25 Vintage Bathroom Ideas
When it comes to giving your bathroom a makeover, vintage charm never goes out of style.
Whether you’re into clawfoot tubs, antique vanities, or old-school tiles, this guide is packed with timeless ideas that bring elegance and nostalgia into your daily routine.
I once stepped into a 1930s bathroom in a tiny B&B in Maine, and honestly? It felt like stepping into a time capsule—with porcelain details, brass taps, and the kind of lighting that makes you feel like a movie star.
That’s the power of vintage design—it’s not just décor, it’s a whole mood.
Let’s dive in.
You’re about to get 25 beautifully curated vintage bathroom ideas, each with advice, details, and inspiration to turn your space into a cozy, stylish throwback.
1. Clawfoot Tubs: The Crown Jewel
Nothing says vintage like a classic clawfoot tub.
These beauties have been gracing bathrooms since the 19th century, and their timeless silhouette still reigns supreme.
Choose a cast-iron model with porcelain enamel for that authentic touch. They’re perfect for long, luxurious soaks.
If you’re short on space, go for a slipper-style clawfoot tub—it’s curved on one end for back support and still keeps that vintage flair.
Pro tip: Paint the outside of the tub in a muted sage green or soft navy to add a personal touch.
And yes, bubble baths feel better in a clawfoot. That’s a fact.
2. Pedestal Sinks for an Airy Look
Pedestal sinks offer clean lines and an open feel, making them ideal for smaller vintage bathrooms.
They were wildly popular in the early 20th century, and for good reason—they’re elegant without taking up visual space.
Look for a ceramic or porcelain pedestal with soft curves and a high backsplash. It’s not just pretty—it’s practical, too.
Pair it with cross-handle faucets in brushed brass for that truly authentic vibe.
3. Vintage Subway Tiles Never Fail
Subway tiles have been around since 1904, when they debuted in New York’s underground train stations.
Now, they’re a staple of vintage bathrooms everywhere.
Stick to the classic 3×6 white glossy tiles for the most authentic look. Use a darker grout to make the tile lines pop—and to hide stains.
Trust me, it’s a game changer.
Want to level it up? Add a black and white mosaic tile floor for a true old-world feel. The combo? It’s like Fred and Ginger—timelessly perfect.
4. Brass Fixtures Bring the Warmth
Brass isn’t just back—it never left the vintage bathroom scene.
Unlike chrome or nickel, brass ages gracefully, developing a lovely patina over time.
Install unlacquered brass taps, towel hooks, and showerheads. The finish might cost more upfront, but it’s built to last—and ages like fine wine.
You’ll appreciate the warm glow it casts in the morning light.
Fun fact: 73% of homeowners in remodeling with a vintage theme chose warm-toned metal fixtures, and brass topped the list.
5. Floral Wallpaper for a Romantic Touch
Bring in the old-world romance with floral or botanical wallpaper. Think English garden vibes or Art Nouveau swirls.
Go bold with ceiling-to-floor floral prints or create a feature wall behind the sink.
For moisture-prone spaces, choose vinyl-coated paper that resists humidity but keeps that vintage charm.
When I renovated my guest bathroom, I went for a soft blush damask wallpaper.
It made the space feel like a page out of a Victorian novel—and guests never stop complimenting it.
6. Apothecary Jars for Storage
Forget plastic containers. Use apothecary jars to store cotton swabs, bath salts, and soaps.
These glass jars were common in old pharmacies and add instant vintage appeal.
Group them on open shelves or a marble counter. It’s organization with style—and a little dash of nostalgia.
7. Hexagon Tile Floors: Geometry That Never Ages
Hex tiles have been around since the early 1900s and remain a vintage bathroom favorite.
Stick with small white hex tiles (about 1” across), and consider adding a black border or subtle floral pattern inlay for that period-perfect look.
They’re durable, easy to clean, and surprisingly modern-feeling while staying true to history.
8. Wall-Mounted Toilets and High-Tank Cisterns
Yes, high-tank toilets with pull chains are still a thing—and they’re vintage heaven.
Originally popular in the Victorian era, they give your bathroom royal old-school vibes.
Choose a porcelain tank mounted high with a chrome or brass pipe and chain.
You’ll feel like a character in a Sherlock Holmes mystery every time you flush.
9. Antique Mirrors Add Soul
Skip the frameless mirror and hunt down a vintage or antique mirror—something with a little patina, beveled edges, or a detailed gilt frame.
Even a slightly aged mirror brings character and warmth. Hang it above the sink, or go big with a statement piece over a clawfoot tub.
Mirrors are the soul of a bathroom, and vintage ones have plenty to offer.
10. Vintage Lighting Fixtures
Lighting is where vintage bathrooms shine—literally. Look for sconces with milk glass shades, Edison bulbs, or art deco chandeliers.
