Green is my favorite color so I am probably biased. LOL I think since you have changed the toilet and sink to white, I would either put in a white tub or have it resurfaced. I would also put in a neutral colored floor tile. I was just watching a decorating show on TV, maybe Designed to Sell and they tiled right over the preexisting tile. I like the green tiles, get a shower curtain that pulls in the green, cream, neutral and make sure the art is on the walls. Because this is not the master bath, I think it would be really cute.

By the way, I noticed a couple of things that really caught my eye. I would remove the shampoo bottles out of the window when you show it and would you be able to move the toilet tissue holder. Can't imagine reaching across that far to get some tissue. :-)

I don't know about the market where you are, but hereabouts you would be much more likely to sell right now if you do nothing and offer what you would have spent as a decorating allowance to the buyer.

I have a friend who has a house in an expensive neighborhood that desperately needs a kitchen and doesn't even have a master bath (previous owners ripped out the old one but never completed the new one) and every single realtor he's spoken to has strongly urged him to do nothing with those spaces, since the people who are buying now are the kind who are more interested in doing it for themselves after purchasing.

Your market may be different, but I'd get a couple of informed opinions before shelling out any more cash on this.

Thats actually not a bad green. Give everything a good cleaning and then put up a cute white shower curtain...maybe something ruffly or seersucker and some white bathmats and you should be good to go. Let the new owner do the remodeling. Its amazing what a little accessorizing can do.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cute Target Shower Curtain

I kind of like the green wall tile. The tub would probably look better in white. It could be replaced or resurfaced.

I wouldn't use pink towels. I think a nice cream would look better. If you leave the floor tiles put a large cream bathmat down.

Oh, and make sure to put the lid to the toilet down when you show the house and for any pictures you post for your sale.

Thanks all, now I'm even more confused. Really don't want to spend much on this room. Sorry, the pics were taken when the men were removing the sinks and vanity so I didn't clean up for the shot. I was actually surprised to find the shampoo on the window. The men stuck them up there when they pulled off the vanity and old shower door.

This bath is in a finished basement (above ground) and adjoins a small guest bedroom. The bedroom has a pocket door which opens to this bath. I redid the guest room - new carpet, windows and painted the paneling. I plan to put a full size bed and dresser. I just want the bath to look clean and fresh. I really don't want to bother with the floor or bath tub but since I changed the toilet to white, I plan to put in a white sink and vanity. I found a cheap vanity in Lowes and I'll use a cultured marble sink/top. I'm not replacing the shower doors so I will put a curtain.

I guess the tub should be refinished, but am tempted to leave it alone.

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Jane

Hi Jane-
Well, for what it's worth, here are my two cents!
--Don't refinish the tub, but definitely get the shower door residue off of the edge. It's really not a bad color and looks good with the green tile. Actually, I like the tile and tub color.
--The green floor tile doesn't look like an *exact* match to the tub/wall tile. I'd still leave it as-is, and use a nice WHITE throw rug, fairly large (not a bath-mat size)
--Accessories: WHITE towels on those gorgeous vintage towel bars. Crisp white shower curtain and VIOLA! I think your bathroom will look smashing!
Have fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: White Shower Curtain

Thanks, I think that's what I'll do. Shower curtain is pretty.

Thanks you all,

Jane

When we moved, we had our disguisting original 1930s cast iron tub resurfaced and it looked AWESOME. I think it makes a HUGE difference in terms of selling...even if it's not going to last, who cares....A potential buyer will walk in and see a white and clean tub. I'd leave the tiles on the wall and floor....

FWIW. Personally I really like the tile and tub and would have loved to have seen it with the original toilet and sink. Not to crazy about the floor, but as someone said earlier a large white rug would pull it all together, along with some large fluffy white towels. I had a similar vintage bathroom in baby blue. Toilet, sink, tub and tile. I'm more of a green person and not blue, but since it was in good condition I decided to keep it. With the appropriate accessories it really looks good, and it's not a cookie cutter bathroom. It stands out (in a good way).

Ditto on denalidreams' suggestion on the white waffle-shower curtain.
Right before we sold our house (the bathroom was okay), we put up that great white shower curtain, thick white bath towels, and some fresh white flowers. The bathroom actually looked a bit luxurious, if you could believe that.

It would be great if you could get the cement off the edge of the tub, and I would look into perhaps finding a vinyl remnant for the floor.

I think resurfacing would cost you more than a builder's grade white tub- the market for resurfacing is for those who want to avoid removing the old tub, not to save money.

