The 1950s were a time of great change and opulence in America, and this was reflected in home decorating trends of the era. Bathrooms in particular saw a shift towards more vibrant, colorful styles. After the drab utility bathrooms of the war and Depression eras, homeowners were eager to embrace exciting new looks for their most private spaces. Major advancements in plumbing technology during this prosperous postwar period made elaborate bathrooms more attainable for the average family. Let’s take a look back at some of the most popular bathroom color schemes of the fabulous fifties!
Pink Bathrooms
No color represents the 1950s aesthetic quite like pink. It popped up everywhere in fashion, cars, and interior decor of the time. For bathrooms, various shades of pink provided a soft, feminine touch. Pink tile, walls, fixtures, and accessories gave bathrooms a warm, welcoming feel. Light pink was especially popular for creating a delicate nursery or powder room. Hot pink brought serious drama for a bold retro style statement. Pink bathrooms remain a classic choice still used today to evoke midcentury style.
Turquoise Bathrooms
Turquoise was another favorite bathroom color of the 1950s. The cool blue-green hue lent bathrooms a refreshing, aquatic look. Turquoise tile, toilet tanks, sinks, bathtubs, and accessories provided the trendy pop of color people desired. Combining turquoise with neutral white subway tile and white or chrome fixtures kept the look clean and stylish. For the ultra trendy, entirely turquoise bathrooms from floor to ceiling created a bold, eye-catching showcase. The color turquoise became a hallmark of 50s decor and still adds a vibrant retro vibe to bathrooms today.
Yellow Bathrooms
Bright, sunny yellow was a common choice for 50s bathrooms seeking a cheerful, upbeat look. Various shades of yellow paired beautifully with white tile and fixtures. Pastel lemon and buttercream yellow had a soft, soothing effect, while vibrant citron and gold-toned yellows made more of a statement. Black and white geometric floor tile offset with yellow walls and accessories was a popular combination. Yellow bathrooms spanning the spectrum from pale to bright offered the positive, optimistic spirit of the era. Yellow remains a classic option for bathrooms needing a dose of energy and positivity.
Black and White Bathrooms
For the ultra chic, black and white color schemes were the height of 1950s sophistication. Dramatic contrast between the two colors created a bold, glamorous look. Subway tile, checkerboard tile, or glossy black tile served as the backdrop for white porcelain fixtures and black metal accents. Hollywood Regency styles favored by the wealthy also featured black and white floral tile, fur rugs, and lacquered black wooden vanities. While more elaborate versions were aspirational, clean black and white bathrooms were attainable for the average American seeking a taste of luxury. The timeless combo still imparts sleek, elegant style today.
Pastel Bathrooms
Soft, sweet pastels were the essence of 1950s femininity and elegance. Bathrooms featuring multiple pastel colors like pink, mint green, pale yellow, and baby blue captured an Easter egg-like playfulness. Robin’s egg blue was particularly popular. Pastel tile, walls, sinks, tubs, and toilets created a delicate, soothing oasis. Combining pastels with glossy white fixtures kept the look feeling fresh and clean. While associated with innocence and charm, using all pastels in moderation provided enough color without becoming overwhelming. Pastel palettes remain a lovely vintage-inspired choice.
Green Bathrooms
As a natural color, various shades of green were common options for 1950s bathrooms seeking an earthy vibe. Light minty greens and chartreuse paired nicely with white for a crisp, refreshing look. Deep emerald greens and jade made bold color statements, echoing the tropical, tiki designs gaining popularity. Combining green walls with floral patterns and rattan furnishings completed the jungle theme. For a look that didn’t feel too fussy, olive greens and lime greens provided a punch of color with more versatility. Today, green bathrooms spanning the spectrum from light to dark continue to feel both stylish and soothing.
Metallic Bathrooms
Nothing said 1950s quite like metallic accents. Gold, silver, and copper added a healthy dose of glitz and glamour to bathrooms. Metallic wallpaper, tile, sinks, faucets, and accessories contributed rich pops of shine. Gold foil wallpaper felt particularly old Hollywood. Metallic finishes looked striking combined with neutral white or black. Copper penny tile flooring remains trendy today for creating gleaming vintage allure. While many metals became popular during the era, chrome was the undisputed king of 1950s bathrooms. Sleek, shiny chrome fixtures and hardware epitomized midcentury modern style.
