Vintage Chic Small Bathroom Remodel, Budget Friendly Before and After Reveal

In this post, I’m sharing the full before and after of our vintage chic small bathroom remodel, with affordable tips and creative ideas you can use to update your own space. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you’ve ever felt stuck with an outdated bathroom but overwhelmed by the cost of a full remodel, I’ve been there…for years. Our tiny hallway bathroom was overdue for a refresh, and I wanted to give it a timeless, vintage-inspired look—without blowing our budget. Whether you’re working with a tight footprint or just love that romantic, classic feel, this transformation will give you plenty of inspiration!

Before: Outdated 1960s Small Bathroom

Back at the beginning of this remodel, this original 1960’s bathroom was just looking worse for wear.

Before the Makeover: A Dated Bathroom in Need of Love

Before photo of 1960s small bathroom with outdated fixtures and cracked tiles.

It was all functional, so we lived with it…for years. There were just so many little things.

The drywall had water damage. The tiles had cracks. It tended to be smelly, no matter how thoroughly I scrubbed. There was no power outlet, only one socket of the light fixture worked

Vintage chic bathroom mood board with sage green beadboard, antique lighting, white and gold mirrors and towel hooks, and black fixtures inspired by English and French cottage style.

Fixing all these things meant a full remodel. Even with budget friendly design choices, we had to save up for quite some time to make it happen.

Now that we finally went forward with our bathroom remodel, I am so excited to be sharing it with you!

Design Goals for Our Vintage Chic Bathroom

This remodel began as a full demo—everything was removed, giving us a clean slate. I envisioned a space that felt peaceful, romantic, and lived-in, like a cozy cottage.

Outdated 1960s bathroom before remodel, featuring a pink bathtub, cracked white tiles, and aged wall fixtures

French Cottage Style Vintage Bathroom Remodel Reveal

Step into our vintage chic bathroom makeover—a blend of French cottage and English country style, full of charming DIY details and budget-friendly upgrades.

Vintage chic bathroom remodel featuring sage green beadboard, double sink vanity, and antique chandelier, inspired by French cottage style

The Color Palette: Deep Sage and Warm Whites

We chose wood beadboard wainscoting for a classic cottage look on a budget. It’s painted in HGSW3244 Meadow Sage, paired with SW7636 Origami White on the walls. This green and white combination is calming and timeless.

Custom Farmhouse Vanity and Budget-Friendly Fixtures

Our standout piece is a custom double sink vanity made by a local carpenter who specializes in farmhouse furniture. It cost the same as a big-box store particle board option, but offered the durability and charm of real wood.

Custom farmhouse double sink vanity with vessel sinks and brass fixtures.

The vanity went perfectly with these affordable vessel faucets and sinks from Amazon, and we picked up these knobs at Hobby Lobby. I am so thrilled with this vanity. Being made of solid wood, my rough and rowdy boys are much less likely to damage it!

Restored antique chandelier adding French cottage charm to bathroom

Vintage-Inspired Lighting and Mirrors

A beautiful antique chandelier from Facebook Marketplace adds a touch of sparkle. It was nearly black with tarnish, but after some cleaning, it became one of my favorite features.

These two mirrors were a clearance find a few years ago. They were originally black. I spray painted them with Rustoleum French Cream, and slightly distressed them before hanging.

Budget-Friendly Bathroom Storage

For above the toilet storage, I did a quick makeover on a small curio cabinet.

It was just $20 on Marketplace! With a bit of chalk paint and light distressing, I think it adds so much charm to this little bathroom.

Affordable Flooring and Finishing Touches

We found this beautiful polished faux marble tile on sale at Floor and Decor. I love the clean simplicity of this floor, especially alongside the new white tub and shower curtains!

This Delta Linden faucet set looks great, and it is so practical. Having the detachable shower wand in the center has been incredibly useful for giving the kids baths!

Handmade Bathroom Rugs

These little floor rugs make my heart happy. I crocheted them with clothesline and macrame cord. You can find the pattern and tutorial here!

New bathtub and shower with marble-look tile, matte black fixtures, white tub, and a pleated ruffle shower curtain for a vintage chic look

Final Thoughts

Wow, this bathroom remodel was a long time coming, and I am so happy it is finally complete. I loved participating in the One Room Challenge. It gives you the motivation and inspiration you need to create a beautiful space in your home!

If you’re inspired by this space and want to try a similar look, here’s a curated supply list with sources and affordable finds.