There’s something irresistibly charming about vintage elements and antique pieces. They add a sense of history to a room, yet they have timeless appeal.

Vintage doesn’t have to mean stuffy, however, and you don’t have to go “all in” on the look from floor to ceiling. With a few simple changes, like adding an antique-style mirror frame, you can add vintage flair to your bathroom or powder room while keeping the space fresh and contemporary.

Whether you love a 1950s retro look or the elegance of Art Deco style, these vintage bathroom decor ideas will provide inspiration for your project.

Vintage Bathroom Decor Elements

Here are some elements that can impart a vintage or antique aesthetic to your bathroom. Mix and match them to create just the look you want.

Double Vanity

A vintage-inspired or antique double vanity with rich wood tones, intricate carvings, and brass hardware acts as a focal point in the space. You might opt for a restored antique dresser repurposed as a vanity and finished with a marble countertop for a sophisticated twist. It’s a perfect blend of style and utility, giving you plenty of space while keeping the look timeless.

Antique Mirror

Antique mirrors add a sense of history and elegance to your bathroom. A large, ornately framed mirror in gold or silver can serve as a statement piece over your sink. For a touch of opulence, add a metallic frame—like the Kelso Gold Washed Mirror Frame—to an existing plate glass mirror in the bathroom. Or try an antique-style frame, like the Acadia Oiled Bronze Frame. You can even give your mirror surface an antique look in a few simple steps. 

Clawfoot Bathtub

There’s no more iconic piece in a vintage bathroom than a clawfoot bathtub. With its elegant curves and elevated feet, it’s a centerpiece that invites relaxation. Look for a classic white tub or add color with a painted exterior to match your decor. Pair it with a vintage-inspired handheld showerhead for a luxurious experience that transports you back in time.

Pedestal Sink

A pedestal sink is the original minimalist design element, with a small footprint and streamlined shape. Combine a pedestal sink with cross-handle faucets for a more traditional touch or go for a chrome finish to add retro flair. Its compact design also works well in smaller bathrooms and powder rooms, leaving more space for other vintage accents.

Antique Rug

Bring warmth and texture to your bathroom with an antique rug. A Persian-style rug adds vibrant color and intricate patterns that contrast nicely with vintage tiles or hardwood floors. Colorful handwoven rugs bring history and a touch of coziness underfoot, making your bathroom feel like a lived-in, inviting space.

Salvaged Materials

Using salvaged materials is a great way to enhance the vintage feel of your bathroom while adding character. Try repurposing wood from an old barn door for an accent wall. Or breathe new life into an old apothecary chest. These materials reduce waste while adding charm to the bath. Each piece is sure to become a conversation starter.

Vintage Tile

Classic tile designs from the past are an easy way to introduce vintage flair. Consider pink or mint green tiles reminiscent of the 1950s for a playful touch. Or add black and white checkerboard tiles for a more sophisticated look. Subway tiles can also create a timeless feel, especially when paired with darker grout for a bit of contrast.

Retro Light Fixtures

Retro light fixtures can completely change the ambiance of your space. Lighting makes a big impact, so don’t be afraid to go bold with your choices. Consider adding globe-shaped pendant lights or oil-rubbed bronze sconces for a mid-century modern vibe. If you love the look of the Roaring Twenties, opt for a crystal chandelier above a clawfoot tub or Art Deco-inspired fixtures with geometric detailing. Finish the look with a coastal-themed mirror frame.

Antique Wallpaper

Add personality to your bathroom with vintage-inspired wallpaper. Floral patterns, damask designs, and geometric shapes can turn your walls into nostalgic canvases. A gold and white print adds elegance, while a classic Victorian floral pattern is perfect if you want to make a statement. Wallpaper is incredibly versatile and can help you achieve exactly the look you want.

Shiplap Wall Paneling

Wood wall panels create a rustic, cottage-style look that complements vintage themes. Its clean lines and subtle texture create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Painted in white or pastel shades, shiplap pairs beautifully with vintage sinks, bathtubs, and fixtures, making it a great option if you’re aiming for a farmhouse-inspired bathroom.

5 Vintage Bathroom Ideas

Ready to bring vintage charm into your bathroom? Here are five antique bathroom design ideas to help you create a stylish space that blends the old with the new.

1: Elegant Pastels

Transform your bathroom into a soft, inviting space with elegant pastel colors. Think pale blues, blush pinks, or soft mint green for the walls. Pair these hues with hardwood or vintage tile floors for added warmth. A white claw-foot tub becomes a striking centerpiece, while a dainty antique vanity with satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures completes the look. Add feminine curtains and a white mirror frame to tie the space together.

2: Modern Vintage

You don’t have to use old or repurposed materials to achieve a vintage look. Opt for brand-new pieces that feature vintage-inspired elements, like a sleek double bathroom vanity with curved edges or modern tiles in retro patterns. Matte black faucets with a matching black mirror frame seamlessly blend with contemporary elements, giving your bathroom the best of both worlds. This approach is ideal if you want the charm of vintage design but with the reliability of new materials.

3: Retro Reflections

Create a 40s or 50s retro vibe with a few key design elements. Incorporate vintage double-handle faucets and wall-mounted soap dishes to create an authentic period look. Consider adding pink or green tiles reminiscent of mid-century bathrooms for a fun, playful touch that brings the space to life. Vintage wall sconces add warmth, while a pedestal sink completes the look. Don’t forget a fun mirror frame—like the Broadway Brushed Chrome Slim Frame.

4: Eclectic Vintage

If you love contrasting colors and patterns, eclectic vintage style is for you. This look is all about mixing and matching—think a crystal chandelier over a rustic copper clawfoot tub. Or vibrant wallpaper paired with an antique rug. Use contrasting patterns on the floor and walls, and don’t shy away from unexpected accents like a repurposed dresser or side table as a vanity. Eclectic vintage style is a great way to let your personality shine through.

5: Splash of Color

Give your vintage bathroom a fresh twist by centering the design around a single bold color. Consider bright blue tile flooring or a vivid green backsplash above the sink. Pair this with neutral or white fixtures, like a classic clawfoot tub or pedestal sink, to let the color pop. This approach works beautifully with vintage elements, creating a striking visual without losing the charm of the past.

Balancing Vintage Charm with Modern Functionality

Creating a vintage bathroom is all about finding the right balance between the charm of the past and the needs of today. Whether you’re drawn to classic fixtures, salvaged materials, or just a touch of retro flair, let your personality guide the design. By blending timeless pieces with modern functionality, you’ll create a space that feels both nostalgic and perfectly suited for your everyday life.

Speaking of modern functionality, MirrorMate makes it easy to upgrade your bathroom mirror with a beautiful new frame. Our frames are custom-cut to fit any square or rectangular mirror (or medicine cabinet) and are simple to install. If you have a boring plate-glass mirror in the bath that needs some love, don’t toss it—update it with a MirrorMate frame.