The tub and the tile don't bother me, but the floor looks awful and would probably cost you more in reduced offers than what a piece of vinyl flooring would cost. I have fibre floor in my basement laundry room (and one day it will be in the basement bath too). It doesn't have to be glued down, is thicker and more flexible, so fairly easy to DIY.

OMG, I want to stick my head in the oven....

I'm not sure what to do now. I Refinish the tub, replace the floor...

Another problem is there were double sinks. The old vanity measured 55". There are no 55" stock vanities. They go 48"-60". If I go single sink, I have those cup-holder/soap-dishes in the tile. There are four of them. It will look weird with one sink. If I go double sinks, I would have to go custom because, (carpenter measured) the second set of pipes.
This is one bathroom. I'm over on Kitchens, trying to figure out what to do there.

I live near a big bridge, looking good to me right now...

Jane

LOL...don't jump! :)
I think it's fairly simple....refinish the tub...leave all the tile...

I would go the extra mile for the double sinks since it IS going to add value...Don't spend the $ on custom...will the 60 or 48 fit ok?

I guess there is no extra tile hiding anywhere or behind anything that you could take and patch the cup holders if you went single?

What about: get the nice towels, shower curtain, rug. Put house on market. If all prospective buyers get as far as the bathroom and say, "eee!" then take further measures.

No to the 60", I wish! The toilet is 58" from the wall. A 48" leave a soap dish and cup holder dangling. No extra tiles anywhere to be found.

I think I will go with that shower curtain, rug, nice towels idea. Still considering refinishing the tub and leaving the cup holder dangle. Any thoughts on color? Should I stay white with the walls and the vanity/sink?

Thanks all,
Jane

Hey Jane!
Did I read you latest post correctly, i.e., you need a double sink vanity that is 55"? Is the wall behind the old vanity (which I guess has already been ripped out) decent? If so, how about TWO, 24" vanities, with space on either side and in between to make up the extra 7"? (the difference between 55" and 2 X 24") There are some relatively inexpensive cabinet/sink combos out there that might work, e.g., at Lowes. Also, here's a couple of ideas from Ikea. You all in the Lower 48 are SO lucky to have a lot of choices...no Ikea in Alaska :(
Relax and ENJOY! This is supposed to be fun, so quit eyeing that bridge and stay away from the oven--lol!

Here is a link that might be useful: Cabinet ideas-check other pages, too!

I think I agree with doing the least but definitely nice white towels, shower curtain, and rug... If you do decide to do more, one thing I though of about the tiles where you have the cup holder thingy--- maybe if possible take out a few tiles around that area and make it look intentional and replace with white or black or a deco tile... maybe you would only need like 2 here, 2 there.... and it might be a non- issue.
you did say this was a basement bath so I would be inclined to spend the least money to begin with. Seriously- white linens work wonders.
and please, no bridges!!!

Great idea denalidreams--I was just thinking I'd suggest installing two pedestal sinks. I don't know if storage is an issue; vanities might work better if so.

I am the guardian of two fifties bathrooms that have defied most efforts to make them "luxurious". Both rooms have the original white tubs, but we installed new toilets, wall mount sinks and sink & shower hardware.

In the peach room, we've put (white) paintable textured wallpaper up to cover the unstrippable remnants of the old wallpaper, and may one day agree on a color to paint it! We also have an off-white shower curtain and rug, so it's a cozy room for DD. The real problem is the occasional mold on the caulk at the tile-tub seams. Also, the tile in the bath area of both rooms has lost its sheen, possibly due to overzealous use of harsh cleaners/chemicals in the past.

The grey & burgundy master bath is tiny, and has a much worse mold problem on the caulk. The tub used to have an unsightly water stain, until I attacked it with a pumice stone. OMG--what an easy fix! On the basis of that small success, I no longer wish to smash the tub and gut the room! Well, I want to cover those floor tiles... In here, we have light grey rug and a white waffle shower curtain, which lightens the room up quite a bit.

So what I'm saying to you is (a) we were the kind of buyers who snapped up a fixer with colorful baths--there must be a few more like us; (b) it's amazing what a little elbow grease will do; (c) save yourself the trauma of refinishing and do the white floor mat/shower curtain/towels; and (d) consider pedestal, wallmount or 24" vanities for your two-sink problem.

You guys are the best!! I can't believe how many ideas I got from all of you. Sheila, I never thought of separate vanities. I think that would work:
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I think, with Bills advice, I could get the stains off the tile where the vanity once was. The tile is sound.

Here is a shot from the adjoining bed room:
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Its disgusting and soooo green. I can't believe the vanity at Ikea which includes the sink and faucet! Thank you Sheila and Abby, and 'everyone' - you really give me a lot of hope....

