Vintage decor is beautiful, but did you know your secondhand treasures can also be practical? Today, I’m sharing how to repurpose vintage pieces for not only style, but function in your restroom.
Useful Vintage Finds | Restroom Edition
My home is filled with secondhand vintage and antique pieces. Every single room — from the laundry room to the kitchen, the hallway, and even the restroom and garage — has something vintage. I love being surrounded by vintage and antiques. But sometimes, you collect so many awesome vintage pieces that they need to serve a purpose beyond decor.
Secondhand Shopping with Purpose
When I go thrifting or visit a flea market, I don’t bring home plastic trash cans or modern toothbrush holders from Target. But that doesn’t mean our bathroom doesn’t need practical items like a trash bin, toothbrush holder, or towel bar.
Instead, I find vintage pieces that work just as well—if not better.
Why buy something new when you can use something preloved and pretty? Besides, they just don’t make things like they used to. Vintage and antique pieces are often better quality than today’s mass-produced options.
Repurposing vintage not only solves a functional need but adds a layer of character and charm to your space. If you love vintage and antiques, this approach is the best of both worlds: form and function.
Repurposing Inspiration for Your Restroom
Trash Can Alternatives
In two of my bathrooms, I use old wooden ice cream buckets as trash cans. A larger one fits perfectly between the wall and toilet in our master bathroom, while a smaller version tucks neatly between the toilet and sink in our main floor bathroom. In our old house I had a crock and a simple ammo box as alternative trash cans.
You could also try an old food tin, a ceramic planter, or a vintage shipping container. Just look for something that fits your space and style.
Toothbrush Holder
It’s easy to find something vintage to hold your toothbrushes. The key is choosing an item that’s the right height and easy to clean.
I use a silverplate sugar bowl to hold ours, adding charm and practicality to the bathroom counter. In a previous home I used a test tube holder!
Makeup Storage
Where you store your makeup will determine what vintage pieces work best.
On the counter, consider using flower frogs, sugar bowls, glasses, or small planters to hold brushes and other supplies. If you prefer to tuck your makeup away, old cigar boxes, neck tie boxes, or cheese boxes work great in drawers.
Personally, I keep mine in vintage storage containers that I’ve collected over time.
Toiletries and Everyday Items
Get creative when storing other toiletries. Old canning jars, collar boxes, sewing machine drawers, and even vintage tins can corral everything from cotton balls to razors.
Stools
Stools are great for sitting on or putting your foot on while you put lotion on. But stools are also a great place to sit folded towels, or a book by your bathtub. I even used a old wooden box so that my kids could reach the sink and wash their hands by themselves.
Towel Bars
Towel bars are always a great way to get creative! In our last house I used a child’s chair as one way to hold towels. I also added metal hooks to an old rolling joist to hang towels.
Shower Curtain | Curtains
Your shower curtain is another space that you can use repurposed vintage for! In the shower you will want to add a plastic or nylon liner, but this is a great spot to reuse linens! Table cloths, quilts, stitch together some old feed sacks, etc. Simply use clips like THESE. Be sure to check the thickness of your bar before you order!
Tour The Master Bath In My Previous Home
Repurposing Helps Reduce Clutter
Using a vintage lazy Susan to hold small bathroom items gives the appearance of fewer things on the counter. Instead of seeing ten separate items, your eye focuses on one pretty, functional piece.
When everything has a home, it’s easier to stay organized. Knowing exactly where your toothpaste or floss belongs makes it more likely that things will be put back in the same place — meaning less clutter for you to clean up later.
Plus, when your items are contained, it’s easier to see when you’re running low. If your bowl of bandages is nearly empty, it’s time to restock.
Stay Organized and On Budget with Vintage
Repurposing vintage for storage and organization is not only beautiful and functional but also budget-friendly. Instead of spending money at a big-box retailer, you’re reusing what you already have—or what you can thrift for a fraction of the price.
Vintage pieces create less clutter because they encourage intentional storage solutions. With everything neatly contained, your restroom feels calmer and more inviting. Repurposing also encourages mindful consumption; you’re giving a second life to something that might otherwise be tossed aside.
Repurpose Vintage for Function and Style
It’s wonderful to be surrounded by pretty things you love, but it’s even better when those items serve a purpose. Repurpose your vintage finds to create functional storage solutions throughout your restroom.
You’ll enjoy a more organized space, reduce visual clutter, and stick to your budget—all while adding personality and charm to your home. Vintage style doesn’t have to be impractical. In fact, it can help you create a bathroom that’s both beautiful and efficient.
Want to See More Bathrooms?
Main Floor Bathroom in Our Centerville Home
Kids Bathroom in Our Centerville Home
Get the FULL House Tour of Centerville Home
House Tour After Being In Ankeny Home for A Week
How to Clean Glass Shower Doors
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