41 Eclectic 70s Bathroom Design Inspirations To Recreate The Look (2024)

By Alan George

The 1970s was a decade known for its unique style and design, and this extended to the bathroom as well.

Imagine stepping into your bathroom and being whisked away to a time where design dared to defy the norms, where psychedelic wallpapers and funky tiles were the norm. Sounds like a dream? Well, it's about to become your reality. I've put together a treasure trove of inspirations and ideas to help you transform your space into a stunning homage to the 70s bathroom aesthetic, blending the best of retro charm with modern convenience.Here are 41 elements that you should consider.

1. Avocado Green Fixtures

Avocado green was a popular color choice for bathroom fixtures in the 70s, giving a vibrant and earthy feel to the space.

2. Harvest Gold Fixtures

Harvest gold was another trendy color for bathroom fixtures during this era, adding warmth and a touch of luxury.

3. Bold Wallpaper

70s bathrooms often featured bold and colorful wallpaper with geometric patterns or floral designs.

4. Shag Carpet

Yes, you read that right! Shag carpet was sometimes used in bathrooms during the 70s, adding a cozy and plush feel.

5. Sunken Bathtub

A sunken bathtub was a popular feature in 70s bathrooms, creating a unique and luxurious bathing experience.

6. Colored Toilet Seats

To match the colorful fixtures, toilet seats were often available in a variety of hues, adding a pop of color to the bathroom.

7. Patterned Tiles

Patterned tiles in vibrant colors were used on the floors and walls, adding visual interest and a retro vibe.

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8. Round Mirrors

Round mirrors with decorative frames were a common sight in 70s bathrooms, adding a touch of elegance.

9. Chrome Accents

Chrome accents, such as towel bars and faucets, were popular in 70s bathrooms, adding a sleek and modern touch.

10. Pop Art Prints

Pop art prints featuring bold colors and abstract designs were often used as wall decor in 70s bathrooms.

11. Wood Paneling

Wood paneling was a popular choice for bathroom walls, giving a warm and rustic feel to the space.

12. Hanging Plants

70s bathrooms often featured hanging plants, bringing a touch of nature indoors and creating a relaxing atmosphere.

13. Colored Glass

Colored glass accessories, such as soap dishes and toothbrush holders, were commonly used to add a pop of color.

14. Wicker Baskets

Wicker baskets were used for storage in 70s bathrooms, adding a natural and bohemian touch.

15. Sunburst Mirrors

Sunburst mirrors with gold or brass frames were a popular choice for adding a touch of glamour to the bathroom.

16. Terrazzo Flooring

Terrazzo flooring, with its unique speckled appearance, was a trendy choice for 70s bathrooms.

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17. Built in Vanity

70s bathrooms often featured built-in vanities with ample storage space, providing both functionality and style.

18. Colored Grout

Grout in vibrant colors, such as orange or yellow, was sometimes used to add a playful touch to tiled surfaces.

19. Hanging Light Fixtures

Hanging light fixtures with colorful shades or unique shapes were a common feature in 70s bathrooms.

20. Rattan Furniture

Rattan furniture, such as stools or chairs, added a natural and tropical feel to 70s bathrooms.

21. Bidet

Some 70s bathrooms included a bidet, adding a touch of European elegance and functionality.

22. Velvet Upholstery

Velvet upholstery on vanity stools or window seats added a touch of luxury and comfort to 70s bathrooms.

23. Wall to Wall Mirrors

Wall to wall mirrors were a popular choice for creating the illusion of a larger space in 70s bathrooms.

24. Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings, with their textured appearance, were a common feature in 70s bathrooms.

25. Colored Bathtubs

Bathtubs in colors like pink, blue, or yellow were a fun and playful choice for 70s bathrooms.

26. Glass Block Windows

Glass block windows added privacy while allowing natural light to filter into 70s bathrooms.

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27. Hanging Beaded Curtains

Hanging beaded curtains were a popular choice for dividing spaces or adding a touch of bohemian flair.

28. Built in Shelving

Built in shelving provided storage space for towels, toiletries, and decorative items in 70s bathrooms.

29. Colored Sink Basins

Sink basins in colors like turquoise or orange added a vibrant and unexpected element to 70s bathrooms.

30. Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring in bold patterns or bright colors was a popular choice for 70s bathrooms.

31. Wall mounted Soap Dispensers

Wall-mounted soap dispensers were a convenient and space-saving feature in 70s bathrooms.

32. Tiled Countertops

Tiled countertops in colorful patterns or mosaic designs added visual interest and durability to 70s bathrooms.

33. Colored Light Bulbs

Colored light bulbs, such as red or blue, were sometimes used to create a unique ambiance in 70s bathrooms.

34. Vintage Posters

Vintage posters featuring iconic 70s artwork or musicians were often used as wall decor in these bathrooms.

35. Freestanding Bathtub

A freestanding bathtub, often with claw feet, added a touch of elegance and vintage charm to 70s bathrooms.

36. Tiled Accent Walls

Tiled accent walls, featuring bold patterns or contrasting colors, were a popular design choice in 70s bathrooms.

37. Colored Faucets

Faucets in colors like gold or bronze added a touch of luxury and sophistication to 70s bathrooms.

38. Macrame Wall Hangings

Macrame wall hangings were a popular choice for adding texture and a bohemian vibe to 70s bathrooms.

39. Colored Glass Blocks

Colored glass blocks were sometimes used as decorative elements or partitions in 70s bathrooms.

40. Retro Clocks

Retro clocks with bold numbers and unique shapes were often used as functional and decorative pieces in 70s bathrooms.

