Vintage design never seems to go out of style.
There’s just something so appealing about old-fashioned decor that feels timeless and elegant.
This is especially true when it comes to bathrooms.
A moody, vintage-inspired bathroom can create such a lovely, relaxing vibe for your home.
I’m excited to share some of my favorite moody vintage bathroom ideas with you today.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Hexagon Tile and Clawfoot Tub
Let’s start with this gorgeous space, which uses hexagon tile and a clawfoot tub to create a moody vintage vibe.
I’m obsessed with the mix of black, white and gray tile – it has such a classic look.
Arranging the hexagons in a brickwork pattern elevates the design.
I would recommend taking the tile all the way to the ceiling to get that striking wall-of-tile effect.
Of course, the star of the show is the clawfoot tub.
Sitting like a piece of sculpture beneath the window, it adds instant old-world charm.
I love the high-gloss white finish paired with the dark gray tile.
My advice would be to skip the shower curtain and go for a frameless glass panel instead.
This will keep the vintage apothecary vibe while still separating the shower.
A few more details worth noting – the lighting fixtures have a lovely vintage shape while still providing sufficient illumination.
And the wainscoting below the chair rail is a nice touch, adding texture and interest.
Overall, this bathroom has timeless sophistication that makes a bold vintage statement.
Black and White Retro Tile
If you’re looking for vintage style on a budget, this next bathroom is a great inspiration.
Black and white retro tile gives you that old-school vibe without a huge investment.
Mixing the octagon and diamond shapes creates lovely visual interest.
I would recommend laying out the tile in a fun harlequin-esque pattern.
In terms of materials, porcelain or ceramic tile would be durable choices that mimic the look of vintage subway tile.
Grout lines will make a difference too – go for a dark grout to get that interlocking checkerboard effect.
Beyond the tile, this bathroom keeps things simple – a pedestal sink, black faucets and mirror frame allow the floor to take center stage.
Clear glass shower doors open up the small space.
And touches like the towel ladder and macrame art keep the vintage charm going.
With some creative tile work, you can easily recreate this retro look on a budget.
Antique Wood Vanity
If you really want to go vintage, hunt for an antique wood vanity like the one in this bathroom.
Finding and repurposing an old piece will add genuine vintage personality.
Look for yard sales, antique shops and architectural salvage stores for hidden gems.
I love that they kept the vanity in its distressed, natural wood tone and paired it with the white sink.
This allows its antique character to shine.
My advice would be to outfit it with vintage-style hardware – apothecary style drawer pulls and faucets will complete the look.
To make the vanity feel grounded, add open shelving on each side.
Baskets, towels and decor like the macrame pieces here keep the space looking collected and styled.
The drawers offer plenty of storage.
And a glass vessel sink avoids competeing with the vanity itself.
With an antique wood focal point like this, you can build the rest of the room around it for a truly vintage bathroom.
Green Subway Tile
Vintage bathrooms don’t have to be limited to black, white and wood tones.
This bathroom uses green subway tile to give vintage a fresh colorful twist.
I just love how the sage green tile complements the white tub surround and trim.
It has a very soothing, spa-like feel.
When doing a colored subway tile, I recommend going for a glossy finish rather than matte.
The sheen helps reflect light and make the space feel brighter and airier.
Laying the tile in the classic running bond pattern is a must for that old-school vibe.
Pairing the green tile with copper hardware and accessories is brilliant.
The two tones really play off each other for that vintage apothecary appeal.
Even the shower curtain rod gets in on the mix!
Beyond the tile, the bathroom keeps things simple with a pedestal sink, sconce lighting and wainscoting accents.
Overall this is a vibrant, cheerful take on vintage style.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Wallpaper Accent Wall
Here’s a great vintage option if you want make a statement without a full renovation.
By simply adding wallpaper to one wall, this bathroom completely transforms.
The graphic black and white floral print feels both modern and retro.
I love that they placed it behind the freestanding tub to really highlight the feature.
When doing a wallpaper accent wall, go bold!
Pick a vibrant print and don’t be afraid of dark moody colors like the black background used here.
This allows the wall to be a real focal point.
