Mid-century modern design is making a big comeback these days.
With its clean lines, vintage vibes, and focus on functionality, it’s no wonder this classic style is as popular as ever for contemporary homes.
And the bathroom is no exception!
A mid-century modern bathroom can provide a nice dose of retro flair while still feeling fresh and current.
Now you will get plenty of tips and insights so you can determine which options fit your personal style and budget.
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Add Patterns With Geometric Tile
One of the hallmarks of mid-century modern design is the use of bold, geometric patterns.
And what better place to incorporate this than on the floors and walls of your bathroom!
From hexagons to triangles and everything in between, geometric tile instantly evokes a retro vibe.
For a more subdued look, stick to black and white tile in graphic shapes.
Or go bold with terra-cotta, sea green, or other vibrant hues.
Mixing and matching tile patterns and colors creates visual interest.
Play with different scales too – try a large-scale geometric tile on the floor and smaller mosaic tiles on the walls.
The geometric tile trend is hot right now, so you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from.
When planning your new mid-century tile installation, be sure to work with an experienced tile setter.
Careful prep work is crucial to ensuring a long-lasting floor and wall tile installation.
And don’t forget the grout!
For a seamless geometric look, choose a grout color that matches or blends in with the tile.
I love using geometric tile in a mid-century bath – it’s an easy way to get the modernist look you want without going overboard.
The graphic shapes and colors make a bold statement.
Have fun playing with different patterns and scales to design a tile scheme that’s just right for your space.
Select Streamlined Fixtures
The mid-century modern aesthetic extends beyond just the colors and patterns in the space – the fixtures and finishes should also have that clean, pared-down look.
When selecting plumbing fixtures for your mid-century bathroom, look for simple silhouettes and designs.
For the sink, a wall-mounted style with an angled basin embodies mid-century style.
This streamlined look opens up the vanity space below and highlights the gorgeous sink fixture.
Or consider a pedestal sink – the exposed plumbing adds to the retro vibe.
Other options like floating vanities or open shelving under the sink keep the space looking airy and decluttered.
In terms of faucets, opt for a gooseneck style or other simple high-arc shape.
Look for single-lever handles rather than cross, star, or widespread handles for a more minimalist look.
And for the shower, go for a simple rain showerhead.
Many companies now make showerheads and faucets in nostalgic mid-century shapes and finishes.
When it comes to finishes, chrome and polished nickel are perfect for a mid-century bath.
But don’t be afraid to have some fun with colorful fixtures – mint green, sunny yellow, or bright red sinks and tubs can lend a playful pop.
Just keep the shapes clean and minimal.
Every fixture should feel intentional.
With the right streamlined sinks, faucets, and other accents, your mid-century bathroom will have that effortlessly cool vibe.
Quality plumbing fixtures designed in classic mid-century shapes can last for years, too.
Incorporate Wood Accents
While many mid-century bathrooms have a sleek, space-age look, bringing in natural wood elements creates some warmth.
Wood adds both texture and a vintage touch to balance out all that tile and chrome.
One way to incorporate wood is through the vanity.
A simple wood vanity, either custom built or store bought, makes a statement in any mid-century bath.
Play with different stains and finishes to find the right tone.
Teak and walnut are perfect for achieving that rich mid-century look.
Or keep it light with maple or ash wood.
Beyond the vanity, look for other ways to work in wood accents:
– Floating wood shelving, either open or enclosed with doors
– Wood-framed mirrors or medicine cabinets
– Wood ceiling beams or decorative wall paneling
– Wood penny tile floor inlays
– A mounted wood magazine rack or wall-mounted candle ledges
– Wood-framed sliding barn doors for the toilet area
– A wood slab sink or tub surround
– Wood stools, shelves, or bathtub trays
– Woven raffia or rattan wall baskets
Mixing natural wood tones with bright whites, sleek metals, and colorful tile keeps the space feeling fun and youthful.
And don’t forget the plants!
macramé plant hangers and succulents in ceramic Mid-Century planters add another organic texture.
