10 Retro 70s Bathroom Ideas: Bring Back Groovy Vibes with These 70s Bathroom InspirationsElena MorrisJan 20, 2026Table of Contents1. Bold Retro Color Palettes2. Statement Patterned Tiles3. Wood Paneling Revival4. Funky Lighting Fixtures5. Pedestal Sinks6. Retro-Inspired Wallpaper7. Built-In Bathroom Seating8. Curved Edges and Fixtures9. Shag Rugs & Retro Textiles10. Original 70s BathtubsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI still remember the first time I was asked to remodel a 70s-style bathroom. The client proudly showed me orange tiles, avocado green fixtures, and a fuzzy toilet seat cover — all original from 1974. My first thought was, “We can have fun with this.” That’s the beauty of small spaces: even the quirkiest ideas can shine. Today, I’m sharing 10 creative ways to reimagine a 70s bathroom, blending retro charm with modern comfort. (And yes, you can keep the shag rug if you insist!) Check out how I planned this space using a vintage-inspired layout plan without losing functionality.1. Bold Retro Color PalettesThink mustard yellows, avocado greens, and burnt oranges. These colors scream 70s, but if you balance them with fresh white accents, you’ll avoid overwhelming the room.save pin2. Statement Patterned TilesGeometric or floral ceramic tiles instantly take you back in time. I love using them as an accent wall in the shower – it’s a visual punch without taking over the whole space.save pin3. Wood Paneling RevivalNatural teak or walnut paneling adds warmth. In the 70s, bathrooms often went full wood, but I prefer using it halfway up the wall for a more modern twist.save pin4. Funky Lighting FixturesBubble glass pendants or smoked glass sconces add that groovy glow. They look even better paired with dimmable warm bulbs for that late-night retro mood.save pin5. Pedestal SinksSeventies bathrooms often had standalone sinks that felt sculptural. Modern versions are slimmer, great for tight spaces, and still offer that classic elegance.save pin6. Retro-Inspired WallpaperA bold floral or geometric wallpaper can transform a plain wall instantly. I once paired it with a soft beige tub, and it felt like stepping into a time machine midway through the project I used a space mapping concept to ensure the bold design didn’t overpower the room.save pin7. Built-In Bathroom SeatingA small bench by the window or in the shower adds luxury. In the 70s, people loved lounging in their bathrooms (yes, really).save pin8. Curved Edges and FixturesRounded mirrors, soft-edged vanities, and curved shelves keep the retro flow going while avoiding the hard, angular look of more modern styles.save pin9. Shag Rugs & Retro TextilesWhile not the most practical for damp spaces, a small washable shag rug by the sink can be a fun nod to the era. Just keep a spare in rotation for laundry day.save pin10. Original 70s BathtubsIf you’re lucky enough to have a colored built-in tub (hello avocado green), consider refinishing it instead of replacing it. It saves money and keeps the authentic charm alive. Some of my favorite restorations came from carefully planning around existing fixtures using a retro bathroom design idea workflow.save pinFAQQ: How do I keep a 70s bathroom from feeling outdated?A: Balance bold retro elements (like tile and color) with modern shapes, cleaner lines, and updated lighting.Q: Is it expensive to renovate with a 70s vibe?A: Not necessarily — many retro touches can be achieved with paint, vintage accessories, and minor fixture swaps.Q: Can I mix 70s elements with other decades?A: Absolutely, blending eras often creates a unique and personal space that feels curated rather than themed.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