Jane

Gee, I actually love your bathroom wall tile and the tub. I'm a lover of old homes, and your bathroom makes me drool over the possibilities. It definitely wants two funky retro sinks.

Rather than try to impose a different style on the room, let the bathroom's strong existing features guide your choices. Some buyers will love it.

Thanks mmme! Any ideas where to find vanities which would look a bit retro without breaking the bank?

I too vote for not removing the green or refinishing the tub. But adding white rug, shower curtain, towels.

As for the sinks, again a vote for 2 pedestal sinks with a retro flair. Something like this.

Here is a link that might be useful: pedestal sink

I love the idea of the pedastal sinks. I've sold many homes, and prettied them up for sale. My top hint is white...and you're half way there. Do white pedastal's and add one or two fluffy white rugs to break up the floor color a bit. Hang white fluffy towels. And leave the tub alone, but add a pretty white candle on one corner and a vase of white flowers as appropriate.

And to get the shower goober off the tub...use a chisel, carefully. It will come right off :)

I thought about the pedestals. Won't it look strange having two pedestals side by side? I need to see how I can clean up that tile.

Hit Target today and got the shower curtain, rod and hooks. They had beautiful, fluffy towels on sale, I bought four white bath towels. It's a start.

What would I put over the sinks? Mirrors, lights. I have a medicine cabinet on that wall with lights above. This will all go. Using two pedestals - two mirrors, two lights?

Thanks so much,
Jane

I'm not sure about pedestals...won't the old plumbing still show?

But two vanities is a great idea! I'd make them white....

I'd knock down the center medicine cabinet and get a huge mirror to cover up both spaces...maybe a nice black frame?

I'm still voting to refinish the tub...retro tiles are cool...a green tub is just outdated...

Take after pix!

Jane, I popped over from kitchens to see your bath. Definitely 2 white pedestal sinks to go with the toilet. Can't tell from picture what you have for lights - 1 or 2? I would do 2 oval tilt mirrors and 2 lights if possible. Leave the soap/cup holders because they look like there would be 1 for (centered over?) each sink. Don't worry about supply lines showing - just get chrome bendable lines, not the braided steel stuff. I would just leave the green tub with a nice rod and curtain - if buyers want to resurface cast iron/steel and porcelain tub or replace it with fiberglas (yech!) let them.

If you have only 1 electrical box for light then get 1 big mirror instead of 2 - 1 light over 2 mirrors might look like a "unibrow" over eyes!

Sheila

I looked at the sink Spacific linked. It says the pedestal is sold separately. I searched HD under my zip and didn't see the one posted but found a few that might work (I'm not sure what I'm looking for.) I don't know what to measure to figure if two sinks will fit.

Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: some pedestals

I measured from the center pipe to the other center pipe. They are 26" apart. I'm not sure whether two pedestals will fit.

Here's a pic of the medicine cabinet and lights. I fear there is only one box which would create problems putting in two separate lights.

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You have room for two small pedestals there. Go visit a plumbing store or HD for ideas. YOu can't put in the huge square ones...but they're not necessary here. And I split a single box into two lights in my bath with no problem. They're on the same switch, but it's not hard to do given how close they are (much harder when across a room). You need a pro there, but it's not terribly difficult or expensive. Two oval mirrors, tilt, and really it will be gorgeous.

I do see one other issue...while changing the mirrors and lighting, you need to move that recepticle, and probably go GFCI (which you'd have to do at sale anyhoo due to code).

I'm just not feeling the dual pedestal sink thing. I know that there are contingencies with the size of the space, but somehow I think identical pedestal sinks may look weird - something a buyer would notice, but not in a good way. Identical ceramic sinks lined up remind me of a prison or gas station washroom.

I Googled and found lots of 55"-56" sink vanities with both single and double sinks. How about getting one sink with vanity and having a shorter matching cabinet next to it? They make vanity and cabinets to match and go along side sinks. That way it won't look weird with the four wall insets over it. You could still use just one light fixture. (Even if there is only one box, it can still be changed to two. It just requires more work and expense. It is not impossible to do)

I have to ask. Why? Why are you creating all this stress for yourself ripping things out and worrying about finding new ones that fill fit odd spaces and measurements? You are replacing everything with stock builders grade items and that may not appeal to the buyers. I cried when I read that you ripped out the cute green toilet. Well, not really cried , but I did gasp "Oh, noooooo.....!"

Let the buyers decide how they want to proceed with the look of their new home when they get it. You may be spending money that you won't get back at the time of the sale. Just make sure everything is in good repair and clean.

