21 Vintage Bathroom Ideas
If you’ve ever stepped into a bathroom and felt like it whispered stories from another era, then welcome—you’re officially among friends.
Vintage bathrooms have that magical ability to blend character, craftsmanship, and charm in a way modern spaces sometimes struggle to replicate.
And the best part? You don’t need a Victorian mansion or a retro bungalow to pull off the look.
Whether you’re into clawfoot tubs, patina-heavy brass, or pastel-tiled walls that feel straight out of a postcard, I’ve rounded up 21 vintage bathroom ideas to help you create a timeless, heart-warming, nostalgia-filled sanctuary right at home. Let’s dive in.
1. Add a Classic Clawfoot Tub
Nothing screams “vintage” louder than a clawfoot tub. The curved silhouette, ornate feet, and deep soaking depth make it the centerpiece of any retro-inspired bathroom. Go white for a traditional look, or paint the exterior a moody navy or forest green for a modern twist.
2. Install Black-and-White Checkerboard Flooring
Checkerboard floors are the definition of old-school cool. They instantly bring personality to the room, and they pair beautifully with both colorful and neutral palettes. Bonus points if you choose marble tiles for an elevated twist.
3. Embrace Antique Brass Fixtures
Swap out modern chrome hardware for aged brass or brushed gold pieces. Vintage bathroom ideas often rely heavily on metal finishes that feel lived-in and loved. Think bridge faucets, exposed pipe showers, or wall-mounted taps.
4. Incorporate Vintage Artwork
Bathrooms aren’t just functional—they’re tiny galleries waiting to happen. Hang framed botanical prints, antique portraits, or nostalgic travel posters. This small touch adds instant storytelling power.
5. Use Pedestal Sinks for That Retro Look
Pedestal sinks are slim, elegant, and dripping with old-world charm. They’re also fantastic for smaller bathrooms because they visually open up the space.
6. Choose Subway Tile with Dark Grout
Classic, timeless, and undeniably vintage—white subway tile has been around for over a century. Using dark or contrasting grout enhances that retro feel while adding dimension to your walls.
7. Add a Built-In Medicine Cabinet
Those old-school recessed medicine cabinets with mirrored fronts? A total must-have. They’re functional and perfectly vintage. Bonus if the mirror has beveled edges.
8. Hang an Ornate Vintage Mirror
The mirror is the bathroom’s focal point, so choose one with personality—think gilded frames, unusual shapes, or antique wood finishes. This is one of the easiest vintage bathroom ideas to implement without renovation.
9. Bring in Retro Wallpaper
Florals, toile, Art Deco geometric prints—vintage wallpaper instantly transforms your bathroom into a nostalgic retreat. Pair it with simple furniture and fixtures for a balanced look.
10. Mix-and-Match Vintage Tiles
Patterned encaustic tile, hexagon tile, penny tile… the vintage tile options are endless. Using a mix of styles creates a charming, collected-over-time atmosphere.
11. Use Soft Pastel Colors
Vintage bathrooms LOVE color. Powder blue, mint green, peach, lavender, butter yellow—these soft pastels bring a dreamy, nostalgic vibe. Pair them with white trims for a fresh yet retro balance.
12. Add an Antique Vanity
Repurpose a small dresser or console as a bathroom vanity. Add a vessel sink on top, and suddenly you have a one-of-a-kind piece that brings historical flair to the space.
13. Choose Old-Fashioned Lighting
Think wall sconces with milk-glass globes, brass lantern-style pendants, or chandelier-style lighting. Vintage bathroom lighting is all about soft warmth—nothing too sterile or modern.
14. Install a High-Tank Toilet
If you want to go full vintage, consider a high-tank pull chain toilet. They’re charming, quirky, and incredibly nostalgic. Not for every home, but definitely a centerpiece if you’re into authenticity.
15. Use Wainscoting or Beadboard Walls
Wainscoting is basically the warm hug of bathroom decor. It adds texture, depth, and that “grandma’s house, but make it chic” vibe. Paint it white or choose a muted shade for character.
16. Add Vintage Storage Solutions
Wire baskets, wooden crates, wall-mounted shelves with decorative brackets, and apothecary jars—storage can be both functional and beautiful. These tiny details add major vintage impact.
17. Bring in a Distressed Rug
Instead of a standard bath mat, try a Turkish rug or a distressed vintage runner. It instantly makes the bathroom feel curated and cozy, especially if you’re already leaning into antique decor elements.
18. Display Vintage Perfume Bottles & Decor
No vintage bathroom is complete without a few trinkets. Old perfume bottles, enamel trays, shaving brushes, or ceramic soap dishes bring everyday authenticity to the space.
19. Choose a Freestanding Linen Cabinet
A glass-front linen cabinet with antique knobs adds storage and style. Display towels, candles, and vintage accessories to lean fully into the aesthetic.
20. Try a Reclaimed Wood Feature
Vintage doesn’t always mean fancy—sometimes it’s all about rustic simplicity. A reclaimed wood shelf, vanity mirror, stool, or ceiling beam adds so much charm.
21. Add Lace Curtains or Café Curtains
Soft, airy curtains help complete the nostalgic feel. Café curtains are especially great for privacy while still letting the sunlight pour in.
Putting It All Together: Creating Your Perfect Vintage Bathroom
Designing a vintage bathroom is all about balancing warmth, nostalgia, and individuality.
You don’t need to implement all 21 ideas—just choose a few that speak to your soul.
Maybe it’s the allure of a clawfoot tub, or the charm of brass fixtures, or the cozy vibe of patterned tiles and soft pastels.
What makes vintage design so special is that it never feels brand-new—it feels collected, curated, loved. It tells a story. Your story.
