10 Vintage Bathroom Lighting Ideas: Bring Timeless Charm Into Your Bathroom With These IdeasEvelyn HartwellSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Schoolhouse Glass Sconces2. Brass Swing Arm Lamps3. Edison Bulb Pendant4. Crystal Drop Vanity Lights5. Art Deco Flush Mount6. Industrial Cage Sconces7. Porcelain Base Wall Lamps8. Lantern-Style Pendants9. French-Style Candle Sconces10. Milk Glass Vanity BarsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEA few years ago, I had a client who insisted on a vintage-style bathroom but still wanted it to feel modern and airy. The twist? Their entire space was about the size of a walk-in closet. That project taught me that small bathrooms can carry big personality, and vintage lighting is one of the easiest ways to pull it off. Today, I want to share 10 of my favorite vintage bathroom lighting ideas that I’ve used — and loved.When I was mapping out the tiny layout, I used a room planner tool to make sure every wall sconce had its place without crowding the mirror.1. Schoolhouse Glass SconcesThese are the classic globe-shaped lights with frosted or opal glass. They spread light evenly and feel like they belong in a 1920s powder room. They do protrude a bit, so in narrow bathrooms, measure twice.save pin2. Brass Swing Arm LampsAdjustable arms give you flexibility, which is especially handy if you switch between makeup and mood lighting. The lived-in brass patina just gets better with time.save pin3. Edison Bulb PendantExposed filament bulbs instantly infuse warmth and nostalgia. Just remember they can be more about ambiance than task lighting, so pair them with brighter sources.save pin4. Crystal Drop Vanity LightsFor a little bit of old Hollywood glamour, small crystal accents above the mirror sparkle beautifully. They’re a cleaning commitment, but worth it.save pin5. Art Deco Flush MountA statement ceiling fixture with geometric details can anchor the entire bathroom. I once found the perfect one at a flea market, rewired it, and it’s still working perfectly.save pin6. Industrial Cage SconcesThey bring in a raw, factory style that pairs surprisingly well with clawfoot tubs. Midway through one project, I used a free floor plan creator to test positions so the shadows cast by the cages wouldn’t hit awkward spots.save pin7. Porcelain Base Wall LampsDelicate yet sturdy, these nod to early 20th-century utilitarian fixtures. They fit beautifully in crisp white bathrooms.save pin8. Lantern-Style PendantsPerfect if your bathroom has a vintage farmhouse vibe. I love using them over a freestanding sink to create a “story” corner.save pin9. French-Style Candle SconcesThese sconces, with faux candles and wax drips, add romance. In one reno, I tested their exact height using a bathroom design tool to avoid glare in the mirror.save pin10. Milk Glass Vanity BarsTimeless, soft diffused light that’s easy on the eyes. They aren’t overly bright, so I often install them as secondary lighting.save pinFAQQ: Can I mix vintage and modern lighting in one bathroom?A: Absolutely — mixing eras can create a layered, curated look.Q: Do vintage lights need rewiring?A: Most antique fixtures will, but modern reproductions give you the look without the hassle.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE