vintage tile bathroom ideas for a retro look

vintage bathroom tile ideas and design inspiration

the beauty of a vintage-inspired bathroom is there are so many directions you can take. classic black and white checkerboard patterns evoke a timeless, retro charm, ideal for pairing with vintage fixtures. or, for a softer look, you might try pastel tiles in mint, pink, or yellow. hexagon tiles offer intricate, nostalgic style, while subway tiles provide a classic, streamlined feel. the sky’s the limit, and here are just a few ideas to inspire.

1. classic black and white checkerboard pattern

a black and white checkerboard pattern on the floor brings undeniably retro, yet classic charm. reminiscent of 1920s and 1950s decor, this high-contrast style adds instant drama to the space. the bold, alternating squares also create a clean, geometric look that pairs well with both traditional and modern decor.

checkerboard floors work especially well with clawfoot tubs, vintage vanities, and chrome or brass fixtures. the pattern can also be adapted to walls for a striking, eye-catching effect. you have your options when it comes to tile, too — some people use cement tiles to achieve this aesthetic, while others opt for natural stone such as marble or limestone.

2. soft pastel tiles for a 1950s flair

if you want to capture the sweet, nostalgic feel of the 1950s, look to soft pastel tiles. shades like mint green, baby pink, powder blue, and soft yellow can create a cozy, cheerful bathroom with vintage flair. cement tile is especially well suited for this look because of its vast array of color options. another type of tile to explore is zellige.

pastel tiles work well on walls, floors, and as accents — and they pair beautifully with retro fixtures and chrome details. this color palette can make a bathroom feel light and airy, adding a touch of playfulness and whimsy. for a true 1950s-inspired space, pair pastels with white or black accents and a retro-style sink or vanity.

3. hexagon tiles for a retro twist

hexagon tiles offer a retro twist that feels both vintage and timeless. popular in early 20th-century homes, hex tiles can create intricate patterns or a simple, classic look depending on the color and grout choice. they also add a sophisticated charm and a sense of historical authenticity, blending well with vintage fixtures, clawfoot tubs, and antique-inspired lighting.

hex tiles suit both small and large spaces, making them a versatile retro choice. as is the case with many vintage-inspired looks, cement tile is an excellent choice here. you’ll also find hexagonal tile offerings in marble, zellige, travertine, and terracotta.

4. subway tiles for a classic look

subway tiles are a classic option that dates back to the early 1900s. (they are often used in subway stations, hence the name.) their rectangular, brick-like shape adds a clean, streamlined look to bathroom walls — especially when you opt for tried-and-true white ceramic tiles, which are blessedly easy to keep clean.

while white tiles bring a timeless simplicity, don’t sleep on other colors (and materials!) of subway tile. these can add a modern retro twist to the classic look, pairing well with vintage and industrial-style bathrooms alike. and no matter what tile layout you go for, subway tiles are an enduring choice for those seeking classic appeal.

5. penny round tiles for vintage elegance

penny rounds bring a sense of vintage elegance to any bathroom. commonly found in early 20th-century bathrooms, these tiny, round mosaic tiles can be used on floors or walls and look charming with either matching or contrasting grout. they add a nostalgic touch while offering flexibility in creating patterns or borders, and they create a soft, textured appearance that’s both playful and classic.

these tiles pair beautifully with vintage fixtures and accessories, of course, adding a unique, handcrafted feel to the space. they also play well with large and small bathrooms alike.

6. art deco inspired tiles

art deco inspired tiles bring the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s into the bathroom. with bold geometric patterns, fan motifs, and metallic accents, these tiles create a sophisticated, luxurious look. art deco tiles often come in rich colors like black, gold, emerald, and navy, adding depth and drama to the space. we especially love cement tiles for this look (enter: our radar hex tiles) along with gold zellige tiles.

whether used on walls, floors, or as accents, these (almost) vintage tiles evoke the elegance and style of the roaring twenties. they pair beautifully with opulent fixtures and mirrors, creating a chic, retro-inspired bathroom that exudes character and charm.

