Vintage Bathrooms: Retro Luxury and Style

Read Time (
5
minutes)
June 26, 2023
By
Robern Design Solutions

A vintage bathroom is more than just a space—it's a treasure trove of stories, a celebration of history, and a testament to bygone eras of exceptional craftsmanship. It's where the patina of antique fixtures mingles with the iconic patterns of retro tiles, and the rich scent of aged wood breathes life into your daily rituals.

Below, we invite you to explore 17 timeless vintage bathroom ideas, designs, and trends that can transform your bathing space from a mere functional area into a personal sanctuary that exudes elegance and charm.

The Allure of Vintage Bathrooms

Alt text: An elegant bathroom vanity set arranged between two arched mirrors on a wall. The set includes a sleek green storage cabinet, matching sink consoles with brass handles, and neatly arranged towels and decorative items. The room is bathed in natural light, casting soft shadows on a herringbone wood floor.

Vintage bathrooms embody a sense of nostalgia, transporting you back to a time where craftsmanship and artistry took precedence. Whether it's the allure of Art Deco luxury medicine cabinets, the classic charm of antique bathroom vanities, or the simple elegance of old-fashioned clawfoot tubs, there's an undeniable allure that these spaces exude.

Vintage Hollywood-Style Bathroom: Opulence in Gold

A luxurious bathroom with blue walls, chevron-patterned tiles, a gold freestanding bathtub, and elegant fixtures, with a large window offering a city view.
By Hoda Bogdan

In vintage Hollywood-style bathrooms, gold is the star of the show. Its warm, glowing tones evoke a sense of luxury and opulence that's perfectly in line with the Hollywood Regency style.

Old Fashioned Bathrooms: Timeless Elegance

A picture containing wall, indoor, interior design, sinkDescription automatically generated

Old-fashioned bathrooms take you back to a simpler time. They showcase the use of sturdy, natural materials, neutral tones, and classic fixtures. Consider a freestanding roll-top bath, a high-level cistern toilet, and a simple porcelain basin to capture this style.

Antique Bathrooms: Grandeur of Bygone Eras

Alt text: A rustic bathroom with a standalone vintage bathtub with claw feet, exposed brick walls, a large mirror, and green plants.
By Usman

Antique bathrooms reflect the grandeur of bygone eras. They often feature ornate fixtures, clawfoot tubs, rich woods, and luxurious fabrics. The decor is refined and elegant, with items such as gilded mirrors, porcelain basins, and brass fixtures.

Vintage Bathroom Tile Idea

An elegant bathroom with a vintage freestanding bathtub in the center, a checkerboard floor, rich red walls adorned with framed artwork, gold accents, and a large chandelier.
By Michael

Tile plays a pivotal role in establishing the vintage ambiance of a bathroom. From traditional subway tiles to ornate mosaic designs, here are some vintage bathroom floor tile ideas to inspire you:

  • Subway Tiles: A classic choice for both walls and floors, subway tiles offer a clean, timeless look. They are often found in white but can be in any color to match your decor.
  • Penny Tiles: These small, round tiles are perfect for adding a retro feel to your bathroom. They work well for both floors and walls and come in a variety of colors.
  • Hexagonal Tiles: Hexagonal tiles, often in white or with intricate designs, add an old-world charm to any bathroom.

Picture-Perfect Vintage Bathrooms

An elegant bathroom interior featuring a double vanity with mirrors, sconces, and vases of white flowers, set against a backdrop of marble tile walls and flooring.

A picture paints a thousand words, and vintage bathrooms pictures provide a wealth of inspiration. Be it the small but well-appointed bathroom with a clawfoot tub and antique vanity or the spacious, country-style bathroom with a chandelier and floral wallpaper, there's an array of options to suit your taste and space.

How to Design a Timeless Bathroom

An elegant bathroom with a classic claw-foot bathtub, dark floors, blue walls, and a chandelier, decorated with green potted plants and neatly placed towels.
By Michael

Designing a timeless bathroom is about focusing on quality, simplicity, and style. Start with your chosen color palette, invest in high-quality fixtures and fittings, and add interest through textures and patterns. It's about creating a space that, while it may take inspiration from the past, will still look fresh and stylish for years to come.

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Retro Bathroom: A Flashback to Mid-Century Charm

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By Dmitry Berg

The retro bathroom style harkens back to the mid-20th century, offering a bold and vibrant take on bathroom design. Key elements include geometric patterns, bright colors, and the use of reflective fixtures. Think checkerboard floors, subway tiles, and pedestal sinks that bring back the spirit of the 1950s and 60s.

