Incredible 70s Bathroom Decor Ideas To Inspire Your Soul
Interior design trends are often influenced by the changing seasons. Vintage bathrooms are a timeless aesthetic. A vintage bathroom that has been carefully curated will not feel dated or dusty. Instead, it will offer a sense of soul and sophistication, which is often lacking in modern bathrooms. The style can range from the rustic warmth and charm of a cottage farmhouse to the high-gloss glitz of the Roaring Twenties.
The secret to a successful renovation is blending old and new. You can create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing by combining weathered patinas and nostalgic fixtures with meaningful mementos.
This comprehensive guide will help you infuse your bathroom with vintage character and charm. It draws on timeless trends and expert design principles.
Learn More, A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners in the USA
The foundation: walls, floors, and architecture
The vintage bathroom canvas sets the tone for all that follows. Modern bathrooms are often made up of drywall and large format tiles, but vintage spaces are characterized by texture and architectural interest.
1. Wainscoting, Beadboard and Shiplap
Create Architectural CharacterThere is nothing that says “vintage cottage”, quite like shiplap or beadboard. White wood paneling installed on the lower walls will instantly give your home a historical feel. This breaks up vertical space, and is a great backdrop for pedestal sinks or freestanding bathtubs. Consider raised panel wainscoting in a gloss finish for a formal, library-esque look.
2. Dark Paint and Ceilings: Dramatic Effect
Do not be afraid of darkness. White bathrooms are timeless, but deep colors like navy, charcoal or pewter can create an eerie, dramatic atmosphere. Paint the ceiling a dark color to create a jewel box effect. This will draw the eye up and make the room feel cozy. This is especially effective in powder rooms, where the natural light can be limited. It transforms a small area into an impressive statement.
3. Wallpaper Wonders
Wallpaper is making a huge comeback, and bathrooms are the perfect place to try it out. Wallpaper can be used to create a focal point. It comes in a variety of styles, from delicate floral patterns that remind you of an English garden, to bold grasscloth textures which add warmth. If you want a vintage look, choose Toile de Jouy or botanical patterns. If you’re worried about humidity, choose vinyl-coated wallpaper or limit the use of wallpaper to the upper portion of the wall.
4. Timeless Tilework
The floor and wall tiles of the bathroom are essential. To achieve a retro look, embrace small-scale tiles. Penny tiles, which are round mosaic tiles that come in sheets, can be used to create custom border patterns, words or flower motifs. A black-and-white-checkerboard floor offers a striking graphic that looks great with brass fixtures.
The Centerpieces – Fixtures and furniture
Your fixtures in a vintage-style bathroom are more than just functional elements. They are also sculptural.
The Statement Bathtub
Freestanding bathtubs are the crown jewels of vintage bathrooms. These tubs are perfect for long soaks, whether they’re a white clawfoot or metallic silver-footed vessel. Consider painting the clawfoot tub’s exterior in a bright color such as matte black or navy. This will modernize its look without sacrificing the charm.
Repurposed furniture as vanities
Antiques are a great way to add soul to a bathroom. A rustic worktable, an old wooden dresser or buffet can be transformed into a vanity with a vessel or drop-in sink. Antique furniture has a natural patina that adds warmth and character. Factory-made cabinets cannot match this.
Pedestal sinks: Elegance and beauty
The pedestal sink is the perfect choice for smaller bathrooms and powder rooms. The slender profile of this sink saves space on the floor and enhances the architectural features of the room. They may not have under-sink cabinets, but their elegant silhouette – often with tapered legs and chrome accents – is undeniable. We will discuss how to resolve the storage problem later in this guide.
High-End Metals and Hardware
Hardware is the jewel of a bathroom. Replace the builder’s grade chrome with unlacquered Brass, polished Nickel, or Oil-Rubbed Bronze. Mix metals. A gold faucet will look great with silver light fixtures, or even a copper bathtub. Replace toggle switches with push-button light switches that have mother-of pearl inlays for a vintage look.
Storage with Soul: Practicality meets Aesthetics
Built-in closets are a rarity in vintage bathrooms. This constraint can be used to introduce freestanding storage options that are beautiful.