If it were me as a buyer, I would have preferred to have the original green toilet left in place along with the vanity. If the vanity was not in good condition (very likely) I would have outfitted it with one of these cool vintage steel, enameled desks converted with a glass basin (or two depending). Then added a frameless oval, beveled mirror hung the long way, with some sleek MCM, halogen, sconce lighting on the sides. A bold shower curtain and colorful, fluffy towels. Then hung a crystal chandelier in the middle of the room. Sweet.

Crazy, you say? My taste is eclectic and crazy, but I'm just trying to point out that a buyer may not be impressed with an "update" and prefer to celebrate the green vintage bathroom. They may be willing to get spendy with it and not purchase plain stock items to try to tame the seafoam green bathroom. It can't be tamed...... Check out other vintage bathrooms: http://savethepinkbathrooms.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Orange Vintage Desk

I also have to admit I don't understand why a basement bathroom needs dual pedestals. It's not the master bath--how often will two sinks be a plus?

I think 2 pedestals would work best since you want 2 sinks and you've already ripped out the vanity. I don't think you could fit 2 sinks in a 48" vanity. Though no one would discover it until they looked inside - just have the plumber cap off the unused supplies/drain? Don't tear plumbing out - someone might want 2 sinks in there later. Or maybe look at small 12" round sinks or vessel sinks on a 48" vanity?

Pedestals would actually make the room look larger - you're lucky there was tile behind the old vanity. Stick a nice trash can between them, or a 12" wide floor cabinet if you really must have storage. There's a picture of 2 pedestals somewhere over on the Bathroom Eye Candy gallery.

I would just go with one large mirror and large light bar over the 2 pedestals - why bother having an electrician in? It's not hard for a pro to put in/move boxes, but they charge like $100 an hour, you'd have some sheetrock and paint work to do afterwards since he'll have to cut out wall to remove old box, put 2 new boxes in, 1 on either side of a stud - not worth it for a basement bathroom! Just buy a GFCI receptacle at HD and put it in yourself - that's easy.

Sheila

I agree, I wish I didn't have to deal with this, but here's the scoop - had a party last year and a guest got a bit tipsy. Not sure what happened but he broke the toilet. Cracked the bowl and we had a minor flood. End of toilet.

The vanity was really bad. Sinks had rust stains from the old faucets, etc. Lived with this all these years because we rarely used this bathroom. Don't know why this bathroom had two sinks, there is a small guest room next to it-but didn't make sense.

I just want to make it fresh and clean looking. I don't want to go crazy. Thanks to dilly dally, the thought of prison bathrooms is stuck in my mind. Never thought of that...geeze, maybe just a stock 48" with one sink and I'll be done with it.

I like the oval mirror idea, but I am not going crazy with the lights.

If I were staying, I would definitely hang a chandelier!

Thanks,
Jane

PS: Hubby can't hold a screwdriver. I pay for everything.

A guest room is right next to this bathroom you say? Maybe you could put in a bidet between the toilet and a sink? OK, I know that most buyers would not be impressed with a bidet but I'm trying to point out that some buyers would prefer to customize the room to their tastes.

Maybe you could keep the plumbing capped and offer a decorating allowance for a vanity to the new buyers. They could choose the type they really wanted for the space. Let them deal with the headache finding a sink the right size. Let them choose a bidet if they wish.

So sorry to hear of the murder of your seafoam green toilet by your guest..........

Maybe you could find period correct sinks to restore this room, since the floor and tiles sure look original. You might even find an original green toilet at a salvage/ReUse place. To safe lots of time, Rent a powerful steamer to Deep Clean all baths and kitchen.

Found this white pedestal sink at the Lowe's site--very reasonable price, and two might fit well into the available space. Great price, too!
Just another idea from the frozen (almost) tundra!

Here is a link that might be useful: pedestal sink

That sink is cute. I'm not sure two would fit at the center pipe (drain?) measures 26" to the other pipe. That would make the faucet pipes closer than 26"

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Brilliant bodica. But I don't think that is they way Jane wants to go with this bathroom. Maybe the new owners will though.

The first thing that came up on a search:

Here is a link that might be useful: Vintage Green Sink and Toilet

You say the space is 55" wide. Why not just install a single sink, 55" vanity????? It will fill the space so that the four soap dish/toothbrush holders aren't floating out to the side and are centered. The pipes can be configured by a plumber easily. Easily.

The floor tile is still good underneath. A dark wood contemporary piece will balance the vintage charm the green bathroom has.

