8 Ways to Update Your Vintage Bathroom Tile
When you step into your bathroom, are your eyes negatively drawn to your vintage tile? Every room in your home should be a place you love, even your bathroom. If your vintage tile hasn’t been bringing joy, it may be time for a bathroom tile update. Vintage tile can make a beautiful addition to your home — you just need to find the right way to update it.
But how do you modernize old bathroom tile without removing it? You may be surprised to learn that there are a variety of ways you can give your vintage tile new life without needing a full bathroom renovation. Check out our list of vintage bathroom updates below to see how you can transform your bathroom tile into something you love again.
1. Deep Clean the Grout and Tiles
Sometimes all your bathroom needs is a deep clean. Over the years, your tiles and grout may have become dull, and a deep clean can bring your vintage bathroom tiles back to life. Use grout cleaner and a small brush to scrub the grout. This should clean the surface and brighten the grout.
In some cases, your tiles may need some extra work to properly clean them. Whether it’s built-up grime or paint splatters, a razor blade scraper can help remove these unwanted materials.
If it’s been a long time since your bathroom tiles were cleaned, a quick scrub may be just what you need to freshen up your bathroom.
2. Change Your Wall Paint Color
Paint can be an easy way to change up any room — bathrooms included. Try choosing a paint color that complements the tiles and allows them to pop. Using a darker color paint in contrast with lighter colored tiles creates beautiful dimension and visual interest in the space. Instead of trying to hide your tiles, work with them and choose a paint color that lets them have their moment.
3. Add Wallpaper
If you’re looking to make a bold statement with your bathroom, pair your vintage tiles with wallpaper. Choose a fun wallpaper print to go with your simple tiles. Unlike paint, try to keep your wallpaper in the same color family as your tiles. Pairing a blue-printed wallpaper with blue tiles can look sleek and modern, while pairing a pink-printed wallpaper with blue tiles may be too overwhelming.
4. Incorporate Modern Decor and Fixtures
One of the easiest ways to modernize your bathroom tiles is by adding some modern decor. Incorporating modern artwork into the bathroom can change the feel of the space and give your tiles a revitalized look without even touching them. Sometimes it’s not the tiles themselves that need refreshing, but the decor choices around them.
Upgrading or replacing your bathroom fixtures can also modernize the space without changing your vintage tiles. Choose a new faucet and shower head to bring modern functionality and luxury to your retro bathroom.
5. Use White Linens
If you have colorful vintage tiles in your bathroom, using white linens such as towels, curtains and shower curtains can help create a spa-like experience. The use of white can also help to brighten up the space and make it feel bigger. Pairing colorful tiles with white linens also creates a sleek, clean and modern look while still having a fun pop of color.
6. Upgrade Your Vanity
Upgrading your vanity is among the bigger projects in modernizing your bathroom, but it’s worth it. If you have vintage tiles in your bathroom, you likely have vintage bathroom appliances, too. Specifically, you may have a sink with very little counter space or storage.
By upgrading your vintage sink to a modern vanity, you can maximize functionality and add decorative elements as well. Your vanity is one of the first things guests will notice in your bathroom, so upgrading it can make a huge impact on the overall design of the room.
7. Replace or Add Lighting Fixtures
Statement lighting fixtures can be another simple way to revitalize your vintage bathroom. Add contrast to your vintage tiles by installing modern lighting, or lean into the vintage feel and use lighting fixtures that mimic the retro style. Updating your bathroom does not mean you have to move away from the vintage style of your bathroom tiles. You can still keep the classic look while bringing in new features to make subtle changes.
8. Resurface Your Tiles
If you love the look of your tiles but they need a bit of a refresh, try tile resurfacing. Professionals know how to update bathroom tile in a way that makes it look as if your tile is brand new. While, as we suggested earlier, you can clean your tiles yourself, nothing compares to professional resurfacing.
Tile refinishing goes beyond cleaning — professional tile resurfacing often includes re-grouting the original tile, an eight-layer resurface and a re-caulk for the perimeter of your newly resurfaced tiles. To get more specific, the eight-layer resurfacing will include bonding agents, primers, clear finishes and top coating.
While tile resurfacing can bring your current tiles back to life, you can also use resurfacing as an opportunity to change the color of your tiles. That’s right — you can change your vintage tile’s color without having to fully replace them.
Tile refinishing is a beautiful, long-lasting way to update your bathroom. You will continue to enjoy your stunning resurfaced tiles for years to come, giving your bathroom a refreshed and revitalized look.
Refresh Your Bathroom With Custom Tub and Tile Resurfacing
Are you ready to give your vintage tiles the new life they deserve with professional tile resurfacing? At Custom Tub and Tile Resurfacing, our crew knows how to update old tile and transform your space into a beautiful, modern oasis.
Our team works to bring your dream bathroom to life, and we also value your time. Most of our projects can be completed in just a few hours, and we’ll always work with you so you don’t have to make adjustments to your daily activities. Additionally, since we’re bringing out the life in your original tiles, you don’t have to worry about your home becoming a construction zone. There are no demolitions or messy removals required, and you can begin enjoying your new bathroom right away.
Our resurfacing services also give you a new bathroom feel at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. So, what are you waiting for? Say goodbye to your old, dull bathroom tiles and let our team upgrade your space. Contact us today to request an estimate or learn more.
