Bathrooms are one of the easiest places in your home to experiment with style, and vintage tiles are making a huge comeback. From bold art deco patterns to sweet pastel squares, vintage bathroom tile ideas can instantly transform a simple space into something full of charm and personality.
Whether you’re renovating a historic home, refreshing a rental, or just craving more character, vintage-inspired tiles bring warmth, color, and a sense of history. In this guide, you’ll find 25 vintage tile ideas for bathrooms that range from classic to playful, each with practical tips and styling inspiration. Let’s dive in so you can start planning your dream bathroom makeover.
1. Classic Black and White Checkerboard
Few looks are as timeless as black and white checkerboard tiles. The bold contrast works in small powder rooms and large master baths alike, offering instant visual interest. Lay the tiles diagonally for a more dynamic vibe, or keep them in straight lines for a clean, retro feel. Pair with white subway tile walls for a cohesive finish, or embrace vintage charm with clawfoot tubs and brass fixtures.
2. Penny Round Mosaics
Penny round tiles were a bathroom staple in the early 20th century, and they’re still beloved today. Their small, circular shape adds a playful texture while keeping things elegant. Choose white for a classic vintage look, or mix in contrasting black accents to create borders or floral motifs. These tiles are slip-resistant, making them practical as well as stylish.
3. Pastel Pink Glam
Soft pink tiles bring back the mid-century magic of the 1950s. Cover an entire bathroom in pastel pink, or just add it to your shower walls for a sweet, feminine touch. Pink pairs beautifully with gold or brass fixtures for a Hollywood Regency flair, or with white and black accents for a retro diner-inspired palette.
4. Hexagon Tile Floors
Small hexagon floor tiles, often found in vintage homes, bring a timeless geometry to bathrooms. You can keep it simple with white hexagons, or add small black details for floral or honeycomb-inspired patterns. This style feels especially charming in older homes but works equally well in modern vintage-inspired spaces.
5. Subway Tile Walls
Perhaps the most iconic bathroom tile, subway tiles have been around since the early 1900s. Their clean lines make them endlessly versatile, and they pair beautifully with bold floor tiles or vintage fixtures. For extra charm, consider a colored grout like gray, black, or even soft pastel shades.
6. Moroccan-Inspired Patterns
For a global vintage twist, Moroccan-inspired tiles bring intricate patterns and bold colors into the bathroom. These geometric or floral motifs look stunning on floors, accent walls, or as a statement shower niche. They’re perfect for creating a bohemian-inspired vintage retreat.
7. Terrazzo Revival
Terrazzo tile floors first gained popularity in the 1920s, and they’re trending again today. The speckled patterns of marble, quartz, and stone chips bring playful texture and color to a bathroom. Choose pastel terrazzo for a softer vintage feel, or bold mixes for mid-century modern flair.
8. Green and White Combinations
Mint green tiles were a bathroom favorite in the 1940s and 50s, and they still exude vintage freshness today. Use them for shower surrounds, wall wainscoting, or floor accents. Pair mint with white and black for a classic palette, or with brass details for a modern vintage twist.
9. Basketweave Tile Floors
Basketweave tile patterns instantly evoke a sense of timeless craftsmanship. Typically in black and white, these interlocking patterns add depth to any bathroom floor. Pair with marble details for elegance, or keep it casual with subway tile walls.
10. Art Deco Glamour
Art Deco tile designs bring bold geometry and luxurious finishes into bathrooms. Think rich jewel tones, metallic accents, and strong angular patterns. Try emerald green tiles with gold grout, or navy and white chevron patterns for a dramatic yet vintage vibe.
11. Retro Pastel Blue
Powder blue tiles give bathrooms a cheerful mid-century feel. Pair with crisp white for a breezy coastal vibe, or with navy accents for a nautical retro look. Soft blue also works beautifully with chrome fixtures for a truly vintage appeal.
12. Diamond Pattern Tile
Tiles laid in a diamond pattern add instant visual interest, especially in classic black and white. This layout creates movement across the floor, giving bathrooms a bold yet vintage look. Consider pairing with wainscoting or beadboard for extra old-world charm.
