7 retro bathroom ideas to add unique style to your scheme
Retro bathrooms are trending – and for good reason. They are a fun way to bring unique style into your scheme, with a nod to the nostalgic designs we just can’t let go of.
Since we’ve moved away from the sleek white spaces that once dominated, retro home decor ideas have prevailed thanks to their playful patterns, unexpected colors, and personality-filled features. And now, it’s time to bring that style into your bathroom.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few stylish ways to add a dose of retro style to your bathroom, from revived tile materials and bold patterns to nostalgic color combinations we just can’t get enough of.
7 ways to bring retro style to your bathroom
There are no rules when it comes to designing a retro bathroom. You can take cues from various styles and eras to create a room that feels characterful, unique, and above all, filled with nostalgia. Take a look at these retro schemes for some designer-approved inspiration.
1. Introduce a playful wallpaper design
(Image credit: House of Hackney)
Bathroom wallpaper is a great way to introduce a retro feel to your space. Think vintage-inspired prints and bold colors that add a heavy dose of personality and unique appeal.
‘Bathrooms are often the starting point for those dipping their toes into maximalism. Bathrooms offer a space where people feel they can be more adventurous with their design choices and opt for more bold and playful schemes,’ says Chloe Vince, senior decorating consultant and House of Hackney.
In this scheme, a pink and yellow feather print adds a bold design feature that feels decidedly retro, while vintage-style lighting fixtures, a mirror, and eclectic artworks add to that collected feel.
2. Embrace Art Deco style
(Image credit: BC Designs)
Retro decor is vast and varied, but the classic Art Deco aesthetic always comes to mind. If you want to take a more traditional approach to retro, this style is the perfect choice for a balance of classic and character – much like this scheme.
‘There is a lot to love about this bathroom! Its design has been centered on a Victorian bathhouse, with reference to the tile design and colors. The tiles create a backdrop for the star of the show which is the bath,’ says Keeley Sutcliffe, design manager at BC Designs.
‘A replica of a 20th-century fireclay model, it has bulb feet for an art deco interpretation, and which replaced the traditional claw feet as the design moved towards organic, softer curves. Even the finishing touches down to the style of the towel rail and the towels themselves have a distinct retro and vintage feel.’
3. Bring back terrazzo tastefully
(Image credit: Ca’ Pietra)
Terrazzo bathrooms are making a comeback, and it’s the perfect material to create a retro bathroom scheme. It’s a material heavily associated with mid-century style, making it the perfect nostalgic feature.
‘Terrazzo is the ultimate throwback material, and its use in bathrooms brings a playful yet sophisticated nod to 1970s design,’ says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
‘In this particular bathroom design, the combination of terrazzo tiling and rich wood cabinetry creates a seamless blend of retro and modern. The earthy green walls complement the natural tones of the terrazzo, evoking a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. Meanwhile, the floating vanity in deep wood tones channels mid-century influences.’
4. Keep it classic with checkerboard bathroom flooring
(Image credit: Ripples)
There are some truly classic designs that can give your bathroom a sense of retro style, while still ensuring your design feels timeless for years to come. And one of the most coveted is checkerboard floor tiles.
‘When designing a retro bathroom, it is important that every element feels intentional. Avoid overwhelming the space with vintage details. Instead, focus on selecting key features – like a classic checkerboard floor – to serve as thoughtful focal points,’ says Kalli Karella, designer at Ripples.
‘The focus should be on subtle integration; using retro accents to add character rather than dominate the room results in a space that is both timeless and refined,’ she explains.
5. Mix different styles and eras for a retro look
(Image credit: West One Bathrooms)
When you think of something retro, it could be from a number of different styles and eras. So why not mix a few for a truly one-of-a-kind design? This will ensure your bathroom feels nostalgic yet curated, rather than a shrine to bygone eras.
‘A retro bathroom doesn’t have to have a defined period or style, but you’ll know upon entering that it has a distinct feel to it that isn’t just from the current period. Try pulling several styles and periods into one space to create a highly unique and personalized look,’ says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms.
There are references to multiple styles and eras in this bathroom design, including Victorian-style patterned floor tiles and the double sink with exposed piping reminiscent of designs from the 1900s.
‘The use of fluted lighting and tall arched mirrors give a mid-century modern feel, a style popular from the 1940s to the 1970s. Their symmetry enhances the retro aesthetic, blending Art Deco elegance with 20th-century practicality. And it all works beautifully together!’
6. Play with retro color palettes
(Image credit: Ripples)
For a retro bathroom to feel stylish in 2025, you need to add a considered balance of old and new. You want your design to feel inspired rather than a replica. And your color palette is the perfect place to focus your attention.
‘The key is balancing nostalgic touches with modern fixtures to ensure the overall design remains functional and elegant. For example, choosing a playful color palette that includes soft pastels like mint and blush,’ says Kalli.
These softer hues feel nostalgic and retro yet still look beautiful in modern-day schemes. This design is proof – the pastel colors bring in the retro style and contrast beautifully with the more contemporary vanity.
7. Install vintage-style sanitaryware
(Image credit: Thomas Crapper/Design by Millie Turner Designs/Image credit peas.in.my.pod)
Nothing says retro like an old-school-style toilet and basic. They have a retro charm about them that instantly feels vintage and full of character. Plus, they offer the right aesthetic with all the modern-day functionality you need.
This bathroom has been designed with a few retro but timeless features. The stars of the space are the vintage-inspired toilet and basin in a striking black and brass colorway.
Checkerboard floor tiles also offer a nod to retro style, while fluted paneling and a botanical stripe wallpaper instantly soften the room and bring in that more traditional feel.
It seems we’re all totally inspired by the retro revival, bringing color, pattern, and unique style to our schemes. These ideas are sure to elevate your bathroom ideas and imbue a nostalgic character that will stand the test of time.
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