Vintage Purple Bathroom Ideas for a Timeless Appeal
Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s something undeniably elegant and timeless about the color purple. Often associated with royalty, luxury, and creativity, purple can bring a unique, rich vibe to any room, and the bathroom is no exception. While many shy away from bold colors in the bathroom, purple—especially in its vintage forms—offers a sophisticated, calming, and regal touch that is perfect for a personal retreat.
Vintage purple bathroom designs are particularly striking because they combine the allure of a deep, historical color palette with the warmth and character of vintage decor. Whether you are drawn to lavender’s gentle touch or the richness of royal purple, incorporating this hue into your bathroom can instantly elevate the space. The key to achieving the perfect vintage purple bathroom lies in balance—mixing elegant vintage elements with the boldness of purple, while ensuring the overall aesthetic feels cohesive and inviting.
In this post, we’ll dive into vintage purple bathroom ideas that will inspire you to create a timeless space. From choosing the right shade of purple to complementing it with vintage tiles, furniture, and accessories, these ideas will help you transform your bathroom into a charming, luxurious retreat. Let’s explore how to make purple work for every bathroom style, adding both elegance and function to your space.
1. Selecting the Perfect Shade of Purple for Your Bathroom
The first step in designing a vintage purple bathroom is selecting the right shade of purple. From delicate lavender to deep plum, purple comes in a range of tones that can influence the mood and feel of the space.
Lavender for a Light, Fresh Vibe
Lavender is a soft, pastel shade of purple that brings a fresh, calming feeling to a bathroom. This light purple hue works well in smaller spaces or bathrooms that you want to feel airy and open. Lavender walls paired with white or off-white accents, such as towels or a shower curtain, can create a relaxed, peaceful environment perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Plum and Aubergine for Rich, Dramatic Appeal
For a more dramatic and luxurious look, darker shades of purple like plum or aubergine create a bold statement. These shades are ideal for larger bathrooms where you want to evoke a sense of opulence. Combine dark purple walls with rich wood accents or vintage fixtures to enhance the sense of grandeur.
Soft Purple Tones for a Vintage Touch
Soft, dusty purples, like mauve or heather, can evoke a sense of nostalgia and vintage charm. These muted shades of purple are perfect for creating a subtle vintage bathroom that still maintains a regal air. Pair soft purples with vintage-inspired wallpaper, antique mirrors, and antique-style lighting to bring out the vintage charm of the room.
Table for Small Spaces: Purple Shades for Different Moods
| Shade of Purple | Mood Created | Best For |
| Lavender | Light, fresh, calming | Small spaces, airy bathrooms |
| Plum & Aubergine | Rich, dramatic, luxurious | Larger bathrooms, bold designs |
| Soft Purple (Mauve, Heather) | Nostalgic, vintage, soft | Vintage-inspired bathrooms |
2. Mixing Vintage Tiles with Purple Accents
One of the most important elements in creating a vintage purple bathroom is the tile work. Whether you are renovating or adding accents to an existing space, the right tiles can set the tone for the entire room.
Classic Subway Tiles for a Timeless Look
Subway tiles are a classic choice for vintage bathrooms, providing a timeless and clean look. You can incorporate purple accents with purple grout, a lavender tile border, or purple mosaic tiles that add a subtle splash of color. These tiles pair beautifully with vintage fixtures such as an old-fashioned clawfoot tub or a porcelain sink.
Mosaic Tiles for a Pop of Color
Mosaic tiles, whether in deep purple hues or muted lavender tones, offer a fun and creative way to add personality to your vintage purple bathroom. Create a focal point with a mosaic tile feature wall or use smaller mosaics for the shower floor. This type of tile adds texture and visual interest, giving your bathroom that perfect vintage charm.
Marble and Stone for Elegance
If you want to bring in a more luxurious touch, consider adding marble or stone tiles in complementary colors. A white or gray marble tile with subtle veins of purple will blend seamlessly into a vintage purple bathroom. Use marble for countertops, backsplashes, or flooring to add elegance and timeless appeal while still embracing the vintage aesthetic.
Table for Small Spaces: Vintage Tile Options for Purple Bathrooms
| Tile Type | Key Feature | Best For |
| Classic Subway Tiles | Timeless, clean look, versatile | Walls, backsplash, or borders |
| Mosaic Tiles | Colorful, intricate designs | Shower floors, feature walls |
| Marble & Stone | Elegant, luxurious, timeless | Countertops, flooring, and backsplashes |
3. Vintage Fixtures and Furniture to Complement Purple
Vintage fixtures and furniture play a crucial role in completing the look of a purple bathroom. Whether you prefer antique, industrial, or retro styles, choosing the right pieces can help you create a bathroom that feels both charming and functional.
