Fixer Upper-Inspired Vanities That Bring Vintage Charm To A Traditional Bathroom

Many homeowners aspire to transform a conventional bathroom into a space imbued with vintage charm and timeless elegance. If you're a fan of Joanna Gaines' home decor style, you've likely been captivated by her ability to infuse a sense of warmth and nostalgia. One key feature of her design aesthetic is incorporating vintage and rustic elements into functional spaces. 

From quaint farmhouses to urban shotgun houses, Gaines has shown how adding elements such as aged wood, industrial accents, and vintage hardware can create one-of-a-kind character. A key opportunity for this is curating a functional vanity that will elevate your bathroom's overall look and feel. Whether you're renovating or looking to update its design, incorporating a "Fixer Upper"-inspired vanity is an easy and effective way to bring vintage charm to your bathroom. Not only does it provide practical storage and countertop space, but it can also serve as a focal point that instantly elevates the room.

Antique tables, with their intricate detailing and timeless charm, offer a nostalgic twist to bathroom decor. In Season 3, Episode 12 of "Fixer Upper," Joanna Gaines showcased her penchant for blending vintage charm with modern functionality by repurposing an antique table as a captivating bathroom vanity. This design trick adds a touch of nostalgia and champions sustainability by breathing new life into old pieces. To achieve a similar look, consider incorporating antique tables with ornate carvings or distressed finishes. You can also experiment with different sink styles, such as vessel sinks, to further enhance the vintage feel. 

MaCenna Lee, known as XO, MaCenna on YouTube, used her creative prowess and passion for interior design to transform a vintage 1904 phonograph into a chic vanity. She breathed new life into this century-old piece, elevating it from a relic to a functional and stylish piece. This transformation not only shows her design prowess but also offers valuable insights for creating your own vanity from unexpected treasures. When repurposing vintage items, consider preserving their original character by coating them with a protective finish. Adding a modern sink and faucet, like this set from Direct Sinks, can juxtapose the aesthetic.

Shutter-style bathroom vanities resemble quaint charm, evoking a subtle rustic ambiance. Joanna Gaines' transformation in Season 1, Episode 6 of "Fixer Upper: Welcome Home" shows how these vanities add character to any bathroom. Their textured shutter doors create a focal point that adds texture and sparks visual interest. These vanities offer practicality, too, with ample storage hidden behind the doors, keeping the bathroom clutter-free. For a similar look, consider using salvaged shutters to replace the doors on your current vanity. Or, purchase a more modern version like this James Martin piece from Build with Ferguson.

For a Gaines-inspired bathroom design trick, transform a dresser into a vanity as a unique way to enhance your bathroom's aesthetic while repurposing furniture. Cherie, known as The Nifty Nester on YouTube, showcased her DIY expertise by transforming a thrift store dresser into a chic vanity. Sanding, painting, and new hardware refreshed the piece, preserving its vintage charm. To replicate, try thrifting a second-hand dresser or repurposing your own old furniture. Adding new hardware and a vessel sink enhances visual appeal, while drawer organizers can even further boost the storage prowess of the budget-friendly upgrade.

Buffet-inspired vanities bring vintage elegance to the bathroom. They feature countertop cabinetry reminiscent of buffet tables and provide ample storage space with a touch of sophistication. In "Fixer Upper: The Castle," the Gaines introduced a charming design concept by installing a vanity inspired by a buffet in the guest bathroom. To achieve a similar look, look for oversized options with decorative elements like ornate legs or intricate carvings. If the bottom shelf is exposed, you can use baskets or bins to create discrete storage opportunities.

Upcycling a sewing cabinet into a vanity brings vintage charm and functionality to the bathroom space. YouTuber Renee, also known as Renee Renovates, demonstrates this process in her video. The compact size of sewing cabinets makes them ideal for small bathrooms, providing both storage and style in a limited space. To achieve a similar look, search vintage furniture stores or sites like Etsy for sewing cabinets with unique detailing. Convert the top space for a sink and plumbing while preserving the cabinet's internal drawers or shelves for storage. 

Creating a concrete vanity with a vintage twist offers a stylish and functional addition to the bathroom. In "Fixer Upper" Season 3, Episode 15, Chip and Joanna Gaines renovated a Waco shotgun house, installing a unique concrete vanity top on a wooden base. To achieve a similar look, you can use a concrete sink like this one from Homary, pairing it with a wooden base for warmth and character. The concrete top provides durability and a minimalist look, while the base adds rustic charm. Plus, the combination creates a statement piece that blends well with various interior design styles.

Converting a vintage storage piece into a freestanding vanity is a creative way to blend historic charm with modern practicality. Steven, from the YouTube channel India Street Antiques, demonstrates this by repurposing a sideboard by adding a sink. To achieve a similar look, source a vintage sideboard and adapt it for plumbing, ensuring it's sturdy enough to support the sink. This project showcases the art of upcycling, offering a personalized touch while reducing waste. Plus, if you can find a tall enough piece, you can implement this concept for your kitchen sink as well.