15 Elements of Today's Vintage-Inspired Baths
See How to Design a Classic Bathroom That Never Goes Out of Style
Vintage bathrooms are very popular and because of their classic appeal, will never go out of style. When many of us think of vintage baths, we see claw-foot tubs, pedestal sinks and white subway tile. Today’s vintage bath includes these plus other design elements from the early 20th century, then combines them with modern conveniences. Let’s take a look at some vintage-inspired baths and the types of products used to create them now.
1. Console sink. This type of sink is mounted on legs, exposing the plumbing underneath. From 1900-1920, the sanitary bath became very important, and the openness allowed for ventilation and thorough cleaning.
This one has a Cararra marble top, white porcelain under mount sink and chrome legs. The deck is wide enough to place toiletries. A beautiful crystal chandelier and sconces adds a touch of glam.
This one has a Cararra marble top, white porcelain under mount sink and chrome legs. The deck is wide enough to place toiletries. A beautiful crystal chandelier and sconces adds a touch of glam.
by Olga Adler
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Another type of console sink is porcelain with matching furniture-style legs. This has an integrated sink and back splash, and is very easy to clean.
3. Cararra marble. Marble, especially Cararra, is a favorite stone for vanity tops and floors.
4. Faucet with ceramic handles. Cross and lever handles with white ceramic trim give a bath that period look. If you like this faucet, here is a similar one from Restoration Hardware.
This is a bath renovation of a historic Arts and Crafts home, in Claremont, California.
This is a bath renovation of a historic Arts and Crafts home, in Claremont, California.
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| 5. Claw-foot tub. This freestanding tub has four animal-like feet supporting it. Originally made from cast iron, they are now available in acrylic, which is much lighter.
The floor is Calacatta Marble, Cararra's cousin. (See what's the difference.) |
| 6. Pedestal tub. Also freestanding, it is supported by a low pedestal base. It eventually replaced the claw-foot tub because it was considered more sanitary. This one from Aquatic, has clean lines, making it appropriate for traditional and transitional styles. |
7. Shower curtain ring enclosure. This oval rod is suspended from the ceiling and provides the frame work for the shower.
by Kasey Buick
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8. Tub faucet. An English style "telephone" hand shower and faucet combination is typically paired with claw-foot and pedestal tubs.
9. Wainscoting. White beadboard panels or tile cover the walls from the floor up to 3-5 feet, and is topped with a chair rail or molding. Wainscoting was originally installed to protect the walls from dampness.
9. Wainscoting. White beadboard panels or tile cover the walls from the floor up to 3-5 feet, and is topped with a chair rail or molding. Wainscoting was originally installed to protect the walls from dampness.
It was common to have matching or coordinating accent liners below the chair rail and above the bottom row of tile.
A wainscot look was created with two different size tiles separated by a mini brick Cararra decorative band. Above is white ceramic 4" x 4" tile and below is matching 3" x 6" tile. The band serves as the "chair rail" and frames the mirror to create a pretty focal point.
10. White subway wall tile. Crisp white ceramic 3" x 6" tile is a classic choice for a vintage style bath. Here is a beveled version.
11. Basketweave floor tile. Cararra and black basketweave mosaic makes an elegant and traditional floor.
11. Basketweave floor tile. Cararra and black basketweave mosaic makes an elegant and traditional floor.
12. Hexagonal floor tile. The all-white bath was perceived to be clean and sanitary and featured subway tile and porcelain hexagonal tile. This combination is often seen in Bungalow-style baths.
Hexagonal tiles come in various sizes and colors. Here is a fun floor pattern created with three colors. The blue gray tile works well with the Cararra counter and shower trim, and the white and orange hexagons look like cheerful daisies. Floors done in white with black accents and borders are more common.
13. Medicine cabinet. White wooden cabinets with a mirrored door were mounted on the wall above the sink. The doors were inset in the frame and some were topped with a prominent crown. Restoration Hardware sells these and other products for your vintage bath.
14. Lighting with white shades. Flank the mirror or medicine cabinet with two wall sconces, or place a vanity light over the top, as in some of the previous photos. Chrome and satin nickel finish works well and glass shades are easier to clean than fabric ones. Make sure the lights are rated for damp locations.
This floor is done in cararra hexagonal tile.
This floor is done in cararra hexagonal tile.
by Gast Architects
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15. Bath accessories. Give your vintage bath that finishing touch with accessories like double towel bars, hotel racks and robe hooks.
Next: More Bath Design Guides
Next: More Bath Design Guides
Ideabook updated on June 3, 2011.
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I'd not thought too much about the taps yet, so that was interesting. I can't wait to have my new bathroom!
Tracybuyshomes, sorry don't know about the vase. You can try posting your inquiry in our Questions Section above.
Great idea book! There is just something so charming about a classic bathroom!
http://davethemarbleguy.com/html/ten_stone_problems_guide.html
Photo #14 looks like a standard white bath cabinet with a narrow shelf on the end.
Here are few more you may like:
lisaleague, I am a big fan of New Ravenna tile!
http://www.lampsplus.com/products/murray-feiss-bentley-18-inch-wide-three-light-bathroom-fixture__05256.html
http://www.lampsplus.com/products/elizabeth-polished-nickel-two-light-bath-fixture__87644.html
http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1670023&categoryId=cat1603017
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/newport-white-double-sink-console/?pkey=cdouble-sink-consoles
It can be hard to find one in the size and style with features you want. You could always have one made from a Kitchen Cabinet shop. If you want a ready-made or semi- custom one, I would visit a Bath and Plumbing showroom and consult with a sales associate.
Good luck!