A modern take on vintage style
A vintage bathroom is about charm, style and warmth. It doesn’t have to be retro and reflect a specific era, rather, a traditional bathroom can be timeless in its own way. The materials and textures of vintage-style bathroom furniture and accessories, bring an elegance and sophistication to the bathroom space in a way that is also unique. Imagine a roll top bath and traditional vanity units, while tiles, basins and colour tones can also set the mood and define the vintage bathroom that fits your home.
Traditional bathroom shapes
Two iconic pieces for a vintage bathroom are the roll top bath and the pedestal basin. The linear form of the ceramic basin or a contemporary roll top bath, add elegance along with a perfect touch of vintage spirit.
Vintage-inspired colours
Colour is a great way to capture the right atmosphere in a vintage bathroom. Today’s bathroom furniture offers a range of choice with colour being one of them. A vintage effect can be achieved with black and grey surfaces as well as more retro tones such as moss green or dusty pink. Matt finishes in jewel tones like copper, blue marine and bordeaux on a roll top bath or piece of furniture create a sophisticated and classic look. Combining these pieces with a marble or stone tiling on the walls further captures an elegant vintage look.
Layers of texture
Materials matter when it comes to designing a stylish bathroom and wallpaper and tiling are great textural ways to achieve a vintage aesthetic. Wallpaper is a bold choice that has become very on-trend for bathrooms in recent years. Floral patterns are classic in a traditional bathroom, ideal for an English countryside or romantic aesthetic. The texture of the paper and the patterns can create a cosy and inviting space to relax. Tiles on the other hand, choose from subway-style and hexagonal tiles to monochromatic Marquina and Carrara marble, there are many designs and patterns which are dynamic and can be simple to install. Encaustic tiles have become increasingly popular in recent times, using coloured clay to create intricate patterns.
Vintage-style accessories
When it comes to accessories, shiny chrome is often the main choice for vintage-style bathrooms, but brushed titanium and matt black are also becoming popular options and can evoke the same look. Reminiscent of art deco design, smooth lines, geometric shapes – forms that feel modern but are still perfect to capture the right look.
Chrome accents can come through in accessories such as towel racks and hooks, like the classic circular wall-mounted design that is often seen in stylish bathrooms, as well as wall-mounted soap dishes or cup holders. These are the subtle details that make the difference.
Traditional vanity units
The allure of vintage furniture comes from its design elements as well as its materials. An elegant curve, structured forms or linear details that reflect styles of the past can combine well with contemporary spaces and colours. Designs with clean, sharp lines, that work well in contemporary bathrooms, look just as at home in a traditional bathroom, like traditional vanity units with legs, fitted with classic brassware.
Flexible style with mirrors
As with other bathroom accessories, there are certain mirror designs that can lend themselves to both contemporary or vintage bathrooms. Consider repurposing an old vintage mirror in wood or metal or go for a more modern design such as chrome with a streamlined square or rectangular shape. Traditional vanity units look stylish with a dark grey or matt white framed mirror – classic colours that will blend well into any scheme.
Whether it’s intended for a country cottage, an urban apartment or suburban home, a vintage bathroom can be achieved in many different interior design styles. Vintage can mean traditional but it can also be modern and sharp, it’s a matter of mix and matching to get the right look that fits you and your bathroom space.
