20 Vintage Bathroom Ideas
Bathrooms may be small in size, but they carry huge potential when it comes to design.
A well-thought-out vintage bathroom can instantly transport you back in time while still offering the comfort of modern-day living.
Whether you’re drawn to clawfoot tubs, brass fixtures, or black-and-white tiles, vintage style never really goes out of fashion—it just gets rediscovered.
1. Clawfoot Tubs That Command Attention
If you ask me, no single item screams vintage bathroom louder than a clawfoot tub. Introduced in the mid-19th century, these tubs became a staple of luxurious bathing.
Today, they’re still sought after. According to Houzz’s bathroom trends report, freestanding tubs are included in 36% of bathroom remodels, and clawfoot tubs are the vintage lover’s top pick.
Here’s why they work: they create a centerpiece, they instantly add charm, and they pair well with both subway tile walls and patterned floors.
If you don’t have the budget for an antique one, reproduction models are widely available and come with modern plumbing compatibility.
2. Pedestal Sinks With Graceful Lines
Pedestal sinks have been in homes since the late 1800s, and their slender, elegant form makes them ideal for bathrooms where space is tight. Unlike bulky vanities, they don’t eat up floor space, creating an airy look.
Yes, they lack storage, but here’s the secret: pair them with a vintage medicine cabinet or wicker baskets underneath. That way, you keep the old-school charm without losing functionality.
3. Subway Tiles for Walls That Whisper History
You’ve seen them in New York subway stations, but did you know subway tiles became popular in homes in the early 1900s? Their glossy finish reflects light beautifully, making bathrooms brighter.
Choose classic 3×6-inch white tiles for an authentic look. If you want a modern twist, consider darker grout lines to highlight the grid pattern. In a bathroom remodel survey, over 60% of homeowners opt for ceramic tile walls, with subway tiles topping the list for vintage-inspired spaces.
4. Black-and-White Checkered Floors
Every time I see a black-and-white tiled floor, I think of a retro diner or an elegant 1920s Parisian flat. This flooring style has a timeless vintage vibe.
The geometric pattern adds structure to a bathroom, and it hides dirt surprisingly well (something practical homeowners discovered early on). You can go with large tiles for boldness or smaller penny tiles if you’re after subtle charm.
5. Brass Fixtures for Golden Elegance
Nothing warms up a bathroom quite like brass fixtures. Unlike chrome, which feels more modern, brass carries a soft patina that feels aged in the best way.
From faucets to towel bars, brass brings out the vintage personality of the space. And according to design experts, brass is making a strong comeback, with fixture sales in brushed brass increasing 18% year-over-year.
6. Freestanding Vanities With Curves
Vintage bathrooms often include vanities that look like antique furniture. Think curved wooden legs, ornate handles, and marble tops. These are a far cry from the flat-packed vanities you find at big-box stores.
A friend of mine scored an antique dresser at a flea market and had it converted into a vanity—it became the soul of her bathroom. The mix of old craftsmanship with modern plumbing is unbeatable.
7. Patterned Wallpaper With a Retro Touch
Before bathrooms became dominated by plain paint, wallpaper was the go-to choice for making a statement. Florals, damasks, and geometric patterns all played a part in vintage homes.
Moisture-resistant wallpaper now makes it practical, even in steamy bathrooms. A 2023 design survey revealed that 23% of bathroom renovations include wallpaper, a clear nod to its rising popularity again.
8. Stained Glass Windows for Light and Privacy
There’s nothing quite like bathing while sunlight filters through stained glass. Popular in Victorian homes, stained glass served both functional and decorative roles.
Even if you don’t have an original, you can install panels or window films that mimic the look. They protect privacy while turning your bathroom into a glowing sanctuary.
9. Cast-Iron Radiators for Heat and Style
Vintage bathrooms often included cast-iron radiators, not just for heating but also for their sculptural quality. These pieces last decades, and many homeowners now refurbish them rather than replace them.
They can be painted to match your color scheme, and modern versions even come with towel-warming features—a true blend of past and present.
