Looking to add vintage character to your modern bathroom with a spa-like feel? Infuse your space with timeless charm using vintage bathroom decor ideas that don’t look like everyone else’s cookie-cutter style. With these budget-friendly ideas, you can transform your bathroom into a unique haven that tells a story without sacrificing modern amenities. You will see these ideas and more as we plan and decorate our modern black-and-white bathroom.
With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can find inexpensive vintage treasures at thrift stores, consignment shops, and flea markets.
So, let’s unlock the magic with vintage decor ideas for your modern bathroom. See how these inspiring, money-saving ideas will unlock your imagination and help you craft a space that is both stylish and uniquely you.
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Table of contents
Black and White Modern Bathroom Color Palette
A modern bathroom with all the necessary amenities is a must-have in today’s busy world. However, you can begin with the classic and timeless color combination of black and white.
This was our choice when planning our new bathroom. The tile and wall colors are muted neutrals to enhance the black-and-white design. You can see all paint choices at the end of this article, under Resources.
With white cabinets and black countertops, you will be able to use any combination of bath linens and accessories. The sky is the limit with a black-and-white color palette.
The adjustable matching mirrors add a timeless but modern feeling to the room. While the light fixtures are a nod to old world charm with their beaded globes. The single-hole bathroom faucet is streamlined and clutter-free for easy cleaning in a bathroom that is used daily.
Vintage VS. Modern Bathroom Ideas
The modern built-in cabinets blend perfectly with vintage free-standing furniture and a free-standing tub.
I had originally planned for a claw-foot vintage tub in this space. However, I quickly realized a cast iron tub would not be a convenient choice for everyday use. First, the old tubs are very narrow and cold. Brrr. Instead, we opted for a Victoria Albert free-standing tub. The bathtub is made of stone and holds heat for a long, relaxing bath.
The modern bathroom is filled with thrift store stools that surround the tub. More thrifted and vintage finds grace the tops of the stools.
A thrifted old bar stool, framed print, brass planter, and candlestick holder fill the corner behind the luxury stone tub. The battery-operated flicker candle creates a soothing spa-like atmosphere while you enjoy a relaxing bath soak.
A bamboo bathtub tray holds bath accessories and is convenient for holding a book and even a glass of wine if you are so inclined.
Another chippy antique stool keeps towels and other vintage bathroom decor within easy reach of the modern bathroom tub.
The woven light fixture is a repurposed DIY basket with a dimmable punk light attached. The modern recessed light is located above the hanging fixture if bright lighting is needed.
Another thrifted vintage plant stand holds an urn filled with artificial lamb ears for a soft touch.
Although the bathroom is completely modern and convenient, it’s filled with vintage bathroom ideas to create a cozy asethetic.
Vintage Furniture for Bathroom Storage
Repurpose and reuse was our motto when building and planning our farmhouse. So beside the tub is our previous TV cabinet, which now serves as a jewelry and lingerie wardrobe. You can see How To Repurpose A TV Cabinet for a Jewelry Wardrobe and create a luxury storage option.
The wardrobe stands between the bathroom area and the laundry area of the multi-functional room.
Instead of adding built-in cabinetry to the laundry area, we add a chippy antique cabinet which adds so much character to the vintage bathroom design. The old cabinets were much more budget-friendly than a custom-built cabinet would have been.
Across from the free-standing tub is another antique piece of furniture. The corner cabinet adds additional storage and provides room for more vintage bathroom decor. The thrifted accessories give the modern bathroom a vintage aesthetic.
Thrifted antique transferware adds vintage charm to the quaint corner cabinet.
An inexpensive thrift store collection of apothecary jars is filled with soaps and bath accessories.
Budget-Friendly Thrifted Shelving in Modern Vintage Bathroom
Another way to add charm to a modern vintage bathroom is by adding unique shelving. These budget-friendly thrift store finds add charm and uniqueness to the vintage bathroom.
