Spin Vintage Vibes in a Modern Bathroom
Work vintage pieces into your contemporary bathroom for a look that will never date
There’s no design rule to say that modern bathrooms have to be floor-to-ceiling sleek and chic. Try teaming your contemporary bathroom with a few quirky vintage details, and your space will be graced with charm and character that will outlive any fashion or trend. We’ve tracked down some interesting and unique spaces that will entice you to step back in time for some old-world inspiration. Now it’s just a matter of keeping your eyes peeled for those kerbside treasures!
Adding a marble top to an old cabinet makes this vanity extra practical, and instead of going for a basin and taps from the same era, they are ultra-modern.
In the same bathroom, an old cabinet with glass doors adds more character and storage, and that retro-style flamingo wallpaper is the perfect finishing touch.
Walk-in showers are the ultimate modern-day amenity, while a traditional vanity provides an elegant area to organise your toiletries. This juxtaposition of styles delivers a unique scheme that can be balanced out with a mix of modern and traditional patterned towels.
All in the details
A charming vintage side table will make a super addition in a cool, stark bathroom that’s in need of a warming touch.
A charming vintage side table will make a super addition in a cool, stark bathroom that’s in need of a warming touch.
Decant your bubble bath into an apothecary-style bottle for some added antique personality.
The addition of a nostalgic stool by the vanity or tub can be all a bathroom needs to take it to the next level. Rustic wooden textures add a warmth that cool contemporary stone surfaces can only dream of, and will take a chilly space to a happier place.
Why wood works in the bathroom
Why wood works in the bathroom
Think beyond usual bathroom storage and try introducing older pieces for an interesting dose of texture and colour. If you want to make the vintage items the focal point, keep the rest of the scheme fairly quiet with subtle shapes, and arrange your quirky finds in standout spots so they provoke some well-deserved attention.
Reflecting on the past
An ultra-modern bathroom can be given a lovely twist with the addition of some old, but still beautiful, mirrors. The patina and style of these mirror frames bring a sense of history to this slick wash zone.
An ultra-modern bathroom can be given a lovely twist with the addition of some old, but still beautiful, mirrors. The patina and style of these mirror frames bring a sense of history to this slick wash zone.
Mirrors don’t have to match to work, of course, as this Adelaide bathroom demonstrates. A collection of vintage mirrors is always charming, but hang them in a modern bathroom setting and they’ll instantly remove the cool nip from an otherwise contemporary style.
Look out for stylised designs that clearly capture certain eras, such as Art Deco or Victorian, so visitors know that the look is deliberate.
Or why not go all the way and cover an entire wall in an antiqued mirror? The effect is dazzling in this elegant London bathroom.
Read more stories about bathrooms
Read more stories about bathrooms
Step back in time
Everything about this bathroom is modern, from the minimal showerhead to the mostly monochrome palette, but it’s also awash with old-world charm thanks to some lovely hints of heritage. Patterned floor tiles might be on-trend but their busy nature will bring a sense of time-travel to a contemporary space, while a period pendant and a clawfoot tub will capture hearts in an instant.
Everything about this bathroom is modern, from the minimal showerhead to the mostly monochrome palette, but it’s also awash with old-world charm thanks to some lovely hints of heritage. Patterned floor tiles might be on-trend but their busy nature will bring a sense of time-travel to a contemporary space, while a period pendant and a clawfoot tub will capture hearts in an instant.
Pick out bathroom features with heritage styling and you’re half way to a sanctuary packed with inviting Victorian character. Then set the scene with moody hues, heritage window fittings and time-worn woods, and you’ll be whisked back to bygone times.
Tip: Leaning a stately mirror rather than hanging it will set a confident styling tone.
Tip: Leaning a stately mirror rather than hanging it will set a confident styling tone.
Love a bath bridge but can’t find one to fit your tub? Be bold and try a couple of old planks instead for a boho touch. Be sure to sand them down and varnish them first to avoid splinters, but you’ll be rewarded with a unique and quirky detail. Church candles are another sure-fire way of stirring up old-fashioned notions, while a wire storage basket is the perfect accompaniment to a rustic look.
Super simple
Looking to update your shower with something a little different? Try fitting a classic showerhead that has a hip brass finish. The effort will be minimal but the result far-reaching. Carry the look through to the shower screen with a brass trim to mark out the edge of the glass and you’ll be thrilled with the injection of personality.
Looking to update your shower with something a little different? Try fitting a classic showerhead that has a hip brass finish. The effort will be minimal but the result far-reaching. Carry the look through to the shower screen with a brass trim to mark out the edge of the glass and you’ll be thrilled with the injection of personality.
Old is new again
A contemporary bathroom can stop short of embracing vintage character, but hint at it just the same. This Sydney beauty gives a subtle nod to the past with its wall panelling, tapware and new take on an old bath. The result? A thoroughly modern bathroom with plenty of personality.
TELL US
How have you spun vintage vibes into your modern bathroom? We’d love to hear about it or see your photos in the Comments below.
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Browse more bathroom designs
A contemporary bathroom can stop short of embracing vintage character, but hint at it just the same. This Sydney beauty gives a subtle nod to the past with its wall panelling, tapware and new take on an old bath. The result? A thoroughly modern bathroom with plenty of personality.
TELL US
How have you spun vintage vibes into your modern bathroom? We’d love to hear about it or see your photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more bathroom designs
Pairing an old timber apothecary chest with two modern basins has made this bathroom a knockout, and with plenty of bench space and storage, it’s as practical as it is pretty.
What can you repurpose as a vanity?