16 Charming Vintage Bathroom Design Ideas

Creating a nice vintage bathroom design can feel like a tricky puzzle, especially when you’re working with bold original tile, a tired vanity, and flooring that’s clearly from a different era.

That was exactly my situation. I loved the look of my yellow and black tile, but something felt off. The vanity looked worn down, the blind was dusty and crooked, and don’t get me started on the floor, it clashed with everything. I knew I didn’t want to fill the space, but I needed it to feel refreshed to match the wall’s color.

To finish my vintage bathroom design, I focused on small changes. First, I touched up the vanity. The wood was scratched and tired, so I debated between white and black; finally, black won for a more grounded feel with the existing accents.

I sealed the floor and tub edges with fresh caulk and swapped the blind for a bright white one. A crisp new mat, a shower curtain with subtle black and white patterning, and a set of fluffy white towels instantly made my bathroom feel clean.

I even added a few budget-friendly touches like glass containers for toiletries in the black cupholders and a little stool for extra charm.

If you’re finishing your own vintage bathroom design, my advice is this: lean in, not out. Don’t fight the retro elements but elevate them. Match your fixtures where it makes sense, but don’t be afraid to mix metals or add contrast like a matte black light fixture or dark mirror frame.

Paint or sharpen the vanity (yes, a Sharpie works wonders for scratches!), upgrade your lighting, and consider vintage-style prints or even funky wallpaper to highlight the character.

You don’t need a huge budget, just vision and a little creativity to bring your vintage bathroom back to life.

16. Clawfoot Tubs: The Icon of Vintage Bathroom Design

Nothing says vintage like a cast iron clawfoot tub. Opt for classic white or bold black with polished brass or oil-rubbed bronze feet. Complement it with a freestanding faucet and a handheld shower head. Surround the tub with hexagon tiles or a Persian rug to complete the moody vibe.

Tip: Choose an aged patina for tub feet or go matte black for modern vintage contrast.

15. Antique Vanities with Marble Tops

Replace contemporary vanities with reclaimed wood dressers fitted with marble or soapstone countertops. A vessel sink in porcelain or hammered copper elevates the antique effect.

Tip: Use milk paint or chalk paint on the vanity for a distressed, time-worn appearance.

14. Dark Floral Wallpaper for Drama

Moody florals with deep plum, forest green, and midnight blue hues add vintage depth. Accent with wainscoting or beadboard painted in muted neutrals or blacks.

Tip: Use peel-and-stick wallpaper if you’re renting or want flexibility without commitment.

13. Vintage Lighting Fixtures with Warm Glow

Wall sconces, Edison bulb pendants, or ornate brass chandeliers set the mood. Choose frosted glass shades or exposed bulbs for a 1920s or 1940s aesthetic.

Tip: Install dimmer switches to adjust lighting intensity for different moods.

12. Subway Tiles with Contrasting Grout

Classic white subway tiles laid in a stacked or herringbone pattern evoke early 20th-century bathrooms. Use black or dark grey grout for a moody, dramatic twist.

Tip: Extend tiles to the ceiling for a polished, gallery-like atmosphere.

11. Freestanding Brass or Copper Fixtures

Vintage-style faucets in aged brass or raw copper add authenticity. Pair with crosshead or lever handles for period accuracy.

Tip: Unlacquered finishes age naturally over time, developing unique patinas.

10. Moody Paint Palettes Inspired by the Past

Opt for historic colors: oxblood, hunter green, charcoal, navy, or taupe. These shades work beautifully on walls, cabinetry, and ceilings.

Tip: Use a matte or eggshell finish to replicate old-world depth and softness.

9. Ornate Mirrors with Gold or Black Frames

Choose baroque-style mirrors or Victorian-inspired frames. Aged or foxed glass enhances authenticity.

Tip: Hang the mirror slightly higher to elongate wall space and improve lighting bounce.

8. Vintage Rugs and Runners

A Turkish or Persian rug adds instant warmth and character to a cold bathroom floor. Choose muted reds, rusts, and blues to complement a moody palette.

Tip: Use a washable or indoor-outdoor version for practicality in humid areas.

7. Glass Apothecary Jars and Vintage Storage

Replace modern containers with clear glass apothecary jars, vintage trays, and wooden crates. Use them for soaps, cotton balls, and bath salts.

Tip: Label jars with aged paper tags or embossed stamps for added charm.

6. Beadboard and Wainscoting for Architectural Detail

Install half-wall beadboard or paneling for instant vintage appeal. Paint in warm neutrals or bold, moody tones, classic choices for vintage bathroom design.

Tip: Cap with a shelf ledge to display candles, framed art, or small potted plants.

5. Art Deco Details for Glamour

Incorporate industrial-style lighting, exposed piping, and metal shelving. These raw elements balance out softer vintage pieces, creating contrast within vintage bathroom design.

Tip: Mix black and gold accents with streamlined fixtures to keep it elegant, not overwhelming.

4. Industrial Touches for Vintage Grit

Incorporate industrial-style lighting, exposed piping, and metal shelving. These raw elements balance out softer vintage pieces, an ideal mix for vintage bathroom design.

Tip: Use factory cart wheels or reclaimed iron for storage solutions.

3. Vintage-Inspired Wall Art and Prints

Adorn your walls with antique botanical prints, old advertisements, or vintage magazine covers, perfect wall decor for vintage bathroom design.

Tip: Use black or gilded frames and create a gallery wall above your toilet or towel rack.

2. Ceiling-Mounted Shower Curtains

Install a ceiling-mounted circular or oval shower curtain rod for a true vintage aesthetic. For authenticity, use linen or canvas curtains, timeless touches for vintage bathroom design.

Tip: Choose weighted curtains to prevent billowing during use.

1. Antique Doors and Window Frames

Repurpose salvaged doors or shutters as decor, or use old window frames as mirrors, charming additions to a vintage bathroom design.

Tip: Keep chipped paint and patina for a raw, aged effect that speaks of history.

Conclusion

For a true moody vintage bathroom design, balance elegance with the raw character of aged materials.