In the story of interior design, the term "vintage" evokes a timeless, charming aesthetic that draws its inspiration from decades gone by. Vintage style, also known as retro style, is much more than just a decorative trend; it's a celebration of history and craftsmanship.
Vintage style has its roots in bygone eras, dating back to the 1920s through to the 1980s and beyond. It's an aesthetic that showcases designs that have stood the test of time. We present them to you in this article!
Let's start with retro-style decorations!
To give your bathroom a vintage touch, start by choosing retro decorative elements. Look for pieces of furniture inspired by bygone eras! These elements will instantly add character and charm to your space.
Here's a list of vintage elements to incorporate into your bathroom:
- Cast-iron bathtub The ultimate symbol of retro luxury! A cast-iron bathtub brings a touch of timeless elegance to your bathroom.
- Retro-style basin : Opt for a vintage-design basin, whether in porcelain, ceramic or metal, for an authentic touch.
- Aged mirror A patinated or distressed mirror adds a touch of charm to your vintage bathroom, while subtly reflecting the light. You can find them in flea markets, antique shops and vintage boutiques. You can also find mirrors in original shapes (see image above).
- Retro tiles Play with the patterns and textures of ceramic, cement and mosaic tiles to create a retro chic effect (see image above). For example, the famous métro tiles!
And decorative elements such as ...
- Wall clock to add a touch of originality.
- Brass or metal hooks for hanging bathrobes or clothes.
- Rattan or wicker baskets for storing toiletries or towels.
- Forged metal towel rack for hanging towels.
- Retro gold, brushed gold and matt chrome faucet for your bath or washbasin.
Play with colors !
Colors play a crucial role in creating a feminine vintage bathroom. Choose soft, pastel shades. These colors will bring a touch of softness and freshness to your bathroom, while recalling the popular color palettes of retro eras.
We've put together a list of colors that give a vintage effect:
- Pastel blue
- Mustard yellow
- Pink beige
- Duck blue
- Pearl gray
- Brick red
- Aged gold
- Taupe
And here are a few color combinations for your vintage bathroom:
- Powder pink and mint green : A soft, feminine combination reminiscent of 1950s interiors.
- Pastel blue and mustard yellow : A bold, dynamic color combination typical of the 1960s.
- Pink beige and pearl grey : An elegant, timeless color palette, often used in 1940s decors.
- Duck blue and antique gold : A luxurious combination inspired by 1970s interiors.
- Brick red and taupe : A warm, earthy combination evoking the rustic decor of the 1930s.
Go for patterns !
Incorporate patterns into your bathroom to add character to the space. Choose patterned shower curtains, bath mats and towels to create a retro-chic look.
You're probably familiar with them, but we've grouped together some of the most common types of patterns:
- Flowers : A floral motif often found on fabrics, shower curtains and wallpapers, evoking the atmosphere of English gardens.
- Stripes : Horizontal or vertical stripes, often used on towels, rugs and curtains to add a graphic touch to the decor.
- Peas : Polka dot pattern in various sizes, generally used on textiles such as curtains and cushion covers to create a retro, playful effect.
- Geometric : Geometric patterns such as diamonds, triangles and squares, used on floor tiles, wallpapers and fabrics for a modern retro look.
- Damier : Black and white check pattern, often used on floors and walls to create a graphic, dynamic effect.
- Paisley : A complex, stylized pattern inspired by Persian art, used on textiles such as tapestries and bedspreads for a touch of retro exoticism.
Choose authentic materials
For a vintage bathroom, opt for natural materials. Materials bring texture and richness to your room.
We've put together a list of the most important materials for vintage style:
- Massive wood : Used for storage units, vanity units and mirror frames, solid wood brings warmth and authenticity to the bathroom.
- Glazed ceramic : Glazed ceramic sinks, basins and toilets are classic choices for a vintage bathroom.
- Marble : Used for countertops, floors and wall tiles, marble brings a touch of timeless elegance to the vintage bathroom.
- Enamelled cast iron : Enameled cast-iron bathtubs are popular centerpieces in vintage bathrooms.
- Forged metal : Forged metal bathroom accessories, such as towel rails, hooks and soap dishes, add a touch of rustic authenticity to the space.
- Glass : Frosted glass wall sconces, framed mirrors in distressed glass and bathroom accessories in tinted glass are popular choices for a vintage bathroom.
- Concrete : Used for countertops and floors, concrete offers a raw, industrial aesthetic that blends well in a bathroom.
- Terracotta : Tiles, flowerpots and decorative accessories in terracotta bring a touch of Mediterranean warmth to the vintage bathroom.
Restore old parts, go for "second hand"!
To add a unique touch, consider buying second-hand, previously used pieces. Look for vintage furnishings in flea markets, antique stores or brocantes, and restore them to give them new life. A weathered cast-iron bathtub, an antique mirror or a wrought-metal towel rack can become the centerpiece of your bathroom.
Here is a list of websites where you can find decorative items online:
At MAISON TCHENIO, we are passionate about creating interior spaces that combine elegance, comfort and authenticity. Our team of interior design experts specializes in designing spaces such as custom bathrooms, using quality materials and artisanal finishes to create unique, personalized spaces.
Whether you're looking for a retro-chic bathroom or an authentic vintage space, we're here to support your project and bring your vision to life.
CONTACT US right now !
