Make your bathroom look vintage and chic

 

There’s no denying it: vintage is back in style. From fashion to interior design, we can’t get enough of the look and feel of classic styles from yesteryear. And it makes sense; past aesthetics are often more interesting than the present, with their over-the-top design trends and rigidly defined standards of beauty. 

If you’re looking for vintage bathroom decor ideas, you are in the right place! Whether you’re redecorating your small bathroom or upgrading it from scratch, vintage bathrooms tend to have an elegant feel that is hard to find elsewhere.

A vintage bathroom accentuates old-fashioned values and aesthetics that are quintessentially traditional. Vintage bathrooms have a timeless elegance that will always appeal to those who appreciate the past. 

Therefore, you should take advantage of this trend and incorporate vintage bathroom decor into your home. Here are 15 great tips on how to transform your small bathroom into a stylish vintage haven and make it look like it’s straight out of a beautiful film noir movie.

 

1. Don’t underestimate the power of wallpaper

Wallpaper is a perfect way to add a vintage touch to your bathroom decor. Make sure to go for vintage-style patterns and designs that tie in well with your other interior décor. 

Wallpaper can be used to create different textures and add depth and dimension to your bathroom. For example, you can use it to create a backdrop for your vintage accessories and fixtures. 

Select wallpaper with a neutral colour palette and a pattern that is different from the rest of your home’s décor. You can also try using a vintage pattern on the ceiling of your bathroom to add an unexpected pop of colour to the space.

2. Hang or display vintage prints

You can either hang vintage prints on the wall or arrange them on shelves or cabinets. Choose prints that feature flowers, birds, trees, and geometric patterns. The more abstract the images are, the more vintage-inspired your bathroom will feel. 

Vintage posters are another great way to add vintage-inspired decor to your bathroom. You can display old posters on the wall or use them as décor items on shelves or drawers. Vintage posters are perfect for accentuating old-fashioned values like simplicity and natural beauty.

3. Update the hardware on your faucet

To update the look of your faucet, consider replacing the existing hardware with vintage-style pieces. Many faucets are available in a range of finishes, so you can find one that matches your existing bathroom fixtures and decor. There is a range of different kinds of faucet fittings, so you can easily find one that both matches your current hardware and fits your budget.

4. Hang up those old towel bars

If your current towel racks are old and dated, consider how you can update them. While this may seem like an odd suggestion, you may be surprised at how many people overlook this simple, inexpensive upgrade. 

Vintage towel bars are often all-metal and manufactured from metal or iron, which makes them a great alternative to more commonly used plastic or ceramic bars. Not only are they more durable and resistant to scratches and dings, but they’re often cheaper, too. 

If you want to update the look of your bathroom, you can also consider hanging up vintage-style curtain panels, which are often available in a wide range of patterns and colours. These curtains can be hung up to completely block out the light when you need to quickly cover up and are resistant to mildew and other odours, making them a great option for any bathroom.

5. Add an old vanity stool for added storage

Old vanity stools are perfect for adding small storage to a small bathroom. Adding a stool to your bathroom can help you get everything you need under one roof. You can use the stool as extra storage for towels or toiletries, or you could use the stool as a vanity stool to create a more attractive look in the bathroom. You could also use the stool to store grooming or bathing products that you use daily, or you could use it as a surface to dry your hair or wash your face.

6. Add a vintage shower curtain

While your other options may be more expensive and break more often, consider a vintage-inspired shower curtain. These often come in a wide range of patterns and colours, making them a great option for any home and bathroom style. 

You can also choose to go with a patterned curtain, which can create a visual break between the shower and your bathtub, making the space feel less crowded while you’re in the shower. 

For a more subtle look, consider opting for a solid colour or patterned curtain instead. While there is a wide range of shower curtains available, you can also make your custom curtain using a pattern or print that you like. This is a great way to ensure that your new curtain is both stylish and custom-made for your bathroom.

7. Mix and match tiles for an unexpected effect

If your bathroom is built from a standard tile floor, consider mixing and matching your tiles. This is a great way to create a more eclectic look in your space and add some variety to your décor. 

While most tile floors come in a range of standard colours and styles, you can easily alter the look of your tiles by swapping out tiles or using different patterns. 

To create a visually appealing and refreshing effect, you can easily replace your white tiles with blue tiles. Alternatively, you can also choose to use a contrasting colour like black or make use of a patterned tile to break up the monotony of the standard tiles.

8. Install a vintage sink

If your bathroom has an existing sink but you want to revamp the look of the space, consider installing a vintage sink. These sinks are often much larger than standard sinks, which can add a sense of spaciousness and allow you to fit more in your bathroom, like a larger vanity or linen cabinet. They’re also often a lot more affordable, making them a great option if you want to add a more affordable vintage piece. 

