How to DIY Your Own Vintage Style Powered Bath

If you are dreaming about creating a vintage style powder bath that feels timeless, warm, and full of character, I hope this project inspires you to start. This little room in our house is technically a half bath, but it has been one of the biggest teachers in my design journey. It is the smallest room in our home and somehow the most personal. This space taught me that you do not need a huge footprint to make a lasting impression.

Pennies for a Fortune - Vintage-Style Powder Bath Makeover

I wanted this small powder room to feel like a collected corner of an old home, layered, cozy, and a little dramatic. My goal was to blend vintage bathroom ideas with the convenience of modern fixtures, creating a room that felt rich, welcoming, and truly mine.

How I Redesigned a Room as a Beginner

This powder bath was actually the first room I ever painted, not just in this house, but ever. I can still remember standing in the doorway, paintbrush in hand, wondering where to start. I called a friend for help and hired a carpenter to install the shiplap because I was too intimidated to do it myself. Back then my style leaned more farmhouse and I loved how fresh and simple it looked. The shiplap walls, bright white paint, and minimal decor were all I needed to feel accomplished at the time.

As my design confidence grew, I started craving more layers, texture, and mood. I learned how to use a miter saw, how to build my own paneling, and how to trust my instincts. This room had sentimental value to me, but it no longer reflected the rest of the house. It was time to give it the update it deserved.

How I Created a Vintage Style Powder Bath

When I decided to redesign the space, I wanted to create something that felt timeless and intentional, like it had always been there yet still looked fresh. My inspiration came from old-world interiors with subway tile, wood paneling, and floral wallpaper patterns that look collected rather than styled. I also wanted to keep the layout simple and make the most of the limited countertop and storage space.

The plan was to remove the old shiplap, add architectural detail with new wall paneling, experiment with darker paint colors and stain, and bring in statement pieces like a vintage mirror, a brass light fixture, and a classic pedestal sink. I wanted a design that balanced form and function and proved that even the smallest room can hold a lot of personality.

Saying Goodbye to Shiplap

I will always be grateful to that first version of the powder bath because it taught me so much about DIY, but it was time to let it go. The all-white farmhouse look no longer matched the direction of our home design and the room felt too sterile for my taste. One Saturday morning, I grabbed my pry bar, tied up my hair, and started removing the shiplap one board at a time.

The process was messy, dusty, and surprisingly emotional. I was literally pulling down a piece of my own design history. Once the walls were clear, I could finally see the potential again. I called in my handyman, Alberto, to help patch and prep the walls since I was working on a tight timeline. It felt like the end of one era and the start of another.

Redo the Walls

With the walls cleared, I started fresh by adding traditional wall paneling using 1×4 boards, picture frame molding, and a chair rail. This instantly gave the room more structure and visual weight. It felt elegant and architectural, exactly the kind of character I wanted to bring into the house.

Then came the fun part, color. I decided to move away from light neutrals and lean into warmth and depth. The trim and crown molding are Burgundy by Sherwin-Williams, and the ceiling is painted Audrey’s Blush, also by Sherwin-Williams. The deeper tones make the small space feel intimate but not cramped and create the perfect backdrop for the floral wallpaper I had planned.

Even without the wallpaper installed yet, the combination of wood paneling and rich color already gave the room that vintage powder bath feel I was going for.

Staining Might Not Be the Answer

Here is where things got interesting. I decided to stain the paneling instead of painting it, thinking the natural wood grain would add warmth and authenticity. In my head it was going to look like a Parisian café. In reality, it looked like a chocolate zebra.

I used an oil-based stain on plywood and it soaked in unevenly, leaving dark streaks everywhere. My stain guy, Jose, had warned me against it, but I wanted to try anyway. When I saw the results, I immediately knew I was out of my depth.

Jose came in and completely saved the project. He sanded everything smooth and finished the walls with an Espresso Sher-Wood lacquer. The transformation was instant. The stain became rich and even, giving the lower walls a grounded and sophisticated look. I learned a huge lesson: sometimes being a DIYer means knowing when to step back and let a professional handle it.