I’d also recommend continuing the wallpaper into the ceiling for that wraparound effect.
For the rest of the space, keep things minimal – painted walls, matching tub and vanity, simple mirror.
This allows the wallpaper to shine.
Some added vintage touches like the candle sconces and floor vents frame out the look.
But the statement wall does all the heavy lifting to create this vintage vibe.
Checkered Floor Tile
Beyond walls and backsplashes, don’t forget that floor tile can also add vintage personality.
This bathroom uses a black and white checkered tile floor to give an old diner feel.
I absolutely love the nostalgic, retro look it creates!
When doing a patterned floor like this, I’d recommend laying out the tile to make the checks as even and consistent as possible.
Use small grout lines between the tile to get that smooth checkerboard effect.
Carry the tile throughout the entire bathroom space for stability and flow.
From there, keep the vanity, toilet and other elements sleek and simple to let the floor shine.
A pop of color like the red towels provides nice contrast against the checkered tiles.
Small vintage details like the accessories, hardware and molding tie the look together.
Overall this shows how floor tile alone can easily establish a vintage motif.
Brass Accents and Lighting
Brass hardware and accents offer an easy way to vintage up a bathroom.
The warm metallic tone feels nostalgic, while adding a touch of glam.
This bathroom uses brass lighting fixtures, mirrors, shower rods and hardware to create a cohesive vintage look.
When incorporating brass, my advice is to go big and bold.
Use it on as many fixtures and accents as you can – floor vents, toilet paper holders, shower heads, sconces, etc.
This helps the brass feel intentional rather than random.
Sticking to all matching brass finishes creates cohesion.
I’d also recommend pairing brass with glossy white tile.
This combo evokes vintage bathrooms from the 1920s and 30s.
The bright white tile pops against the brass nicely.
Beyond the brass accents themselves, add vintage charm with subway tile, black and white check floors, or a clawfoot tub.
The brass will tie the whole vintage motif together in glamorous style.
Subway Tile
Of course, no vintage bathroom design would be complete without subway tile!
These simple white 3×6″ tiles epitomize old-world charm.
Their beveled edges create stunning visual dimension and movement.
Laying the tile in a running bond pattern feels quintessentially vintage.
When planning a subway tile backsplash, take it from floor to ceiling.
This creates such an impactful, expansive feeling.
I also recommend leaving a very thin grout line between tiles – 1/16″ or smaller.
This makes the tile pattern feel seamless.
Pair subway tile with vintage fixtures like wall-mount or pedestal sinks, sconce lighting and hardware.
Include molding and trim details like the chair rail used here for added character.
Keep the rest of the bathroom minimal to let the tile shine – white paint, neutral flooring, etc.
Subway tile provides an easy, budget-friendly route to vintage that always impresses.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Wood Panel Wainscoting
Here’s another great vintage detail – wood paneled wainscoting!
The dark wood panels and trim add instant old-world personality.
I love how the wainscoting is taken all the way to the ceiling for that built-in look popular in vintage homes.
Using wide planks enhances the rustic charm.
When planning wainscoting, don’t stop it arbitrarily halfway up the wall – commit and take it to the ceiling.
I’d also recommend paneling multiple walls or all four to fully envelope the space.
Include vintage chair rail, baseboard and window trim for authenticity.
Pair the paneled walls with a decorative vintage floor.
Black and white checker is iconic, or go for a retro floral or geometric tile.
A clawfoot tub also complements the wood wainscoting nicely.
Keep other fixtures like lighting, mirrors and hardware vintage as well.
The wood paneling establishes such gorgeous vintage texture and warmth.
Black and White Patterned Tile
Why choose one vintage tile pattern when you can have many?
This bathroom combines black and white geometric, floral and striped designs for an eclectic retro vibe.
Mixing and matching tile patterns and scales like this was popular in vintage homes.
To recreate the look yourself, search for tile with bold Art Deco, Victorian or other vintage designs.
Combining glossy and matte finishes adds visual interest.
Don’t be afraid to lay patterns in unexpected orientations as well – diagonals, diamonds, etc.
This makes the tile feel even more dynamic.
