The most sterile (at least we hope it is) room in your house doesn't have to be stylistically sterile. If you don't want your bathroom to look like a hotel (or even worse, a motel) or a store showroom, incorporating a piece of vintage or antique furniture can add a big dose of character and charm.

And you don't have to spend a lot. In fact, you may find a mismatched chair or inherited dresser that has been cast aside elsewhere in your home. A thrift store or garage sale chair will often do the trick, especially when covered with a stack of towels. And an old dresser brings the added bonus of extra storage space. If you do use a pricey antique piece, be careful about water damage; wood pieces can be coated with a special protective stain to protect the finish.

In the photos above, vintage furniture has been simply added to existing bathrooms — but not repurposed or converted into vanities. That is a whole different ballgame.

1. A weathered old chair, candelabra and towel rack in a bathroom in Country Living . Of course, it helps to have a claw foot tub and stained glass window…

2. Formal and elegant from House Beautiful.

3. Over the top drama from Country Living.

4. Another from House Beautiful. Love the old china cabinet.

5. One more from Country Living.

6. A vintage 1940s wing chair softens up the Ann Sacks Carrara marble in this bathroom designed by DC-based interior designer Daryl Carter. Found on wreckorated.

7. I just love this bathroom from photographer Justin Bernhaut, courtesy of Desire to Inspire.

8. Marie Claire Maison.

9. Habitually Chic.

Images: As credited/linked above

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