There’s something undeniably charming about vintage decor—like sipping tea from a porcelain cup or finding a handwritten letter in an attic box.
And when it comes to bathrooms, vintage touches can transform a bland space into a soulful retreat. Whether you live in a country cottage or a city apartment, adding vintage decor to your bathroom is like layering history with heart.
1. Embrace the Clawfoot Tub
Let’s start with the diva of vintage bathrooms: the clawfoot tub. These standalone beauties instantly set a retro tone. I remember visiting my grandmother’s home as a child and being mesmerized by the clawfoot tub tucked beneath a sunny window.
Whether painted a bold black or left in classic white, a clawfoot tub brings an air of romantic nostalgia. For added drama, pair it with a vintage-style telephone faucet in brushed brass or polished nickel.
2. Use Subway Tile with Dark Grout
Subway tile is a staple in vintage bathrooms. It’s clean, classic, and endlessly versatile. But to make it pop with vintage charm, use dark grout—think charcoal, navy, or even forest green.
This not only highlights the geometry of the tile but also adds a subtle retro flair. It’s a trick I used in a rental once, using peel-and-stick tiles, and the effect was chef’s kiss.
3. Hang an Ornate Gilded Mirror
Skip the modern frameless mirrors. Instead, go for a gilded or carved wood mirror. Think curvy lines, baroque frames, or even something you’d find in a Victorian hallway.
It doesn’t need to match everything else; in fact, the contrast is part of the magic. It’s like having a vintage painting that just happens to reflect your face.
4. Repurpose a Vintage Dresser as a Vanity
There’s nothing more satisfying than turning a flea market find into a showstopper. A vintage dresser—with its carved legs, worn handles, and solid wood craftsmanship—can be transformed into a bathroom vanity.
Simply cut a hole for the sink, seal the wood, and add a faucet. You now have a functional heirloom instead of a cookie-cutter cabinet.
5. Choose Classic Black and White Tile Flooring
Hexagon, basketweave, or checkerboard tile patterns in black and white never go out of style. They’re durable, elegant, and whisper tales of old hotels and 1920s powder rooms.
If you want to go full vintage, look for smaller tiles (1-inch or less) and avoid too much gloss. Matte or satin finishes give a more authentic feel.
6. Add a Vintage-Inspired Wallpaper
Don’t fear wallpaper. Especially not when it can drape your bathroom walls in floral patterns, damask prints, or botanical sketches. Look for vintage-inspired designs with a subtle patina or aged effect.
I once used a dusty rose floral wallpaper with birds that turned a dull powder room into a charming English garden.
7. Display Antique Bottles and Apothecary Jars
Old glass bottles, vintage perfume decanters, and apothecary jars make beautiful decor when grouped thoughtfully. Use them to hold cotton balls, bath salts, or even fresh eucalyptus. Not only are they functional, but they also tell a visual story—one of elegance and old-world simplicity.
8. Install a Pedestal Sink
If you’re after true period authenticity, a pedestal sink is a no-brainer. Its slim profile and porcelain body work perfectly in small bathrooms, and its graceful silhouette offers instant charm.
While it lacks storage, the aesthetic payoff is huge. Plus, it leaves more floor visible, which makes the room feel bigger.
9. Use Vintage Brass Fixtures
Swap out chrome for brass or antique bronze hardware. Towel bars, faucets, and showerheads in aged metals give a warm, timeworn feel. They patina naturally over time, which just adds to the vintage vibe.
I once found mismatched antique knobs at a salvage shop, and they became the crown jewels of my bathroom cabinet.
10. Decorate with Lace or Crochet Curtains
Modern bathrooms tend to rely on minimal window dressings, but lace or crochet curtains can soften the space and create a cozy, nostalgic mood. Choose delicate patterns and let the light filter through gently. It’s the kind of detail that makes your bathroom feel like a secret nook from a storybook.
11. Hang Framed Botanical Prints or Vintage Ads
Art has a home in the bathroom too. Try framed botanical prints, sepia-toned sketches, or even old vintage advertisements for soap, perfume, or shaving cream. Thrift stores are a goldmine for these. Group three or four together for a gallery wall effect. It adds depth and personality without overwhelming the space.
