruffled fabric, so for my daughter's bathroom I added a skirted basin and a pretty blind,’ says Louise Roe, founder of Sharland England.
‘Searching for vintage accessories really helps too, so rather than a chrome hand-towel holder, I found an old brass one with a similar shell detail to the sconces.'
6. Showcase a vintage-style floral wallpaper
(Image credit: Penny Morrison / Mike Garlick )
If you are lucky enough to have a period bathroom with large proportions and high ceilings, then why not use the ample wall space to show off a beautiful vintage-style wallpaper? Often large bathrooms run the risk of feeling cold, but wallpaper can help make large bathrooms feel more warm and inviting, as Penny Morrison explains.
‘Wallpaper adds a layer of texture or pattern to a room. It is more interesting than paint and can make a feature in any space.
I love using it in bathrooms as these rooms can often feel slightly forgotten or a bit boring in their design.’
‘It’s also worth choosing nickel over chrome for fittings as it has a warmer tone,’ she adds.
7. Upcycle vintage furniture into a unique washstand
(Image credit: Future / Polly Eltes)
Why not inject some salvaged-style into your bathroom with a piece of upcycled antique furniture such as this Victorian washstand which has been mounted with a pair of modern basins to create a characterful yet practical vanity unit. Not only is upcycling furniture a brilliant way to blend the old with new, it is also more cost-effective than buying brand-new pieces. Plus, it is kinder to the environment, too.
8. Give a bathroom a vintage feel with painted wood panelling
(Image credit: Future)
If you are searching for vintage bathroom ideas, there's no doubt that paneling ideas for walls will be high up on your wishlist. Georgian-style tongue-and-groove paneling is an elegant choice, which can also be easily installed in a bathroom over a weekend.
Many brands offer pre-made paneling which can be bought in sheets, fitted by a competent DIYer, and painted any color you fancy.
Cottages tend to have uneven walls, which a skilled carpenter can regulate with a skilled approach to create the panelling. However, if you like your cottage's irregularities, hanging a bathroom-approved wallpaper with a panelled effect can be an excellent compromise.
9. Use chinoiserie prints on the wall
(Image credit: VSP Interiors)
Chinoiserie is a cultural phenomenon that first swept across Europe and America in the 17th and 18th centuries, flooding vintage bathrooms with all manner of things inspired by the Far East.
Channeling 18th century exocitism, this beautiful bathroom designed by VSP Interiors features an exquisite chinoiserie wallcovering from De Gournay which is teamed with an antique rug, and the vanity units from Ikea, which have been specially painted by Adrian Everitt for a paradisiacal escape from reality.
10. Let period features shine with a neutral scheme
(Image credit: Future)
If you’re lucky enough to have a period home with beautiful original features such as wooden ceiling beams, wood floors, authentic fireplaces or exposed stone walls then consider opting for a pared-back scheme by decorating with neutrals; often less is more when it comes to vintage bathroom ideas.
‘Original features are what give period homes their unique charm,’ says Melanie Griffiths, editor of Period Living. ‘Wherever possible it is best to showcase these features within interior design rather than covering them up.’
11. Create a modern vintage sanctuary
(Image credit: Future)
A beautiful floral will immediately bring a modern farmhouse feel to your vintage bathroom scheme. It's a look that works particularly well in an en suite bathroom, where you can carry through the decor from the bedroom to create a sense of connectivity between the two spaces.
Wallpaper and soft furnishings can be a wonderful way to bring color, pattern and texture to your bathroom,' agrees Lee Clarke, Director of Warner House . 'Not only can they add drama, personality, and visual interest, but they can also bring warmth and a sense of coziness to vintage interiors.'
12. Introduce a vintage backsplash
(Image credit: James French )
The devil is often in the detail when it comes to designing a vintage bathroom scheme. Vintage designs often top the list of country and cottage bathroom ideas because they suit period properties and rural homes so well. But that doesn't mean you can't refresh the look. Combining antique bathroom tiles and soft bathroom paint in a pastel tones, alongside a period-style basin and flea market-found mirror, will add a contemporary update.
