How to Create a Vintage Inspired Bathroom

Ever since I can remember, I always wanted a bathroom with a claw foot tub. One of the big selling features when I first looked at my house over 20 years ago was that each bathroom has a claw foot tub. If you’re a fan of older bathrooms too, you might enjoy these 10 ideas that show how to create a vintage inspired bathroom.

Vintage Inspired Bathroom with Claw Foot TubPhoto by Historical Concepts

Adding a claw foot tub to your bathroom instantly creates a vintage vibe.

Yellow and Gray Vintage Bathroom with Claw Foot TubPhoto by Rita May

This floral-papered bathroom with a fireplace reminds me of something you’d see in a bed and breakfast. It would be even cooler if that fireplace worked and you could lounge in the tub with flickering flames going.

Vintage Bathroom with Fireplace and Claw Foot TubPhoto by Fantoush

Many of you might remember a 50s style vintage inspired bathroom. They usually featured pink, green, or pale turquoise tile. The rotary wall phone finishes off the retro vibe.

Mid Century Green and White BathroomPhoto by Red Egg Design Group

Subway tile easily lends itself to a vintage inspired bathroom. Our Sears kit home had a wall treatment that looked like subway tile – but it was more like a paneling.

Black and White Bathroom with Metal SinkPhoto by Breeze Giannasio Interiors

A vintage gilded mirror is an instant focal point and adds old world charm above the sinks.

Large Gilded Mirror in Victorian BathroomPhoto by Lindalsköket

Create a custom vanity by pairing an old cupboard with a farmhouse sink to serve as a vanity.

Farmhouse Cupboard with Sink Serves as Bathroom VanityPhoto by Murphy & Co. Design

Perhaps the easiest way to create a vintage inspired bathroom is to showcase vintage mirrors and medicine cabinets on the walls.

Dark Gray Bathroom with Vintage Wall Decor and MirrorsPhoto by Chango & Co.

Simple bulb light fixtures and a metal hospital style mirror and shelf take you back to the 30s and 40s.

Old School Sink and Metal Mirror in Vintage BathroomPhoto by nest + company

For a flea market, vintage inspired bathroom, add a one-of-a-kind tub to your bathroom. It makes such an impact, no other wall adornment is needed.

Unique Galvanized Metal Tub in Eclectic BathroomPhoto by Hinkley Lighting

Are you a lover of the vintage inspired bathroom with claw foot tubs, old sinks, and maybe even a pull-chain toilet? Or do you prefer the modern bathrooms of today with walk-in showers and jet tubs?

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8 Comments

  1. I can appreciate both vintage and contemporary bathroom styles, but I’m very much a utilitarian when it comes to bathrooms, except when determining decor for a guest powder room, then the sky is the limit. My personal master bath is simple and very functional, while my guest bath (2nd bath next to guest bedroom) is much more “decorated” because it is for guests or visitors. I require an easy-to-clean bathroom that I use every day, so functionality is my key. The examples you have shown are beautiful.

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  2. I absolutely love the bed and breakfast style bathroom. It has such personality. I like the farmhouse style, but after a while every room I see looks the same. I have a white kitchen and bath and find I am getting a little bored with that style. I think it’s time for me to go wallpaper shopping! Love your blog!

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  3. I love vintage inspired bathrooms! They have a sense of the past so they are beyond “dated”, but they also are original – the neighbors do not have the same bathroom. There is also a certain practicalness – a sink which is large enough to brush teeth and shave without a mess and even big enough to wash your hair. Tile up the walls and beadboard ceilings – easy to clean and withstand the steam – and charming at the same time. Sometimes they lack counter space and storage, but they are often roomy, allowing for the addition of an armoire or dresser.

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  5. These bathrooms were all so different and fun to see. I like these but also the modern bathrooms. I need some counter top space to work with. Thanks for showing these bathrooms.

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  7. Vintage, but with some counter and closet space please!
    My original bathroom had the mint green tub and sink, but with pink wall tile. I didn’t mind one or the other, but not together!
    I updated it but still kept it looking vintage.

    I’d love to see a post on how you updated your bathrooms!

    Christine
    Amherst, NH

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