Chase Daniel/Designed by Breathe Design Studios
Here we are, well into the 21st century, yet our renewed enthusiasm for the décor ideal of the 1930s through 1960s shows no sign of waning. For good reason: The design aesthetic known as midcentury modern is both simple and distinctively stylish, prized for its sleek lines, strong colors, and a “space age” vibe that although anachronistic, doesn’t feel kitschy.
Bathrooms built during the period established the look largely through the colors, patterns, and tile layout. So it’s no surprise that updated versions currently abound, with designers devising unique tweaks to feel new rather than come off as a throwback.
Anyone putting in a new bath or planning a renovation has plenty to choose from. Ahead are some of our favorite options in MCM-inspired tile.
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Iconic Mid-Century Modern Tile Colors
Color prevailed in original midcentury modern bathrooms. Shades of pink, green, yellow, and blue were among the most popular, and they were typically bordered in black. The sink, tub, and toilet often matched the tile’s color. Today’s take may use different hues as well as finishes that didn’t exist back in the day, and more likely, eschewing the use of borders and pairing the tiles with sleek white fixtures.
Pink tile
Just about every skin tone looks pretty in pink, so it’s always been a natural choice for the bath. The wood ceiling is an unexpected rustic touch.
Classic green
Classic MCM green gets an upgrade by combining several verdant shades and three different shapes: rectangles, triangles, and small squares on the floor
Blue
Basic blue looks brand new with a high-shine, crackle glaze, while the white grout delineates the tiles’ long, slim shape.
Mint and other pastels
Pastels were popular during the era, mint among them. Here, large rectangles freshen the appeal; the matte gray floor tiles are also a pleasant surprise.
For a colorful personal space, select an unexpected spectrum of ombre hues that flow together to create a bold statement.
Mid-Century-Inspired Shapes and Patterns
Lily pad tiles make for an eye-popping backsplash that holds its own against the wood grain of the cabinetry and cool white countertop and sinks.
This backsplash is a subtle example of how tile shape can create an a-maze-ing effect. The rounded mirrors and sconces add softness, an important quality for a comfortable bathroom.
For a playful take, the ice cream-inspired, period-perfect pastels on the cabinet and vanity are a fun foil for the neutral yet super-graphic tile.
A tranquil, spa-worthy vibe can be achieved with large, soft white hex tiles and the natural warmth of wood.
Hand-painted circles on 8X8-inch squares make modern art out of a bathroom floor.
Can’t decide on a single type of tile for the bathroom? You don’t have to! Designers delight in mixing MCM motifs in unusual ways.
Clever combos
Classic subway tile gets a vertical twist while the terrazzo floor sparks interest with its speckle pattern.
More inverted subway tile (yep, it’s a trend) pairs impeccably with the chic chevron on the shower floor. The pale tone atop a dark hue makes for cool contrast.
The staple of 4X4-inch squares on the wall plays nicely with hexagon shapes on the floor in this frameless walk-in shower. Using both shine and matte adds a further layer of appeal.
Not-so-plain geometry
In terms of furniture, simplicity is key to midcentury style—think sleek, unadorned pieces with slim legs and flat-paneled doors. So designers rely on tile to add interest in the bathroom.
Familiar squares, rectangles, and hexagons can now be found in a range of sizes from teeny 1X1 inch to large format 8X12 inch. There are also fun, curvy fish scale, oval, and circle motifs, while triangles and hexagons can be arranged into impactful designs.
Atomic artistry
In the post-war era, folks became fascinated with all things space age—an obsession reflected in their décor. These days, stars, sputniks, and other cosmic elements can be implemented sparingly with accent tiles to give a bath a fun and futuristic feel.
These atomic ceramic squares could be interspersed in a backsplash or run in a row as a border.
What kid could say no to a bath boasting a friendly robot?
This sputnik tile was inspired by original MCM wallpaper. The chocolate brown color is a tasty new twist.
Classic MCM tones of pink, aqua, and green make this starburst square a real trip!
Nothing says space age like this radioactive motif, available in 13 color combos and gloss or matte finish.