Alternatively, if sourcing antique tiles is proving tricky, invest in Victorian-style floral postcards and cover them with a panel of perspex to recreate the above look.
13. Choose traditional sanitaryware
(Image credit: Future / Kasia Fiszer)
Opting for traditional baths, showers, basins and toilets, including high-level cisterns is a great way to achieve a vintage bathroom look. There are many companies that offer designs inspired by traditional 19th- and 20th-century designs but which are fully compatible with modern plumbing, such as Albion Bath Company , and Thomas Crapper .
‘Quieter flushing is one of the standout new technologies,’ says Ideal Standard designer Bart Sobieszczanski, ‘and you can now get toilets that are 80% quieter than standard.’ Also seek out quiet cisterns that conceals the sound of the cistern filling, and slam-free soft-close seats.
How can I make my bathroom look vintage?
Making your bathroom look vintage is a joyous task. Firstly, where possible preserve and showcase any original period features as this will bring inimitable vintage charm to a bathroom. Opting for neutrals, dusky tones and colors with natural pigments are brilliant for creating laid-back looks – and for letting period features shine.
We recommend introducing a plethora of patterned fabrics in the form of vintage curtains, blinds and sink skirts to bring warmth, softness and a nostalgic feel. Plus, opting for fittings such as towel rails and light fittings in warm textures such as brass and burnished finishes will only serve to enhance an authentic vintage feel to your space.
Introducing antique furniture and accessories is another smart way to create a unique look, which is not only affordable, but also incredibly sustainable. Start by scouring your local flea markets and auction houses for preloved items.
Finally, who could forget the fittings – no vintage bathroom is complete without a traditional roll top bath and vintage-style taps, and sanitaryware.
How do you mix modern and vintage in the bathroom?
If you want to mix modern and vintage in the bathroom there are a few things you must first consider. Vintage bathrooms are beautiful but in order to be suited to 21st-century living they need to also incorporate modern comforts.
Creating a design that combines vintage bathroom ideas with new, practical elements is often the best way to create characterful yet functional interiors.
Opting for sanitaryware inspired by authentic Victorian design is a good place to start. You should also consider sourcing reclaimed pieces from local craft fairs, antique dealers and flea markets. Do always be sure to buy from a reputable dealer, and to check the condition of the pieces before purchase.
Choosing vintage-inspired floral prints on fabric curtains or through wallpaper is a brilliant vintage bathroom idea which won't compromise on the functionality of a space. Consider upcycling vintage furniture to create characterful wash stands, or simply introducing antique pieces such as vintage wall cabinets.
Finally, smart bathroom lighting ideas are an integral design element that should be planned at the start of a project. 'Layers of light, on dimmers and separate circuits, will allow you to switch between bright light needed for cleaning and softer levels for a relaxing mood,' says Sally Storey of John Cullen Lighting .
'I keep the lighting at a lower level, on dimmers, with sconces; it’s much nicer at the end of a long day to have a bath in calm lighting, rather than bright downlighters,' says Louise Roe of Sharland England.
Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.
13 beautiful retro bathroom ideas
Retro style is one of the friendliest options for independent interior experiments. And it is best to start such experiments with a bathroom - there is less risk of making a mistake with the choice of fittings.
By the way, about mistakes: in retro style it is almost impossible to miss, because everything that looks old-fashioned already fits here.
The second bonus of working with a retro style is that it often does not require significant costs to create. Of course, antique plumbing can cost a pretty penny, and truly majestic vintage interiors from the catalogs of design studios involve the use of expensive antiques ... Nevertheless, suitable accessories can be purchased at online flea markets or made independently.
Washbasin on a narrow foot
Now, in the era of futuristic wall-mounted sanitary ware, a deep round washbasin on a narrow pedestal looks very vintage. Together with simple curtains, a massive mirror in a slightly worn wooden frame, a wrought iron chandelier and wicker baskets, it forms the retro style that many people achieve in their bathroom.
Photo: static.onecms.io
Textile dissonance
Bathroom interiors of past decades were often united by such a detail as textile eclecticism.
It seems that everything is mixed up in the interior in the photo: terry towels, a striped curtain with frills, a window curtain with an abstract black and white pattern, a voluminous rug.