Install wall-mounted lights on either side of your mirror for that old-Hollywood glam. Trust me, it’s way more flattering than overhead lighting.
And don’t forget a dimmer switch. Vintage doesn’t mean impractical. Soft lighting = soft mornings.
11. Vintage Art Prints
Fill your walls with vintage botanical prints, French posters, or black-and-white photography.
You don’t need originals—high-quality reproductions will do the trick.
A little gallery wall of antique frames instantly makes the room feel curated and cozy. Just keep the art moisture-safe by framing it properly.
12. Beadboard Paneling
Want to add texture and charm to plain walls? Beadboard paneling is your secret weapon. It’s classic, durable, and full of character.
Paint it a creamy white, soft gray, or muted pastel, and pair with subway tiles or floral wallpaper for contrast.
It’s like putting on a well-fitted blazer—it pulls everything together.
13. Freestanding Furniture
Instead of built-in cabinets, opt for freestanding furniture like vintage dressers or étagères.
Convert an old dresser into a sink vanity or use a glass cabinet to display towels and toiletries. Bonus points if it creaks a little—that just means it has stories to tell.
14. Curtain Skirts for Sink Bases
Before built-in cabinetry was the norm, people hid the plumbing under sinks with fabric skirts. It’s an easy DIY that adds charm and softness to your bathroom.
Choose lace, gingham, or floral fabrics, and use Velcro or a tension rod to attach it. It’s adorable, practical, and costs next to nothing.
15. Vintage Rugs (Yes, in the Bathroom)
Forget the boring bath mat. Add a vintage Turkish or Persian rug. It’s durable, colorful, and adds immediate warmth.
I snagged a worn little runner from a flea market in Boston, and it transformed my cold tile floor into something cozy and character-filled. Just make sure to add a rug pad for safety.
16. Old-School Medicine Cabinets
Nothing beats a recessed mirrored medicine cabinet with a chrome frame. These classic fixtures date back to the 1920s and combine form with function.
Many modern reproductions include LED lighting and hidden outlets—so you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for style.
17. Cross-Handle Faucets
Modern faucets are sleek, sure—but cross-handle faucets bring that turn-of-the-century charm that feels right at home in a vintage bathroom.
Choose finishes like oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, or unlacquered brass. They look beautiful and last for decades.
18. Milk Glass Accessories
From soap dishes to light fixtures, milk glass is a signature vintage material. Its soft white translucence adds elegance without being flashy.
Look for milk glass tumblers, canisters, and sconce shades to tie the room together in understated style.
19. Pull-Chain Light Fixtures
For the true vintage lovers out there, pull-chain ceiling lights add an authentic detail that few people think to include.
Pair them with a ceramic or porcelain base for extra charm. Just be ready for guests to ask, “Wait, how do I turn on the light?”
20. Vintage Hardware Makes a Big Difference
Don’t overlook the details. Switch out modern cabinet pulls and towel bars for glass knobs, ceramic pulls, or aged brass handles.
Even something as small as the toilet paper holder can become a design moment when you choose vintage.
21. Paint with Historic Colors
Paint brands like Farrow & Ball and Benjamin Moore offer collections based on historical color palettes. Use them to pick shades that feel authentic.
Think powder blues, creamy taupes, antique whites, and dusky roses. They’ll make your bathroom feel like it’s been there for a hundred years—in the best way.
22. Lace Curtains
Forget plastic blinds. Add romance with lace or sheer cotton curtains. They soften the light and give you privacy without blocking the charm.
Choose natural fabrics and vintage patterns. The result? A bathroom that feels like a cozy countryside cottage.
23. Freestanding Towel Racks
Instead of wall hooks, use a freestanding towel rack or vintage ladder. They offer storage, mobility, and an instant sense of old-world refinement.
Plus, it keeps your walls clean and uncluttered. Double win.
24. Real Plants in Old Pots
Plants belong in vintage bathrooms too. Use terracotta pots, enamel basins, or even teacups for your greenery.
Ferns, pothos, and English ivy thrive in humid environments—and they add life and softness to your vintage setup.
25. Repurposed Antiques
The ultimate vintage move? Use real antiques. Old window frames become mirrors. An antique chair turns into a towel holder. An old vanity becomes your new sink.
Your bathroom doesn’t need to be a museum—but adding one or two well-loved pieces gives it soul.
Vintage bathrooms aren’t just about copying the past—they’re about creating a space that feels personal, comforting, and beautifully aged. Think of them as a warm handwritten letter in a world of emails.
Whether you’re doing a full renovation or just adding a few touches, these 25 vintage bathroom ideas will help you bring character, charm, and timeless beauty into your space.