How about something like this vanity I linked? A beefy apron sink in a wide 55" floating vanity. It includes the mirror and the light and the wall cabinet. One stop shopping. All for a reasonable price.

Ta-dah:

Here is a link that might be useful: Floating Vanity 55

DillyDally, Those Vintage green pieces are amazing! Personally, I prefer the look of the ole toilets with their smooth exterior base. The "exposed intestine" look is a lot more irritating to clean and I find most unattractive. This has been fascinating to look back at photos of that time.
And one sink centered is a great option, very good thinking! Period correct as well.
Jane, I will search also, you are in NY?

Looks like two sinks were uptown those days!
Found the greens are not all exact, Seafoam, Mint, etc. and a blue-green.
Are your fixtures Crane? There's lots out there!
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Just for fun {{gwi:1476235}} Copper paint on retro sink.

I'm beginning to agree that two sinks might be overkill--unless you can do it in an economical manner, and let the new owners re-do if they wish.

Because we had more pressing issues to address when we moved in (HVAC and kitchen-LOL!), we chose to replace the toilets and sinks in each bathroom, and have been living with and tweaking the rest (i.e., new wall cabs from Ikea, paint samples on the walls, etc).

I want to point you toward a very economical fix: wall mount sinks. We used sinks from Toto's commercial line; they cost maybe $70 each. That was an easy decision, given that the more authentic console sinks that we wanted would have been ~$400 each!

Until we can finance a complete overhaul, we feel we've freshened the rooms and made them very functional.

DD's BR:

From hallway:

Our BR:


Note, the GFI outlet is in DD's BR. It links to the outlet in our BR (they are literally back-to-back). Electrician said that was adequate to meet code. If it's not, we'll fix it when we remodel.

Too cool, your bathrooms look like mine. Just amazing. I guess I grew up in the 50's-60's (born in 48) and am sick of those fixtures. First thing I did when we moved here was tear out all the old bathsrooms. But I never touched this one because we didn't use it. I always planned too, but never got to it. Now I see how younger people would find it cute. Your bathrooms are beautifully done. Much better than mine were.

The toilet is exactly what was there. Weighed a ton and was a job to remove. Funny part is it survived all those years without any repairs. All the other toilets in the house were replaced and repaired numerous. My other toilets are all Kohlers. That old toilet never had a part replaced and we have really bad well-water. It took a drunk, 300lb man to send it off to toilet heaven.

I looked around for vanities and a 55" would have to be a special order and take months. I have the men working in the house and want to get the bathroom done. I would buy a 55" immediately if anyone carried them. They are all 48" or 60". Can't squeeze in a 60.
Yes, I live in NY 40 miles north of Manhattan.

Jane

This is a basement bathroom. You don't need two sinks. You want something that looks nice but doesn't break the bank. Do a single sink vanity that will cover the plumbing in the wall. Two pedestal sinks are going to look crowded and a bit odd.

Consider refinishing the tub if it isn't too expensive. A basement tub next to a guest room doesn't get loads of use, a refinished tub should hold up well there.

Those vintage fixtures are great--Jane, the wall-mount dual sinks would be relatively inexpensive (both Lowes and Home Depot have them for $65 to $80 each) and look terrific. They'd also fit well in the space. White, of course :) to go with fluffy white towels, shower curtain, and rug(s). Since it's a basement bathroom, storage isn't much of an issue, so a vanity (or vanities) aren't necessary...
Again, just my 2 cents' worth!

I can't find anyone to tell me if two pedestals would fit. The sinks I looked at are 22-24" and that would put them up against each other. Wouldn't work. I need to decide this weekend.

Jane

This is not the master bath, nor is it a bathroom that gets much use, so at this point just leave it, and give the new owners a $ credit. Don't make a rush decision. You say you never used this bathroom ever yourself, so maybe new owners would not even give a hoot about a basement bath. Just knowing the hook-ups are there, should they ever decide to convert it, should be enough.

Leaving the plumbing as is and using it for right sink or left sink or adapting(not altering) for the sink in the center should all work and look fine. Actually, you are so lucky to have many option, so you can pick what you prefer in look AND cost. I agree, without a green toilet, white sink/sinks are perfect. Deep breath, and have some fun!

Hey Jane, what about something like this? They're only 18 inches wide, plenty of room between. Use nice supply lines - they're meant to be exposed.

Good luck - post pics when you're done!

Sheila

Here is a link that might be useful: small pedestal sink

Thanks Sheila. Have you ever used this company? Also, do you think the sinks would look too small??
BTW, spent the day cleaning up the tub and walls. Amazingly, It all came off and looks brand new. Too funny....

Crazy,
Jane