Color Combinations
While single colors dominated many 1950s bathrooms, creative combinations also emerged:
| Pink and Gray | Soft pink walls and tiles balanced with charcoal gray floors and fixtures |
| Turquoise and Yellow | Turquoise sinks and bathtubs energized with vibrant yellow walls and accessories |
| Coral and Mint Green | Playful pairing of salmon coral with refreshing mint green |
| Lavender and White | Pale purple walls and tile paired with clean white porcelain fixtures |
| Red and Black | Dramatic contrast between bright cherry red and flat black |
Color duos provided depth and visual interest compared to single color bathrooms. Homeowners embraced creativity and took more decorative risks during the prosperous, optimistic 1950s.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper opened up endless colorful possibilities for bathroom decor. Floral patterns, abstract designs, geometrics, and novelty themes covered walls and added vibrancy. Many vintage wallpaper prints featured pink, turquoise, or pastels for the quintessential 1950s bathroom palette. Metallic foil wallpapers also aligned with popular gold and silver accents. While dice, poker, and playing card wallpapers may look kitschy now, these fun motifs represented the lighthearted spirit of the era. Removable wallpaper continues to offer an easy, dramatic way to decorate bathrooms today.
Flooring
In 1950s bathrooms, flooring established the backdrop that other colors played against. Black and white checkerboard tile created a classic retro look. White, pink, or pastel mosaic tile also provided patterns underfoot. Small mosaic tile was affordable and DIY friendly for homeowners. For a sleek neutral base, glossy white subway tile with thin grout lines kept the eyes focused up. Green, turquoise, coral and other colored tile provided bolder flooring options. Vinyl asbestos tile replicated stone looks in various colors at budget prices. Many homeowners also chose linoleum with printed tile, stone, or floral patterns for bathroom floors, valued for its low cost and durability.
Fixtures
By the 1950s, widespread plumbing advancements enabled more stylized fixtures with color finishes. Pink toilets, turquoise sinks, golden faucets, and bright yellow bathtubs moved bathrooms beyond basic white. However, white porcelain fixtures remained popular paired with colored walls, tile, and accents. Streamlined rectangular sinks and toilets fit the sleek new look. For metallic shine, chrome and gold toned fixtures added glamour. Black fixtures provided sharp contrast to lighter colors. While vintage 1950s fixtures added authentic flair, many homeowners also updated to trendy new styles and colors as they became available.
Bathtubs and Showers
Built-in tubs and showers began replacing freestanding clawfoot tubs in many 1950s bathrooms. Formica shower surrounds in pink, turquoise, yellow, and other colors matched the era’s preference for glossy easy-clean materials. Some showers featured vibrant accent tile on one wall as a focal point. Corner shower units with sliding doors efficiently maximized smaller spaces. Bathtub features like integrated soap trays, steps, and even FM radio further enhanced convenience and luxury. For making a bold style statement, gold plated bathtubs reached the height of 50s opulence.
Bathroom Cabinets
Many 1950s bathrooms featured built-in cabinets for increased storage space. Wood cabinets provided warmth contrasted with cooler colored tile and porcelain. Painted wood finishes in pink, turquoise, mint, or yellow added playful pops of color. Uneven artistic wood stains were also popular. For durability, FORMICA and other plastic laminates covered cabinetry and countertops in various sheens and patterns. Built-in cabinets enhanced organization, while also allowing display of decorative accessories.
Accessories
No 1950s bathroom was complete without the era’s signature knickknacks and accessories. Ceramic figurines, plaster wall plaques, and flocked velvet prints added personality. Other trendy accents included contact paper shelf liners, wall-mounted magazine holders, Crushed glass soap dishes, toothbrush holders, and wastebaskets provided pops of color. Lucite organizers and canisters achieved high-end style on a budget. Framed vintage advertisements, catchy wall signs, and tongue-in-cheek bathroom rhymes reflected the humorous novelty themes prevalent in 50s decor.
Lighting
Lighting fixtures completed the stylized look of 1950s bathrooms. Pink, turquoise, or brass sconces and pendants added warm, colorful ambiance. Backlit starburst mirrors provided a glitzy Hollywood touch. Bathroom vanity lights flanking mirrors boosted functionality for grooming routines like shaving and applying makeup. To create a spa-like atmosphere, sunken wall-mounted lighting around built-in tubs was on trend. The wide array of colorful and innovative lighting options enabled homeowners to think beyond utilitarian bathroom lighting.
