10 Beautiful Vintage Cottage Bathroom Ideas with Pastel Touches

You know that feeling when you walk into a space and immediately feel like you’ve stepped into your grandmother’s house—but like, the cool grandmother who had impeccable taste and probably threw the best tea parties?

That’s exactly what a well-designed vintage cottage bathroom should do. And lucky for you, I’ve spent the last decade obsessing over (and creating) these magical time-capsule spaces.

Let me guess—you’re scrolling through Instagram, seeing all these pristine, modern bathrooms, and thinking “meh, where’s the soul?” I get it.

After renovating my third bathroom and still feeling like something was missing, I finally realized what I craved: character, warmth, and that lived-in charm that only vintage cottage style delivers.

So grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here), and let’s explore ten vintage cottage bathroom ideas that’ll make your space feel like it has actual stories to tell.

1. Rustic Wooden Vanity with Antique Fixtures

Nothing screams vintage cottage quite like a beautifully weathered wooden vanity topped with fixtures that look like they’ve witnessed a century of morning routines. And before you ask—no, you don’t need to raid your great-aunt’s estate sale to nail this look (though honestly, that wouldn’t hurt).

Finding Your Perfect Rustic Vanity

I’ll never forget the day I found my dream vanity. Picture this: a dusty antique shop in Vermont, me covered in cobwebs, and there it sat—a converted Victorian dresser that practically whispered “take me home.” Three hundred bucks and a rental truck later, I had my centerpiece.

But here’s the thing—you don’t need an actual antique. I’ve seen people transform basic wooden dressers from Facebook Marketplace into stunning vanities. The trick? Look for pieces with:

• Solid wood construction (none of that particle board nonsense)
• Interesting drawer pulls or hardware
• Signs of age like worn edges or patina
• A top you can cut for plumbing (or hire someone who can)

The Antique Fixture Game

Now let’s talk fixtures, because slapping modern chrome on a rustic vanity is like wearing Crocs to a vintage tea party. You want brass, copper, or oil-rubbed bronze—basically anything that looks like it could’ve belonged to someone’s Victorian grandmother.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I installed shiny new fixtures on my first vintage vanity. Every time I walked in, something felt off. Swapped them for antique brass reproductions, and suddenly? Magic. The whole room came together like it had always existed that way.

Styling Your Rustic Setup

Here’s where you can really have fun:

• Add vintage apothecary jars for cotton balls
• Display old perfume bottles (even empty ones look gorgeous)
• Use a weathered wooden tray for daily essentials
• Incorporate an antique hand mirror

The goal? Make it look like someone’s been lovingly using this vanity for generations, even if you literally installed it yesterday.

2. Floral Wallpaper for a Charming Vintage Look

Wallpaper is having a moment, and honestly, it’s about time. But we’re not talking about your mom’s 1980s geometric disasters—vintage cottage wallpaper is all about romantic florals that make you feel like you’re bathing in an English garden.

Choosing Patterns That Pop (Without Overwhelming)

Can I share something embarrassing? My first wallpaper attempt involved giant cabbage roses in a bathroom the size of a closet. Walking in felt like being attacked by a flower shop. Lesson learned: scale matters, people!

For vintage cottage perfection, consider:

• Small to medium florals on light backgrounds
• Toile patterns for that French countryside vibe
• William Morris prints if you’re feeling fancy
• Vintage botanical designs

The sweet spot? Patterns that feel nostalgic without being nauseating. Think delicate wildflowers, not tropical jungle explosion.

Modern Wallpaper, Vintage Soul

FYI, today’s wallpapers are nothing like the nightmares of yesteryear. Peel-and-stick options mean you can change your mind without destroying your walls (renters, rejoice!). I’ve used removable wallpaper in three different bathrooms, and each time I’ve moved, it came off cleaner than my conscience after eating the last cookie.

Look for papers with:

• Moisture-resistant coating
• Vintage-inspired patterns
• Soft, muted colors
• Quality that won’t bubble in humidity

Where to Wallpaper for Maximum Impact

You don’t need to paper every wall:

• One accent wall creates a focal point
• Above wainscoting looks authentically vintage
• The ceiling (trust me, it’s stunning!)
• Inside medicine cabinets for a sweet surprise

3. Clawfoot Bathtub with Soft Pastel Accents

Is there anything more quintessentially vintage cottage than soaking in a clawfoot tub? I think not. Add some soft pastels to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a bathroom that feels like it belongs in a Jane Austen novel.

The Clawfoot Hunt

Real talk—finding the perfect clawfoot tub is like dating. You’ll kiss a lot of frogs (or in this case, inspect a lot of rust) before finding your prince. I looked at probably twenty tubs before finding mine at an architectural salvage yard.

What to look for:

• Check for chips in the porcelain (small ones can be fixed)
• Make sure the feet aren’t wobbly
• Measure your doorways (learned this one the hard way)
• Consider the weight (old cast iron tubs are HEAVY)

The Pastel Paradise

Once you’ve got your tub, it’s time for the fun part—creating that dreamy pastel atmosphere. But here’s where people mess up: they go full Easter egg and end up with a bathroom that looks like a nursery.