Chandeliers and Decorative Wall Panels: A Touch of Elegance

An elegant bathroom with a vintage clawfoot bathtub, sophisticated grey wall paneling, and a crystal chandelier.
By Michael

Adding a chandelier and decorative wall panels to your bathroom can instantly elevate its style, turning a functional space into a luxurious retreat.

A Glimpse of the Past: 1930s Bathrooms

An elegant vintage bathroom with a copper bathtub, a washbasin, a chandelier, and sunlight streaming through a window.
By Michael

1930s bathrooms were characterized by their simplicity and functionality. They often featured black and white checkerboard tile floors, pedestal sinks, and clawfoot tubs. Chrome fixtures and built-in bathroom cabinet ideas were also common.

Crafting a Victorian Style Bathroom

A vintage claw-foot bathtub in a bright room with a white brick wall and green plants in the background.
By Корнеевец-Выдренкова

A Victorian style bathroom imbues opulence and grandeur. To create this style, consider incorporating a freestanding clawfoot bathtub, high tank toilets, and ornate vanities. Wallpapers with botanical or bird motifs, elaborate mirrors, and brass or bronze fixtures will further enhance the Victorian aesthetic.

Luxurious Touches for Your Vintage Bathroom

An elegant bathroom interior with a freestanding bathtub, double vanity, elegant drapes, wall sconces, and a chandelier.
By Michael

Making an old bathroom feel luxurious requires attention to detail. Here's how:

  • Quality Fixtures: Invest in high-end fixtures. Brass or bronze taps and showerheads, porcelain basins, and clawfoot tubs can all add a touch of luxury.
  • Layered Bathroom Lighting: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with a combination of task, accent, and ambient lighting. Consider adding a chandelier for a touch of opulence.
  • Plush Textiles: Use plush towels, bath mats, and a luxurious shower curtain. These not only add comfort but also contribute to the overall aesthetic.
  • Artwork and Accessories: Consider vintage-inspired artwork and antique accessories like a gilded mirror or a crystal perfume bottle collection to elevate the space.

The Rustic Vintage Bathroom: A Country Retreat

A luxurious bathroom interior with a freestanding bathtub, marble walls, a glass-enclosed shower, and elegant fixtures.
By slavun

A rustic vintage bathroom combines the charm of the country with the elegance of the past. To achieve this look, consider using reclaimed wood for the vanity or shelving, a freestanding tub, and vintage fixtures. Earth tones, natural materials, and a touch of greenery will complete the rustic feel.

Green Vintage Bathroom Tiles

A vintage bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, two pedestal sinks, checkered floor, teal wall tiles, and potted plants creating a cozy, old-fashioned ambiance.
By Hoda Bogdan

Green, with its soothing and rejuvenating qualities, is a unique choice for a vintage bathroom. It offers a refreshing departure from the traditional white and neutral tones, providing a distinctive charm that breathes life into your space.

Transitional Vintage: A Blend of Past and Present

An elegant bathroom with a large window allowing natural light, featuring a freestanding bathtub, a vanity with sink and mirror, chandeliers, and curtains.
By ostap25

A transitional vintage bathroom is a blend of old and new. It's about preserving historical details while adding modern conveniences. Incorporate vintage elements like subway tiles, a clawfoot tub, and an antique vanity, and pair them with modern amenities like underfloor heating or a walk-in shower.

The Boho Vintage Bathroom: Eclectic and Free-Spirited

A bohemian-style bathroom with a claw-foot bathtub surrounded by various potted plants, a rustic cabinet, and a hanging wicker lamp.
By brizmaker

The boho vintage bathroom is characterized by its eclectic and free-spirited nature. Mix and match vintage fixtures with vibrant tiles, add a touch of greenery, and incorporate handcrafted elements such as a woven rug or macrame wall hanging.

Old Style Bathroom Vanity: The Statement Piece

A contemporary bathroom with a double sink vanity, two mirrors mounted on the wall, and a single wooden chair to the side.

An old style bathroom vanity can be the statement piece that sets the tone for your vintage bathroom. Consider a piece that combines functionality and style, such as a repurposed antique dresser or a classic pedestal sink. Pair it with a vintage-style mirror and lighting to complete the look.

Whether you're looking for a retro, antique, or old-fashioned style, a vintage bathroom offers a timeless appeal that transcends trends. With attention to detail and a nod to the past, you can create a bathroom that is not only functional but also a beautiful testament to bygone eras.

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