Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Rachel
Create a calm and dreamy oasis. Find 5 vintage bathroom decor ideas to upgrade a small space!
Many times over the years I have felt stuck on how to decorate my bathroom in a meaningful way. Bathrooms are, in my experience, the last room in a home to get loving attention. Small bathrooms are especially tricky. But no fear! Come along as I share 5 vintage bathroom decor ideas to upgrade a small space!
Create a Dreamy Vintage Bathroom on a Budget
You’re bathroom is so important! It is usually the first place you go in the morning and the last place you go at night. It should feel like a welcoming and peaceful space to start and end each day.
Over the years, I’ve found a few easy and affordable ways to infuse character into your bathroom space, especially spaces that are small. Join me as I share some simple tips and tricks!
5 Vintage Bathroom Decor Ideas to Upgrade a Small Space
1. Install a Vintage Mirror in a Bathroom.
This is a really simple switch that makes a big impact in a bathroom. Builder grade mirrors are not pretty and don’t have any character!
Vintage mirrors are typically made out of wood in all different shades and contain beautiful detailing such as spindles or carvings.
The wood tone will help bring in warmth to your bathroom and fill your space with so much character. You can find very affordable antique and vintage mirrors on FB marketplace as well as at thrift stores and estate sales.
2. Style a Bathroom with Vintage Decor.
By using vintage decor in your bathroom, you are creating a space that is meaningful. Rather than going to a large retail store where you can buy the same decor as everyone else, source vintage pieces from thrift stores or antique stores.
When you take the time to find unique decor items, your bathroom will feel extremely special.
Examples of this type of decor include:
- vintage or vintage inspired rugs
- vases
- jars or crocks
- vintage hand towels
- antique hardware such as towel hooks, door knobs, or faucets
- vintage linens
3. Add Baskets to a Bathroom.
There is just something about baskets that feels comforting. In a bathroom, baskets are a really pretty way to store extra items such as bed linens, blankets, toilet paper, or cosmetics.
You can even roll up hand towels and put them in a vintage basket on the counter for a functional yet charming display. The texture of baskets brings in an element of nature, creating a feeling of ease and contentment.
4. Incorporate Vintage Art in a Bathroom.
Sourcing vintage art is an incredible way to add charm to your bathroom. Art can include anything from vintage oil paintings to watercolors to needlework.
You can find amazing vintage artwork at thrift stores for under $10.
Vintage art is extremely vibrant, lending a colorful and playful ambience to your space.
5. Swap Out the Light Fixture in a Bathroom.
Adding an antique light fixture, or an antique inspired fixture, will be a showstopper in your space. If you take just one idea from this list make it this one. Changing out a bland light fixture for a beautiful one will make the most difference in adding vintage charm to your bathroom.
There are so many different kinds of antique lights to choose from, so just start by looking on Google to get some ideas of what you like.
You can find affordable antique and vintage light fixtures on Marketplace, at thrift stores, and antique shops.
Closing Tidbits on 5 Vintage Bathroom Decor Ideas to Upgrade a Small Space
These 5 ways to add vintage charm to your bathroom will truly change the whole feel of your bathroom. When you can take the time to source pieces secondhand, you will be able to create a space that’s not only unique to you but budget friendly, as well.
Adding charm to a space by incorporating simple changes is so rewarding. I hope this inspires you to give a budget-friendly bathroom transformation a try!
Let me know in the comments below what you would like to add to your bathroom!
Follow Along with The Antiqued Journey
Shop Vintage Inspired Bathroom Decor on Amazon
- Navy Blue French-Inspired Rug
- Accordion Peg Rack
- Green Glass Bathroom Accessories
- Oval Countertop Mirror
- Floral Framed Art
30 Comments. Leave new
LOVED THIS ARTCLE RACHEL! You are an inspiration to many.
Thanks mom!
Great post. One of my favorite ways to use a vintage banana boat (I have a small collection of turquoise Moon and Stars glass) was to put fingertip towels in it on a 48″ long sink counter!
Hi!! Thank you!! That’s genius!!!
[…] a kitchen or dining table for a pretty centerpiece or adding one with faux greenery in it to your bathroom […]
[…] How to Add Charm to a Bathroom […]
Love this….I have china and tea pots in both my bathrooms and when I first did this over 25 years ago, my Mother almost had a stroke!! A Tea Pot in the Bathroom!!! Can you imagine????LOL!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Lol…that’s HILARIOUS!! Thanks for stopping by, Deb!!
Great ideas Rachel. I love adding vintage around our home so thanks for the reminder to not firget
Thank you!
Love these beautiful ideas so much, Rachel. They feel budget friendly and totally doable too which is right up my alley! Big hugs, CoCo
Thank you!! I’m so glad you said that because that was the whole goal of this post…doable for anyone!
[…] a kitchen or dining table for a pretty centerpiece or adding one with faux greenery in it to your bathroom […]
Rachel, I Love the needlework art in your bathroom! Just gorgeous!
I do need some large art pieces, especially for my living room.
You have found some marvelous things!
Hi, Donna!
Thanks so much! Vintage art, needlework specifically, is one of my very favorite items to look for while I’m thrifting. I’ll actually have a new post next week all about thrifting for vintage art if that interests you! Thanks so much for stopping by today!
I love all your tips, Rachel. And the vintage touches in your bathroom are lovely! I’ll be featuring your post this week at Tuesday Turn About! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Julie!
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Love the vase with the dog on it, where do you find it?
Hi, Pat!
Thank you!! I found that at a thrift store near my house…isn’t that incredible?!
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