20 Small Retro Bathroom Ideas That Deserve To Make A Comeback

This post shows you the best Small Retro Bathroom Ideas to try today.

I am a vintage enthusiast and the first thing I notice when walking into a bathroom is the finishing designs.

I am always drawn to old-school designs because I believe that the bathroom deserves to have a stylish comeback.

I am an advocate of bathrooms with vintage tiles, colorful fixtures, and classic wallpapers.

My bathroom has a touch of vintage and I am always excited to use it.

Join me as I share 20 small bathroom ideas that blend old-school elegance with contemporary convenience.

These ideas prove that the bathroom can be a masterpiece.

Pin it for later! ⤵️

Try a flamingo wallpaper blended with pink

For this option, a charming repeat of pink nonchalant birds with a subtle background in green and white is a true definition of a retro bathroom.

The beautiful patterns and color coordination of the hexagonal tiles deserve to make a comeback in modern designs.

The design used to install the lighting system makes the room undeniably vintage.

Marble sink with visible metallic finishing

This is a unique retro masterpiece with wall-to-ceiling subway mini tile, double marble sinks, and copper stands and taps.

White toilet seats and custom-framed mirrors add to the beautiful touch of vintage.

It has a clock on the wall which is only common in a retro bathroom design.

An oasis of colors bathroom

A retro bathroom is closely associated with multiple-color coordination.

This bathroom has a nice piece of colorful art on the wall and the bathtub casing deserves to make a comeback.

A wide window beside the bathtub brings out life in this design.

Cappuccino-inspired colors

If you are looking for a brown theme that is cappuccino-inspired then this retro design is your taste.

Have the toilet seat, sink, and cistern in cappuccino dark for an inspired retro look.

There are vintage prints on the tiles and a wooden theme on the floors hat give a beautiful touch.

Transparent bathroom roof with exposed wooden beams

Hanging ferns, potted plants, and close reflections of nature from the mirror deserve a comeback.

A reed laundry basket and exposed wooden beams perfectly point at a retro bathroom design.

The large window design covered in glass deserves to make a comeback.

Pink with a light trace of peach color

A pink clear shower curtain is a retro bathroom design.

Pink and peach create a soft and serene atmosphere worth revisiting.

A simple portable plant is an indicator of a vintage-conceived design.

Hang a wallpaper that blends with the flooring tiles

A black bathroom with bold floral wallpaper is a perfect vintage reminder.

Black tiles and a touch of metallic components perfectly complement a retro design.

The systematic arrangement of bulbs along the mirror is a final touch that one should consider.

Back in time with traces of blue

Retro designs feel complete with a blend of colors.

Shades of blue with grey are colors that deserve a comeback in any bathroom.

The storage compartment built inside the wall is a true definition of a retro design that you must try in your small bathroom.

Try custom-made wooden cabinets

No retro design is complete without a captivating design characterized by a custom-made wooden cabinet and mirror.

The green paint and tiles are a perfect vintage combination.

The hanging bulb beside the mirror is a beautiful retro craftsmanship.

Pink and mint green combination

Wooden window frames and cabinets that are dug inside the wall bring you closer to a retro design.

The bathtub is placed on the exterior end to make the bathroom spacious.

The tiles on the floor are a perfect rusty touch of a retro design.

Vintage green bathroom

This bathroom boasts a striking green bathtub with a matching sink.

The green color blends perfectly with the white color of wood paneling on the walls.

The combination of the two colors gives a rustic vintage touch.

A perfect blend of wooden design and tiles

A fine touch of wooden panels is a true definition of vintage craftsmanship in this bathroom.

The bathroom boasts a perfect blend of burgundy and pale yellow which is a striking feature of the 70’s.

This design is made of half wood and half tiles and indeed deserves a comeback.

Pink bathroom Oasis

This retro design has a spa-like atmosphere created by an elevated pink bathtub surrounded by lush green plants.

The ample storage in the room deserves a comeback.

It has a large mirror, and a matching pink sink with a blend of cream to bring out elegance.

Vibrant and cozy

This is a unique design with bold floral wallpaper and rich golden yellow accents that deserves to make a comeback.

It has a plush carpet with a matching shower curtain which is common in most retro designs.

The small mirror fitted to capture a quick glimpse is an additional compliment to a retro idea.

