Tired of bland bathrooms? Prepare to step back in time as we unveil 20 vintage 70s bathroom looks that prove retro can be utterly timeless. From bold colours to iconic patterns, discover how to infuse your home with that effortlessly cool, groovy vibe.
1. Avocado Green 70s Bathroom
Embrace the iconic avocado green, a quintessential hue for any vintage 70s bathroom, creating a wonderfully nostalgic and earthy atmosphere. This distinctive colour often featured on ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, and even plush bathmats, providing a cohesive and immersive retro experience. Pair it with warm wooden accents, such as a teak vanity unit or a slatted bath panel, to enhance its organic appeal. Functionality remains key, with practical yet stylish fixtures like chrome taps and a simple, robust basin. The mood is undeniably cosy and inviting, perfect for a relaxing soak, transporting you back to a simpler, more vibrant era of interior design.
2. Harvest Gold Retro Bathroom
The cheerful and inviting harvest gold is another hallmark of a truly authentic vintage 70s bathroom, radiating warmth and a sunny disposition. This golden-yellow shade was incredibly popular for bathroom suites, wall tiles, and even patterned wallpaper, instantly infusing the space with a retro charm. To complement its vibrant character, consider incorporating dark wood cabinetry or rattan storage solutions, adding texture and depth. Practicality is maintained with well-chosen, durable fixtures that echo the period’s design sensibilities. The overall mood is bright and optimistic, making your morning routine feel a little more joyful and distinctly 70s.
3. Burnt Orange Vintage Washroom
For a bold and energetic vintage 70s bathroom, burnt orange offers an incredibly rich and sophisticated colour palette. This deep, earthy orange hue evokes a sense of warmth and adventure, often seen in accent tiles, plush towels, or even a statement wall. Pair it with neutral tones like cream or beige on larger surfaces to prevent overwhelming the space, allowing the burnt orange to truly pop. Materials such as textured ceramic tiles, dark wood, and perhaps some macrame wall hangings can enhance the authentic 70s feel. The washroom becomes a vibrant sanctuary, blending comfort with a distinctive retro flair, perfect for those seeking a truly unique aesthetic.
4. Earthy Tones 70s Bathroom
Create a serene and grounded vintage 70s bathroom by embracing a palette of earthy tones, drawing inspiration from nature’s own colours. Think deep browns, muted greens, sandy beiges, and terracotta reds, all working in harmony to foster a calming atmosphere. These colours are often applied through textured wall finishes, natural stone tiles, or wooden elements, providing a tactile and organic feel. Functionality is seamlessly integrated with simple, robust fixtures that don’t detract from the natural aesthetic. The mood is one of tranquil retreat, offering a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle, embodying the period’s connection to natural living.
5. Psychedelic Patterned 70s Bath
For the adventurous homeowner, a psychedelic patterned vintage 70s bathroom offers an explosion of colour and dynamic design. This style is characterised by bold, swirling, and often abstract patterns, typically found on wallpaper, shower curtains, or even floor tiles. Vibrant hues like fuchsia, electric blue, lime green, and orange are combined to create a truly eye-catching and energetic space. Keep the sanitaryware simple and white to allow the patterns to be the undisputed focal point, ensuring functionality isn’t compromised by the visual feast. The mood is playful and exhilarating, a true homage to the era’s counter-culture movement, making every visit a vibrant experience.
6. Geometric Tile Vintage Bathroom
A geometric tile vintage 70s bathroom brings a sophisticated and structured aesthetic, showcasing the era’s fascination with clean lines and repetitive patterns. Think bold, interlocking shapes in contrasting colours like brown and orange, or more subtle arrangements in creams and greens. These tiles are typically used on floors or as a striking feature wall, providing both durability and visual interest. Pair them with simple, contemporary sanitaryware to balance the busyness of the patterns, ensuring the space remains functional and uncluttered. The mood is chic and orderly, yet distinctly retro, offering a timeless appeal that celebrates the period’s design ingenuity.
7. Wood Panelled 70s Bathroom
Infuse warmth and a touch of rustic charm into your vintage 70s bathroom with authentic wood panelling. Often seen in darker stains like walnut or teak, wood panelling can cover full walls or be used as a wainscoting, instantly creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. This material provides excellent insulation and a natural texture, contrasting beautifully with ceramic or tiled floors. Pair it with simple, white or cream sanitaryware to allow the wood’s richness to truly shine. Functionality is enhanced by the durable nature of wood, while the overall mood is one of comfortable elegance, reminiscent of a stylish country retreat from the era.