12. Install a Beadboard or Wainscoting
Beadboard paneling or painted wainscoting instantly lends your bathroom a vintage cottage look. Use it on the lower half of the walls, then paint the upper half a soft, muted tone like sage green or powder blue. It’s a little extra effort but transforms the whole room’s mood from modern to classic.
13. Use a Vintage Stool or Chair
Add a small wooden stool or bistro-style chair for seating or for holding towels. It doesn’t need to be perfect—chips, wear, and patina make it all the more interesting. This is especially handy near a clawfoot tub, where you might want to rest your glass of wine or a good book.
14. Light It Up with a Vintage Chandelier or Sconce
Lighting can make or break a room, and in vintage bathrooms, it’s often the secret weapon. Swap out dull overhead lights for a chandelier with crystals or wall sconces with milk glass shades. Dimmer switches are a nice touch, letting you adjust the mood from bright morning prep to candlelit evening soak.
15. Choose Soft, Muted Paint Colors
Skip the stark white and bold neons. Vintage bathrooms thrive in soft palettes—think sage green, dusty lavender, creamy ivory, or warm peach. These colors are easy on the eyes and pair beautifully with natural wood, brass, and vintage textiles.
16. Use Baskets and Wooden Crates for Storage
Storage doesn’t need to be modern to be practical. Use wicker baskets, vintage suitcases, or wooden crates for storing toilet paper, towels, and toiletries. Stack them under your sink or line them on open shelves. They bring texture and warmth while keeping clutter at bay.
17. Add a Freestanding Towel Rack
Instead of wall-mounted bars, use a freestanding towel rack or even a repurposed coat rack. It feels more like furniture and adds a relaxed, lived-in charm. I’ve even seen people repurpose old ladder-back chairs as towel holders—perfectly imperfect.
18. Lay Down a Persian or Kilim Rug
Bathroom mats tend to be bland and forgettable. Instead, lay down a vintage-inspired Persian rug or colorful kilim runner. It’s unexpected, adds pattern, and feels luxurious underfoot. Just make sure to use a non-slip rug pad underneath for safety.
19. Decorate with Dried Flowers or Lavender Bundles
Fresh flowers fade quickly, but dried florals and herbs—especially lavender, eucalyptus, or baby’s breath—last and smell divine. Place them in a ceramic jug, enamel pitcher, or even an old teacup for a quaint, rustic feel.
20. Incorporate Vintage Hooks and Hardware
Small details matter. Replace generic towel hooks and drawer pulls with antique or vintage-style hardware. Look for glass knobs, porcelain hooks, or cast-iron accents. These tiny touches add layers of authenticity and charm.
21. Use an Antique Medicine Cabinet
An antique mirrored medicine cabinet above the sink can be both beautiful and useful. Look for ones with beveled glass, wooden trim, and interior shelving. It’s a small piece that can pack a big style punch—and sometimes, a little hidden storage is exactly what a vintage bathroom needs.
22. Display Soaps and Brushes on a Tray
Treat your toiletries like a curated still life. Use a silver tray, marble slab, or mirrored plate to corral vintage-style soaps, shaving brushes, and hand lotions. It’s one of those old-fashioned habits that makes modern life feel just a bit more special.
23. Opt for a Pull-Chain Toilet
If you’re going all in with your vintage bathroom design, consider a high-tank pull-chain toilet. Yes, they still make them! With their exposed pipes and dramatic profiles, they’re a rare but show-stopping nod to early 20th-century design.
24. Finish with a Vintage Perfume Tray or Vanity Setup
Round out your space with a vintage perfume tray on a shelf or vanity. Add cut-glass perfume bottles, a powder jar, and maybe a vintage hairbrush set. It’s an old-school gesture that brings a little glamour to your morning routine.
Conclusion
Here’s the thing about vintage bathroom decor—it’s not about perfection. It’s about soul. It’s about mixing old and new, the well-loved with the freshly polished, and creating a space that feels warm, personal, and a little romantic.
Many of the best pieces don’t come from big-box stores. They come from yard sales, flea markets, your grandma’s attic, or that hidden thrift store you nearly skipped. So take your time, hunt well, and let your bathroom tell its own timeless story. You don’t need a time machine to experience the past—just a little vision and a good eye for detail.
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