10 New York Brownstone Bathrooms With Old-School Charm
Nestled within the historic brownstones of New York City are bathrooms that tell stories of bygone eras. These elegant spaces blend vintage fixtures with timeless design elements that modern renovations often try to replicate.
From claw-foot tubs to subway tiles, these bathrooms preserve the architectural heritage while offering functional beauty for today’s homeowners.
1. Subway Tile Splendor in Brooklyn Heights
Classic white subway tiles line the walls of this Brooklyn Heights bathroom, creating a clean backdrop that’s stood the test of time. The glossy rectangular tiles reflect light beautifully throughout the day.
Original to the 1910 brownstone, these tiles feature subtle crazing marks that reveal their age and authenticity. The homeowners carefully restored rather than replaced them, preserving a piece of New York bathroom history.
2. Hexagon Floor Mosaic Magic
Tiny hexagon tiles create a mesmerizing floor pattern in this Upper West Side bathroom. The black and white mosaic arrangement feels both playful and sophisticated against the room’s simpler elements.
Walking on these tiles feels like stepping back into the early 1900s. The current owners discovered this floor hidden beneath layers of linoleum during renovation, deciding immediately to restore rather than replace this characteristic brownstone feature.
3. Claw-Foot Tub Elegance
Commanding attention in this Park Slope bathroom sits a magnificent cast iron claw-foot tub with original brass fixtures. Its deep basin promises luxurious soaks reminiscent of a more unhurried era.
The homeowners found this beauty in an architectural salvage yard and had it professionally reglazed. Now it gleams against the soft green walls, creating a peaceful sanctuary that honors the brownstone’s 1890s origins.
4. Pedestal Sink Perfection
A graceful porcelain pedestal sink stands proudly in this Clinton Hill bathroom. Its curved basin and fluted column create an architectural focal point that modern vanities simply can’t match.
Dating to the 1920s, this sink bears the mark of a renowned American pottery company. The current owners carefully repaired a hairline crack rather than replacing it with something new, maintaining the bathroom’s authentic character and historical integrity.
5. Stained Glass Window Wonder
Filtered light dances through a stunning stained glass window in this Harlem brownstone bathroom. The jewel-toned glass creates ever-changing patterns across the marble surfaces throughout the day.
This Art Nouveau-inspired window was commissioned by the original homeowner in 1895. The current family has added subtle lighting behind it, allowing the colorful display to continue even after sunset, creating a magical atmosphere for evening showers.
6. Brass Fixture Fantasy
Warm brass fixtures adorn this Fort Greene bathroom, developing a beautiful patina that only time can create. The cross-handle faucets and exposed pipe work showcase craftsmanship rarely found in modern plumbing.
The homeowner spent months hunting down period-appropriate fixtures at antique shops across the Northeast. Each piece was carefully restored to working condition while preserving its aged finish, creating a cohesive look that feels authentically historical.
7. Medicine Cabinet Time Capsule
A recessed medicine cabinet with beveled mirror and nickel frame serves as both functional storage and architectural jewelry in this Chelsea brownstone. Its slightly wavy glass reflects the room with a dreamy, vintage quality.
Hidden inside, the current owners discovered original apothecary bottles from the 1930s. They’ve displayed these treasures on the bathroom shelf as a nod to the home’s rich history and the generations who’ve called this brownstone their own.
8. Marble Wainscoting Masterpiece
Veined marble wainscoting wraps this Cobble Hill bathroom in timeless elegance. The cool stone extends halfway up the walls, providing both beauty and practical protection from water damage.
Each marble panel was hand-selected for its unique pattern by the brownstone’s original owner in 1885. Remarkably preserved through generations, these panels show subtle variations in color that modern manufactured alternatives simply cannot replicate.
9. Radiator Warmth and Character
An ornate cast iron radiator provides both heat and historical character in this Crown Heights bathroom. Its elaborate scrollwork and detailed patterns transform a utilitarian object into a piece of functional art.
During winter months, this radiator creates the perfect towel warmer. The current owners had it carefully sandblasted and repainted in matte finish, preserving a heating system that’s been warming bathroom visitors for over a century.
10. Tin Ceiling Treasure
Pressed tin ceiling panels create a stunning overhead display in this Bed-Stuy brownstone bathroom. The intricate pattern catches light from the window, casting subtle shadows that change throughout the day.
Rescued during the home’s renovation, these original panels required careful cleaning to remove decades of paint. Now restored to their former glory, they showcase craftsmanship from an era when even utilitarian spaces received artistic attention to detail.
