7 Ideas for Vintage Bathroom Design

May 9, 2023

As you design your custom home, you might be looking for a fun design for your bathroom. If you want to bring a vintage theme to your bathroom, there are some fun ways to achieve that. Here are a few ideas for vintage bathroom design:

1. Repurpose Antiques

Buying and decorating with vintage furniture can help you add a vintage look to any room. The best way to give your bathroom a vintage design is to repurpose antiques. Use a wooden ladder as a towel rack or a nightstand as a plant stand.

If you’re looking for a bathtub tray, utilize a wooden or metal tray that spans the width of your bathtub. These antique touches will help get your bathroom a vintage feel and is a fun cottagecore home decor idea, too.

2. Choose the Right Tile and Pattern

To achieve a true vintage bathroom, take inspiration from old bathrooms. Black and white
penny tiles with daisy patterns were very popular in vintage bathrooms. This is also a neat way to incorporate tile accents into your custom home design.

If you’re looking for a more vibrant bathroom, choose tiles in vintage colors, like muted green or bright pink. You can either ask for salvaged vintage tile to implement architectural salvage or go for a new tile that mimics vintage-style bathroom tiles.

3. Go for the Dramatic Flair

Vintage bathrooms often had a very dramatic flair to them. Choose bright colors, embellished fixtures, and retro art. Instead of a standard overhead light, install a small chandelier. Not only will this give your bathroom some elegance, but it will also make a statement.

Just remember to pick fixtures and accessories that mix well together. You still want to maintain a cohesive look while adding embellished details. Adding these dramatic flourishes is a bathroom design idea to try in any bathroom and works especially well in vintage bathrooms.

4. Keep it Light and Airy

Touches like hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a fresh color palette will keep your vintage bathroom ceiling airy and spacious. Choose muted colors like creams, grays, and light blues or greens. Add some soft, cozy rugs and fluffy towels to keep the space feeling warm and inviting.

5. Wow With Wallpaper

Wallpaper is often found in vintage spaces and is an interesting bathroom wall option to try. For an understated look, choose a pattern of small florals or stripes in muted colors. Pick a wallpaper with large floral designs and bold colors if you want a bold look.

Just be sure your wallpaper is suitable for bathrooms. Bathrooms have a high moisture level and certain wallpapers do not perform well in that sort of environment.

6. Try Wood Paneling

Wood paneling was popular in many vintage bathrooms. Georgian-style tongue and groove paneling has been a staple in many homes for a long time and is a classic decor choice. This simple paneling can be painted in any color of your choosing or it can be stained for a natural look.

7. Choose Vintage-Inspired Sinks and Tubs

Everyone associates vintage bathrooms with clawfoot tubs. However, there are other ways to have your bathroom feel as if you stepped back in time. Pedestal sinks are a very popular option if you want your bathroom to have a Victorian flair.

If you prefer to have a larger vanity, you can still add some vintage touches to your sink. Choose sink knobs that are retro or even salvage old knobs. Brass and gold finishes on faucets and hardware are a popular bathroom design trend and are a great way to pull more vintage touches into your design.

These are just a few vintage bathroom design ideas to try. If you’re ready to get started on your own custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090. We can help bring your dream home to life!