38 Traditional Bathroom Design Ideas for a Timeless Escape

Written By Ashley
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Classic design is always in style—especially in the bathroom. 

The key to creating a timeless space is to stay away from trendy styles and mix elements from different decades and eras.

The result is a classic bathroom design with elegant hues, sleek finishes, and luxe touches that will age gracefully and never look dated.

To help you transform your own space into a traditional oasis that never goes out of style, we’re sharing our best designer-approved bathrooms.

Their star features range from copper-lined footed tubs to pedestal sinks, and they’re outfitted in nearly every color scheme.

What they all have in common is a traditional aesthetic you won’t be tired of in a few years.

Whether you are upgrading an en suite or just looking for ways to freshen your powder room, find an idea to inspire a bathroom makeover.

Traditional Bathroom with Dresser Vanity

Master bath dual sink looks like a wood dresser with marble top, green rug, and black/white prints on wallPin

A dresser upcycled into a double bathroom vanity elevates this traditional bathroom.

The piece has been topped with a slab of marble and its wood finish left distressed.

A pair of vanity mirrors echo the curves in the dresser.

A gorgeous green rug adds a layer of classic elegance and framed black and white art photos bring contemporary boldness.

Contemporary Cottage Bathroom

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A simple Shaker-style vanity painted dove gray and topped with a marble slab looks lovely in this powder room.

Bold wallpaper with a navy print and silver bath fixtures and hardware adds a layer of elegance to this small space.

Spa-Like Traditional Bathroom Design

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Black and white floor tile, white subway tile on the wall, and a teak vanity with simple lines gives this bathroom the feel of an upscale spa.

A plush velvet stool and a 1960s-style pendant light adds touches of whimsy that keep the space surprising instead of stuffy.

Sophisticated and Simple

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A footed tub, marble flooring, and a large window with rattan shades make for a beautiful sunlit space.

An antique olive jar with flower branches in it provides a dramatic touch of nature and organic shape that contrasts with the sleek, straight lines of the rest of the room.

Traditional Bathroom Tile Design

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Blue tile can be a bathroom cliche, but this oversized tile’s rich cobalt hue elevates the space.

The Moorish pendant light suspended over the soaking tub goes with the reverse ogee arch over the nook.

Traditional Farmhouse Bathroom

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A Windsor chair is a fast way to bring a bit of the 18th century to a space.

This timeless chair is paired here with a contemporary lantern-style pendant, a clawfoot tub and cozy rug for a classic bathroom. 

Painted beadboard on the lower third of the wall protects it from scuffs and water and adds classic farmhouse style.

Soothing Green Bathroom Design

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Soothing green wall tile, green marble floor tile and an unobstructed view of the great green outdoors make this bathroom feel like a garden spa.

A soaking tub and a live edge side table complete the organic aesthetics of this space.

Small-Space Elegance

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Tiny spaces inspire big ideas. Here, a single-sink vanity is tucked into a small bathroom and highlighted by blue board-and-batten walls below patterned wallpaper.

A small area rug adds another layer of texture, as do the black metal wall sconces and black metal faucet.

Traditional Bathroom Vanity Idea

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An elegant, oversized wood vanity elevates this bathroom by providing visual heft as well as lots of storage.

The wall sconces echo the color and shape of the cabinet hardware, and the mirror frames echo the tray that hold toiletries on the vanity counter.

Marble floors and white walls are a neutral background that lets the warm wood vanity be the star of the space.

Cottage-Style Traditional Bathroom

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Wallpaper with a swan and rose print that would be at home in the 1940s contrasts with Art Deco light fixtures and a beveled mirror in this calming bathroom.

A blue-veined marble counter and a white vanity with classic, clean lines completes a traditional, timeless look for a bathroom.

Black and White Traditional Bathroom Design

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Few color schemes are as classic and timeless as black and white.

In this traditional bathroom, a bold graphic tile floor puts a contemporary edge on vanity mirrors and light fixtures that could have stepped out of the 1930s.