I would continue the tile from floor to ceiling, enveloping the bathroom.
Contrast the busy floors and walls with simple modern fixtures – floating vanity, frameless shower, can lighting.
This allows the vintage tile to take the spotlight.
Finish with nostalgic accessories like the retro radio.
With creative tile mixing, you can achieve endless vintage personality.
Antique Mirror
If you don’t want to redo your entire bathroom, updating your mirror provides an easy vintage focal point.
Trading in your basic modern mirror for an antique one makes a statement.
The weathered patina, ornate framing and imperfect distortions create such depth and soul.
I love that they placed this statement mirror right above the freestanding tub.
This really showcases its grandeur.
When installing an antique mirror, go bold with the size and framing.
Look for styles that feel substantial and almost built-in with architectural trim.
Don’t be afraid to accentuate the aging of the antique mirror.
Some exposed copper piping down the sides or layered paint finishes can enhance the vintage vibe.
Keep the rest of your bathroom basics simple to let the antique mirror shine as the vintage pièce de résistance.
Vintage Signage
Beyond physical building materials and decor, you can also use signage to add a dash of vintage flair.
This bathroom focuses on a “Gentlemen” sign and vintage beer prints to establish an old-timey barbershop vibe.
Vintage signage is all about using items associated with the period to tell a story.
For a barbershop, this could mean barber poles, straight razor signs, etc.
Or for a Victorian feel, cursive bathroom signs couldsuit.
Think of the vibe you want, and find signage to match.
When displaying signage, group pieces together to create impact.
Floating rustic wood frames, as shown here, work nicely.
You can also hang signage in interesting arrangements – diamond grids, rows, patterns, etc.
Whatever you choose, keep the rest of the decor minimal to let the vintage signs and prints tell their story.
This is such a creative way to spice up a blank wall or empty corner.
✨Click to Get My 101 FREE Designer Room Ideas
Patterned Wallpaper
Let’s look at another stunning wallpapered bathroom.
This time, instead of floral, the walls feature retro green, black and white geometric patterns.
I adore how the diamond print coordinates with the black and white tile floors.
The subtle color scheme has such a chic vintage diner feeling.
With patterned wallpaper, consider carrying the print onto ceiling and trim for that seamless wrap-around effect.
Contrast with simple modern fixtures like the floating vanity and frameless mirror here.
Chrome hardware also pops against the colors.
When it comes to wallpaper, don’t hold back!
Pick bold prints and patterns that feel graphic and statement-making.
Go for brighter matte papers rather than subtle textures.
This allows the wallpaper to stand out as a true vintage focal point.
Have fun and use this opportunity to showcase your personality!
Freestanding Clawfoot Tub
No moody vintage bathroom design would be complete without a clawfoot tub.
With their elegant turned legs and sloped back design, clawfoot tubs epitomize old-world luxury.
Placing the tub in the center of the room as a freestanding statement piece captures this vintage spa vibe beautifully.
I recommend seeking out an original antique tub rather than a reproduction.
This will have the most authentic character – chips, scratches and all.
Using a crisp white color allows its sculptural quality to shine.
Keep fixtures and faucets minimal to maintain focus on the clawfoot tub form.
When it comes to materials, cast iron and enameled steel are perfect vintage choices.
They have lasting durability while still showing their age.
Surround the tub with patterned or subway tile to enhance the vintage feel.
Elevate it on a tile platform for drama.
The clawfoot tub evokes vintage like nothing else and never goes out of style.
I hope these ideas have sparked inspiration and creativity.
The key is not being afraid to make bold choices.
Pick statement vintage pieces as focal points, like standout wallpaper or an antique tub.
Use era-specific signage to tell a story.
Seek out authentic retro tile and coloring.
The more you can transport your bathroom to an earlier time, the more character it will have.
Don’t hold back!
As you plan your own vintage bathroom refresh, remember to stay true to your personal style.
Add thoughtful details and decor that reflect your tastes.
Vintage provides the foundation, but your individual details make it a space you’ll absolutely love.
I hope these ideas have ignited ideas and excitement for creating your dream vintage oasis.
