About Vintage Bathroom Designs

Planning a bathroom makeover? Try a fresh vintage bathroom design for a change. The simple and clean lines of 1920s to 1930s style bathrooms are back in vogue. Lavish yourself with a long soak in a vintage claw foot tub filled with bubbles and refreshing herbs. The classic vintage style is one to be savored and enjoyed.

Bath Fixtures

Antique shower doors, Roman bathtubs, claw footed porcelain tubs and art deco fixtures are all beautiful, but where do you find them? Vintage Plumbing or Baths from the Past are good places to start for original, antique plumbing fixtures. But realize that these are very heavy pieces and therefore rare. When an older home is demolished, these pieces are often crushed and cast aside due to their weight, size and age. Therefore, these restored antiques are often fairly pricey. To find newer, reproductions of these wonderful vintage designs, take a look at Renovators Supply website. There is something to be said for new bath fixtures versus "antique." You can find pedestal sinks, claw footed tubs, toilets, high tanks, bidets, medicine cabinets, lighting, as well as tub, shower and kitchen faucets. There is even a glass bathtub.

Flooring

For flooring, use a 1920s inspired geometrical tile pattern. Use smaller, colored tiles in two or three color combinations or even black and white tiles for drama. Choose ceramic or stone tile in a mosaic, basket weave or checkerboard pattern and glossy polished stone is more in keeping with vintage versus the newer matte finishes. All white is also an option that keeps future redecorating costs to a minimum.

Walls

For a vintage look on your walls you can either use tiles or bead board. Glossy white bead board is a great way to capture the vintage spirit on your bathroom walls and can be installed in individual planks or panels. When choosing tile for the walls, use four square rectangular subway tiles to recreate the era.

Built-ins and Storage

In the 1920s, metal medicine cabinets were used. Purchase a great reproduction or refurbish an antique in oak or pine. Add a tall, narrow wood cabinet from floor to ceiling to store toiletries and towels. Add an antique chest of drawers or dresser for added storage options. Place a heated towel rack in your bathroom for added luxury.

Mirrors and Lighting

Liven up your vintage bath with chrome and frosted glass light fixtures. Hang an unusual art deco chandelier for a creative focal point. Bring in round or oval shaped mirrors with beveled edges to capture the romance and glamor of the roaring 1920s.

Resources

• Vintage Plumbing
• Baths from the Past website