The vanity is a little bit urban farmhouse, with simple hardware and lines and a cool white paint finish.

A black granite counter completes the crisp, classic look for this space.

Traditional Bathroom Design

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This traditional bathroom design blends decades for a timeless look.

A honeycomb mosaic tile floor brings a touch of the 1920s while the freestanding soaking tub has a distinct 21st century feel.

The midcentury modern vanity and spa-inspired bath stool complete the era-mixing for a timeless, elevated look.

Mix Tile and Texture

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Graphic ceramic floor tile contrasted with solid-colored hex wall tile creates a pleasing mix of texture and pattern.

The square soaking tub and abalone shell chandelier put the ah in the spa look of this bathroom.

Adding a trailing plant brings the outdoors inside.

Traditional Bathroom Design with Shiplap

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A black vanity with a warm wood countertop makes a soothing centerpiece in this traditional bathroom. 

Shiplap walls, an antique mirror and old fashioned silhouette art bring a 19th century vibe while the bold black and white color scheme is thoroughly contemporary.

Traditional Bathroom Shower Design

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Gray marble hex tile covers the floor, walls and ceiling of this classic and luxurious shower.

Gold shower heads, trim, and door handles add a pop of glamour to a traditional bathing space to die for.

Traditional Urban Farmhouse Design

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An aluminum-framed grid shower door adds industrial glam to this bathroom, while shiplap walls bring a touch of farmhouse.

Patterned floor tiles in a bold, graphic design and a navy vanity with gold hardware blend styles and textures into a timeless design.

Small-Scale Traditional Bathroom Design

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A single open shelf is all the storage space available in this tiny bathroom, so it’s running the full length of one wall.

A small but efficient sconce light and a mirror placed on the shelf make the most of scant wall space, as does the pedestal sink.

A mosaic tile floor adds a layer of texture to the tiny room.

Timeless Tub

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A copper-lined, footed tub is a brilliant mix of old and new.

Paired with a beadboard wall, a jute footstool and wide-plank wood floors, this bathroom has a relaxing and timeless look.

Black and White and Gold

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A contemporary soaking tub and a subway tile backsplash look gorgeous against the black and white graphic floor tile in this bathroom.

A modern pendant light and a skinny-legged side table blend eras elegantly.

A gold faucet—instead of the predictable silver or chrome—adds a surprising bit of personality in the cool black and white room.

Sunlit White Bathroom

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A contemporary pedestal tub and a heavily veined marble floor blend old and new into an elegant white bathroom.

A dark wood vanity and patina-framed mirror add texture and a touch of ancient elegance.

Blending decades and styles in a space keep the room from being anchored in a particular era.

Gold Traditional Bathroom Design

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Gold accents are an easy way to make a bathroom feel glam.

Using faucets, mirror frames, and light fixtures in gold tones will make your space look ready for its closeup.

Marble brick tile and walls painted elegant gray pull together a look that would be equally at home in the 1920s or the 2020s.

Traditional Pedestal Tub

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A pedestal soaking tub paired with a crystal chandelier mix contemporary and classic into a timeless design.

Add the colorful contemporary landscape painting on the wall, warm hardwood floors and the boho jute stool and you’ve got a classic traditional bath.

Timeless Bathtub

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A classic footed tub tucked into a sunlit nook brings classic cottage style to this bathroom.

The soothing blue wallpaper and antique box upcycled into a side table add texture and color.

A wood floor completes the soothing, natural vibe.

Decade-Blending Glamor

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Honeycomb tile with black rosettes bring a classic 1930s feel to this space.

Beadboard painted glossy black and pedestal sinks complete the early 20th century look.

Gold mirrors, gold sconces, and subway tile in a basket weave pattern mix things up by adding a 21st century touch.

Bold Lighting

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A copper-hued chandelier shaped like vines elevates this bathroom to boutique hotel levels of glam.

Its warm hues echo the gold side table, gold tub feet and gold faucet.

The deep blue walls add rich color, and the lush drapes add a luxe feel as well as privacy to this bathing nook.