Photo: static.onecms.io
Rethinking
Worn-out items like a makeshift garden ladder or an antique table with rusty legs work great in a retro bathroom interior. The main thing is to come up with a use for them. In this interior, for example, the ladder is used as a towel rack.
Photo: static.onecms.io
Unexpected decor
By the way, reimagined decorations do not have to be functional. For example, here an aged wooden shutter has become the central element of the decor.
Photo: s3-production.bobvila.com
Vintage tiles
Give your bathroom a retro look with time-tested ceramic tile combinations. If you decorate the walls of the bathroom with classic “boar” tiles, and decorate the floor with small ceramic hexagons, you can create a retro style.
Pay attention to the patterns in the form of flowers, laid out with black tiles - this used to be one of the main trends!
Photo: static.onecms.io
Modern retro style
It is not necessary to use aged elements in the interior: create a retro style with a modern twist. In our case, this was achieved with the help of classic accents in the form of decorative columns by the window, a bathtub on a pedestal, a vintage chair and stucco moldings on the walls.
Photo: static.onecms.io
Vibrant details
Here the retro effect is achieved only through accessories: green floral curtains, an antique wall lamp, soft yellow towels, a shelf with an antique edge and worn bamboo roller blinds did the trick .
Photo: static.onecms.io
Vintage chic
The key accent of this bathroom lies in the color scheme: the combination of pale turquoise and white looks very vintage. The selected washbasin cabinet in a classic style only enhances the effect.
Photo: static.onecms.io
Tile with dramatic patterns
Another bathroom that achieves the desired retro effect with black and white tiles. This time it's not about geometry, but about patterns. Patterns on the rug, walls, floor, and even the textile chair cover look redundant, although they go well together, and green accents soften the effect.
Photo: static.onecms.io
Plumbing comes to the fore again
A prime example of how to create a retro-inspired interior with an antique sink with legs and faucets with a vintage silhouette. Pay attention to the color of the wall - again pale turquoise.
Photo: static.onecms.io
Old metal table
See how this table has transformed the bathroom: in places where the orange paint has peeled off, you can see that it has clearly survived more than one painting. The wooden box under the tabletop continues the theme of aged elements in the interior.
Photo: static.onecms.io
Stained Glass
If you're planning a retro bathroom in your private home, consider stained glass with floral patterns and vintage geometry instead of plain glass.
Photo: s3-production.bobvila.com
Rattan panels
Wicker wall decorations are also suitable to emphasize the retro style in the bathroom. The main thing is not to miscalculate with the pattern.
Photo: brepurposed.porch.com
photo examples and design ideas
The classical style in the interior, having passed the test of time and becoming the embodiment of the best of the world's architectural achievements of mankind, is still popular today. It is characterized by harmony, elegance and practicality. The classics include several different directions, some of which are characterized by deliberate luxury and pretentiousness, while others are more appropriate for the simplicity of lines and shapes, as well as deliberate conciseness.
Contents
Features of the classic style in the bathroom
A classic-style bathroom looks cozy and comfortable, because its design uses high-quality, mostly natural materials and exquisite decor items.
Calm, harmonizing wall and floor colors create a cozy yet stylish environment. In the design of a classic bathroom, too bright and contrasting colors, deliberately rough textures, as well as furniture or plumbing made in an ultra-modern style cannot be used. In such an interior, everything looks stylish, elegant, soundly and truly elegant.
The classic style has many advantages:
- Actuality. Classics in the design of bathrooms will always be in demand, as it is a sign of good taste, stability and prestige.
- Elegance and harmony. In the classics, there are strict canons in accordance with which materials for wall decoration are selected and furniture, plumbing and accessories are selected, and therefore, such a bathroom will always look beautiful, aesthetically pleasing and stylish.
- Quality factor. Only high-quality and durable, mostly natural materials are used, so there is no need to make frequent repairs.
- Convenient layout. The classic style assumes even use of the area of the room, and therefore the bathroom does not look too empty or, conversely, overfilled with furniture and sanitary ware.