The towel rack is an old shelf that has been repurposed with hooks. It also provides a space to display more vintage finds, such as old bottles and a vintage oval dish.
Even the toilet room is filled with a vintage shelving unit that was an inexpensive thrift store find. A coat of black paint continues the black-and-white bathroom theme. A few pieces of white milk glass brighten the tiny space.
Vintage Bathroom Decor
We all have so many items that need to be within easy reach as we dress for the day. You can use vintage pieces to hold your everyday accessories as another way to utilize vintage bathroom decor.
The modern bathroom has unique pieces like an antique jar holding makeup brushes. The vintage jar is safe from breakage when secured in the tiered metal tray.
A hobnail white milk glass vase is a stylish way to store hair brushes and combs on a DIY tray. The fun tray adds an eclectic vibe to the modern vintage bathroom.
In addition, a budget-friendly thrifted brass tray adds a spot for more bathroom accessories to gather. The small rechargeable lamp adds a modern touch to the vintage tray and is a perfect lighting choice when an electrical outlet is out of reach.
If you’d like to learn more about shopping thrift stores like a pro, check out 10 Must Know Thrift Store Shopping Tips for the Savvy Shopper.
Bathroom Tile
Another modern vintage bathroom tip is to use neutral and timeless tile choices. The neutral tile will work with any style aesthetic.
Insider Tip
When using square tiles, installing them on a diagonal will make the room appear larger and is a creative style choice.
Vintage Modern Bathroom
Don’t you love the mix of old and new? This vintage modern bathroom is a curated eclectic mix. I recently added this DIY Anthropologie-inspired tray to the bathroom countertop. It adds a fun splash of color to brighten my daily toiletries.
Resources
Here are the paint colors used in our bathroom.
- Walls are painted with Benjamin Moore’s “Balboa Mist.
- Built-in Cabinets – White Dove by Benjamin Moore
- Corner Cabinet – Duck Egg by Annie Sloan Chalk Paint
- The Toilet Room Shelving – Graphite by Annie Sloan
See Free-Standing Tub details by Victoria Albert and see the floor mount Tub Filler.
You can shop my bathroom here or click the images below for more details.
Pin It To Remember It
Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Saturday 10th of February 2024
It's so fun to see your beautiful bathroom, Rachel. YOu know I love those pretty vintage touches.
Rachel
Sunday 11th of February 2024
Kim, Thank you for so much.
Frances Brown
Saturday 10th of February 2024
Rachel, love love love your bathroom design. I'm afraid I'm stuck with a tiny space & 80s tile in our guest bath. I've changed out the hardware, painted the sink cabinet, and framed the wall mirror... Any other tips that don't take up floor space?
~Chrissie O.
Sunday 11th of February 2024
@Frances Brown, Hey, gal! 80s tile is, legit, making a comeback! That 8x8" or whatever? Daltile has launched a Restore line that embraces it! So, work with it, if you can!!! Make it can be painted? Maybe some great pallet-wood shelving?
I have a HOBBIT bathroom, about 5'x8' (with a small tub taking up a big part of that space!, so floor space is less than that!!!), and only 6' high (my 6'3" hubbie cannot stand upright in this tiny bathroom under the eaves!!! Nor can I, at nearly 5'6", when standing in the bathtub! NO thought of a shower!!!), and I hung 2 macrame plant holders (with a plastic drip tray in each), and in those I place hair products, skin care products, because I have NO medicine cabinet. I bought a 30"x30x"12" upper cabinet (white) from Home Depot, set it on the floor (!), and that is my "linen cabinet!" lol But, it works, as tiny as this space is!!!
You'll make it work, I have no doubt!!! Sometimes, you just have to "work with what you got!" and embrace the flaws!!! I'd love to see your pics!!! Best!! ~Chrissie
Rachel
Saturday 10th of February 2024
Frances, The only other thing is to use vintage pieces for accessory storage. Have the best weekend.