15 Vintage Modern Bathroom Ideas: What I Wish I Knew Before Tiling Around a 1930s Sink
When we bought our house, the bathroom still had a peach-colored toilet and tile that looked like it came straight from grandma’s guest suite. I had this dreamy idea of blending vintage charm with a bit of modern sanity—because I wanted a clawfoot tub, but also a working faucet. Is that so much to ask?
Long story short: I made mistakes. I overbought tile. I tried to DIY a vanity and ended up with sawdust in the shower drain. But I also picked up some genuinely timeless design ideas along the way—ones that still make me smile when I walk into that little tiled time capsule.
Here’s what worked. What didn’t. And what I’d actually do again if I had to survive another bathroom makeover.
1. Real Tile > Peel-and-Stick (Even If It Takes 2 Weekends)
I tried peel-and-stick first. Don’t. Just don’t. I eventually ripped it out and went with white subway tile with dark grout. Classic, easy to clean, and it doesn’t scream “temporary rental panic fix.”
2. Found a 1950s Mirror at a Yard Sale—Still My Favorite Piece
It’s not perfect. There’s a scratch in the corner. But it has this scalloped edge that feels like it came from an old diner bathroom in the best way. Paired with a matte black sconce? Chef’s kiss.
3. Tried Mixing Metals and Didn’t Regret It
I used gold drawer pulls, a matte black faucet, and a chrome towel ring because that’s what I had on hand. Turns out? It works. No one’s coming over with a clipboard to check your finishes. (And if they do, please escort them out.)
4. Modern Sink, Vintage Vanity
Instead of buying a new vanity, I found an old dresser for $45 on Facebook Marketplace and hacked it with a vessel sink from IKEA. It’s not perfect, and I had to Google “how to use a jigsaw without losing fingers,” but it looks like something out of a boutique hotel.
5. Bold Floor Tile, Always Worth It
The moment I installed that black-and-white patterned tile, the room finally felt like it had a story. It hides dirt, matches everything, and makes guests go, “Wait… did you design this yourself?”
6. Wall Hooks > Towel Bars (Fight Me)
We ditched the towel bar for a set of mixed-size wall hooks—easier to install, better for damp towels, and they somehow look both casual and charming. Plus, you’re not constantly folding towels like you’re in a hotel.
7. Statement Lighting Changes Everything
We replaced our frosted-glass boob light with a mid-century sputnik fixture. Now even brushing my teeth feels like a dramatic moment in a 1960s movie. Totally unnecessary. Totally amazing.
8. Use Wallpaper—But Not Everywhere
I was terrified of wallpaper until I found a soft botanical print and used it on just one wall. It adds instant vintage flair without overwhelming the tiny room. And peel-and-stick is forgiving (I know this from experience).
9. Old Art in New Frames = Designer Trick
We took two vintage floral prints from an old book and framed them in sleek black frames from Target. Looks high-end. Costs under $30. It’s giving “art collector who also uses dry shampoo.”
10. A Little Shelf for Pretty Things
Not storage. Just style. I added a narrow wood shelf above the toilet for a candle, a small potted plant, and a bowl of matches I never use but definitely admire.
11. Keep a Rug Underfoot
We swapped out the basic bath mat for a flatwoven Turkish-style rug. Instantly adds warmth and texture. Yes, it gets wet. Yes, it dries. And it makes the room feel like a room—not just a place to floss.
12. Accent Walls Aren’t Just for Living Rooms
We painted one wall a deep sage green. Just one. The rest stayed neutral. It gave the room so much more depth and kept things from feeling sterile.
13. Vintage Hardware Adds Soul
We found some mismatched drawer pulls from a salvage shop and used them on the vanity. They don’t match each other, but they work together—like siblings who don’t share clothes.
14. Plants Belong in Bathrooms
Put a pothos on a shelf. Tuck a fern in the corner. Even faux plants work if your lighting is terrible (ours is). It softens the space and makes it feel like someone actually lives there.
15. Let It Be Imperfect (On Purpose)
This one’s the hardest. Let the grout lines be slightly off. Let the mirror have that one chip. Let the wood vanity show its age. You’re not building a showroom. You’re building a space you’ll use, mess up, clean, and love.
Vintage-modern bathrooms aren’t about trends. They’re about finding that balance between charm and function—between “this is pretty” and “this actually works.”
Our bathroom still isn’t perfect. There’s always dust on the mirror. The drawer sticks a little. But it feels like us. And every time I walk in, I’m reminded that the mess, the mistakes, and the effort were worth it.
Want this turned into a Pinterest pin, printable guide, or IG carousel? Just holler.
What’s our next project? Let’s keep building spaces with stories.
