If you live in a home built before the 1940s, you might have wondered how to update your vintage bathroom. Love them or hate them, older bathrooms can be quirky. When it comes to bathroom design, many homeowners opt for the complete renovation – gutting and starting from scratch. Whenever I come across an updated vintage bathroom with an original marble tile floor, wood detailing, or brass fixtures, I pause to soak up all the details that make the design “work”.
Renovating a vintage bathroom is an opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship and design of a bygone era while infusing modern elements that suit your taste. Add personal style with floral wallpaper, light fixtures or sconces, and accessories. Use reproduction fixtures to preserve the vintage feel or opt for something more modern if that’s the vibe you are after.
Pedestal sinks are beautiful in their original form and are the perfect vintage style choice. If you have a floating sink, consider adding a sink skirt for a personal touch. Another option is to swap out an old sink for a vanity to add storage and functionality.
Antique clawfoot tubs can be a beautiful focal point. I wrote a post on how to clean old bathtubs here. Try adding a basket or a garden stool near a tub to hold extra bath towels.
Update the shower with new wall tiles (white subway tile is a classic choice), faucet, and shower curtain in custom or ready-made fabrics.
There are countless ways to update a vintage bathroom while maintaining the “old house” charm. So embrace the quirks, embrace the history, and let your vintage bathroom shine with its unique flair.
Scroll down for vintage bathroom inspiration.
image source: Forty Second
image source: Country Living
image source: Whitney McGregor
image source: Whitney McGregor
image source: Whitney McGregor
image source: Lindsays Peace