- Security. The classic style eliminates the use of sharp-edged objects, reducing the risk of accidental injury, which is especially important for families with children.
Due to the fact that asymmetry is not characteristic of the classics, psychological comfort is also created.
IMPORTANT! Classic style baths are characterized by flowing lines, rounded shapes and balanced compositions that create a feeling of stability, peace and harmony.
The choice of finishing techniques to use when designing a classic style bathroom depends on a number of factors:
- Room size.
- The presence of a window, as well as good ventilation.
- Personal preferences of the owner of the house or apartment.
- Financial opportunities.
- Time that can be spent on decorating a bathroom.
In this case, you can choose one of the many directions related to the classical: Baroque, Classicism, Empire, Neoclassical or Victorian style.
Baroque
It is characterized by deliberate luxury and the use of expensive materials in decoration, such as marble or Venetian plaster. Gilded wood is also often used.
When decorating walls, fresco painting is often done, and in more budget options, it is considered acceptable, although not very desirable from the point of view of practicality and durability, also the use of embossed waterproof wallpaper with monograms.
IMPORTANT! Stucco on the walls and ceiling is an integral part of the baroque interior.
Also, if the area of the room allows, columns can be present in it, dividing the bathroom into separate zones.
Classicism and neoclassicism
These trends are characterized by rigor and exquisite simplicity in detail. The walls are plain, beige, bluish or sand, complemented by white stucco cornices. Fresco painting and wallpaper in such interiors are rare. For the area near the sink and bath, marble or tile in discreet pastel colors is usually used.
Empire
Reminiscent of classicism, but it is characterized by the use of gilded details in the interior. The color of the walls can be not only white, sand or peach, but also emerald, sapphire blue or dark cherry. The Empire style is characterized by the presence of pseudo-Roman elements and accessories, as well as stucco molding in the form of wreaths of oak and laurel leaves or monograms. There may also be fresco paintings on a mythological or historical plot.
Victorian style
Partially wood paneled bathrooms in this style.
They close the lower half of the walls, and the upper part is pasted over with striped wallpaper or wallpaper with a floral pattern. In the design of the upper half of the walls, decorative plaster can also be used.
What color to choose for classic style
The best color for classic bathrooms is white. It is not necessary to use a snow white shade, you can opt for milky white, ivory or white chocolate.
IMPORTANT! White color is ideal for decorating classic interiors also because it goes well with any other shades.
In addition to white, you can also decorate your bathroom in beige or golden sand. These colors go well with natural wood, as well as marble and stone in warm tones.
Light peach or coral, pale blue, light olive, and cappuccino are also suitable for wall decoration.
In Empire style interiors it is acceptable to use wine-red, emerald-green and sapphire-blue colors, however, it should be taken into account that they give the room not always appropriate pomposity and heaviness.
To make the interior more expressive, they often use a combination of light walls with a dark brown shade of natural wood furniture and accessories, as well as golden and bronze tones as accents.
The presence of silver and chrome surfaces in the classic style is undesirable, as they are more typical for vintage, retro and other more modern trends.
Finishing materials
Walls in classic bathrooms often use natural or artificial marble, or stone and ceramic tiles.
Victorian-style rooms may have wood paneling, while baroque rooms are characterized by frescoed walls and ceramic panels.
IMPORTANT! In bathrooms, it is undesirable to paste over the walls with wallpaper, even waterproof, as they are less durable than, for example, stone or tile and, moreover, greatly reduce the cost of the interior.
Floor tiles made of natural or artificial stone and porcelain stoneware.
An acceptable option would be epoxy floors, preferably with patterns in classical, baroque or empire styles.
The ceiling is best whitewashed or painted with white water-based paint. You can also decorate the ceiling with stucco or painting. Considered acceptable for some areas of classics and suspended ceilings.
The area around the sink and bathtub is recommended to be covered with ceramic tiles. In this case, the choice of tiles depends on the direction. So, for the Baroque, ceramic panels with paintings and relief inserts are suitable, for the Empire style - a tile laid in a rhombus, and for the neoclassical style - a glossy plain "boar".
The use of plastic panels, as well as MDF panels in a classic interior is undesirable, as they do not differ in durability and look less stylish than natural materials.
