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Vintage bathrooms designs


20 Vintage Style Bathrooms Full of Throwback Charm

Photo by Lara Kimmerer

Adding vintage style to a modern bathroom—in the form of retro-style plumbing fixtures, classic patterned tiles, throwback color schemes, or nostalgic accessories—can create a sense of timelessness and warmth that a contemporary bathroom sometimes lacks.

And if you've got an authentically vintage bathroom in need of updating but don't have the budget to renovate, keeping it old school can be a cost-effective option that's loaded with classic charm and quirks. Avocado green bathroom suites (and kitchens) were hip and trendy in the 70s. While most of those original fixtures are lost to time and changing bathroom trends, if you've got a perfectly preserved vintage avocado green sink, tub, or toilet and a penchant for authentic vintage decor, why not flaunt it?

While the word "vintage" technically applies to something that is less than 100 years old, and anything more than 100 years old is considered "antique," these days many people use the word "vintage" to describe styles that are technically older than the definition implies. You might hear someone referring to a classic clawfoot tub as "vintage" despite the fact that clawfoot tubs are an 18th-century invention. Few of those antique tubs are around today, but there are plenty of vintage, modern, and contemporary reproductions of the now timeless style. And while "retro" tends to refer to styles that are as old as the 1950s, or made to look like they are, "retro" and "vintage" are two terms that get interchanged quite a bit as well.

The most livable and ultimately timeless interior design schemes often mix contemporary, modern, retro, vintage, and antique elements rather than sticking to a time capsule single-era style. And, even if you're going for a time capsule effect, bathrooms are hard-wearing spaces that require upkeep, whether it's refinishing that clawfoot tub of an earlier era or replacing cracked patterned tiles or vintage plumbing fixtures with reproductions that look brand new.

Check out these bathrooms that feature vintage and vintage-inspired elements in varying degrees and styles to inspire your nostalgia and remind you that new isn't always better in home design.

Vintage bathroom ideas: 13 modern schemes that are timeless

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.

23 Vintage bathroom ideas that will make you fall in love with

by Alexey | Decor Workshop Interior | Sunday, 03 January 2021

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Vintage style can turn any room into a real masterpiece. How to implement this style in the bathroom so that it looks amazing and not just outdated?

Vintage style can be easily paired with rustic, boho, shabby chic, glamour, loft and more. Or you can design your space in a modern vintage style - just take some vintage style details and touches and integrate them into a modern atmosphere. In terms of colors, neutral and monochrome to dark color schemes can be used to create a retro feel. Consider using prints such as boho or geometric with tiles, textiles and rugs.

I think every vintage bathroom should have a clawfoot tub. Such a gorgeous bathtub will fit in many spaces, even if it doesn't match the vintage style. If you don't like legs, then consider a freestanding metal bathtub, that's a good solution too. Bring in exquisitely framed mirrors, potted plants and artwork to help set the mood and atmosphere. Candles and beautiful rugs will also be a good addition. Get inspired!

See also: 9 ingenious ways to transform a boring bathroom on a small budget

Vintage bathroom with wooden chair and antique windows, sheer curtain and stone floor

Bathroom with vintage armchair, clawfoot tub, large framed mirror and fireplace

Stylish vintage bathroom with black and white tiled floors, clawfoot tub, decorative plate and floral chandelier

Luxurious bathroom with potbelly stove in brick wall, crystal chandelier, polished bathtub and black tile walls

Challenging bathroom with blue tiles on the floor and walls, heavy wood furniture with blue upholstery and vintage elements

Chic gray paneled vintage bathroom, freestanding metal bathtub, crystal chandelier, sink and toilet

Contrasting bathroom with dark paneling, botanical wallpaper, dark-legged sink, sconces and large chandelier

Contrasting black and white bathroom with mosaic flooring, black clawfoot tub, potted greenery and black fixtures.

Dark bathroom with green paneling, copper tub, wood vanity and vintage art

Warm colors, white clawfoot tub, vintage chair and white panels

Neutral vintage bathroom with glass cabinet, clawfoot tub and vintage furniture

Sophisticated bathroom with gray paneling, freestanding sink and clawfoot tub, gray floral wallpaper for a somber vibe

Bathroom with blue wallpaper, clawfoot bathtub, mirror with shelf and vintage cabinet

Vintage bathroom with wooden floor and ceiling, red clawfoot bathtub and metal details on it

Black and white bathroom with geometric floor, black clawfoot tub, crystal chandelier, potted greenery and chic stool

Vintage farmhouse bathroom with blue clawfoot tub, large mirror, crystal chandelier and boho rug

Neutral bathroom with mixed marble tiles, vintage vanity, crystal chandelier and wood framed mirror

Stylish bathroom design with rustic and vintage touches

Elegant vintage bathroom with black and white tiles, heavy wood cabinet, gold framed mirror, some artwork

Vintage style bathroom with blue walls, gray bathtub, gallery wall, gold framed mirror, boho carpet and vintage chandelier

Vintage bathroom with green walls, a mirror in an old wooden frame and a large sideboard

Black walls, marble washbasin and golden accessories

Vintage cabinet with integrated washbasin, wicker basket and green walls

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Vintage-style bathroom: 10 tricks and tips

Want to make your bathroom feel as cozy and “homey” as the rest of your home? This will help vintage style. We show you how to properly arrange such a room.