8. Sunken Tub Retro Design
For the ultimate statement in a vintage 70s bathroom, a sunken tub offers unparalleled luxury and a truly distinctive retro design. This architectural feature creates a spa-like experience, inviting long, indulgent soaks. Often surrounded by large format tiles in earthy tones or vibrant colours, the sunken tub becomes the undeniable focal point of the room. Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation are incorporated for both safety and comfort. While a significant undertaking, the functionality of a sunken tub is surprisingly practical for bathing, and the mood it creates is one of opulent relaxation, a true testament to 70s extravagance and innovative design.
9. Boho Chic 70s Bathroom
A Boho Chic vintage 70s bathroom blends free-spirited charm with natural textures and a relaxed aesthetic. This style incorporates elements like macrame wall hangings, rattan furniture, potted plants, and woven textiles, creating a warm and inviting sanctuary. Colours tend towards earthy tones, muted pastels, and natural whites, fostering a serene and organic atmosphere. Functionality is achieved through simple, often handcrafted-looking fixtures and open shelving for a casual feel. The mood is effortlessly stylish and comfortable, celebrating individuality and a connection to nature, making it a perfect retreat for unwinding in true 70s fashion.
10. Disco Glam Vintage Bathroom
Inject some sparkle and extravagance into your vintage 70s bathroom with a Disco Glam aesthetic, celebrating the era’s vibrant nightlife. Think mirrored tiles, chrome fixtures, bold geometric patterns, and perhaps even a touch of glitter or metallic accents. Colours can range from deep purples and blues to shimmering silvers and golds, creating a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere. While visually striking, ensure functionality is maintained with well-placed lighting and practical, easy-to-clean surfaces. The mood is undeniably playful and opulent, transforming your bathroom into a dazzling space that evokes the energy and excitement of a 70s disco.
11. Chrome Accents 70s Bathroom
Elevate your vintage 70s bathroom with the sleek, futuristic appeal of chrome accents, a popular choice for fixtures and fittings during the era. From polished chrome taps and showerheads to towel rails and mirror frames, these metallic touches add a touch of modern sophistication. Chrome pairs beautifully with both bold colours like avocado green or burnt orange, and more subdued palettes, providing a crisp contrast. Functionality is paramount, as chrome is durable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for a busy bathroom. The mood is clean and contemporary, yet distinctly retro, reflecting the 70s’ embrace of new materials and streamlined design.
Discover 20 unique decorating ideas for your home ideas that blend style and function for a retreat with character.
Discover 20 unique home decor and design ideas ideas that blend style and function for a retreat with character.
Discover 20 unique living spaces ideas that blend style and function for a retreat with character.
Discover 20 unique decorating ideas for your home ideas that blend style and function for a retreat with character.
12. Floral Wallpaper Retro Bathroom
Bring the beauty of nature indoors with a floral wallpaper retro bathroom, a charming and popular choice for vintage 70s interiors. These wallpapers often featured large, stylised floral patterns in vibrant or earthy colour combinations, such as oranges, browns, and greens, or softer pastels. Applied to a feature wall or throughout the entire space, they create an immediate sense of warmth and character. Keep sanitaryware simple and white to allow the wallpaper to be the star, ensuring the space remains bright and functional. The mood is wonderfully nostalgic and inviting, offering a delightful escape into a bygone era of botanical elegance.
13. Mustard Yellow 70s Bathroom
Infuse your vintage 70s bathroom with a cheerful and sophisticated glow using mustard yellow, a wonderfully versatile and period-appropriate colour. This deep, warm yellow hue can be incorporated through wall tiles, painted cabinetry, or even a statement bathmat, creating an inviting and energetic atmosphere. It pairs beautifully with dark woods, olive greens, or even a touch of burnt orange for a truly authentic retro feel. Functionality is easily maintained with classic white sanitaryware, allowing the mustard yellow to be the star. The mood is bright and optimistic, yet grounded, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary appeal.
