Get the Look: Vintage Style Bathroom Ideas

While you do not want your bathroom to look old and dated, a vintage bathroom can be charming and beautiful. In fact, vintage bathroom style embraces a curated aesthetic that pulls in the appeal of the past while rising to the standards of quality and convenience associated with a modern bathroom. A vintage bathroom is all about the atmosphere, a feeling of nostalgia and timelessness that creates an amazing oasis in which to relax. How can you achieve this look and create a soothing, classic space? We have some suggestions for bringing your vintage vision to life.

What would you possibly expect in a vintage bathroom other than a gorgeous, free-standing bathtub? A clawfoot tub is the height of luxury and makes a stunning centrepiece for a vintage bathroom. Stone and acrylic are perfect, and painted tubs can add some character to your retro space. If your family needs a shower, as well, a roll-top style shower bath can help you maintain the vintage aesthetic without losing modern convenience. For your taps, look for vintage-inspired fixtures, with intricate details and antique finishes. Cross handles and bridge taps are the perfect look for a vintage bath.

A pedestal sink is perfect for a vintage bathroom, or you can choose a Victorian style washstand to provide a vintage alternative to the traditional washbasin cabinet. Another way to style your washbasin is by repurposing an antique dresser or desk into a vanity, retrofitting it with a sink and taps, so that you have the functionality of a washbasin with the appeal of a unique vintage focal point in your bathroom. Similarly, rather than modern cabinetry, choose antique storage furniture to complete the vintage look. A freestanding armoire or cabinet can bring vintage charm into even a modern bathroom. Be careful, though, when choosing furniture to convert into bathroom pieces. If you plan to fit a piece of antique furniture with plumbing, make sure it is sturdy enough to hold a sink and the accompanying taps, and treated in a way that makes it resistant to water damage.

As you decorate the bathroom, carefully choose accessories that are both functional and in keeping with your vintage aesthetic. When possible, choose salvaged materials for an authentic look. You might turn an old window into wall art, or create a backsplash with reclaimed wood, for example. Take your time when choosing your décor, so that your finished product is something that is uniquely yours and in keeping with your desired aesthetic.

• If you are renovating a bathroom with a fireplace, do not get rid of it! While it may no longer be necessary for warming the room, a fireplace in a bathroom adds the perfect vintage touch. If you do not intend to use the fireplace for its original purpose, or if it is no longer functional, you can style it and make it a focal point, painting it, tiling it, or even filling with flowers, for a charming, vintage look.

• If you are not lucky enough to have a bathroom fireplace, consider a traditional radiator, made of a steel frame and a column radiator. This will warm the bathroom and also provide a useful place to hang and dry your towel, as well as offering a vintage touch to the room. There are many modern radiators and towel warmers that are designed in the style of a traditional vintage radiator.
• Choose lighting that advances your vintage ambiance. A well-placed crystal chandelier, perhaps hung over your elegant roll-top tub, can elevate the look of your vintage bathroom and give it an opulent look. The beauty of a chandelier is that you can find one that fits into your vision, because there are so many different types from which to choose, even amongst vintage style light fixtures. You can also use wall sconces to your advantage, looking for intricate vintage fixtures to serve as both ambient and task lighting. If you want to dive fully into a vintage look, talk to your contractor about switching out your modern light switches for the old push-button style. Thoughtful little touches like this will make all the difference when creating your vintage bathroom space.
• A mirror can be functional and beautiful at the same time. One way to bring a vintage look to your bathroom is to hang an ornate vintage mirror above the vanity or fireplace. This is a practical way to brighten the room by bouncing light around, as well as offering the function a mirror brings to the bathroom. You can also look for a gold antique mirror, with the kind of patina that only comes with age.
• Look for vintage or vintage-inspired artwork to pull together your vintage theme. Look for artwork or prints with a vintage feel, and consider framing them in ornate, gold frames. Make sure to carefully consider scale when choosing pieces, so that you do not overwhelm your small space.
• The right textiles can make a world of difference. In every bathroom, there are towels, shower curtains, rugs, and other textiles that can be simply functional or add to the look of the room. When choosing textiles for your vintage bathroom, look for classic patterns and designs, and high-quality textiles that match your colour palette. Plush towels, a shower curtain in a delicate vintage pattern, and a vintage rug used in place of a bathmat can create an undeniably retro ambience.
• Decorate with vintage touches. An antique toothbrush holder, toilet paper holder, or alarm clock, some baskets with extra towels, and other simple touches can polish the look of your bathroom and create a cohesive décor design. Another fun way to bring an old-fashioned feel to a bathroom is to decoupage the wall panels with a whimsical, vintage pattern.

If your vision for your bathroom involves fully embracing the vintage style, just make sure that your bathroom functions the way a modern bathroom should. However, you can also incorporate vintage aspects while maintaining some elements of modern bathroom styling. Some of the most interesting and beautiful spaces are those that strike a balance between the past and present, evoking a sense of nostalgia while also embracing innovation. Your vintage bathroom should be a reflection of your personal tastes, using features that resonate with you. Look for high quality materials and fixtures, choosing materials like porcelain, marble, copper, and wood, to create a feeling of luxury that hearkens back to an era of exquisite craftsmanship. If you want a modern bathroom with a vintage feel, incorporate a few elements of a retro bathroom, like an opulent clawfoot tub or a beautiful pedestal sink, while balancing these features with modern elements like minimalist hardware and sleek cabinetry.

When you are ready to get the vintage bathroom look, look to Bathroom Inspirations. Whether your bathroom just needs an update, or you are ready for a complete renovation, we are here to help. Our Dorchester-based company is family-owned, and managed by Bridport-born brothers Patrick and Paul Ackerman. Established in 2004, the business now boasts one of Dorset’s largest showrooms, presenting stunning, innovative bathroom designs in real life settings. We’ll even help you design your bathroom, with free design services that use state-of-the-art 3D design technology, for visualising the finished bathroom before committing to the work. To learn more, feel free to explore some of our work or schedule an appointment to visit our showroom in Dorchester.