7. bold, patterned cement tiles

bold, patterned cement tiles add an worldly, yet vintage charm to the bathroom. known for their intricate, hand-crafted designs and matte finish, these tiles lend a rustic, old-world feel with a modern twist. often featuring vibrant patterns in blues, greens, and earth tones, cement tiles make a bold statement on bathroom floors or accent walls.

another perk: cement tiles are durable and wear well over time, and they’re one of the best tile types for developing a natural patina over time. for a retro-inspired bathroom, these tiles add personality and artistry, complementing minimalist or eclectic decor with a timeless flair.

8. terracotta tiles for a rustic vintage look

terracotta tiles have a way of bringing a warm and rustic vintage look to any bathroom. with earthy, clay-based tones, these tiles evoke a mediterranean or southwestern feel, perfect for creating a cozy and welcoming space. terracotta also adds texture and warmth and ages beautifully, gaining character over time.

this material pairs well with natural elements like wood, stone, and metal, making it ideal for vintage and bohemian decor. in bathrooms, terracotta can be used on floors or walls to create a relaxed, grounded ambience that feels both timeless and inviting.

9. brick tiles for an industrial retro style

brick tiles provide an industrial retro style that works beautifully in a bathroom with a vintage edge. reminiscent of exposed brick walls in old factories, brick tiles add texture and character, creating a rugged yet stylish look. often found in shades of red, gray, and white, these tiles work well with matte black fixtures and reclaimed wood accents.

fancy the city life? a brick bathroom can also evoke a raw, urban feel, ideal for loft-style and rustic-industrial spaces. when paired with industrial lighting, they give a sense of history and depth, transforming the space into a chic, vintage-inspired retreat.

10. zellige tiles for a luxurious vintage touch

with their hand-crafted, glazed surfaces that catch the light beautifully, zellige tiles bring a luxurious vintage touch to the bathroom. originating from moroccan design, these tiles come in rich, earthy colors and have a unique, organic look. (each tile has slight variations in tone.) their glossy, uneven surfaces create a timeless charm, ideal for vintage-inspired or bohemian bathrooms.

zellige tiles work wonderfully on walls or as a vanity backsplash, bringing a sense of artistry and depth to the space. they pair famously with brass fixtures and natural materials, as well creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

color scheme ideas for a retro-inspired bathroom

there are many glorious bathrooms from decades past, with just as many inspiring color schemes. here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing.

black and white

classic for a reason, this color scheme offers an ageless and elegant look. black and white tiles create a bold, clean contrast and can be arranged in patterns like checkerboard or intricate mosaics. their simplicity makes it easy to add vintage fixtures, creating a sophisticated, 1920s-inspired aesthetic.

soft pastels

light pinks, blues, and greens add a gentle, nostalgic feel to a vintage-style bathroom. these colors are reminiscent of mid-century design, bringing a sense of calm and brightness to the space. soft pastel tiles pair well with white or neutral accents for a clean, cheerful look.

earthy browns and oranges

earthy tones evoke a cozy, rustic charm that plays beautifully into a retro bathroom. these colors were popular in the 1970s and bring warmth to the space. you may even arrange brown and orange tiles in geometric or floral patterns for a comforting and natural vibe.

bright pinks and greens

for a bold and playful vintage look, bright pinks and greens offer lively, 1950s-style flair. this energetic palette instantly brightens up a space, often paired with contrasting whites or blacks. the vivid colors make a fun statement and add cheerful character to the room.

bold blues and yellows

blue and yellow tiles create a vibrant, sunny aesthetic that’s also ideal for a retro bathroom. this cheerful pairing adds energy and brightness, channeling the optimism of the mid-20th century. use them in a pattern or mosaic to make the space feel unique and uplifting.