The secret? Choose one or two soft pastels and ground them with plenty of white:

• Pale pink towels with white walls
• Mint green accessories with cream tiles
• Soft lavender curtains with neutral floors
• Butter yellow accents with white subway tile

Making It Work in Real Life

Let’s be honest—clawfoot tubs photograph beautifully but can be annoying in real life. Water everywhere, no shelf space, and don’t get me started on cleaning underneath them. Here’s how I made mine actually functional:

• Added a ceiling-mounted shower curtain rod
• Installed a vintage-style caddy across the tub
• Put a small weathered stool next to it for products
• Used a pretty vintage rug to catch drips

Also Read: 12 Gorgeous Small Cottage Bathroom Ideas and Space-Saving Tips

4. Classic Hexagon Tile Patterns with Vintage Vibes

Hexagon tiles are having more comebacks than a retired rock star, and honestly? They deserve it. These geometric beauties have been gracing cottage bathrooms since the Victorian era, and they still look fresh today.

Why Hexagons Hit Different

Ever wonder why hexagon tiles feel so vintage? They peaked in popularity during the 1920s and 30s, which means they’re basically embedded in our collective memory of “old-timey bathrooms.” I installed white hex tiles with black grout in my guest bath, and every single person who uses it comments on the “authentic vintage feel.” Plot twist: I bought them at Home Depot last year.

Pattern Play That Works

The beauty of hex tiles? Endless pattern possibilities:

• Classic white with black border
• Honeycomb patterns in mixed shades
• Flower patterns using colored tiles
• Random color mix for a playful vibe

My personal favorite? White tiles with the occasional vintage green or blue tile thrown in randomly. Looks like repairs done over decades, adds character without overwhelming.

Installation Reality Check

Installing hex tiles yourself? Brave soul. I tried it once and ended up calling a professional halfway through when my “honeycomb” started looking more like a drunk bee’s attempt at architecture. If you’re going DIY:

• Start from the center of the room
• Use tile spacers religiously
• Plan your pattern before you start
• Accept that cutting hex tiles is an art form

5. Open Shelving with Mason Jar Storage

Open shelving in a bathroom used to make me nervous. Where would I hide my embarrassing amount of face masks? But vintage cottage style is all about displaying your prettiest pieces, and mason jars make everything look intentionally curated.

Building Character with Shelves

The shelves themselves should look like they’ve been there forever. I made mine from reclaimed barn wood (okay, “barn wood” from the hardware store, but who’s checking?). The key is imperfection:

• Rough edges add character
• Mismatched brackets look collected over time
• Different shelf lengths create visual interest
• Natural wood or painted white both work

The Mason Jar Magic

Mason jars are basically the Swiss Army knife of vintage cottage storage. But please, for the love of all that’s holy, don’t go overboard. I once visited a friend whose bathroom looked like a canning factory exploded. Not cute.

Use mason jars for:

• Cotton balls and Q-tips (classic for a reason)
• Bath salts with vintage spoon
• Makeup brushes
• Fresh or dried flowers

Mix different sizes and styles—Ball jars, Kerr jars, even old jam jars. The mismatched look adds to the collected-over-time vibe.

Styling Your Open Storage

The trick to open shelving? Make it look effortless while being totally strategic:

• Group items by color or function
• Add one unexpected element (vintage book, small plant)
• Leave breathing room—don’t cram
• Rotate seasonal items (lavender in summer, pine in winter)

6. Vintage Mirrors and Brass Lighting Combos

The right mirror and lighting combo can make or break your vintage cottage bathroom. Get it right, and you’ve got Instagram gold. Get it wrong, and you’ve got a funhouse that makes everyone look jaundiced.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Vintage mirrors are everywhere if you know where to look. Estate sales, antique shops, and even grandma’s attic are goldmines. I’ve collected seven vintage mirrors over the years, and each one cost less than a new “vintage-style” mirror from a big box store.

What makes a mirror vintage cottage perfect:

• Ornate but not gaudy frames
• Foxing (those age spots) adds character
• Unusual shapes (oval, arched, octagonal)
• Layered or chippy paint

Brass Lighting That Doesn’t Break the Bank

Brass lighting is essential for that warm, vintage glow. But authentic vintage fixtures can cost more than your mortgage payment. Here’s my secret: spray paint and patience.

I transformed basic light fixtures with:

• Antique brass spray paint
• Light sanding for worn edges
• Dark wax for aging
• New vintage-style Edison bulbs

The result? Lighting that looks like it came from a French flea market for under $50.

Creating the Perfect Pair

Your mirror and lighting should feel like old friends:

• Match metal finishes (all brass or all bronze)
• Keep proportions balanced
• Install sconces at eye level
• Consider mirror placement for optimal light reflection

Also Read: 10 Elegant French Cottage Bathroom Ideas for Cozy Homes

7. Shiplap Walls with Cozy Cottage Colors

Yes, shiplap can be vintage cottage! Forget what you’ve seen on every home renovation show—when done right, shiplap adds authentic farmhouse charm that’s been around way longer than TV.

