A dated bathroom isn’t always a bad thing to have in a home, especially if it contains original elements that suit your personal preferences and tastes.
Even though recently renovated bathrooms may not offer the same antique style you’d prefer, you can use various color schemes, accessories, and design changes to channel a vintage bathroom feel into your space.
We’ve compiled some of the best vintage bathroom color combos that are sure to add classic style to your space, ranging from nostalgic accessories, repurposed furniture, classic tile options, and retro-style plumbing fixtures.
Take a look!
1. Curate a Gallery Wall
Black patterned floor tiles, natural decor, and a white tile backsplash lay the foundation for this classic Victorian-style bathroom. The gray paint color provides an excellent backdrop for the vintage gallery wall, with a wall sconce adding a dash of white with its adorable lampshade.
The freestanding tub’s silver legs match the floor tiles and complement the tub hardware for a cohesive look. An aged brown area rug below contributes a distressed texture.
2. Freshen Up the Space
This vintage bathroom idea creates a fresh take by incorporating green as the main color. The dark green combines with the white trim, soaking tub, sink, and accents to energize this bathroom.
The checkered black-and-white tile floor enhances the bathroom’s period character, while bright brass tones on the tub hardware, vanity, glass shelves, and wall lights glam up the space. An old chair and rattan storage basket continue to invite history into the bathroom.
3. Cover Up with Curtains
If your home is rich in unique architectural details, such as the slanted ceiling in this farmhouse home, you can place a bathtub under these features to make a focal point, and for a cozy look—your eye will typically land on the bathtub whenever you enter the bathroom.
Gray wallpaper serves as the backdrop for the alcove bathtub and complements the floor tiles. Intricate woodwork boasting a shade of Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue on the vanity and tub creates a cohesive look. Shower curtains add a sweet vintage touch while practically concealing the shower screen.
4. Make it Moody
The reddish brown tub in this bathroom pops against the brown hue of the walls, making it a lovely addition to the space. The window trim and drapes match the walls for a super cozy room.
An old stool helps keep towels at arm’s reach and pairs nicely with the rich brown-patterned area rug for antique charm. Navy blue adds another playful color to the mix, while white on the vanity, ceiling, floor, and ceiling pendant brightens the space.
5. Shower and Tub Combo
This elegant bathroom matches the conventions of long-ago bathrooms to utilize every inch of space, blending luxe materials with timeless design. A shower and tub combo contributes time-honored forms and finishes to the design.
Pink on the walls gives the space a regal feel, while a marble backsplash and floor with a bit of a patina furthers the timeworn look. A towel rack doubling as a plant stand pairs with a 1930s Danish side chair to further establish a vintage feel, with a pair of wall sconces bringing an element of symmetry.
6. Add a Tree
If you don’t have the luxury of living in a historic home, consider incorporating some touches of glam to achieve that classic bathroom look. Here, a gold-footed tub adds a vibrant, vintage note, as does its hardware and wall pendant.
The gray wall paneling helps add an old-world architectural flair but in a modern way. The vanity matches the area rug and echoes the wall panel’s design for a cohesive look. A tree designates the space as a focal point, while brown on the curtains, art frames, and wood beams take the look to a completely different era.
7. Include Salvaged Materials
Using repurposed furniture in your bathroom is an excellent way to add a touch of yesteryear. Here, an old console table makes a great standalone vanity.
A black-and-white checkered tile floor starts off the classic color scheme, with the freestanding tub blending in beautifully with the floor and subway tile backsplash. A rich plum shade on the wall adds a vibrant feel, while antique brass finishes on the wall sconces and mirror complete the look.
8. Go for a Neutral Feel
Beadboard is a common feature in historic homes and a relatively cheaper alternative to tile, so consider installing it to give your bathroom a classic look. Here, a neutral floral wallpaper infuses vintage style into the space.
The dominant white and gray color palette helps bring a calming feel, while brown on the rattan ceiling pendant, woven lampshades, and artwork infuse a contrasting hue. The vintage wall mirror makes this bathroom completely reminiscent of the bygone eras.