Wood brings warmth and vintage simplicity to any mid-century modern bathroom.
Choose Colorful Plumbing Pieces
As mentioned earlier, don’t be shy about infusing color into your mid-century bathroom.
Beyond just tile, look for ways to incorporate colorful elements through plumbing pieces and accessories.
Vintage-style bathtubs come in a rainbow of retro colors – from bubblegum pink to robin’s egg blue.
Make the tub the main event by keeping the surrounding walls and floor tile neutral.
Or create an accent wall behind the tub in a coordinating punchy hue.
If a colored tub feels like too much of a commitment, add a removable tub liner or even just a tub rug in a fun pattern and colors.
The flexibility means you can switch up the look each season.
Similarly, pick shower curtains and towels in vibrant colors and prints.
Geometric, abstract, floral – have fun finding unexpected patterns that feel modern and playful.
Hang up a multi-colored sham for a DIY mid-century look.
Lastly, colorful faucets are an easy way to spice up the space.
Yellow, aqua, tomato red – vibrant faucets in surprising hues add eye-catching style.
Just balance them out with neutral walls so the colors really pop.
And don’t forget the accessories – wastebaskets, soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, shower caddies – they come in all different colors to mix and match.
Color gives any mid-century bathroom an energizing personality.
With colorful tiles, tub, and accents, you can create a cheerful oasis with a retro vibe.
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Install Wall-to-Wall Mirrors
Want to add drama and the illusion of more space?
Take a cue from mid-century style and install an expansive wall-to-wall bathroom mirror.
The uninterrupted reflective surface makes small bathrooms appear double the size.
For a true mid-century look, choose a razor-thin frameless mirror that blends seamlessly into the wall tile.
Many companies now make modern frameless mirrors to fit any space.
If the wall-to-wall look feels too bold, break it up by flanking the mirror with sconces or preceding it with a long floating vanity.
Or frame it with wood slats for a warmer look.
The mirror itself can also become an art piece.
Look for round, oval, or starburst-shaped mirrors for retro flair.
Hang one asymmetrically over the vanity.
Or create a geometric mirror collage for lots of shape and shine.
Don’t forget to accentuate the light fixture too.
Mid-century bathrooms often featured globe or cone-shaped pendants dangling over round vanity mirrors.
Update the look with an adjustable LED fixture.
No matter which shape or style you choose, a full-wall mirror expands the bathroom’s dimension and immediately ups the mid-century vibe.
It’s an eye-catching way to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
Select Vintage-Style Lighting
The right lighting makes all the difference in setting the mid-century mood.
Vintage-style lighting fixtures add retro appeal and create an ambient glow.
For a centerpiece pendant that steals the show, look for sputnik-style chandeliers with distinctive orbital shapes.
Or go ultra-modern with a pair of globe or cone-shaped pendants.
The Edison bulb trend is perfect for mid-century spaces, so stock up on some filament bulbs.
If pendants don’t fit the space, consider an articulating wall arm.
Mounted above the mirror, this adjustable arm light sheds direct light for grooming.
Look for slender arms and cone-shaped shades.
Don’t forget about sconces!
Frame the mirror or vanity with customizable mid-century sconces.
Opt for ball, orb, or cone-shaped shades.
The goal is evenly distributed ambient lighting.
Dimmer switches allow you to control the mood.
And take advantage of natural light whenever possible.
Large windows, skylights, and sun tunnels enhance the airy mid-century vibe and reduce energy usage.
Just balance it out with blackout window treatments.
With the right mix of pendant lighting, sconces, and natural light, your mid-century bathroom will have a flawless retro-inspired glow.
Vintage shapes, articulating arms, and smart lighting dimmers keep the space feeling fresh.
Incorporate Unexpected Materials
Mid-century modern designers were renowned for thinking outside the box when it came to materials.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate unexpected materials like concrete, brick, stone, and metal to accent your mid-century bathroom remodel.