14. Olive Green Vintage Washroom
For a sophisticated and earthy vintage 70s bathroom, olive green offers a rich and calming colour choice. This deep, muted green evokes a sense of nature and tranquility, often appearing on wall tiles, painted cabinets, or even a full bathroom suite. It pairs exceptionally well with natural materials like dark wood, terracotta, and brass accents, enhancing its organic appeal. Functionality is easily achieved with robust, classic fixtures that complement the period aesthetic. The mood is one of understated elegance and peaceful retreat, providing a timeless yet distinctly 70s washroom experience that feels both luxurious and grounded.
15. Terracotta Tile 70s Bathroom
Bring warmth and a Mediterranean-inspired touch to your vintage 70s bathroom with the timeless appeal of terracotta tiles. These earthy, reddish-brown tiles were incredibly popular for floors and walls, creating a rustic yet chic aesthetic. Their natural texture and warm hue provide a grounding effect, pairing beautifully with white sanitaryware, dark wood accents, or even vibrant potted plants. Terracotta is also highly durable and practical for a bathroom environment, offering excellent longevity. The mood is inviting and sun-drenched, evoking a sense of relaxed comfort and natural beauty, perfectly capturing a specific facet of 70s design.
16. Rattan Furnished 70s Bathroom
Introduce a touch of natural elegance and bohemian flair to your vintage 70s bathroom with rattan furnishings. Rattan, a lightweight and versatile material, was a staple of 70s interior design, often seen in vanity units, shelving, or decorative accents. Its woven texture adds warmth and an organic feel, complementing earthy colour palettes and lush greenery. Pair rattan with simple white sanitaryware and perhaps some macrame or woven textiles for a cohesive look. Functionality is maintained through its durable yet airy construction. The mood is relaxed, airy, and effortlessly chic, creating a serene and stylish retreat that embodies the era’s connection to natural materials.
17. Pedestal Sink Vintage Bathroom
A pedestal sink is a classic and elegant choice for any vintage 70s bathroom, offering a timeless aesthetic that maximises floor space. Unlike bulky vanity units, the slender design of a pedestal sink creates an open and airy feel, making smaller bathrooms appear larger. Often crafted from white ceramic, it provides a clean and crisp contrast to colourful tiles or patterned wallpaper. Pair it with chrome or brass taps for an authentic period look, ensuring functionality is both stylish and practical. The mood is one of refined simplicity and classic charm, embodying a functional yet beautiful approach to 70s bathroom design.
18. Coloured Suite 70s Bathroom
For an undeniably authentic vintage 70s bathroom, nothing quite says the era like a complete coloured bathroom suite. From avocado green and harvest gold to sky blue and dusky pink, these matching toilet, basin, and bath sets were incredibly popular. This bold choice creates a cohesive and immersive retro experience, instantly transporting you back in time. Complement the suite with neutral wall colours or subtle patterns to allow the vibrant sanitaryware to be the star. Functionality is as standard as any modern suite, but the aesthetic impact is profoundly nostalgic, offering a truly unique and characterful space.
19. Groovy Globe Lighting Bath
Illuminate your vintage 70s bathroom with the distinctive charm of groovy globe lighting, a quintessential feature of the era. Spherical light fixtures, often in frosted or smoked glass, were popular for ceiling lights, vanity sconces, or even pendant lamps, casting a soft, diffused glow. These lights add a playful yet sophisticated touch, enhancing the retro atmosphere without being overly ostentatious. Pair them with simple, clean lines and perhaps some chrome accents to let the lighting truly shine. Functionality is excellent, providing ample illumination, while the mood is undeniably cool and stylish, perfectly capturing the 70s’ unique approach to interior lighting.
20. Sleek 70s Modernist Bathroom
Discover the sophisticated side of the era with a sleek 70s modernist bathroom, blending clean lines, functional design, and a touch of futuristic flair. This style often features minimalist sanitaryware, integrated storage, and a restrained colour palette of whites, greys, and muted earthy tones, sometimes with a single bold accent. Materials like polished chrome, large format tiles, and smooth laminates are key, creating a streamlined and uncluttered space. Functionality is paramount, with an emphasis on efficiency and ease of use. The mood is one of understated elegance and quiet confidence, showcasing the 70s’ forward-thinking approach to contemporary living and design.
From vibrant tiles to statement sanitaryware, these 20 vintage 70s bathroom ideas demonstrate that retro design is anything but dated. We hope you’re inspired to inject some personality and timeless cool into your own space – which groovy look will you be recreating first?