Selection of furniture and sanitary ware
The ideal choice for spacious bathrooms are natural wood furniture sets of moisture resistant species such as oak, teak, larch, Brazil walnut, merbau or mahogany.
It is advisable to give preference to furniture with high legs: it will not only fit better into the overall style of the room, but will also last longer due to the fact that its bottom will not come into contact with the wet floor surface.
Cabinets should be placed symmetrically on either side of a window, door or sink. A bathroom vanity cabinet that looks like both a chest of drawers and a dressing table, usually consists of several compartments, spacious enough to hide a washing machine there.
If desired, and if there is free space in the bathroom, you can install a small sofa, a bench, an armchair, a pouffe and even a fireplace, which will create an interesting contrast due to the combination of water and flame in one room. All these items will not only allow you to relax after swimming, but also give the interior a touch of comfort and at the same time luxury.
IMPORTANT! Plumbing in the bathroom should match each other in form, color and decor, as only in this case the interior will look solid, without unnecessary contrasts and inappropriate accents that stand out from the general style.
When choosing a bathtub in a classic style, it is recommended to give preference to the following options:
- Oval bathtub with lion's feet. Ideally fit into a classic interior in the Baroque and, especially, Empire style.
- Round bowls, reminiscent of antique pools, placed inside podiums. Suitable for both classic and empire style interiors.
- Models of simple and concise form in marble, ceramic or artificial stone. Suitable for a neoclassical style bathroom.
It is better to choose a sink either built into the furniture or in the form of a "tulip". If there is such an opportunity, it is better to install two sinks in the bathroom at once: this will allow two family members to wash their faces at the same time and, moreover, will give the interior originality.
A shower cabin can also be present in a classic interior, but it should not stand out in style or color from the general style.
In its manufacture, it is desirable not to use modern materials.
All metal fixtures, such as faucets or shower heads, must have an antique bronze or gold finish.
Lighting
In classic-style bathrooms, various lamps, sconces and chandeliers will be appropriate, and the presence of floor lamps is also acceptable. It is desirable to give preference to lamps of classical forms, and the material from which they are made should be in harmony with the overall design of the room.
IMPORTANT! For spacious bathrooms in baroque or empire style, crystal or bronze chandeliers on suspensions and chains are great as a source of overhead light, but they are out of place in a small bathroom.
Places near the sink or bathtub can be equipped with additional lighting in the form of wall sconces.
It is now acceptable, though debatable, to use LED spotlights for this purpose.
At the same time, it is desirable that the light sources are not too bright and give a warm rather than cold light.
Accessories
Accessories are very important in a classic style: they set the necessary accents and help create an atmosphere of elegant luxury. There should not be too many of them, moreover, it is very important that all accessories are in the same style and, in addition to being decorative, also carry a functional load.
The most common bathroom accessories are:
- Towel holders.
- Mirrors.
- Soap dishes.
- Dispensers.
- Toothbrush holders.
- Wall shelves with cosmetics and hygiene products.
Mirrors in classic bathrooms should be framed in carved gilded frames, giving the room a touch of truly royal luxury. It is also acceptable to use mirrors without frames: in this case, they will be placed above the sink between two shelves, but this option is more suitable for neoclassical bathrooms.
Towel holders should also be classic: they should look like antiques and be bronze or gold, not chrome.
IMPORTANT! All items that stand out from the general color or do not correspond to the classics in time, such as hygiene products or cosmetics in modern bottles and tubes, should be stored in closed lockers.
In order to make it easier to find the right accessories, it is recommended to buy them not individually, but in sets. If possible, then when decorating a bathroom in a classic style, it is advisable to use real antiques.
Conclusion
The classic style of bathroom design is in demand and very popular. It is the embodiment of style, quality, stability and good quality, while in addition to the aesthetic function, all items of classical decor also carry a functional load.
Harmony of lines and color combinations, carefully adjusted compositions, discreet luxury - these are the main signs of this style. When designing bathrooms, the use of classic materials such as natural or artificial stone, marble and ceramic tiles is more appropriate than ever.