Vintage style is a romantic atmosphere of antiquity, conveying the appearance of past centuries. Moreover, aged items of the XIX-XX centuries will look beautiful not only in the living room or bedroom, but also in the bathroom.

Is it hard to imagine? Then we will tell you about the basic techniques for decorating a vintage style bathroom, as well as give tips on creating a vintage interior.

1. Palette in pastel shades

First of all, you need to choose the color scheme of the interior. For a vintage bathroom, pastel muted shades are perfect: pink, white, purple, green or beige. They can be combined, but carefully and no more than two or three colors, so that the interior does not turn out to be contrasting and overly colorful.

Photo: interiorgod.com

2. Finishing with tiles, paint or wallpaper

Classic tiles are suitable as a finishing material, but other options are also possible. The first is to stick aged paper wallpaper. It is better to immediately apply a moisture-proof coating on them, otherwise the water will quickly spoil their appearance. The second option is to paint the walls with plain, soft paint with a smooth or embossed surface.

3. Floral motifs

If you have chosen wallpaper or tiles for decoration, add a pattern traditional for vintage style: floral motifs and patterns. They can be present not only on the walls, but also on furniture or plumbing. The color scheme of the picture should also be restrained and matched in tone to the rest of the finish, so that nothing is dazzling, and the interior looks solid and calm.

Photo: archidea.com.ua

4. Fresh flowers

In addition to painted flowers, live plants can also be placed in a vintage bathroom. Bouquets with blossoming buds can beautifully complement the color palette of the interior. They will make the design more homely, close to the interior of the rest of the rooms, so that being in the bathroom is as pleasant as in the bedroom. And flowers will provide a comfortable and cozy atmosphere while taking a hot bath after a hard day.

Room type

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One-room apartment

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2 Euro two-room apartment Private apartment

Exterior

House/cottage

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Bedroom

Entrance hall

Kitchen

Hall

Combined bathroom

Children's room

Kitchen-living room

Bathroom

Toilet

Study

Studio

Modern bottom

Scandinavian

Modern Classic

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Loft

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Photo: alineadesigns. com

5. Bathtub or clawfoot shower

A bathtub as the main piece of furniture should clearly embody the chosen style. For a vintage atmosphere, you should not choose modern plumbing with a minimalist look - a bathtub on elegant low legs is ideal here, which will bring its look closer to the old one.

Gemy acrylic bathtubs with legs

And if you don't have enough space for a full bath, use the same shower with legs.

6. Aged furniture and sanitary ware

The rest of the bathroom furniture should also correspond to the vintage style: have an aged, rare appearance. In a vintage bathroom, it is better to avoid overtly modern appliances, handleless cabinets, and minimalism in general. The more furniture the better. Next to the sink or shower, a textile chair, a wrought-iron or carved wooden chair, and even a fake fireplace with stucco will look great.

Photo: goodnewarchitecture. com

7. Retro style faucets

Decorating a room in vintage style, it is important to pay attention to details, even the smallest and most insignificant ones. That's why faucets, shower hoses and fittings must have the right look: elegant, worn or gold-plated. Avoid modern solutions like installations - full-sized faucets on the sink will fit much more and also play the role of decorating the room.

Photo: pobudova.in.ua

8. Vintage decor

Speaking of decor, vintage style jewelry needs a lot of attention. Despite the fact that the furniture and plumbing itself perform a decorative function, it is better to complement the bathroom interior with landscape paintings or various rare items. Suitable old things "from the attic" like a shabby suitcase or a flower vase, flower arrangements, herbariums, various textile decorations: pillows for an armchair, rugs, knitted pads for a nightstand or old towels. There are no clear requirements for decor in vintage style - the older and rarer it is, the better.

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so that the decorations are always in sight and do not hide behind the doors of closed cabinets. In a vintage bathroom, you can hang open shelves or glass cabinets, which will show off cosmetics in old bottles or a set of vintage aromatic soaps. At the same time, the shelves themselves can also be decorated decoratively by hanging not classic wooden boards on the wall, but, for example, forged structures or beautiful wicker baskets with elegant sides.

Photo: lazienkowy.pl

10. Mirror in a luxurious frame

And don't forget about one of the main attributes of the bathroom - it's a mirror. It, like all other objects, performs both functional and aesthetic tasks. Therefore, it should be dressed in an impressive beautiful frame: carved, elegant, wooden or gilded.

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