Classically Beautiful Shower

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White tile laid in a herringbone pattern in this shower creates interest without screaming for it.

Black square tile laid in the floor of the shower adds contrast, and black fixtures tie the two together.

Frameless glass shower doors complete the look on this space that will never go out of style.

Add Interest with Texture

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Texture adds flavor to this stately primary bathroom.

The crown molding, delicate wainscoting, and tile floor establish a clean, traditional look.

Subtly patterned wallpaper, an intricate pendant light, and chrome fixtures lend interesting dimension for a twist on tradition.

Traditional Bathroom with Vintage Style

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Certain design elements convey a nostalgic look while maintaining a fresh, modern-day edge.

Marble wainscoting and flooring capture timeless traditional style in this bathroom.

And vintage touches—like a delicate chandelier and retro botanical wall art—complete the look.

Traditional Bathroom with Natural Light

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This cheerful bathroom makes fresh use of traditional architecture and amenities.

A vaulted ceiling is painted a cool gray, complemented by chrome fixtures and a modern pendant.

The room’s older elements, like vintage-inspired traditional bathroom vanities and an extra-large tub, tie the look together.

Traditional Bathroom in Blush

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Subtle details flattered with generous windows set up a bubble-bath haven in this bathroom bursting with classic femininity.

Lush faux-fur fabrics and a sweet pink chair cover pour on the sugary touches.

The engraved tub sits pretty, while traditional bathroom lighting—in this case a vintage-inspired chandelier—glows overhead.

Traditional Bathroom Storage Idea

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An expanse of built-in cabinetry adds abundant storage space in this bathroom.

The beautiful blend of recessed-panel cabinetry and different drawer sizes adds dimensional interest, while large mirrors break up the mass of cabinets and drawers.

White marble counters and traditional bathroom sinks reflect the home’s roots.

Blue Traditional Bathroom Idea

white bathroom with blue tile and white tubPin

Bold and bright yet calming and sophisticated, blue is the perfect color to enliven a bathroom while complementing its traditional character.

True to tradition, this bathroom features classic moldings and fixtures dressed up with blue tiles and backsplashes.

A few soft touches—like fresh flowers and a giant pendant light—complete the look.

Simple Powder Room Design

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Warm neutrals make this powder room feel welcoming and spacious.

A complex wall pattern adds texture and visual interest, but its gold hue keeps the wallpaper from overwhelming the space.

A gallery of wall mirrors adds a touch of modernity, while white wainscoting and a bathroom sconce keep the space traditional.

Traditional Bathroom with Wood Ceiling

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Elements from other rooms of the house make this bathroom’s design more intriguing.

A large framed mirror, like one that might enhance a formal entryway, stands in for a traditional mirrored bathroom cabinet over the vanity.

The glorious chandelier adds soft lighting, just as it might in a dining room.

And like in a large living room, exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling add dimension to the space.

Classic Built-In Dressing Table

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When space allows, a dressing table area is a desirable feature in a traditional bathroom layout.

Cabinetry trimmed to match the rest of the room creates a private grooming space within this bath.

Spacious drawers provide much-needed storage, while a quaint window—reminiscent of one in a country French home—adds charm.

Classic Wall Treatment

bathroom with wood paneling and white tubPin

Wood paneling offers a timeless, traditional look. In this bathroom, rich cherrywood with a matte stained finish gives the classic design element a sophisticated, modern appearance.

It’s the perfect backdrop for a large freestanding tub.

Traditional Bathroom with White Marble

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Gleaming white marble makes a stunning style statement.

For this spacious primary bathroom, the homeowners used the upscale stone to give the entire bath a fancy finish by installing traditional bathroom tiles.

The result is a gorgeous vintage-meets-modern look.

Victorian-Inspired Traditional Bathroom Design

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Keeping with tradition is an important part of remodeling for many homeowners.

The key is to combine vintage design with modern functionality.

In this case, Victorian charm shines through with the roman shade, tassels, and intricate trim work.

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