Vintage bathrooms – where retro meets modern | Duravit
Vintage Bathrooms – Where Retro Meets Modern
Style & Trends
The vintage bathroom combines the charm of bygone times with all the
modern comforts. With the right, carefully selected decor and accessories, you
can create a relaxing nostalgic oasis. This can be reminiscent of the late 19th
century or the roaring 20s, for example, depending on your style. Or maybe you
prefer the 60s or 70s? Which elements, colors, and accessories go with which
style? Let some of our ideas help you find inspiration and transform your
bathroom into a stylish time capsule.
Bathtubs
Freestanding bathtubs, in particular, find their
way into many vintage
bathroom designs. They make a great addition as a focal point in larger bathrooms. Models with elegantly curved feet or bases are perfect
for a Victorian or fin-de-siècle look. To emulate the mid-century
style, vintage bathtubs
with tiles on the outside can add a special touch.
Sinks
For vintage sinks,
a pedestal or column sink is just the right thing if the style leans towards
the Victorian or 1920s. For a retro
sink in a 60s or 70s-style bathroom, however, a wall-mounted model in a
color that matches the other ceramics is always a great choice.
Faucets
Cross-handle faucets on the sink, curved feet
under the freestanding bathtub, and ornate shower heads in the shower will
bring the magnificent style of the roaring 20s into your bathroom. Heavy metal tones look great in this type of vintage bathroom as well.
For newer styles, however, simpler and more straightforward faucets in chrome
may be a better option.
Bathroom furniture
For bathroom furniture with a vintage look, small chests of drawers,
chairs, or shelves in the respective style will make an authentic fit in your vintage bathroom. These
can be boldly decorated, especially in older styles. They also create extra storage space in the bathroom.
Mirrors
Large, ornate mirrors are characteristic of many vintage bathrooms. Gilded frames with
floral details, for example, fit right into an Art Nouveau design. These
mirrors create just the right vintage atmosphere, especially when they are
freestanding.
Tiles
No matter what era, tiles in unusual colors or
patterns tend to be a typical feature of vintage bathrooms. There are a broad range of
options: use tiles as a mosaic or use standard tile sizes with delicate floral
patterns or geometric figures in different colors. Whether on the wall or on
the floor, tiles will bring some good old-fashioned charm into the bathroom.
Pastel tones for the 20s
Pastel tones are a perfect choice for underscoring the nostalgic charm of a vintage bathroom from the 1920s. These soft, gentle colors help to create a calm and inviting atmosphere. Pastel tones that work well in a retro bathroom include:
- Pastel pink
- Mint green
- Sky blue
- Lavender
- Vanilla
Earth tones and matching colors for the 70s
The color combinations of the 70s make a memorable impression. This is mainly because, at that time, it was common practice to design the ceramics and the walls in the same color. Possible tones for a vintage bathroom in this style include:
- Earth tones
- Avocado green
- Mustard yellow
- Ocher
- Orange
Extraordinary accents
If you are a bit more adventurous, you can also try a break in style. Vintage furnishings often go really well in combination with brighter and more modern colors. The colors below can make a perfect fit in this style of retro bathroom:
- Neon pink
- Electric blue
- Lime green
- Sunshine yellow
Hanging lamps or chandeliers
Lamps with crystals or metal fittings provide the perfect mood lighting and create a nostalgic, fin-de-siècle atmosphere. Antique chandeliers capture the spirit of the past and combine vintage and luxury bathrooms for a special ambience.
Towel holders
If you have a vintage sink in your bathroom, authentic and robust
towel holders made of brass or bronze are essential.
Soap dishes and jewelry boxes
Bowls made of porcelain or glass with delicate decorations as well as old wooden boxes are a perfect addition to any vintage-style bathroom. They're not only decorative, but also practical.
Cloth curtains
Curtains made of linen or cotton are also
typical of earlier times. These can be in a neutral white, or they can be
decorated with lace or crochet trim. For a mid-century look, curtains with
colors that match the rest of the furnishings or geometric patterns are always
a great choice.
Rugs
Rugs made from natural materials such as cotton
or wool, with classic patterns and neutral colors, can add to the nostalgic
feel. They look great in front of a freestanding bathtub or in front of the
sink or toilet.
Plants
Plants in the bathroom are always a great addition because they improve the air quality and they really enhance the room. For a vintage bathroom with a mid-century look, Clusia, Fatsia, mother-in-law's tongue, or prayer plants with leaf patterns that harken back to the retro wallpaper from the 70s are all especially good choices.