Children’s Bathrooms
Color took center stage for the era’s children’s bathrooms as well. Disney characters and picturesque nursery rhyme illustrations covered walls and shower curtains. Pastel pink and blue dominated color schemes for gender specific kids’ bathrooms. Whimsical novelty wallpapers and bright color combinations created playful spaces. Formica and vinyl in child-friendly motifs brightened utilitarian surfaces. By tailoring the decor, parents could provide their kids joyful, engaging bathrooms of their own.
Teen Bathrooms
1950s teenagers began demanding more stylish, modern bathrooms. Hot pinks, cherry reds, and turquoise reflected youthful energy and fun. Black and white color schemes aligned with the edgier teen aesthetic. Comic book prints, geometric patterns, and abstract wallpapers replaced kiddie themes. Formica offered sleek surfacing in solid colors and faux boomerang patterns. Stainless steel, glass block tile, and other futuristic materials created cooler contemporary teen bathrooms. This move towards bold stylized bathrooms for teens and pre-teens first emerged in the fabulous fifties.
Small Bathrooms
Even modest 1950s homes featured colorful, creative bathrooms. Using light colors visually expanded smaller spaces. Multipurpose built-in storage maximized limited square footage. Vivid accent walls or patterned fabrics added big style without dominating tight quarters. Corner showers and compact corner sinks fit into awkward angled layouts. Frosted glass shower doors, reflective tile, and mirrored cabinets made spaces feel larger. The era’s affinity for smaller mosaic tile patterns accommodated pint-sized rooms. With smart design choices, 1950s bathrooms proved you didn’t need a huge space to have a huge impact!
Large Bathrooms
The wealthy embraced fully integrated, spa-like bathrooms with high style. Expansive rooms allowed extensive use of eye-catching colors and patterns without feeling overwhelming. Elaborately wallpapered and tiled Roman style sunken tubs created lavish sanctuaries. His and hers spaced housed customized separate grooming areas. Built-in lounge seating nooks promoted relaxation. Sophisticated wet bars incorporated entertaining areas within large deluxe bathrooms. State-of-the-art technology including beauty salon hair dryers and electric towel warmers defined luxury. For the pinnacle of 50s indulgence, gold plated bathroom suites delivered stunning opulence.
Regional Trends
While many 1950s bathroom color trends spread nationally through media influence, regional decor preferences also emerged:
West Coast – California’s affinity for indoor/outdoor living showed in bathrooms with mosaic tile, terrazzo floors, and pebble accents conveying natural stone and beach themes.
Southwest – Earthy terra cotta, turquoise, and stucco maintained the adobe and Native American influences of the Southwest.
Midwest – Pastel pink and mint green bathrooms evoked the region’s cherished floral and ornamental gardens.
South – Vibrant blues, greens and coral reflected the tropical palette of the warm coastal south.
Northeast – Marble, slate, and ceramic subway tile connected to the masonry architecture prominent in older northern cities.
While shared national color and style trends prevailed, regional tastes put unique spins on 1950s bathroom decor.
Bathroom Brands
Many iconic American brands that got their start in the 50s became bathroom staples. Crane, Kohler, and American Standard dominated the toilet and sink market. Eljer, Briggs, Price Pfister, and Delta Faucet were top sellers for tub, shower, and bath accessories. Pioneer plastic laminate companies Formica, Wilsonart, and Pionite revolutionized countertop and cabinet surfacing. Across paint, tile, fixtures, and finishes, these brands helped bring 1950s bathrooms to life. Their midcentury bathroom wares are now prized vintage collectibles.
Conclusion
The 1950s produced some of the most memorable bathroom designs of the 20th century. After years of practicality, homeowners longed for personality and flair. Vibrant colors, patterns, textures, and accessories transformed bathrooms from clinical all-white spaces into playful, stylish oases. Bathing also evolved from a mundane task into leisurely pampering. Bathrooms became more integrated into home life instead of hidden away. The innovations and customization of the 1950s laid the groundwork for the bold, artistic bathrooms we enjoy today. With vintage charm and endless creative possibilities, the fabulous 50s bathroom continues to inspire makeovers for the modern era. Let its spirit lead your next bathroom refresh!