Concrete adds an organic, earthy texture as a vanity countertop or tub surround.
Stain it in bold hues for pops of color.
Or use white concrete for a beachy vibe.
Concrete basin sinks are also a popular mid-century trend.
Exposed brick lends an industrial loft feel on one wall.
Paint it white for contrast or keep it natural red.
Mini subway tiles laid in a brick pattern are another option.
Natural stone like marble, granite, or travertine tile evokes mid-century style, as does pebble mosaic tile.
Use stone accents sparingly on the floor, walls or countertops.
Hammered copper sinks have that worn, vintage look.
And don’t forget corten steel, a weathering steel with a rusted finish.
Used for wall accents, a tub surround, or cabinetry, it adds an artsy touch.
Multi-toned metals like brass, copper, and stainless steel make bold mid-century accents.
With unexpected materials, think about contrasting textures and colors.
Cool smoothe metals paired with rough natural stone.
Glossy counters complemented by matte tile walls.
Mid-century design was all about blending the old with the new in playful ways.
Round Out Corners and Edges
Unlike some design styles, mid-century modern embraces rounded corners and edges.
Curved walls, oval sinks, bullnose tile – these rounded shapes soften the space for a relaxed, organic feel.
Consider adding a curved accent wall at the tub or shower.
Use bullnose edge tiles stacked in a concave pattern for the curvature.
Paint the other walls in a contrasting color to really make it pop.
Floating round mirrors work beautifully above oval or rounded-edge sinks.
Repeat bullnose edges on the floor tile and tub lip.
Create focal points with circular wall sconces or porthole style mirrors.
Round or oval bathtubs make a sculptural statement.
Soak in a built-in tub with rounded corners.
Or install a standalone oval soaking tub for a retro spa feel.
Don’t go overboard with the rounded shapes – strategically use them to offset all the mid-century rectangles and squares.
Soft curves provide breathing room and keep the space feeling relaxed.
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Zone With Screen Dividers
For a true mid-century vibe, look for creative ways to delineate different zones within an open bathroom.
Movable screen dividers instantly carve out separate spaces for the toilet, tub, and vanity while still allowing light to permeate.
Japanese-inspired shoji screens constructed of wood and rice paper filtering the light beautifully.
Or opt for wood dividers with vertical slats or basketweave patterns.
Hanging fabric curtains in lively patterns create a colorful partition.
Freestanding pedestal screens can also divide the space.
Look for circular screens or sculptural room dividers in starburst shapes and fun materials like Lucite and perforated metal.
The dividers become art themselves.
If screens aren’t your thing, use lower shelving units in wood or marble to divide the space in a subtle way.
Or install pocket doors to enclose certain areas.
Though not technically dividers, mounted magazine racks, hammocks, and open shelving help delineate different zones.
With clever dividers, you can create distinct spaces within a studio bathroom.
Zone for privacy while keeping an open, airy layout.
Screen dividers are quintessential mid-century – all about breaking conventions and using space ingeniously.
Select Vintage Furnishings
Why buy brand new pieces when you can hunt for vintage mid-century finds!
Keep costs down while achieving authentic retro style by furnishing your new bathroom with second-hand mid-century treasures.
Scour consignment stores, garage sales, estate sales, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for fabulous mid-century home furnishings priced affordably.
Here are some pieces worth seeking out:
– Round or starburst mirrors
– Globe pendant lights or sculptural sconces
– Colorful plumbing fixtures like sinks and tubs
– Wood magazine racks or wall-mounted cabinets
– Rattan open shelving or wall baskets
– Porcelain, enamel, or copper canisters
– Swedish plastic organizers for makeup, cotton balls, etc.
– Ceramic planters or pole stands for plants
– Wood or upholstered bench seating
– Wool rag rugs in graphic patterns
With a good eye and a little patience, you can curate the most amazing mid-century bathroom filled with one-of-a-kind secondhand treasures.
Don’t just limit yourself to bathroom furnishings – any fun vintage or antique pieces can work.
