Vintage Bathroom Ideas – Creating Timeless Elegance

When it comes to designing your bathroom, there’s a timeless charm in incorporating vintage elements.

Vintage bathroom ideas are all about creating an atmosphere that blends nostalgia with modern convenience. 

At Big Bathroom Shop we understand the allure of vintage aesthetics, and in this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential vintage bathroom ideas to help you achieve a stunning, classic space that outshines the competition.

1. Selecting the Perfect Vintage Colour Palette

Embrace Soft Pastels

One of the hallmark features of vintage bathrooms is the use of soft pastel colours.

Colours like mint green, powder blue, or pale pink can transform your bathroom into a vintage oasis. 

Consider using these shades on your walls, tiles, or even your fixtures to capture the essence of a bygone era.

Go Monochromatic

For a more dramatic vintage look, opt for a monochromatic colour scheme. 

Classic black and white or varying shades of a single colour can add depth and sophistication to your bathroom.

2. Vintage Bathroom Fixtures

Clawfoot Freestanding Bathtub

A clawfoot bathtub is the epitome of vintage luxury.

Its elegant design and freestanding structure can become the centrepiece of your bathroom.

Choose a cast iron or porcelain option to add authenticity to your vintage design, and consider coloured and painted options too, to really add to the wow factor!

Vintage-Style Taps and Brassware

Replace modern fixtures with vintage-inspired taps and brassware. 

Look for intricate detailing, such as cross-shaped handles and antique finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or polished nickel.

Or perhaps bring a touch of modern luxury to your vintage-inspired bathroom and go for a more opulent and decadent dark black brassware finish.

3. Vintage Tiles and Flooring

Hexagonal Tiles

Hexagonal tiles are a classic choice for vintage bathrooms.

They come in various colours and patterns, allowing you to create a unique and visually appealing floor or wall design.

Subway Tiles

Subway tiles, known for their timeless appeal, are another excellent choice for a vintage bathroom.

Their clean, simple lines can be paired with contrasting grout for a classic look.

4. Vintage Lighting

Crystal Chandeliers

For a touch of elegance, consider installing a crystal chandelier in your vintage bathroom.

Its sparkling crystals and vintage design will add a touch of opulence to your space.

Wall Sconces

Vintage wall sconces with intricate details can provide both ambient and task lighting, enhancing the overall atmosphere of your bathroom.

5. Vintage Accessories

Antique Mirrors

Find an ornate, vintage mirror to hang above your vanity.

Its reflective surface will not only be functional but also add a sense of depth and character to your bathroom.

Vintage Artwork

Adorn your walls with vintage-inspired artwork or prints. These can complement your overall design and create a cohesive vintage theme.

6. Vintage-Look Storage Solutions

Freestanding Cabinets & Vanity Units

Incorporate freestanding cabinets with vintage-inspired designs to maximize storage while maintaining the overall theme.

Look for pieces with intricate detailing and antique finishes like ivory and off-white that complement your bathroom’s style.

Vintage Shelving

Open shelves made of reclaimed wood or wrought iron brackets can provide additional storage space for towels, toiletries, and decorative items.

These shelves not only serve a functional purpose but also add a rustic vintage charm.

Prefer something a little more new? Opt for the Milano Bexley range of open shelves.

Although more modern than you may want for a traditionally-styled space, the range’s dark brown finish offers a great way to combine styles and create an eclectic look.

7. Vintage Bathroom Textiles

Vintage-Inspired Shower Curtains

Select a shower curtain with a vintage pattern or design to enhance the visual appeal of your bathroom. Floral motifs or classic stripes can be excellent choices to tie your theme together.

Plush Vintage Towels

Invest in plush, high-quality towels in soft colours that match your vintage colour palette. Display them on towel bars or hooks for both practicality and aesthetics.

8. Vintage-Inspired Vanities

Furniture-Style Vanities

Consider a furniture-style vanity with intricate detailing, like cabriole legs and antique drawer pulls.

These pieces can add character and functionality to your vintage bathroom.

Dresser Repurposing

For a unique touch, repurpose an antique dresser into a vanity.

By retrofitting it with a sink and faucet, you can create a one-of-a-kind vintage focal point.

9. Vintage-Inspired Displays

Vintage inspired displays are one of our favourite ways to add character and functionality to the bathroom.

Instead of buying shelves, go down the DIY route for a more rustic and authentic look.

With a little imagination and effort, shelving can be made from an array of items such as old scaffolding planks, fence planks and even unwanted crates and ladders.

Once completed and fixed to the wall, you can then use them to display decorative objects and bathroom products.

Finishing Touches

Decorative accessories look right at home in a vintage style bathroom.

Old fashioned toothbrush holders and toilet roll holders, and other accessories in chrome or even copper really enhance the vintage look.

Extra toiletries and towels can be stored in baskets, and don’t forget to add a couple of key features such as a vintage bath soap advertisement and an antique alarm clock.

How Have You Created A Vintage Oasis?

Have you created a vintage bathroom that you love?

Why not email us at info@bigbathroomshop.co.uk or tag us on Instagram to tell us all about it – @big_bathroom_shop