Secondary Bathroom: Curated Essentials for an Old Money Look
Hello Cool Girls ! We often tend to neglect decorating our secondary bathroom, yet it’s usually the one our guests use. It’s also a true showcase of our home and the perfect opportunity to make a great impression. Taking care of such a small space shows a real eye for detail. In fact, that’s the whole essence of the “Old Money” style. But to master it flawlessly, you’ll need a sense of balance and a bit of elbow grease. To make things easier for you, here is my list of essentials for a secondary bathroom with timeless charm.
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1. Choose vintage faucets for their elegance
Retro faucets have been seeing a resurgence in popularity over the last few years and rightly so, as they truly embody elegance. They were already being preserved in grand luxury hotels and historic homes. The fixtures of yesteryear carried an extra touch of charm because they were so meticulously crafted. There was no uniformity when it came to design:
- the faucets came in gold, silver or bronze finishes
- spouts could take the shape of animals, such as a swan’s head from which the water flowed
- high-quality materials were used
This return to uniqueness aligns perfectly with current interior design trends: the desire to create a home that reflects who we are and is built to last, rather than following fleeting, fashionable trends.
This touch of originality in your guest bathroom is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests when they wash their hands.
Please note: You will still need to adapt these vintage models to our modern lifestyle. Historically, they often featured separate controls for hot and cold water, so you might want to opt for a retro mixer tap for added convenience. Prioritize durable materials such as stainless steel, solid brass (the ultimate retro classic), bronze or brushed steel. Just keep in mind that glossy finishes (like chrome or polished brass) require more regular cleaning to avoid limescale stains, whereas matte, brushed or patinated finishes prove to be much easier to maintain on a daily basis.
2. Find a mirror with character
A secondary bathroom isn’t necessarily spacious, but every object can be carefully chosen and that is certainly true for the mirror that will hang above your sink. A mirror that catches the eye doesn’t have to be imposing; it can be delicate yet full of character. Here, you can also find exactly what you’re looking for in antique or vintage-inspired designs.
Forget the mainstream mirrors you see everywhere and opt for a vintage mirror featuring a gilded molded frame. You can hunt for one at your local flea market or in an antique shop.
If you find these frames too heavy for your interior but still want something elegant, there is also what we call Venetian mirrors. They don’t have a frame, but their borders are made entirely of engraved, beveled glass cut into arabesque shapes. In a similar style, there is the beveled mirror more modest, but still making quite an impact. Its edges are cut at an angle, creating waves or retro patterns.
The lack of borders on these last two styles of mirrors gives the illusion of an endless reflection, making them ideal for bringing a sense of space to a small bathroom.
How to recreate it ? (ad)
Venetian Mirror with Top Crown Arch Floral Etched 32 x 24 Inch
3. Frame the mirror with wall sconces
If you read my article on how to make your home cozy, you might already know that the “small light” is much better than the “big light” when it comes to creating a relaxing space. That’s why I prefer soft lighting for the bathroom. Sconces are a great option for small spaces, they add that gentle touch of light without being overwhelming and choosing a warm bulb will be super flattering in the mirror. It’s also a staple of “old money” interiors, traditionally found everywhere: hallways, libraries and powder rooms.
Place a sconce on each side of your mirror, opting for something subtle if your mirror is already a focal point. If you have a gold mirror, you can match it with gold sconces and if your mirror is frameless, silver sconces work beautifully. I’ve put together a small selection for you right below.
How to recreate it ? (ad)
Aipsun Chrome Wall Sconces Set of Two
Gold Wall Sconces Set of Two 2
4. Have fun with the wallpaper in your secondary bathroom
Wallpaper is making a huge comeback in interior design, but it should be used sparingly as an accent. If you want to give it a try, the guest bathroom is a great playground. It’s true that it can sometimes be overpowering, especially if you go bold with your choice of pattern. But there are timeless wallpapers you simply can’t go wrong with:
- Navy stripes
- Toile de Jouy
- Landscape murals
- Floral prints
To break up that overwhelming feel, it’s common to use wainscoting that matches the wallpaper. It can be white for a subtle look or colorful for a bolder statement.
A quick note regarding the bathroom: since it’s a humid room, you’ll need to take a few precautions to protect your decor. Choose wallpaper and moldings that are suitable for this space, and don’t forget to apply a coat of protective varnish.
Finally, make sure you have good ventilation to ensure your decor lasts over time. Don’t hesitate to ask your local hardware store for advice.
5. Add some subtle details for that old money vibe
Now that your guest bathroom is almost ready, you need to add a few small details for that “old money” touch. I’ve scrolled through Pinterest and the same details keep popping up. First is the wall-mounted towel ring right next to the sink; it adds a touch of elegance without taking up much space, which is exactly what we want for this room. As for the color, I suggest matching it to your faucets to maintain harmony and for the towel, choose a high-quality one, like Egyptian cotton, preferably in white for a luxury hotel vibe.
Another decorative element you can bring into your bathroom is a framed mini artwork. For a chic look, opt for a black-and-white photograph or an oil painting picture and avoid paintings so you don’t risk ruining them with humidity.
If you like the bold side of the “old money” aesthetic, there’s a Pinterest trend you might love: a fancy yet elegant toilet seat. I’ve seen several models that caught my eye, like tortoiseshell, burgundy or even navy blue. Try to find a design that blends seamlessly with the rest of the room. For instance, navy will work great with navy and white wallpaper and silver finishes.
Finally, don’t forget that luxury engages all the senses, so wrap up your work by choosing a signature fragrance for this bathroom. Ideally, you should carry it through different forms, such as a reed diffuser placed next to your sink and a matching liquid hand soap.
How to recreate it ? (ad)
Moen Preston Collection Polished Chrome Bathroom Hand-Towel Ring
HUARCEY Gold Framed Vintage Wall Art
My Curated Essentials (ad)
1. Venetian Mirror with Top Crown Arch Floral Etched 32 x 24 Inch (ad)
So beautiful! This mirror completely captures the spirit of traditional Venetian mirrors, and I also love the floral patterns all around it. Since it’s a statement piece, I really recommend keeping the rest of the room subtle and sticking to silver finishes.
2.Aipsun Chrome Wall Sconces Set of Two (ad)
I really like the style of these wall sconces. They remind me of the wall candleholders you used to find in manors and castles, so they’re perfect for that old money look.
3.Gold Wall Sconces Set of Two 2 (ad)
I feel like these sconces alone will elevate your powder room, so choose a more subtle mirror to go with them.
4.Moen Preston Collection Polished Chrome Bathroom Hand-Towel Ring (ad)
I really like the chrome finish on this hand towel ring, the design is simple yet elegant. Choose silver finishes for the rest of your bathroom.
5.HUARCEY Gold Framed Vintage Wall Art (ad)
Take a look at the printed paintings by Huarcey, you’ll be spoiled for choice, and they have that “aged” gold frame look that mimics the kind of artwork you’d find at a flea market.
