Bathrooms have undergone many transformations throughout the years. The Victorian and Edwardian style was characterised by elegant curves, intricate detailing, and rich reds, green and blues. Art Deco, popular in the 1920s and 30s, featured geometric patterns and bold lines. In the 1970s, strong colours like avocado green and mustard yellow were popular choices, while the 1980s introduced pastel shades.

Every decade has left its unique mark on this intimate space. While current fads may come and go, there's something about vintage pieces that will never go out of style. The classic look of freestanding baths, pedestal basins, and crosshead taps is irresistibly reminiscent of bygone eras.

Top 12 Vintage Bathroom Trends

Console Vanities

The console sink of the 1920s is revolutionising the bathroom sinks of today. With their visible piping and vintage elegance, it has captured our hearts.

Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also incredibly practical. Their open construction allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Freestanding baths

There's no doubt that having a freestanding bathtub in your bathroom is the ultimate bucket list item. They’re a vote for self-care and indulgence. Whether you're a fan of a bubble bath, epsom salts, or just some alone time with your favourite book, a freestanding bathtub makes it an event.

There are two main types: cast iron and plastic. We may be biased but cast iron tubs are our choice. They’re heavy-duty and boast a more authentic look that many homeowners find irresistible. Plus, they hold in heat really well, so you can enjoy a long soak without having to constantly top up with hot water.

Overhead/high level cisterns

With their origins dating back to the Victorian era, these toilets feature a cistern that's mounted to the wall high above the bowl, giving them a unique and striking appearance.

Boasting some of the most charming period features you could wish for, high-level toilets recreate the authentic look and feel of a period bathroom. Yet, they’re equipped with contemporary features like dual-flush. This means you can enjoy the best of both worlds: timeless style and functionality.

Crosshead taps

Crosshead taps evoke the charm and elegance of Victorian bath houses with intricately crafted white enamel detailing. Yet, these thermostatic controls are state-of-the-art despite the classic design.

Subway tiles

Originally used in subway stations during the early 1900s, metro tiles have become incredibly popular. Their versatility and affordability make them an ideal choice, thanks to their ability to effortlessly blend into any interior.

Brass finishes

Chrome fixtures have been the go-to in modern homes for a long time. But gold and brass tones have made a return to taps, showers, and accessories.

What we love most about this trend is that it’s not only a way to incorporate the past into the present, but it also adds warmth and depth to a home.

Patterned tiles

The art deco movement of the 1920s and 30s was defined by geometric patterns, clean lines, and heritage colours. The bold aesthetic has now made a triumphant return to modern bathrooms.

One way to incorporate this trend in your bathroom design is by including a heritage pattern through the use of tiles. The subtle yet interesting design detail exudes the understated glamour of the era.

Shaped tiles

Pattern tiles aren’t the only thing to consider - the way they’re laid can change the overall look and feel of a space.

Two popular tile shapes are hexagon and herringbone. With their honeycomb resemblance, Hexagon tiles are simple yet striking. They can be tiled in a uniform pattern or arranged in a more playful, asymmetrical design.

A herringbone pattern offers a classic and elegant look, with tiles laid in a zig-zag pattern that's eye-catching.

Sconces

Ceiling-hung is the most common type of lighting in the modern home. This is because it illuminates the entire space. However, sconces can add soft and a cosy atmosphere, especially in intimate areas like the bathroom.

If you plan to install a light in close proximity to a water source, make sure it has a sufficient IP-rating.

Vanities with feet

Vanity units have come a long way in design. Nowadays, there are so many to choose from:  from solid wood to glossy white, floor standing to floating. There's one trend that seems to strike a balance between the vintage and the contemporary - the vanity with feet.

A vanity unit with feet is not only visually pleasing but also functional. Being raised off the floor makes it easier to clean around and under, which is also a big plus for busy individuals.

Matt black fixtures

Matt black fixtures and fittings have taken the world of bathroom design by storm. The contemporary feel injects a touch of modernity into any bathroom. However, the trend is rooted in steampunk-industrial design.

The colour black is also well-known for its ability to complement any colour or decor scheme. As a result, you can use matt black fixtures and fittings to tie any design together.

Copper baths

The elegant copper bathtub was the preferred choice of royalty in France during the mid-18th century. Servants would roll these tubs into their rooms on wheels, and add warm water heated over an open flame. This classic still has a place in the homes of the wealthy and opulent today.

In fact, it has been a popular trend in interior design for some time now. Copper exudes a warmth that’s hard to replicate with other metals, making it ideal for those with discerning tastes.

Conclusion

Trends in design tend to cycle through the years. But they must be reimagined to endure. The trick to creating unique, vintage-inspired bathrooms that work within modern architecture is balancing it with contemporary, minimalistic styles and configurations.

So, be imaginative, mix vintage pieces with modern ones, and play with texture and colour.

Here are some classic design styles from a range of historical periods:

Vintage chic - designers often use ornate furniture, candlelit chandeliers, and antique accessories. The overall effect is darker and more dramatic than traditional vintage décor

Pretty pastels - Transport yourself back to the sun-kissed streets of Miami in the 1930s or the chic Palm Springs scene of the 1950s. One classic colour pairing that has stood the test of time is green and pink

Country chic - This inviting style features an interesting twist on the classic shabby chic look, incorporating bold and playful clashes of florals, feminine accessories, and understated neutrals

Victorian monarch - The design influence of Victorian-era monarchs can be seen in the opulence of racing green, gold, and dark wood tones. One of the standout features that sets the tone is a clawfoot bathtub

Written by Millie Fuller - Creative Copywriter & Coffee Lover