Antique Mirrors for a Regal Touch
An antique mirror is one of the easiest ways to add vintage charm to your purple bathroom. Look for ornate, gold-framed mirrors or vintage-style mirrors with intricate detailing. The reflective surface of the mirror will also help enhance the richness of the purple tones in your space.
Clawfoot Tubs for Classic Elegance
A clawfoot bathtub is a classic feature of vintage bathrooms and complements the timeless appeal of purple. Whether in white, off-white, or a soft pastel shade, a clawfoot tub adds a regal touch and serves as a focal point for the bathroom. Pair it with a soft purple bath mat or a vintage-style faucet to complete the look.
Vintage Lighting Fixtures for Charm
To add warmth and ambiance to your vintage purple bathroom, choose lighting fixtures that reflect the charm of yesteryear. Consider a vintage chandelier, sconce, or pendant light with brass or bronze finishes. The soft lighting from these fixtures will create a relaxing atmosphere while highlighting the elegance of the purple tones.
Table for Small Spaces: Vintage Furniture for Purple Bathrooms
| Furniture Piece | Key Feature | Best For |
| Antique Mirrors | Ornate, detailed, regal | Above the vanity or as a focal point |
| Clawfoot Tubs | Elegant, classic design | Adding charm and function |
| Vintage Lighting Fixtures | Brass, bronze, intricate designs | Creating a warm, vintage ambiance |
4. Purple and Floral Patterns for a Romantic Feel
If you want to enhance the vintage appeal of your purple bathroom, floral patterns are a wonderful way to introduce charm and softness. Floral prints and designs are a hallmark of vintage decor and pair beautifully with purple.
Floral Shower Curtains for a Soft Touch
A floral shower curtain in shades of purple, lavender, or white adds an instant romantic touch to your bathroom. Choose a curtain with large, vintage-inspired blooms for a statement piece, or opt for a subtle floral pattern to add a delicate touch of nature to the space. This small addition can soften the intensity of dark purple walls or tiles.
Floral Wallpaper for a Bold Statement
Floral wallpaper is an ideal choice for creating a vintage-inspired bathroom with a bold, nostalgic feel. Consider a wallpaper with soft purple and cream flowers for an elegant and vintage vibe, or choose a bolder floral pattern for a more eclectic look. Wallpaper works particularly well on accent walls or in combination with vintage fixtures and tiles.
Floral Tile Designs
For a more permanent addition, consider incorporating floral tile designs. You can use hand-painted tiles with floral motifs to create a decorative border around your bathtub or sink. This can bring a touch of color and whimsy to your vintage purple bathroom, making it feel even more personalized and romantic.
Table for Small Spaces: Floral Elements for Vintage Purple Bathrooms
| Floral Element | Key Feature | Best For |
| Floral Shower Curtains | Softens the space, adds romance | Instant vintage flair |
| Floral Wallpaper | Bold, nostalgic look | Accent walls or full room coverage |
| Floral Tile Designs | Custom, decorative, permanent | Adding charm to walls or borders |
5. Soft Purple Accents to Highlight the Space
Incorporating soft purple accents into your bathroom decor helps to balance the intensity of dark purple and adds dimension to the space. These accents are the perfect way to create contrast while keeping the overall look cohesive.
Soft Purple Towels and Linens
Towels, bathrobes, and linen in soft purple tones complement dark purple walls or tiles without overwhelming the space. Choose bath linens in lighter shades like lavender or lilac to create a gentle contrast. This subtle touch of purple provides a refreshing pop of color without clashing with bolder elements in the room.
Purple Vases and Decorative Objects
To bring even more personality into your vintage purple bathroom, incorporate decorative purple vases, jars, or candlesticks. These small accents can be placed on countertops, shelves, or windowsills to tie together the purple theme. Opt for vintage-style ceramics or glass pieces for added charm.
Purple Art Prints for Wall Decor
Vintage-inspired art prints with purple tones can help to complete the design and add character to your bathroom walls. Choose floral or abstract prints that incorporate soft purples or lavender hues. Framing these prints in antique gold or silver frames enhances the vintage feel of the room.
Table for Small Spaces: Soft Purple Accents to Enhance Your Bathroom
| Accent Type | Key Feature | Best For |
| Soft Purple Towels | Light, calming, complementary | Creating contrast and balance |
| Purple Vases & Objects | Adds personality, depth | Decorative touches for shelves or countertops |
| Purple Art Prints | Vintage-inspired, adds character | Wall decor that complements the theme |
Conclusion
A vintage purple bathroom combines sophistication, charm, and timeless appeal, making it the perfect choice for those who want to create a regal, romantic, or calming space. By carefully selecting the right shade of purple, incorporating vintage tiles and furniture, and adding floral accents and soft purple details, you can craft a bathroom that feels both luxurious and inviting. Whether you prefer bold plum hues or soft lavender tones, purple offers endless possibilities for creating a bathroom that reflects your personal style while exuding classic elegance.