13. Glossy Square Tiles
Small square tiles in high-gloss finishes were hugely popular in vintage bathrooms. Choose soft pastels like yellow, peach, or mint for retro authenticity. They reflect light beautifully, making small bathrooms feel brighter and larger.
14. Marble Hexagons
For a luxurious vintage twist, marble hexagon tiles blend classic geometry with elegant stone. This look is timeless in both small powder rooms and larger bathrooms. Pair with brass faucets and vintage mirrors for a refined finish.
15. Retro Yellow Sunshine
Sunny yellow tiles brighten bathrooms with a cheerful mid-century mood. Combine with white subway tiles for balance, or embrace the full vintage vibe with matching yellow walls and floors. Brass and chrome both work well with yellow for fixtures.
16. Floral Mosaic Accents
Floral mosaic designs were once common in vintage tilework, and they add playful detail to floors or shower niches. Use them as small accents against neutral tiles, or go bold with full floral borders. They’re perfect for anyone who loves garden-inspired charm.
17. Two-Tone Tile Walls
Create a vintage-inspired contrast by using two colors of wall tiles. Popular combinations include pink and black, green and white, or blue and yellow. Use darker tiles on the bottom half for grounding and lighter tiles on top for airy balance.
18. Checkerboard Pastels
If you love checkerboard but want something softer, opt for pastel versions. Mint and white, peach and cream, or pink and gray all bring a fun retro twist to this classic pattern. Perfect for vintage-loving homeowners who want something playful yet chic.
19. Subway Tile with Colored Borders
Classic subway tiles can be dressed up with vintage-style colored borders. Think black trim against white walls, or pastel trims for a 1950s-inspired twist. This small detail adds a lot of charm without overwhelming the space.
20. Terracotta Warmth
Terracotta tiles bring old-world Mediterranean warmth into bathrooms. Their earthy tones pair beautifully with wood vanities and vintage brass accents. Choose hexagon or square terracotta tiles for a rustic yet timeless effect.
21. Tiny Mosaic Borders
Vintage bathrooms often featured decorative mosaic borders running along walls or floors. Recreate this look with contrasting tiles, either geometric or floral. Borders help define spaces and add delicate detail.
22. Black Tile Drama
While lighter pastels are common, black tiles can create a moody, vintage-inspired bathroom. Pair glossy black tiles with chrome or brass fixtures for old-Hollywood drama. Use sparingly on floors or shower walls to avoid making the space feel too dark.
23. Geometric Mid-Century Patterns
Mid-century modern tiles often featured bold geometric designs. Triangles, diamonds, or starbursts in muted colors work beautifully in vintage bathrooms. Use them as accent floors, backsplashes, or shower wall highlights.
24. White and Gold Elegance
For a glamorous vintage vibe, pair crisp white tiles with gold accents. Use gold grout, trim pieces, or metallic accent tiles for sparkle. This combination feels timeless while offering just the right amount of luxury.
25. Patchwork Tile Mix
If you can’t decide on just one vintage style, patchwork tiling is a perfect solution. Mix different patterned tiles in a coordinated color scheme for a playful, eclectic vibe. This works beautifully on accent walls, shower niches, or even small bathroom floors.
Quick Bonus Styling Tricks
- Add vintage light fixtures like sconces or globe pendants to highlight your tilework.
- Mix modern vanities with vintage-inspired tiles for a balanced look.
- Use antique mirrors or medicine cabinets to enhance retro charm.
- Layer soft textiles like fringed rugs or embroidered towels to warm up tiled spaces.
Conclusion
Vintage tile ideas for bathrooms are more than just a design trend — they’re a way to bring character, history, and joy into your daily routine. From checkerboard floors to pastel walls, these 25 ideas show how versatile vintage tile can be in any size or style of bathroom.
Which idea was your favorite? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to save this article on Pinterest for your next bathroom refresh. If you’re planning a full home makeover, you’ll also love our guides on cozy vintage kitchens and timeless entryway decor.
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