What's old is new again in the world of design, with styles like grandmillennial and Regencycore popping up everywhere. There are so many ways to get in on the fun, with additions like antique décor and nods to the eras of yesterday. Though one place we don’t often think to add vintage touches is the bathroom—but we should think again.
The use of beadboard detailing in bathrooms may feel indicative of a different era, but it can actually feel entirely "of-the-moment" with the right styling.
What Is Beadboard?
Beadboard is a style of wood paneling that features decorative beading (or distinctive thin molding) between vertical panels of wood. It is typically used on walls and ceilings.
To get you inspired, we compiled 11 gorgeous beadboard bathrooms that feel quaint, classic, yet completely timeless, as each updated in ways that keep them fresh and modern.
Make it Mint Green
We love the way this beadboard provides a classic, vintage influence to this bathroom. The contrast between the soft mint color, the wooden vanity, and the black sconces gives this space visual balance and lots of style.
Mix Materials
If you’re looking for a more contemporary way to incorporate beadboard into your bathroom, juxtapose it with more modern materials, like subway tile and marble. This stunning combo is on full display in this bathroom by Arbor & Co., giving the beadboard a modern twist.
Keep It White and Bright
The palette in this bathroom brings the whole space together, as the tonal whites complement one another and provide a bright canvas for other accessories to shine, like plants and decorative bottles.
Bring your beadboard all the way up to the ceiling for a continuous look and quaint feel to your bathroom.
Complement with Vintage Art
Keep beadboard vintage-inspired by pairing it with a curved mirror and vintage art. There are plenty of places to source art pieces such as this one, from curated online shops to your local thrift store.
Make it Dark and Moody
As aforementioned, take a risk in your bathroom by incorporating color. This navy beadboard bathroom feels moody and chic, yet bright thanks to the window.
Take risks when you know they will be balanced: the wooden mirror complements the navy color, and because the window was present in the bathroom layout, this design knew it could succeed with the addition of that light source.
Or Make It Modern
Though this bathroom plays off vintage accents, like the beadboard and penny tiles, the modern accents really bring it to life. The sleek vanity provides a nice contrast, and it’s hard to ignore the ‘it’ plants of recent, the low-maintenance ZZ and snake plant, that make an appearance as well.
Stand Out with Sconces
White beadboard is a great blank slate that still gives your walls a bit of textural interest. Gold accents and sconces shine against the beadboard backdrop, proving that this design element doesn’t have to be the main event in your bathroom.