Vintage style consistently remains in vogue, whether in fashion, automobiles, or home décor. However, incorporating vintage elements into home interiors can be a matter of personal taste; an all-vintage look might render a space somewhat dated. Nevertheless, bathrooms are often regarded as ideal spaces to embrace vintage aesthetics. Many homeowners are integrating vintage-inspired elements into contemporary homes, using nostalgic colors and recognizable features, with tiles serving as an excellent medium to evoke vintage charm. Below, we present 15 examples of bathroom tiles — from black and white patterns to hexagons, penny tiles, and subway styles — that will lend your bathroom a timeless yet trendy vintage flair.
Two prominent vintage styles enjoying a revival are the 20th-century Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements. These eras, noted for their distinct European influence, are easily replicated. Art Deco is characterized by geometric, symmetrical shapes, bold colors, and ornamental patterns, as exemplified by the Chrysler Building’s design. In contrast, Art Nouveau features more floral elements, asymmetrical designs, and nature-inspired forms. To incorporate Art Nouveau elements into your home, consider arches and mosaics, while an Art Deco theme can be achieved through strict patterns and a simpler color palette. Discover examples of each style below, along with additional nostalgic trends to enhance your bathroom tiling.
Black and White Tiles
Black and white geometric tiles exemplify Art Deco style, resonating with many due to their 20th-century popularity. The pattern depicted, featuring black square tiles angled between larger white tiles, is a nostalgic choice that remains simple. The Merola Tile Chelsea black floor tiles from Home Depot capture this look effortlessly, with the black tiles integrated into the design for easier installation.
Zellige Tiles
Zellige tiles are handcrafted Moroccan ceramics dating back to the 10th century. These tiles, available as unique square pieces, ensure no two are identical despite uniform measurements. Choose vibrant zellige tiles in greens and blues for an Art Nouveau palette, or opt for neutral pieces to maintain the enduring vintage aesthetic in your bathroom.
Hexagonal Tile
A hallmark of the Art Deco era is its refined geometric patterns. Hexagonal tiles impart a vintage ambiance, providing flexibility in color and pattern choices. The intricate black and white hexagons shown above double down on vintage trends, yet any size or color of hexagon tiles can achieve a distinctive vintage vibe.
Subway Tiling
Subway tiles are a go-to choice for maximizing style in compact spaces. Typically arranged in an offset manner for added interest, these chic tiles have been trendy for decades. Subway tiles harken back to early 1900s New York subway stations, offering a variety of colors and patterns for creative expression.
Floral Patterned Tiles
Chic floral tiles, an Art Nouveau staple, echo the era’s fluid and effortless style. Peel-and-stick options allow you to experiment with this look before committing to renovations. The ACHIM retro vinyl floor tiles from Home Depot offer the benefits of floral designs with a 1970s color palette, uniting two key vintage eras seamlessly. Alternatively, the FloorPops Pink and Green Floral Floor Tiles provide brighter options.
Checkered Tiles
Checkered floor tiles predate the vintage era, with origins tracing back to ancient Egyptian architecture. This enduring style remains a wise investment for a timeless vintage look. A simple black and white checkerboard can bring this classic design to life, but infusing color with blue or pink options complements other vintage palettes.
Emerald Green Tiles
Emerald green, a vintage classic, gained popularity during the Victorian era as a symbol of wealth and luxury. This hue’s continued appeal lies in its ability to be both regal and earthy. Glossy, deep emerald tiles in a simple pattern will enhance this aesthetic, allowing the floor to stand out against a minimalistic bathroom backdrop.
Penny Tiles
Penny tiling, a vintage technique from the early 20th century, became synonymous with Art Deco in the 1920s. This trend focuses on shape and size rather than color, offering chic matte white or black options, or bolder hues like blues and yellows that align with Art Deco design.
Light Green Tiles
Green is integral to vintage palettes, warranting the inclusion of two shades. If emerald isn’t your preference, consider light avocado green, a staple in 1970s bathroom design. Although newer trends favor sage and olive greens, avocado green remains a viable choice for achieving a vintage aesthetic.
Brick-Colored Tiling
The reddish-brown brick color has a long-standing presence in design, thanks to clay’s architectural significance. Modern options like the Merola Tile Americana Boston North porcelain squares from Home Depot offer the smooth, even surface of brick without its uneven texture, maintaining the familiar color.
The Eight Point Star
Art Deco designs often feature an eight-point star, reflecting the era’s love for symmetry and distinctive patterns. This motif is easily found in vintage tile searches. For an authentic Art Deco look, opt for a simple black and white version, such as the INNO STICKERS Peel and Stick Black and White Star Contact Paper, though colorful variations are also available.
Sunflower Yellow Tiles
Bold yellows recall 1950s to 1970s palettes, especially when paired with greens and oranges. Searching for “sunflower yellow” or “mustard yellow” tiles yields numerous options for a vibrant vintage flair. This color pairs well with white features, greenery, and light wood, complementing hexagon or subway shapes for a sunny bathroom atmosphere.
Fish Scale Tiles
The fish scale shape, with its Mediterranean origins, is a timeless option that suits any color. These tiles can be oriented in various directions, achieving effects from swimming fish to fans or waves. The Porcetile Porcelain Fish Scale Tiles from Home Depot, made with White Carrara materials, offer a vintage look with modern appeal.
Light Pink Tiling
Certain pink hues, labeled by paint companies as “Retro Pink” or “Vintage Pink,” are quintessentially vintage. These subdued, light Art Nouveau pinks introduce nostalgia and can be paired with vintage greens and yellows for a retro vibe or neutrals for a modern twist.
Dark Blue
Dark blue tiles have a rich history, particularly in Mediterranean regions like Morocco. Zellige tiles often feature dark blue hues, symbolizing water and imparting a luxurious aesthetic. The Merola Hudson Tangier Sapphire blue tiles from Home Depot can help achieve this timeless look, pairing well with greens, yellows, and whites for a refreshing bathroom feel.