10. Wall-Mounted Toilets With Old-School Charm
While floor-mounted toilets dominate today, wall-mounted toilets were popular in early 20th-century homes. They save floor space and make cleaning easier, all while looking distinctively retro.
Pair them with a wooden toilet seat for that extra vintage detail.
11. Vintage Light Fixtures That Glow Softly
The right lighting transforms a bathroom. Vintage-style sconces with frosted glass shades, crystal chandeliers, or even lantern-style fixtures can create that warm glow associated with old-world spaces.
Stat alert: The U.S. lighting market reached $39 billion in 2024, with vintage-inspired designs being one of the fastest-growing categories.
12. Medicine Cabinets With Mirrors
Forget frameless mirrors—vintage bathrooms featured mirrored medicine cabinets with small shelves hidden behind. These not only serve storage needs but also bring character to the wall.
Look for models with beveled edges or metal frames. They give off an instant “found in grandma’s house” vibe but serve you well today.
13. Penny Tile Floors With Endless Patterns
Small, circular penny tiles became popular in the 1900s and remain a darling of vintage bathroom design. They’re versatile, slip-resistant, and can be laid out in creative patterns, from borders to floral motifs.
The best part? They’re nearly indestructible. Many century-old bathrooms still have their original penny tile floors intact.
14. Beadboard Paneling for Cottage Appeal
If you’ve ever visited an old farmhouse, you’ve probably noticed beadboard paneling lining the walls. In bathrooms, it adds a cozy, cottage-like feel.
Paint it white for a crisp, classic look, or try muted colors like sage or pale blue for added character. Beadboard also helps protect lower walls from splashes—practical and pretty.
15. Vintage Mirrors With Ornate Frames
A bathroom mirror doesn’t have to be boring. Ornate, gold-framed mirrors or wood-carved designs create a sense of history.
I once inherited a carved mirror from my grandmother’s home, and it instantly transformed my plain bathroom into something magazine-worthy. It’s the little details that matter.
16. Roll-Top Tubs for Statement Bathing
Like clawfoot tubs, roll-top tubs are classic showpieces. Their rounded edges and freestanding form make them inviting. If you want your bathroom to be a retreat, a roll-top tub surrounded by candles sets the perfect vintage mood.
17. Open Shelving With Wicker Baskets
Storage doesn’t always mean closed cabinets. Vintage bathrooms often used open shelving paired with wicker or wire baskets. This creates a lived-in, approachable feel.
Stack neatly folded towels, glass jars filled with cotton balls, and apothecary-style bottles to complete the look.
18. Cross-Handle Faucets for a Retro Detail
Modern faucets are often lever-based, but cross-handle faucets hark back to earlier times. They’re small but mighty in terms of impact, adding that authentic vintage vibe without overhauling the entire bathroom.
19. Decorative Rugs Instead of Bath Mats
A bath mat does the job, but a Persian-style rug or kilim adds warmth and history. Believe it or not, many vintage bathrooms incorporated small rugs, and modern design has brought this trend back.
Just make sure you use a rug pad to prevent slipping, and pick one that can handle occasional splashes.
20. Antique Accessories to Tie It All Together
The final secret lies in the accessories. Think glass soap dishes, porcelain toothbrush holders, enamel buckets, and vintage perfume bottles. These finishing touches make the bathroom feel like you’ve stepped into another era.
Hunting for these treasures at flea markets or thrift shops is half the fun—you never know what piece will complete your bathroom’s story.
Conclusion on 20 Vintage Bathroom Ideas
Designing a vintage bathroom isn’t about copying the past—it’s about capturing its charm and spirit while making it functional for today. From clawfoot tubs to penny tile floors, every element adds a layer of nostalgia and beauty. The key is balance: too many vintage details can feel like a set, but thoughtfully chosen pieces create a timeless retreat.
Bathrooms may not be the biggest rooms in a house, but with the right vintage touches, they can be the most memorable. So, whether you start small with brass faucets or go all out with a roll-top tub, remember—you’re not just designing a bathroom, you’re curating an experience that connects past and present.