Old-timey themed bathroom... Suggestions?

**OldeSchool** · 09-02-2010, 02:40 PM

Hey everyone. So, I have been wanting to do this for a while now and my wife finally gave me the go-ahead. Since the downstairs (larger) bathroom has been dominated by my wife, the smaller upstairs one is primarily my domain. I have been invisioning turning my space into a retro, old-timey themed turn of the century styled bathroom and wanted to hear what you all thought might make as nice pieces to have to give it that authentic look. I'm not tearing down walls or getting too crazy. This is more of a "bolt on" application at this point.

So far my thoughts are:
Wall-mounted strop hook
Shelving for all of my equipment
Vintage barber's Barbasol container
Pull-out shaving mirror
Vintage ads / photos
Tin ceiling tiles (modern remakes)

Anything else you guys can think of within reason? I don't have room for furniture as the space is about 10' x 8' with a shower, closet and sink unit taking up the majority of the space. Oh... and the toilet. Can't forget that.

If it turns out the way I am envisioning I'll make sure to post up some photos. Also, if you HAVE a cool bathroom, feel free to post up pics so maybe I can get some good ideas.

Thanks for any suggestions guys!

**Rivguy** · 09-02-2010, 03:52 PM

I have been engaged in the same exercise over the last year or so. My wife and I have decided to turn the guest bath into a more masculine room. I thought about red, white and blue striped wallpaper but elected to go with a monochrome plaid to harmonize with some of the accent tile work. I have been busy in my wood shop building shelves and other devices although that has come to a stop during the summer months. Some of the woodworking projects serve multiple purposes; display, convenience and preservation.

I think that you are on the right track with wall hangings. If I can't find a small wood barber pole I think I will make one. I like your idea of the retro ceiling.

Happy shaving,

Doug

**BlackAngus** · 09-02-2010, 03:52 PM

My aunt and uncle had one of those old wall-mounted tank toilets, like this one.

Not sure if that's beyond the scope of your project, but it was always kind of neat to me.

**pauls51** · 09-02-2010, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Rivguy

I have been engaged in the same exercise over the last year or so. My wife and I have decided to turn the guest bath into a more masculine room. I thought about red, white and blue striped wallpaper but elected to go with a monochrome plaid to harmonize with some of the accent tile work. I have been busy in my wood shop building shelves and other devices although that has come to a stop during the summer months. Some of the woodworking projects serve multiple purposes; display, convenience and preservation.

I think that you are on the right track with wall hangings. If I can't find a small wood barber pole I think I will make one. I like your idea of the retro ceiling.

Happy shaving,

Doug

Sounds awesome Doug... Do you have any pics?

**guitar2mw** · 09-02-2010, 03:59 PM

I would love to see some pics of some old-timey bathrooms as well. I need ideas for my future throne room.

**BBrad** · 09-02-2010, 04:01 PM

Funny . . . my initial thought was a wall-mounted-tank "hopper" . . . I remember a friend having one at his house and I thought it was so cool to sit down and pull the chain . . .

(But, someone else beat me to the post!!)

I would think that that, along with an old sink with separate hot and cold faucets would be "part and parcel" of a classic old-timey bathroom.

**Never2Late** · 09-02-2010, 04:03 PM

Google: "America Retold Apothecary" and see if you like the look.

**Rivguy** · 09-02-2010, 04:09 PM

I am working on the pictures Paul. I made very little progress this summer but I will be back in the wood shop soon. I hope to have pictures before long and I will be sure to post them.

Thanks for your interest,

Doug

**BladeDE40** · 09-02-2010, 04:12 PM

I have begun collecting and reproducing vintage shaving ads for the same purpose...I was thinking about adding a mini barber pole like the one on the link...

http://www.pabarberpole.com/minipole.html

**Topgumby** · 09-02-2010, 04:14 PM

Are you talking pre DE turn of the century?

How about some old patent medicine bottles?

**mmadha** · 09-02-2010, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by BlackAngus

My aunt and uncle had one of those old wall-mounted tank toilets, like this one.

Not sure if that's beyond the scope of your project, but it was always kind of neat to me.

I was thinking of suggesting one of these old-timey toilet but the scene from The Godfather immediately made me reconsider.

**M80** · 09-02-2010, 08:24 PM

antique shower

**California Cajun** · 09-02-2010, 08:35 PM

A mobile shower?

**OldeSchool** · 09-02-2010, 09:53 PM

The barber pole is a great little idea and I will surely have one! The sink and toilet upgrades are amazing ideas (great photo!) but will probably happen during phase 2 of the project. As for the art deco caged shower unit... you have no idea how much that sings to me. I'd go rip my shower out right now if my wife wouldn't kill me!

Oh yeah, Googling 'America Retold Apothecary' was SO helpful. For those of you too lazy, this site has a great representation of their pieces for sale: www.gracioushome.com

The era I am shooting for is turn of the century, so late 1800's Victorian up to early art deco (mid to late 1930's). I think the styles could blend well if done correctly. Unfortunately, my bathroom currently is styled in 1950's fashion with sky blye tiles, white walls and hideous IKEA additions scattered about. Meh, they are cheap and they work... FOR NOW!!!!!

Keep the ideas flowing.

**Topgumby** · 09-02-2010, 10:09 PM

Well, since we are going up to the 30's, then a medicine cabinet with a blade disposal slot is essential...

**gswearengin** · 09-03-2010, 01:28 AM

I'm seeing dark red woodwork, dark green and either white, cream, or light green striped wallpaper, elegant lights, oval-shaped mirrors, and lots of metal. The barbershop pole is essential, and a bottle of Barbicide wouldn't hurt either (although it might not be period authentic?). Old black-and-white pictures would be nice, preferably of mustachioed men in suits with slicked hair and naked women. And, of course, a framed picture of our friend the smoking badger. !

Awesome idea!

GS

**OldeSchool** · 09-03-2010, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by gswearengin

And, of course, a framed picture of our friend the smoking badger. !

Ah, but of course! Great sugestions, thank you!

**Manco** · 09-03-2010, 12:31 PM

A hole instead of a toilet!

**Shavely Manden** · 09-03-2010, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by OldeSchool

the ... upstairs one

Originally Posted by Manco

A hole instead of a toilet!

**innerlogic** · 09-03-2010, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by Topgumby

Are you talking pre DE turn of the century?

How about some old patent medicine bottles?

Love this idea. Would be great if you filled the bottles with functional stuff (aftershave balm, etc). I feel like the difference between and feminine and masculine room is less design, and more functionality. (Incidentally, I was digging up my back yard a few months ago to put in a deck, and found 4-5 medium sized old medicine bottles. Also found a very old diamond ring. This is what happens when you live in such an old city!)

Love the ideas in this thread, and can't wait to steal some for myself!