If your bathroom doesn’t have enough space for a vintage sink, it’s also possible to buy an under-sink sink cabinet, which is often a small piece of furniture that fits underneath the main sink. These are an excellent way to store extra bathroom items, like small cleaning supplies and toiletries, without taking up too much space.

9. Don’t be afraid to paint or stencil

If your other bathroom remodelling options are limited or too expensive, consider painting your vintage bathroom. By painting your vintage bathroom, you can easily alter the look and feel of the space without having to tear it down and rebuild it from scratch. 

You can also paint your bathroom using a wide range of different colours and shades that are both trendy and classic. If you prefer, you can choose either a light and airy shade that complements the rest of your home’s décor, or a darker shade that adds both warmth and depth to your room. Painting your bathroom is also an excellent way to add some colour and life to an otherwise dull space. 

If your other options are limited, consider stencilling your bathroom. These are often much more affordable and easier to apply than wallpaper, making them a great option for any bathroom remodelling project on a tight budget. Stencils can be used in both bathrooms and kitchens, making them a great choice for any home or space. There is a wide range of different stencil designs available, so you can easily find one that looks great and fits your decor.

10. Keep it light and airy

Lighting can play a big role in transforming your bathroom into a vintage haven. Choose fixtures and lighting brands with vintage-inspired designs that fit in with your other interior décor. You can also use lighting to add depth and dimension to your wallpaper, prints, and cabinets. 

If you have a small bathroom, you can always go for a themed light like a vintage pendant light that has a more linear and linear design. Alternatively, you can spring for a night light with a softly coloured light to make your bathroom more inviting.

11. Add a window treatment

Window treatment for your bathroom can give your space some privacy and help you create a more relaxing environment. Plus, most window treatments are relatively inexpensive, so you can add one to your bathroom without breaking the bank. 

There are plenty of options for window treatments, from sheer panels to heavier drapes, and from simple grommets to more elaborate drapery systems. Once you find a style that works for your bathroom, you can use it as a guide for future bathroom remodels, since it’s not too difficult to change out window treatment.

12. Be conscious about colour selection

To make your vintage bathroom look stylish, you will need to choose the right colour palette for the theme. In this case, you can go for a vintage yellow or coral colour palette to add a sunny feel to the space. You can also consider using a darker or vintage blue colour palette to create a more subdued feel. 

Another thing you should keep in mind is the lighting. You should choose a colour palette that harmonizes well with the lighting in the room. For example, you should avoid using a bright yellow colour palette in a room that has a lot of indirect lighting.

13. Dust off your old shaving kit for a masculine touch

If you have a vintage shaving kit lying around the house, you can try using it as decor. You can create a masculine touch by hanging your shaving kit on a wall or using it as a shelf item. You can also try pairing vintage shaving kits with other masculine items like a vintage iron or a vintage pipe rack. You can create an eclectic and eclectic setting by using vintage and modern items together.

14. Add pops of colour to balance out the room

If your vintage bathroom has a too-neutral colour palette, you can try adding pops of colour to balance out the room. Consider a vintage blue and yellow colour scheme or a vintage red and white scheme. You can also go for a monochromatic vintage colour palette, like a navy blue and white colour palette. 

Another thing you can do to add dimension and depth to your vintage bathroom decor is to hang accessories with photographs or other images on the walls. You can also create texture on the walls by hanging baskets or vintage mirrors.

15. Add contrast to your space

Vintage items are great for adding a contrasting element to a space. If your bathroom is all white, adding a cool blue item like a vintage lamp or cork wall decor can add a pop of colour that is both stylish and refreshing. 

Contrasting colours are great for making a space look larger, while also making it easier to spot any items that are out of place or in need of a cleaning. For example, a rug or rug mat that contrasts with the wall colour is much easier to spot and keep track of, which helps to avoid any accidents or mishaps. 

If your bathroom is all dark colours, adding a lighter pop of colour or adding some vintage patterned wallpaper can be a great way to make the space feel more open and airy. You can also add pops of colour on the inside of your bathroom with vintage art or posters. By adding some contrast to your space, it will feel both more modern and more vintage at the same time.

 

Wrap up

From a focal point, like a vintage faucet or mirror, to decorative features, like a painted flower vase or towel rack, the right vintage-style bathroom can help you bring a bit of charm to the space. 

Now that you know how to add elements and features from vintage decor to your bathroom, you’re ready to design your dream bathroom. No matter what style you choose, you can make sure your bathroom is truly vintage with these tips. 

The right vintage-style bathroom will have details that bring out the charm of the room without distracting from the rest of the décor.