Shiplap That Doesn’t Scream “Trendy”

The key to vintage cottage shiplap? Make it look like it’s always been there. This means:

• Horizontal installation (always)
• Painted in soft, muted colors
• Slightly uneven spacing (perfection looks new)
• Real wood if possible (MDF looks too perfect)

I painted my shiplap in “Antique White” which sounds fancy but is basically white with a tiny bit of gray and beige. The result? Walls that look like they’ve aged gracefully for decades.

Color Choices That Sing

Forget stark white. Vintage cottage colors have depth:

• Warm whites with undertones
• Soft sage or seafoam
• Palest pink or peach
• Gentle gray-blue

The trick? Test paint colors at different times of day. That “perfect vintage white” might look like hospital walls at noon and prison gray at night :/

Finishing Touches That Matter

Details make shiplap feel authentic:

• Don’t fill every nail hole
• Let paint collect slightly in grooves
• Add vintage hooks directly to shiplap
• Hang vintage cottage artwork

8. Retro Pedestal Sink with Elegant Accessories

Pedestal sinks are the supermodels of the vintage cottage bathroom world—gorgeous, slightly impractical, and absolutely worth it for the aesthetic.

Choosing Your Pedestal

Not all pedestal sinks are created equal. You want curves, character, and that certain je ne sais quoi that says “I’ve been here since 1920” even if you bought it last week.

Look for:

• Curved edges over sharp angles
• Substantial base (skinny looks cheap)
• Wide basin (tiny = water everywhere)
• Classic white porcelain

The Storage Struggle Is Real

Let’s address the elephant in the room—pedestal sinks store exactly nothing. After living with one for three years, here’s how I cope:

• Vintage medicine cabinet above
• Small weathered shelf to one side
• Pretty basket underneath
• Wall-mounted cup for toothbrushes

Accessorizing Your Pedestal

The right accessories make your pedestal sink shine:

• Vintage soap dispenser
• Antique silver cup for flowers
• Classic bar soap in a vintage dish
• Linen hand towel on nearby hook

9. Patterned Floor Tiles for a Timeless Feel

Want floors that make people stop and stare? Patterned tiles are your answer. They’re like a permanent area rug that never needs washing and always looks intentional.

Patterns That Transport You

The right pattern can define your entire bathroom. I went with a black and white Mediterranean-inspired pattern, and now my bathroom feels like a European café (minus the espresso, unfortunately).

Classic patterns that never get old:

• Moroccan-inspired geometrics
• Victorian florals
• Checkerboard (classic for a reason)
• Encaustic-look designs

Mixing Patterns Without Mayhem

Here’s where people panic—can you mix floor patterns with other patterns? Absolutely! The key is varying the scale:

• Large floor pattern + small wallpaper print
• Geometric floor + floral walls
• Busy floor + solid walls
• Simple border + complex center design

Installation Inspiration

IMO, patterned tiles are not a DIY project unless you’re seriously skilled. One tile off and your whole pattern looks drunk. Hire a pro and:

• Provide a detailed layout plan
• Order 10% extra for mistakes
• Start from the room’s focal point
• Consider how patterns meet at doorways

Also Read: 10 Elegant Country Cottage Bathroom Ideas for Relaxing Spaces

10. Soft Linen Curtains and Vintage Window Treatments

Windows in vintage cottage bathrooms should feel romantic, not clinical. Enter: soft linen curtains that billow gently and make you feel like you’re in a period drama.

Choosing Your Curtain Style

Linen is perfect because it:

• Drapes beautifully
• Handles humidity well
• Looks better wrinkled
• Comes in perfect vintage shades

I have simple white linen café curtains in my bathroom, and they make morning light look like something out of a painting. Plus, they provide privacy without blocking all the natural light.

Vintage Treatment Options

Beyond basic curtains, consider:

• Vintage lace panels for texture
• Roman shades in vintage fabric
• Café curtains on brass rods
• Vintage shutters (if you’re lucky enough to have them)

Hardware That Matters

Don’t ruin beautiful curtains with ugly hardware:

• Brass or bronze rods only
• Vintage glass finials
• Decorative brackets
• Proper length (extends past window frame)

Pulling Your Vintage Cottage Bathroom Together

Creating a vintage cottage bathroom isn’t about perfection—it’s about character, warmth, and that lived-in feeling that makes a space feel like home.

Start with one element that speaks to you, maybe that clawfoot tub or patterned floor tiles, and build from there.

Remember, the best vintage cottage bathrooms look collected over time, not purchased in one shopping spree. Mix authentic vintage finds with good reproductions.

Let things be imperfect. Embrace the patina, the worn edges, the slight mismatches that give a space soul.

Most importantly? Make it yours. Your vintage cottage bathroom should reflect your style, not some Pinterest board’s idea of perfection. Whether you go full-on floral explosion or subtle vintage touches, what matters is that you love spending time in your space.

After all, if you’re going to start every day somewhere, shouldn’t it be somewhere that makes you smile? Trust me, once you nail that vintage cottage look, your morning routine will never feel quite the same—in the absolute best way possible.