A touch of old design in pink and white

The color coordination is beautiful and the plumbing works are unconcealed just like in retro designs.

The room speaks of vintage in every aspect from the choice of tiles and their blend of color.

It also has an unconcealed silverware design which is mostly used in retro designs.

Try retro Pink Tiles

One look at the pink tiles and you will be amazed how fast the bathroom will remind you of the times of drive in theatres and poodle skirts.

Built-in tissue holders and a towel rack are pure retro designs.

It has thick fluffy grey mats to dry your feet after a shower.

Extended open space with large window blinds

A retro idea deserves a backyard design and this bathroom is a perfect example.

It has vast window blinds for the natural flow of air and a transparent roof for light.

A touch of green on the bathtub and a wooden frame brings out the vintage theme perfectly.

Take a trip to the 80’s

From vintage carpet, and tiles to coordinated color splash of the curtains, this bathroom has all it takes to remind you of the past. 

The hanging plants absorb moisture and transform the smallest of spaces.

The mirror is strategically placed to provide a beautiful reflection.

Pink niche with blending floral curtains

The bathroom is a perfect pink niche with matching plush carpet, toilet seat, toilet cistern, and window frame. 

It has a beautiful vintage yet floral curtain to add to the bathroom’s ambiance.

The flower vase by the window is an idea that deserves a comeback.

Pair white, orange, and grey

A combination of white, orange, and grey makes the bathroom feel quintessentially ‘50s.

  The floral accent is contributed by the art placed on top of the toilet cistern which also serves as a storage for body ointments.

The mirror is strategically placed with lights closer to it to pick finer details.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some key design elements of a retro bathroom?

Retro bathrooms are all about embracing vintage-inspired design elements that add charm and character to a space.

Look for classic features like checkerboard floor tiles, pastel color schemes (think mint green, baby pink, or soft blue), and art deco fixtures.

Bold, geometric patterns on tiles or wallpaper can add a playful touch, while pedestal sinks and clawfoot tubs bring in a nostalgic feel.

Don’t forget about vintage-style lighting fixtures, like globe lights or sconces, to complete the look.

2. How can I incorporate retro design into a small bathroom without overwhelming the space?

Incorporating retro design into a small bathroom can be done through subtle but impactful touches.

Start with small details like vintage-inspired hardware, such as brass or chrome faucets and handles.

A retro-patterned shower curtain or classic black-and-white floor tiles can add just enough nostalgia without making the room feel cluttered.

Stick to a cohesive color palette—soft pastels or muted tones—so the space feels harmonious and not too busy.

Mirrors with rounded edges or decorative frames are also a great way to bring in a retro vibe without taking up extra space.

3. What colors work best for creating a retro bathroom look?

Retro bathrooms often feature soft, pastel colors that bring a cheerful yet calming vibe.

Popular choices include shades like mint green, pale pink, powder blue, and buttery yellow.

These colors can be paired with neutral tones like white or grey to balance the look and prevent the space from feeling too bold.

For a more dramatic retro aesthetic, consider a classic black-and-white palette—particularly in a checkerboard tile pattern—which adds a timeless, vintage flair to any bathroom.

4. Can I mix modern elements with retro design in a small bathroom?

Absolutely! Mixing modern and retro elements can create a unique and stylish small bathroom that feels fresh yet nostalgic.

You can keep the structure of the bathroom modern—like sleek fixtures or frameless mirrors—while incorporating retro details like vintage tiles, a clawfoot tub, or retro-inspired lighting.

Pair pastel walls with contemporary brass fixtures for a chic blend of old and new.

Just make sure to maintain balance by not overloading the space with too many contrasting elements; the goal is harmony between the two styles.

5. How can I use retro accessories to enhance the look of a small bathroom?

Retro accessories can elevate the look of your small bathroom without requiring major renovations.

Consider adding vintage soap dispensers, colorful ceramic toothbrush holders, or retro-style towel racks with curved designs.

For a truly nostalgic touch, hunt for antique mirrors, vintage artwork, or old-school framed advertisements to decorate the walls.

Brightly colored towels or a patterned bath mat can also add a pop of retro flair, helping to tie the look together and make the bathroom feel fun and inviting.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Bathroom” board.