The Vintage Trend That's Making A Comeback In Bathroom Designs

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Older or vintage-inspired bathrooms have a lot of charm and character that newer build spaces often lack, including elements like freestanding tubs, beautiful tiles, and antique vanities. You also may find that shower plumbing is more likely to be exposed, with piping that runs up the wall from the faucet and branches into an upper shower head and any removable attachments. While most modern bathrooms conceal much of this piping behind the walls, this more open arrangement was often the norm, especially when the first interior bathrooms were often outfitted with basic plumbing after the fact. These exposed shower hardware elements, however, are fast becoming a new trend, with stylish designs that will appeal even to homeowners in contemporary spaces.

These shower heads are a great way to bring in an old-school vintage feel, as well as another layer of texture in the space. Great options for stunning finishes include stylish matte black, brushed brass, copper, and silver. The style of the head and hardware can skew more vintage in style, like this brass Gotonovo Exposed Shower Set or the HM HomeMieco Exposed Shower System in copper. Or, they can be more sleek and geometric, like this Gabrylly Gold Shower System, making them ideal for even more modern shower aesthetics. Exposed shower piping looks equally great with traditional porcelain tiles or with more natural stone and marble finishes. The look can be especially stunning if you have glass shower walls or a larger wet room set up where the plumbing is visible and not hidden behind a curtain. For a charming vintage vibe, combine it with an antique clawfoot tub and classic subway tiles.

Installing an exposed shower set-up can be more cost-effective and involves less labor since you do not have to remove the tiles or cut into the wall to access it, unless you are replacing an existing concealed shower. It also makes it easier to make repairs and handle any leaks since the piping is out in the open. Additionally, it allows for easier access to attachments, which can be great from an accessibility standpoint.

There are also, however, some downsides to this vintage shower trend, which include build-up of grime and dust that necessitate regular cleaning as well as possible corrosion if the plumbing hardware is not properly sealed. Some finishes may be a bad idea if you have hard water, which can lead to lots of water marks on a darker surface like matte black, making lighter materials a better option. Available space is another thing you may want to consider before hopping on the exposed pipe shower trend. They can take up a lot of room if space in the shower is tight, since the pipes, hoses, and attachments are out in the open and possibly in your way. Sometimes, this space is better used to add shelves or a rack for storage to make the most of a small shower.