Plan a Modern Bathroom With Plenty of Vintage Glamour
Relaxed, pretty and characterful, vintage-style bathrooms never go out of style. Here’s how to get the look
There’s something so appealing about a vintage-style bathroom. Mixing up luxe materials, rustic finishes and heritage hues creates a naturally welcoming space, but one that can harness hi-tech wizardry, too, for a really invigorating experience (think power shower, mood lighting and underfloor heating). Don’t forget the statement bath or showstopping vanity unit, either, for vintage with va va voom…
Go for a subtle look
This bathroom is crisp and pared-down, for sure, but also has a definite air of vintage about it, thanks mainly to the classic washstand on legs. Pair with a matching chrome towel rail and a classic black-and-white tiled floor for more subtle vintage overtones and you’ll have a space that’s bright and white, but timeless, too.
This bathroom is crisp and pared-down, for sure, but also has a definite air of vintage about it, thanks mainly to the classic washstand on legs. Pair with a matching chrome towel rail and a classic black-and-white tiled floor for more subtle vintage overtones and you’ll have a space that’s bright and white, but timeless, too.
Make it grand
This is how to do luxe vintage in a grand way. You’ll need a big space for this one, but if you’re lucky enough to have the room, go for the glittering vintage chandelier, the marble-clad bath, and yes, even the large velvet pouffe in all its buttoned glory. Because, after all, in a bathroom this plush, you’ll definitely need somewhere to rest your champagne tray…
This is how to do luxe vintage in a grand way. You’ll need a big space for this one, but if you’re lucky enough to have the room, go for the glittering vintage chandelier, the marble-clad bath, and yes, even the large velvet pouffe in all its buttoned glory. Because, after all, in a bathroom this plush, you’ll definitely need somewhere to rest your champagne tray…
Big up your bath
You can’t beat a freestanding bateau or roll-top bath plonked decadently in the middle of a room for conjuring up a vision of days gone by.
However, you might want to try a contemporary version made from a lighter, warmer material than heavy cast iron (weight and access can be a potential problem, particularly if you live in a flat). Seek out hard-wearing acrylic tubs or velvet-smooth composites that come in a wealth of shapes, sizes and depths to suit every space.
18 deluxe tubs you’ll love
You can’t beat a freestanding bateau or roll-top bath plonked decadently in the middle of a room for conjuring up a vision of days gone by.
However, you might want to try a contemporary version made from a lighter, warmer material than heavy cast iron (weight and access can be a potential problem, particularly if you live in a flat). Seek out hard-wearing acrylic tubs or velvet-smooth composites that come in a wealth of shapes, sizes and depths to suit every space.
18 deluxe tubs you’ll love
Blast with a hot hue
The punchy, lime green hue of this vanity unit might not be authentically vintage, but it certainly adds oodles of spirit and an old-fashioned atmosphere to this bathroom.
The lesson here is don’t be afraid to put a fresh twist on things, otherwise vintage styling can easily slip into a stuffy ‘museum’ look. Instead, mix up ornate silhouettes, vibrant modern colours and old-fashioned taps to create a statement piece with guts.
The punchy, lime green hue of this vanity unit might not be authentically vintage, but it certainly adds oodles of spirit and an old-fashioned atmosphere to this bathroom.
The lesson here is don’t be afraid to put a fresh twist on things, otherwise vintage styling can easily slip into a stuffy ‘museum’ look. Instead, mix up ornate silhouettes, vibrant modern colours and old-fashioned taps to create a statement piece with guts.
Marry old and new
The great thing about choosing a vintage-style bathroom in the 21st century is that you can combine charming fixtures and old-fashioned hues with a state-of-the-art shower and lighting.
This handsome Art Deco-style basin is the perfect fit for the slate grey tongue-and-groove panelling and vintage mirror, but equally looks at home next to the slick glass enclosure and recessed spots.
The great thing about choosing a vintage-style bathroom in the 21st century is that you can combine charming fixtures and old-fashioned hues with a state-of-the-art shower and lighting.
This handsome Art Deco-style basin is the perfect fit for the slate grey tongue-and-groove panelling and vintage mirror, but equally looks at home next to the slick glass enclosure and recessed spots.
Add your own stamp
You can really max out on strong colour and busy pattern in a vintage-style bathroom, unlike in a super-modern scheme, where the order of the day is white, white and more white.
I adore the pastel sage hue that’s been used liberally at one end of this bathroom, covering the walls and woodwork in a single colour. It’s a simple way to create a powerful feature out of plain, unassuming walls, and adds masses of design clout, particularly when offset with striking, geometric floor tiles and a charcoal painted roll-top.
10 scene-stealing bathroom feature floor tile
You can really max out on strong colour and busy pattern in a vintage-style bathroom, unlike in a super-modern scheme, where the order of the day is white, white and more white.
I adore the pastel sage hue that’s been used liberally at one end of this bathroom, covering the walls and woodwork in a single colour. It’s a simple way to create a powerful feature out of plain, unassuming walls, and adds masses of design clout, particularly when offset with striking, geometric floor tiles and a charcoal painted roll-top.
10 scene-stealing bathroom feature floor tile
Wow with wallpaper
The star of this bathroom for me is the beautiful William Morris-esque wallpaper, which saturates the room with a pretty print and peaceful, green hue.
Team a design like this with classic marble surfaces, subtle grey panelling and bevel-edged mirrors for a look that’s sophisticated vintage at its best.
The star of this bathroom for me is the beautiful William Morris-esque wallpaper, which saturates the room with a pretty print and peaceful, green hue.
Team a design like this with classic marble surfaces, subtle grey panelling and bevel-edged mirrors for a look that’s sophisticated vintage at its best.
Distress your paintwork
Well-worn finishes are a key decorating trick for any vintage look, and that includes the bathroom.
For instant vintage character, seek out a piece of furniture you can use for storage or, as here, a vanity unit that’s visibly been pre-loved. Alternatively, get busy covering a newer piece in paint and sanding and buffing it for a faux-vintage feel.
TELL US
Do you have a bathroom with real vintage appeal? Please share your ideas, tips and photos in the Comments.
MORE
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Well-worn finishes are a key decorating trick for any vintage look, and that includes the bathroom.
For instant vintage character, seek out a piece of furniture you can use for storage or, as here, a vanity unit that’s visibly been pre-loved. Alternatively, get busy covering a newer piece in paint and sanding and buffing it for a faux-vintage feel.
TELL US
Do you have a bathroom with real vintage appeal? Please share your ideas, tips and photos in the Comments.
MORE
5 Designer Tricks for Brightening Up a Windowless Bathroom
Space-Enhancing Ideas to Steal From These Small Bathrooms
9 Simple Updates That’ll Make Any Bathroom Work Better
If you’ve inherited a period fireplace, make it a feature even if it isn’t functional. Here, logs add a wonderful textural layer, but a collection of oversized church candles or a vintage enamel jug full of fresh flowers would also work a treat.
If your floorboards don’t look as pristine as these, you might want to cover up worse-for-wear ones with a tough, hard-wearing paint designed for bathrooms. Don’t worry about any nicks or imperfections, as these will only add to the character.
Finish the look by hanging up oversized mirrors and vintage artwork for a bathroom that’s truly yours.