“Retro bathroom inspirations” is a phrase primarily searched by those who appreciate a unique style that combines the charm of the past with the functionality of modern solutions. In arranging such a space, it is key not only to recreate the aesthetics of past eras but also to appropriately select elements that will make the whole harmonious and convenient for daily use. So how do you create the perfect retro bathroom? In the article, you will find inspirations and practical tips that will help you accomplish this task.
What will you learn from this article?
- What might be hidden under the slogan: “retro bathroom - inspirations”?
- What materials and colors best fit into this design?
- Which products and accessories can help create an atmospheric space?
Retro bathroom - inspirations
The retro style refers to the aesthetics of past decades, most often from the '20s, '30s, or '50s of the 20th century. Such arrangements draw from the patterns of those times but aren't afraid to blend them with modern accents. In a bathroom context, the retro style is a blend of elegance with a touch of nostalgia, where classic forms dominate along with subtle details introducing a unique atmosphere.
A retro bathroom is where you will find especially suitable:
- white clawfoot bathtubs – a classic that imparts a unique character to the interior. Black will also work perfectly for them,
- taps with decorative knobs in an old-fashioned style – inspired by old designs, they add elegance,
- vintage-style ceramic tiles – patterned, in muted tones, often with a subtle sheen.
Colors and materials characteristic of a retro bathroom
In retro arrangements, colors play a crucial role. It is the hues that can define the style of a room, hence it is worth opting for classic combinations that dominated in the past. Here are the most important pairings that can help achieve the desired effect:
- black and white – a universal, timeless combination that works well in the form of ceramic tiles on the walls or floors in a retro bathroom,
- gold and brass – these materials best capture the spirit of the retro style, especially as details like mirror frames, towel racks, or tap knobs,
- pastels – powder pink, mint green, or soft blue are colors that bring lightness and subtlety to the space.
Materials that perfectly fit into the retro style include:
- ceramics – in the form of tiles, sinks, or bathtubs,
- wood – particularly as furniture, shelves, or mirror frames,
- glass – used both in accessories and as glazed shower doors.

What accessories to choose for a retro-style bathroom?
Accessories in a retro bathroom play a crucial role – they give the space its final character and ensure cohesiveness of the entire arrangement. Here are some examples of accessories worth considering:
- stylish mirrors – preferably round, in gilded frames, they will perfectly complement a bathroom space in a vintage style,
- decorative vintage-style lamps - they will add warmth and atmosphere,
- rugs and shower curtains – preferably in pastel hues or small patterns reminiscent of the '50s,
- ceramic soap dishes and cosmetic containers – these are small items that can significantly influence the stylistic cohesiveness of the entire interior.
5 steps to creating a bathroom in the old style
Creating a retro bathroom may seem complex, but with a few simple steps, achieving the desired effect will be much easier.
- Get inspired by the past – browse old photographs, '50s catalogs, or interior inspirations on websites,
- Choose distinctive elements – decide if the key element will be the clawfoot bathtub, decorative taps, or perhaps patterned tiles,
- Opt for the right colors and materials – a combination of black and white, golden details, and classic materials is the key to success,
- Take care of the lighting – select stylish lamps that emphasize the retro ambiance and introduce warm, pleasant light,
- Add stylish accessories – soap dishes, frames, rugs – these are details that will give the bathroom its final flair, making a retro bathroom look as if straight from the distant past.
Why doesn't a bathroom always have to be modern?
A retro-style bathroom is a great way to express individual taste, while also creating a space that is not only beautiful but also functional. Retro inspirations allow combining elegance with a touch of nostalgia, introducing warmth and a unique atmosphere into the interior, something any true aesthete appreciates.
Moreover, the advantage of the retro style is that it can easily be adapted to current technological solutions, such as modern shower systems, underfloor heating, or smart lighting – all of which can be concealed in classic forms, maintaining the aesthetics of past decades. Additionally, retro bathrooms are a great demonstration that what is old is not necessarily worse than what is modern. Especially if the bathroom taps, freestanding bathtub, shower heads, or individual decorative elements in the old style are made from high-quality materials. Exactly like all the articles for retro enthusiasts available in our Mexen store.

Where to buy articles necessary to create an old-school bathroom?
If you are planning to arrange a bathroom in a retro style, it is worth paying attention to a closely related group of articles. It should primarily include retro bathtubs, stylish taps, and accessories that perfectly fit into the vintage aesthetic. Particularly coveted by lovers of the past are items such as:
- retro freestanding bathtub – stylish, on decorative legs, which will become the central point of a bathroom in a classic style,
- sink tap – classic shape, decorative knobs that add character,
- stylish bathroom accessories – soap dishes, containers, and hangers that perfectly complete the entire arrangement and are essential in any retro-style bathroom.
Who will like the retro bathroom?
Retro bathrooms are an excellent choice for those who appreciate style and elegance. Thanks to inspirations from the past, one can create a space full of charm while being functional and suited to contemporary needs. The article shows how to step-by-step arrange a retro bathroom, which elements are key, and which accessories to choose. Remember that the right combination of classic forms with modern technological solutions will allow you to create a space that will serve for years, pleasing to the eye and providing comfort.
Moreover, a retro bathroom, as it is currently less common compared to modern ones, can be an excellent way to increase the value of an apartment or house. Bathrooms arranged in an old style easily attract attention and can effectively encourage many people to take an interest in them, thus helping property owners make a faster profitable transaction.
As you can see, a retro bathroom has many advantages. The articles available in our store will help you create one. And when you have already acquired the freestanding bathtub you need, the appropriate decorative elements, or vintage mirrors, check out our blog. That's where we regularly publish more articles, describing various topics about interior design and more. Thanks to the information provided there, you will learn, for example, how to visually increase space in a small bathroom.