9. Bring a Luxe Feel
Take inspiration from the 50s and 60s and add charm to your home with pastel bathroom ideas. Soft pink on this bathroom’s walls creates a chic backdrop that highlights numerous white picture frame molding with intricate patterns.
A collection of personalized gallery walls fills the space for a highly eye-catching look, while a crystal chandelier contributes flashes of sparkle.
10. Consider Textured Walls
A cast iron pedestal bathtub, black-and-white checkered tile floor, and pale gray-green textured walls lend vintage appeal to this bathroom.
A simple shelf above the tub creates a cute display with art, a floral planter, personal décor, and a candle. A classic LED candle chandelier adds interest above and blasts the space back to eras past.
11. Make it Welcoming
Blue on the walls, curtains, and area rug creates a peaceful atmosphere that accentuates this bathroom’s vintage elements. The soothing hue, albeit in different shades, showcases the gleaming wood floor, dark purple cast iron tub, and silvery hardware.
A personalized gallery wall ensures the space isn’t bare or dull, while white on the ceiling and accents brings an airy feel to this beachy bathroom.
12. Prioritize Storage
@Stephen T. Terhune, Architect
Storage is critical in any bathroom. Here, an extensive vanity provides plenty of storage and brings in some color. An antique standalone cabinet unit matches the vanity for a continuous look while conveniently housing extra toiletries, makeup products, and towels.
Wall paneling below the ceiling, together with the louvered window, adds a quaint feel, while the soaking tub rounds out this spacious bathroom’s vintage style.
13. Inspire with a Classy Look
Even the smallest of upgrades can make your bathroom feel lost in time. Finely paneled wainscoting and gray wooden flooring formalize this charming bathroom, with their classic details anchoring the space in the past.
The freestanding tub’s shiny brass-toned legs and hardware present equally sophisticated silhouettes. Gray walls add a modern vibe, while the black stand and window blinds add depth and drama to the space.
14. Try Eclectic
When looking for a color scheme for your vintage bathroom, you don’t need to limit yourself to one decade or design style. Here, a freestanding pink tub takes center stage, standing out against the navy blue wainscoting.
The vanity blends in nicely with the wainscoting for a cohesive look and introduces splashes of white for contrast. Bright floral wallpaper, an oddly shaped wall mirror, and industrial wall sconces enhance the eccentric maximalist look.
15. Mix Black and Yellow
A black and yellow color scheme is a significant vintage bathroom idea. Here, chic patterned black-and-brown floor tiles start off the palette, adding pattern and color.
Black on the upper portion of the wall and base molding adds depth and makes the yellow-brown tile backsplash pop but in a subtle manner. Swatches of white throughout the space tone down the intensity of the dark colors while adding some much-needed brightness.
16. Bring a Happy Vibe
Retro influences and an eclectic attitude pair for a one-of-a-kind bathroom that seems to have been assembled through the ages. The tall yellow tile backsplash complements the graphic tile floor for a harmonious look.
Splashes of white and a pink shower curtain break up the sea of yellow, while vintage furniture and décor pay tribute to multiple design periods.
17. Incorporate Natural Texture
Pale blue floral wallpaper and white beadboard paneling in this bathroom create a clean backdrop reminiscent of past decades. Vintage portraits on the beadboard add a touch of classical whimsy and height, while an old patterned blue area rug unifies the palette.
A white freestanding tub with a shower curtain pairs with the pedestal sink, copper-toned wall sconce, and glass shelf to create a finely furnished space. A woven basket, trash can, and ceramic planters weave in some informal texture.
18. Spark Conversation with Décor
Vintage bathroom ideas are well known for filling a space with personality. The freestanding tub in this bathroom packs plenty of style with its ornate detailing and wooden top and nicely complements the gray-blue walls.
Copper tones on the mirror frames and wall lights combine with the salvaged, standalone vanity to further introduce old-word finishes and forms. A brown patterned area rug anchors the space, while white on the ceiling and pendant lighting uplifts the bathroom’s collected appeal.
