20 Vintage Bathroom Trends Rocking Pennsylvania Homes
Pennsylvania homeowners are falling in love with bathroom designs from yesteryear. These charming vintage elements bring character and warmth to modern homes while honoring the state’s rich architectural heritage.
From the Victorian rowhouses of Philadelphia to the historic farmhouses of Lancaster County, these retro bathroom trends are making a stylish comeback across the Keystone State.
1. Clawfoot Tubs Make a Splash
Cast iron clawfoot tubs are the crown jewels of Pennsylvania’s vintage bathrooms. Homeowners are hunting for original pieces at salvage yards or investing in modern reproductions that offer old-world charm with new-world convenience.
The ornate feet and deep soaking capacity make these tubs both functional and decorative centerpieces.
2. Subway Tile with a Twist
Classic white subway tiles are getting fresh updates with colored grout in navy, charcoal, or sage green. Pennsylvania homeowners are arranging these rectangular favorites in herringbone or basket weave patterns rather than traditional brick layouts.
This small change creates major visual impact without losing the timeless appeal.
3. Pedestal Sinks Stand Tall
Graceful porcelain pedestals are replacing bulky vanities in Pennsylvania bathrooms. These elegant fixtures hearken back to the early 1900s while creating an airy, spacious feel in smaller bathrooms.
Homeowners particularly love styles with detailed bases and wide, comfortable basins for practical everyday use.
4. Hexagon Floor Tiles
Tiny hexagonal tiles in black and white are appearing underfoot across Pennsylvania bathrooms. These classic patterns create visual interest while maintaining historical accuracy in older homes.
Many homeowners are discovering original hex tiles hiding under layers of linoleum during renovations and restoring them to glory.
5. Cross-Handle Faucets Flow Back
Polished brass or brushed nickel cross-handle faucets bring vintage elegance to Pennsylvania sinks and tubs. The distinctive H and C markings add authentic period charm that mass-produced modern fixtures simply can’t match.
Homeowners report these sturdy fixtures often outlast their contemporary counterparts by decades.
6. Medicine Cabinets with Character
Recessed medicine cabinets with beveled mirrors and slim wooden frames are replacing flat builder-grade mirrors. Pennsylvania homeowners scour antique shops for original pieces or choose new reproductions with vintage styling.
Many add period-appropriate hardware like glass or porcelain knobs for extra authenticity.
7. Beadboard Wainscoting Wraps Walls
Painted beadboard wainscoting halfway up bathroom walls creates instant vintage charm in Pennsylvania homes. This practical wall treatment protects against moisture while adding architectural interest and texture.
White remains the classic choice, but blues and greens are gaining popularity for subtle period color.
8. Schoolhouse Lighting Brightens Up
Milk glass globes on simple pendants or wall sconces cast a warm, diffused glow in Pennsylvania bathrooms. These fixtures recall early 20th-century schoolhouses and public buildings while providing functional task lighting.
Many homeowners pair them with Edison-style bulbs for enhanced vintage appeal.
9. Penny Round Tiles Circle Back
Small circular penny tiles are appearing on floors and shower surrounds throughout Pennsylvania. Available in classic white with black accents or multicolored patterns, these tiny tiles create big visual impact.
Their textured surface provides excellent slip resistance – a practical consideration that’s as important now as it was a century ago.
10. Glass Door Knobs Sparkle
Crystal-clear or colored glass doorknobs add unexpected sparkle to Pennsylvania bathroom doors and cabinets. These small jewel-like details catch light beautifully and elevate the entire space with minimal investment.
Many homeowners find original sets at architectural salvage stores throughout the state.
11. Brass Fixtures Shine Again
Unlacquered brass fixtures that develop a living patina over time are edging out chrome and nickel. Pennsylvania homeowners appreciate how these warm-toned metals age gracefully, developing unique character with each passing year.
Maintenance is surprisingly simple – just avoid harsh chemical cleaners that strip the developing patina.
12. Porcelain Accessories Hold Strong
White porcelain soap dishes, toothbrush holders, and tissue covers are replacing plastic bathroom accessories. These practical items were bathroom staples from the 1920s through the 1950s and bring authentic vintage charm to Pennsylvania homes.
Many feature simple scalloped edges or subtle embossed patterns.
13. Colorful Toilet Seats Pop
Pastel-colored toilet seats in mint green, powder blue, or pale pink are making unexpected appearances in Pennsylvania bathrooms. This playful nod to mid-century bathrooms adds a touch of nostalgia and whimsy.
These colored seats create visual interest against traditional white porcelain fixtures.
14. Framed Shower Doors Clear Space
Heavy-framed glass shower doors with visible hardware are replacing frameless minimalist styles. These substantial enclosures recall early glass shower doors from the 1930s-1950s while providing modern functionality.
Brass or bronze frames particularly complement other vintage fixtures throughout the bathroom.
15. Wall-Mounted Soap Dishes Stick Around
Ceramic soap dishes built directly into shower and tub surrounds are making practical comebacks. These simple fixtures eliminate the need for hanging caddies or freestanding soap dishes that collect grime.
Many Pennsylvania homeowners are reinstalling these convenient features during bathroom renovations.
16. Separate Hot and Cold Taps Flow Back
Separate hot and cold faucets on sinks are appearing in historically accurate bathroom renovations across Pennsylvania. While less convenient than mixed-flow faucets, these distinctive taps create authentic period charm impossible to achieve with modern fixtures.
Many feature porcelain indicators for hot and cold water.
17. Painted Clawfoot Tubs Make Statements
White isn’t the only option for clawfoot tubs anymore. Pennsylvania homeowners are painting the exteriors in bold colors like navy blue, forest green, or even crimson while keeping interiors classic white.
This unexpected pop of color transforms these vintage fixtures into true statement pieces.
18. Vintage-Style Radiators Warm Up
Cast iron radiators with ornate designs are heating Pennsylvania bathrooms in style. Original pieces are being restored and retrofitted for modern heating systems, while reproduction models offer similar aesthetics with improved efficiency.
Many homeowners add radiator covers with marble tops for added luxury and functionality.
19. Glass Block Windows Let Light In
Textured glass block windows are making architectural statements in Pennsylvania bathrooms. Popular in mid-century homes, these distinctive windows allow natural light while maintaining privacy and adding geometric interest to both interior and exterior walls.
New installation techniques make them more energy-efficient than original versions.
20. Telephone-Style Shower Fixtures Ring True
Handheld shower attachments with long, flexible metal hoses reminiscent of old telephone cords are appearing in vintage-inspired tubs. These practical fixtures allow for comfortable bathing while maintaining period-appropriate aesthetics in Pennsylvania bathrooms.
Many feature adjustable height brackets for versatile positioning.
