10 Retro Bathroom Ideas You'll Want to Steal: Small Space, Big Retro Charm — My Top Bathroom Design TipsLena W.Jan 20, 2026Table of Contents1. Two-Tone Subway Tiles2. Vintage Patterned Floors3. Pedestal Sinks4. Pastel Fixtures5. Brass & Gold Accents6. Checkerboard Walls7. Clawfoot Tubs8. Retro Lighting9. Wall-Mounted Toilets10. Colorful Wall PanelsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEThe funniest design request I ever got? A client once asked me to recreate her grandmother’s 1970s bathroom—complete with avocado green tiles and a peach bathtub. I laughed, but then I realized: retro bathrooms can be both nostalgic and incredibly stylish if you play it right. Small bathrooms, in particular, really benefit from bold retro touches because every detail pops. Today, I’m sharing 10 retro bathroom ideas I’ve actually tested in real projects.1. Two-Tone Subway TilesI love using glossy subway tiles in alternating colors, like sky blue and white. It instantly creates a vintage diner vibe without looking like a costume set. The only tricky part is committing to the color pairing—you’ll see it every morning.save pin2. Vintage Patterned FloorsRetro bathrooms almost demand patterned floors. Think black-and-white hexagon tiles or Moroccan-inspired prints. I once worked on a tiny en-suite where the patterned floor became the entire focal point—helped by using a simple layout from my room planner project.save pin3. Pedestal SinksThey’re elegant, space-saving, and 100% retro. In a 1940s-style bathroom, I paired a slim pedestal sink with a round tilt mirror—it felt authentic and airy. The downside: you lose storage underneath, so you’ll need to plan elsewhere.save pin4. Pastel FixturesPowder blue basins or blush pink toilets? Yes, they’re making a comeback. They instantly soften sterile bathrooms and add a playful nod to the ’50s. Just beware: sourcing them can be pricey unless you luck out at a salvage store.save pin5. Brass & Gold AccentsSwap out chrome handles for brass, and your bathroom instantly feels warmer and more retro. I’ve used brushed gold taps with mint tiles—it’s a match made in design heaven.save pin6. Checkerboard WallsNot for the faint-hearted, but checkerboard tiles bring serious mid-century character. Use muted tones to tone down the drama, or contrast black with cream if you want a bold statement. I’ve done this in half-height wall tiling to save on budget when using my free floor plan creator setup.save pin7. Clawfoot TubsFew things scream retro more than a clawfoot tub. I once painted the legs in fire-engine red for a daring client—it became their favorite conversation piece. They take up space, so measure twice before committing.save pin8. Retro LightingGlobe sconces, art deco chandeliers, or industrial pendants—all add atmosphere. Lighting is an affordable way to layer in retro details without renovations.save pin9. Wall-Mounted ToiletsThey free up floor space and were surprisingly popular in the mid-century era. I’ve used them in a compact guest bath where every inch mattered; paired with patterned walls, they looked straight out of a vintage catalog.save pin10. Colorful Wall PanelsLaminated pastel panels or painted beadboard can instantly transport you to a 1960s holiday home. They’re easy to maintain and let you change the vibe faster than retiling. Recently, I added them to a rental upgrade using my bathroom design tool workflow—fast, clean, and zero grout hassle.save pinFAQQ: How can I make my small bathroom feel retro without major renovations?A: Focus on accessories—swap in a vintage mirror, patterned floor mats, and retro light fixtures. Small changes add big charm.Q: Are retro bathrooms high maintenance?A: Not necessarily. Choose materials like porcelain tiles or laminated panels for easy cleaning while keeping the style.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