Consider refinishing certain items to give them new life in your mid-century oasis.
And as you collect special vintage finds over the years, you can rotate pieces in and out to keep the look fresh.
Happy hunting!
Install Wallpaper Or Wood Paneling
While paint, tile, and concrete finishes are common in mid-century baths, don’t be afraid to add some visual texture and pattern through wallpaper or wood paneling.
This is an easy way to enhance a blank wall without a ton of work.
For wallpaper, look for retro prints in geometric patterns, repeating shapes, or nature motifs like palm fronds and tropical birds.
Many companies now make removable wallpaper so you can easily apply it as an accent wall and take it down later.
Use sparingly in the shower or tub area where moisture is a concern.
Real wood paneling evokes ‘70s style in the best way.
Opt for wide planks with visible wood grain for texture.
Painting it out in white or high-gloss color erases any heavy cabin vibes.
Accent one wall or use Tongue and groove planks horizontally to draw the eye.
Beyond wood and wallpaper, also consider:
– Perforated metal sheets for an industrial accent
– Beadboard wainscoting for cottage flair
– Faux brick panels for urban atmosphere
– Textured 3D tile for visual impact and shine
– Fabric wall tiles to absorb sound (great for windowless baths!)
Whatever material you choose, wallpaper and textured walls provide beautiful contrast to all the hard surfaces in a bathroom.
Use strategically to enhance the overall mid-century vibe.
Make It An Accessible Oasis
In keeping with mid-century modern principles of good design, consider making your new bathroom universally accessible and usable for all.
Even if you don’t need it now, incorporating ADA compliant features ensures the space can adapt to any future needs.
Some tips for designing an accessible mid-century bathroom:
– Include ample clear floor space and access routes of at least 30” x 48” at fixtures
– Install non-slip vinyl or tile floors with thin grout lines
– Mount the toilet and sinks at accessible heights with knee clearance below
– Use lever handles on doors and faucets that operate easily
– Incorporate grip bars, seats, anti-slip mats, and bath benches
– Ensure water controls are reachable and easy to operate
– Include at least one ADA compliant zero-step shower
– Provide even, glare-free lighting throughout
– Keep flooring level – any slopes should not exceed a 1:50 ratio
– Contrast wall colors from floors for those with low vision
Your mid-century bathroom can still have plenty of style even while following ADA guidelines!
With some thoughtful planning and small tweaks, you can design a bathroom that looks great and functions well for users of all mobility.
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Play With Scale
Finally, don’t be afraid to play around with scaled-up or scaled-down elements for unique visual contrast.
Exaggerated scales are common in mid-century interiors and make great built-in focal points.
Some ideas for playing with scale:
– Oversized wall clocks or round mirrors
– An extra-large rain showerhead
– Floating wood shelves in chunky proportions
– A double vanity with thin legs that appears to float
– Custom oversized light fixtures like cone pendants
– Mini mosaic floor tile paired with larger wall tile
– Tiny square penny tile behind the tub
– Macro photos of nature in minimalist black frames
– Low circular side tables that contrast with linear designs
Mixing in a few scaled-up or scaled-down pieces keeps the look fun and injects quirky flair.
Just be sure they make sense ergonomically.
The goal is statement accents, not odd or uncomfortable furnishings.
With creative scale play, your new mid-century bathroom will have plenty of personality.
Updating a tired bathroom with clean lines, vintage character, and a focus on organic textures makes for a peaceful yet trendy oasis.
The key is knowing which mid-century elements to embrace and how to incorporate them cohesively.
Feel free to mix and match different ideas to create a design that fits your personal style.
Mid-century style works beautifully in bathrooms for its timeless, uncluttered look.
And because it celebrates simplicity, you can actually pull it off on a budget by choosing inexpensive finishes and scouring for vintage goods.
With the right light fixtures, tile, plumbing, and accents, you can create a stunning mid-century bathroom that both looks and functions great.
What did you think of these bathroom ideas?
Which ones stand out as your favorites?
