Tips For Freshening Up A Vintage 60s Bathroom Without Losing The Charm

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1960s bathrooms — famed for their pastel colors, unusual tiles, brightly-patterned wallpaper, and chunky fixtures — tend to fall into one of two looks: Charming or dated. For many homeowners, figuring out how to elevate that Beatles-era bathroom from the latter category into a fun, relaxing space without spending a bunch of cash on a remodel feels close to impossible. The good news is with just a few tricks, you can refresh your vintage bathroom into the charming refuge you've always dreamed of.

One of the most important things you should know before renovating that vintage bathroom is deciding what you love about the space and what you don't. This is key to creating a plan to freshen up your vintage bathroom and make it a place you want to be. For example, if that pastel pink shower tile is a must-keep but the matching tile floor isn't, add "replace floor tiles" to your list. Don't worry — we'll dive into budget-friendly ways to upgrade your space in just a moment. Make a list of what you love — the colorful toilet, the snazzy wallpaper, the cute sink — and another list of what feels old, clunky, or outdated. This "love list" will help guide you into making decor decisions, while the "nah list" will show you what needs replacing.

Each bathroom is different, but there are a few common areas that will help elevate your space from dated to darling. First up, the lighting. If your fixtures are broken, gross, or simply outdated, swapping them out is a great way to bring new life into the space. You can go for something a little retro to match the vibe, like the Qgiytp vintage bathroom vanity light fixture, or something simpler, like the Espird matte black bathroom lighting fixture, to allow other vintage features to stand out. If you want to keep the existing setup, paint is a creative way to revamp lighting fixtures. Oh, and the best lightbulbs for windowless bathrooms? LEDs: They're ideal for replicating gorgeous natural light in any space.

While you're looking at fixtures, examine the faucets and showerheads. Swapping them out is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to upgrade the bathroom. Use the elements you love as a guide to decide the finish and style for each fixture.

Now, let's talk walls and floors. Adding new wallpaper aligns with the 1960s theme, and is one of the vintage trends making a huge comeback. The right choice can complement the existing elements you love. A white or cream wallpaper with a blue pattern can showcase a bright blue vintage toilet while refreshing the space. As for vintage bathroom floors, you probably love or hate them. If it's the latter, try peel-and-stick waterproof tiles. It's a budget-friendly way to give your floors an upgrade without a single day of demo.