The Armoire and China Cabinet
You can transform your bathroom by moving furniture from the dining room or bedroom. A china cabinet with a glass front or an antique armoire painted in a chipped color can be transformed into a stylish linen closet. You can stack white fluffy towels behind the glass while hiding toiletries and cleaning products in the drawers beneath.
Creative Vertical Storage
Walls can be used as both storage and decor. The perfect way to dry towels is with a wooden ladder that leans against the wall. A coat rack with vintage-style hooks can also be placed near the shower to make it easy to access robes. Open shelving is a great way to showcase pretty bottles of perfume and jars.
The Apothecary Aesthetic
How you store items is just as important as where you put them in a vintage-style space. Pour soaps, salts and cotton balls in amber glass jars or ceramic canisters. Clear glass apothecaries are also a good option. The wooden tray can be used to hold a book and a candle in the middle of the bath.
Softening Space with Textiles and Accessory
Bathrooms are filled with hard, cold surfaces, such as tile, porcelain, metal and glass. Layering soft textures and personal items is the key to creating a warm, inviting vintage bathroom.
Vintage Rugs: The Power of the Rug
Stop using the rubber-backed mat. Introduce a vintage rug or runner to transform the look of your bathroom. Persian rugs or worn Turkish runners can anchor a room with their rich colors and intricate designs. These rugs are durable and add warmth to the bathroom.
Fabric and Cafe Curtains
Bathroom window treatments are usually an afterthought. However, in a vintage-style bathroom, they’re essential. Cafe curtains, which cover the bottom half of a window but allow natural light to flood in, offer privacy and let the room feel more open. To soften the sharp lines of your window frame, choose breezy fabrics such as linen, ticking strips, or soft floral ruffles.
Mirrors of History
You can forget about the frameless glass sheet that is glued on the wall. Find antique mirrors in flea markets or estate sales. A Victorian ornate mirror with gold gilding adds instant glamour. A rustic wooden-framed mirror is more farmhouse chic. Try layering mirrors to create a collected appearance. Or, you can create a gallery of mirrors that are different sizes and shapes.
Bathroom Art
Art in the bathroom is often avoided due to concerns about humidity. However, with the right ventilation, this can be a great design element. Vintage botanical prints or oil paintings of seascapes can transform an otherwise utilitarian room into a personal art gallery. Nature prints or eclectic sketches are great for filling a large blank wall. They also tie in the color palette.
The Living Bathroom: Ambience and Plants
A timeless bathroom must feel alive. The biophilic design of a bathroom and the mood lighting it incorporates can bridge the gap between a sterile washroom, and a spa-like home.
An Indoor Jungle
Bathrooms are a great place for plants. Plants like ferns and pothos thrive in the humid environment. You can soften your architecture by placing a large plant in a corner that is not used. Or, you can hang a macrame pot near a window. Tie a fresh bundle of eucalyptus around your shower head for a spa feel that also serves two purposes. The steam will release essential oils which clear sinuses, and the scent is divine.
Lighting as a focal point
Lighting is often an unsung hero in vintage design. Hang a crystal chandelier above a freestanding bathtub to create a “jewel box”-like feel. Ideal is to flank your vanity mirrors with sconces instead of an overhead bar. This will provide better illumination for grooming, and it feels more luxurious. To reinforce the vintage look, choose fixtures with milk-glass shades, exposed Edisons, or brass cages.
Putting It Together: The Curated look
It’s not necessary to buy a matching bathroom set or follow a set of strict rules when creating a vintage-style bathroom. The art of mixing is key. A rusty metal chair next to a porcelain tub is the art of mixing. It’s a modern, sleek glass shower enclosure paired with a rustic wooden vanity.
The Guest Experience
Consider the experience of the people who will be using the space. Vintage bathrooms are welcoming. By the sink, place a woven basket with rolled towels. For guests, place a small box of toiletries in a wooden container. On the vanity, leave a ceramic dish to hold jewelry. These thoughtful, small touches will make your home timeless.
Instant Charm Quick Updates
You can achieve this look without a complete renovation. Replace your cabinet knobs with glass or ceramic ones. Paint an accent wall a warm beige or a soft shade of blue. A thrifted mirror can be used to replace a generic one. Add fresh flowers in a vase to the vanity.