The Overall Look of Our DIY Vintage Powder Bath

Pedestal Sink | Toilet | Switch Cover

Once the stain drama was behind us, it was time to bring in the wallpaper and fixtures. I chose my Jaal print in Purple Tan from my wallpaper collection with Chasing Paper. The delicate floral pattern, with its mix of mauve, green, and cream tones, brought the room to life. It has that vintage look I love, with just enough color to feel lively and unique.

The combination of warm wood, floral wallpaper, and mauve ceiling created the perfect balance between cozy and dramatic. For fixtures, I went with a Kohler Memoirs pedestal sink and matching toilet in Dune. They add a timeless silhouette that pairs beautifully with the Vibrant French Gold faucet and towel ring. A brass wall sconce provides soft, flattering light, while the vintage mirror reflects the glow and makes the space feel larger.

The best part is that this small space now feels layered and luxurious without feeling fussy. Every finish, from the warm metals to the creamy tones, feels intentional.

Details to Include for a DIY Powder Bath

Pedestal Sink | Faucet | Mirror | Wall Sconce

In a small powder room, the details are everything. I added a small vase of fresh flowers that tied in with the wallpaper colors and a framed piece of art next to the sink. The brass hardware, wood tones, and paint colors all play off one another for a seamless look.

Texture also plays a big role in making a vintage-style bathroom feel authentic. I mixed smooth porcelain fixtures with warm wood, glossy lacquer, and soft textiles to create depth. The key is to make every piece feel collected over time, even if you installed it all in one weekend.

This little room is proof that small does not have to mean simple. Thoughtful layering can make a guest bathroom feel like an experience, not just a pass-through space.

Pro Tips for a DIY Vintage Powder Bath

If you are planning your own DIY vintage powder bath, start by planning your color palette and finishes before you pick up a tool. Small rooms benefit from contrast, so consider darker trim or ceiling paint against lighter wallpaper. Choose lighting fixtures that complement your finishes but also provide flattering light. A wall sconce near the mirror works wonders in a half bath where space is limited.

Do not be afraid to take risks in small rooms. Bold wallpaper patterns or deep paint colors can make a room feel more inviting. If a project starts to overwhelm you, it is okay to call for help. Sometimes teamwork is the most effective way to reach that custom look you want.

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Fixtures

Wallpaper

Jaal in Purple Tan from My Collection with Chasing Paper

Paint and Stain Colors

Ceiling: Audrey’s Blush by Sherwin-Williams
Trim and Crown Molding: Burgundy by Sherwin-Williams
Paneling: Espresso Sher-Wood Lacquer

Lighting and Accessories

FAQs

How can I make a small powder bath feel luxurious?

Use layered lighting, bold color, and rich materials like brass, wood, or marble. Even a small room feels elegant when you mix textures and finishes thoughtfully.

What are the best colors for a vintage-style bathroom?

Soft mauves, deep burgundies, sage greens, and warm neutrals create a timeless backdrop. These colors pair beautifully with floral wallpaper or natural wood.

Can I combine modern fixtures with vintage design?

Yes. Mixing eras is one of the best ways to make your space feel timeless. Pair modern plumbing fixtures with vintage-inspired lighting or mirrors for balance.

What type of wallpaper works best for a powder room?

Small-scale florals, traditional prints, or botanical motifs all look stunning in small bathrooms. Choose a pattern that complements your lighting and paint colors.

How do I make sure my design choices last over time?

Stick to classic shapes, high-quality finishes, and a cohesive palette. Timeless design does not mean boring; it means creating a space that still feels fresh years later.

This vintage style powder bath will always be special to me. It is the smallest room in our home, but it tells the biggest story about my growth as a designer and DIYer. From ripping out shiplap to rescuing a stain gone wrong, every step taught me something new.

Now this once plain half bath feels elegant, warm, and filled with personality. It is proof that with a little creativity, patience, and courage, you can turn even the smallest space into your own dream bathroom.

Next up, the hallway outside this little jewel box might be getting its own makeover too. Stay tuned, because I am not done with my vintage era yet.