41. Smoked Glass

Smoked glass shower doors or partitions added a touch of privacy and sophistication to 70s bathrooms.

Dive deeper into the world of interior design.

Recreating the unique elements of a 70s bathroom can transport you back in time and add a nostalgic charm to your home. Whether you choose to incorporate just a few of these elements or go all out with a complete retro makeover, a 70s-inspired bathroom is sure to make a statement.

41 Eclectic 70s Bathroom Design Inspirations To Recreate The Look (2024)

FAQs

What were bathrooms like in the 1970s? ›

Wood-paneled walls, vanities, and even bathtubs were popular choices, often in rich, dark finishes that contrasted beautifully with the bright, bold colors of the era. The use of wood in 70s bathrooms reflected the decade's back-to-nature aesthetic and desire for organic, grounding elements.

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How to make an old fashioned bathroom look modern? ›

Other items that can be updated for a fresher look are taps, lighting and mirrors. These products are also incredibly well-considered when it comes to design, so a quick and easy refresh of these items can turn an outdated space into one that's both contemporary and rejuvenated.

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What is eclectic bathroom? ›

Eclectic bathrooms are known for their ability to mix and match different styles, colours, and materials to create a one-of-a-kind space. This can be done with furniture, fixtures, colours, and more, and is a great way to show off your personality and style!

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What is retro style bathroom? ›

Retro-style bathroom - create an interior with character

A bathroom designed in the retro style has a lot of charm and allows you to relax. Large carved furniture and oversized fittings are especially in demand. Unfortunately, the truth is that most spaces are too small to design a bathroom in this style.

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What does a classic bathroom look like? ›

Maple, oak and cherry are commonly featured wood types in colonial bathrooms. Similarly, sink and other fixtures are generally made from materials with a historic pedigree, like porcelain or stone. Basin, pedestal and console sink types are quite common in traditional bathroom designs.

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What were the bathroom trends in the 1960s? ›

Bathrooms in the 1960s

From floors and walls to countertops, the tile was a significant design element. Tubs, toilets, sinks, and fixtures were porcelain and full of quintessential 1960's flare. Pendant lights flanking both sides of the mirror were also a popular choice.

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How to create a vintage bathroom? ›

Whether it's antique tiles, old wooden floorboards, or a leftover piece of marble, a simple and surefire way to give your bathroom a charming retro aesthetic is to use reclaimed floor and wall coverings. The beauty of this strategy is that a small amount is usually all you need to create an exciting moment in the room.

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What does eclectic decor look like? ›

Eclectic decor is characterised by careful curation and unpredictability. Blending old and new, incorporating pieces from different periods and styles, an eclectic home will always be entirely unique.

What does a Zen bathroom look like? ›

Neutral cream, beige, and brown

The neutral look is trendy right now. To turn your bathroom into a spa-like tranquil retreat, dress it in shades of brown, beige, and cream. Apply cream or beige paint to the walls, and use similar shades for floor and shower tiles. Choose a wood or stone vanity.

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What is a Jill bathroom? ›

With Jack and Jill bathroom suites, space is shared, or at least that's the idea behind it. A Jack and Jill Bathroom is a bathroom that has two doors and is usually accessible from two bedrooms. It's supposed to help cut down on the problems that most families face when it comes to the bathroom; who uses it first?

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How to upgrade a vintage bathroom? ›

Add personal style with floral wallpaper, light fixtures or sconces, and accessories. Use reproduction fixtures to preserve the vintage feel or opt for something more modern if that's the vibe you are after. Pedestal sinks are beautiful in their original form and are the perfect vintage style choice.

What is a steampunk bathroom? ›

Steampunk Bathroom Ideas

Exposed brass and copper plumbing with exaggerated mechanical style taps and a high level toilet with a chain are ideal for implementing this look. The stunning Steampunk bathroom above, features a copper plated basin mixer, basin and ½ winding exposed copper pipework in reduced bores.

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How do you style an outdated bathroom? ›

Make Fresh Bathroom Updates Without a Renovation

Revitalize Your Claw-Foot Tub. Sometimes an old tub simply needs a boost. ...
Have Fun With Wallpaper. Photo by Ken Gutmaker. ...
Use Faux Candles. ...
Try a New Towel Rack. ...
Add a Tub Surround. ...
Create a Place for Two. ...
Save By Not Building In. ...
Add a Subway Wall.

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What were bathtubs made out of in the 1970s? ›

The last year of the '70s witnessed the booming popularity of acrylic tubs due to their light weight, durability and availability in a variety of shapes and sizes that contributed to more diverse and modern designs. In the 1960s, lightweight, inexpensive fiberglass tubs became the norm in the home.

What was the bathroom like before the toilet? ›

Washing took place at a washstand in the bedroom, with a pitcher and a bowl; defecating happened in the outhouse or the chamber pot; bathing, when it occasionally happened, was often in a tub by the stove in the kitchen, where the hot water was.

When did indoor bathrooms become normal? ›

By the turn of the century and into the early 1900s, running water became more accessible to the average home. Still, most could not afford indoor plumbing and relied on outhouses and well pumps. By the 1930s, both running water and indoor plumbing were widely available.

What did bathrooms look like in 1940? ›

In the 1940s, red, burgundy, and navy blue were introduced. With deep-lavender wall tiles, deco tile inserts, and a bold geometric tile floor, this more recent bathroom has a Twenties vibe. In the Thirties, a pastel or white often was used with black bullnose and accent tiles, lending Art Deco sophistication.

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