15 Trendy Mid Century Modern Bathroom You'll Absolutely Love

This post is all about Mid Century Modern bathroom

Let’s be honest—bathrooms are usually the least exciting part of a house.

But in a mid-century modern home, the bathroom isn’t just a place to brush your teeth; it’s a statement of design, bold color, and vintage charm.

If you’ve ever fallen down the Pinterest rabbit hole, you know the struggle-one minute, you’re excited about sleek walnut vanities.

And the next, you’re wondering if you should commit to avocado green everything.

Well, I’ve spent years obsessing over mid-century bathrooms, from tracking down the perfect terrazzo floor tile to nearly shedding a tear over someone ripping out an original pastel pink tub (a crime against design).

Honestly, mid-century modern bathrooms are tricky. If done wrong, they look like you inherited a 1950s motel and refused to renovate.

Some trends look fantastic in a magazine but don’t hold up in real life.

(Ever tried keeping an all-white bathroom clean? I have. I do not recommend it.)

So, I’ve pulled together my top 15 mid-century modern bathroom ideas that are actually practical things that will look good now and still feel fresh years down the line.

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Table of Contents

Mid Century Modern Bathroom

1. Walnut Vanities

If you do one thing to make your bathroom feel more mid-century, get a walnut vanity.

They are literally the MVP of Mid Century Modern Bathrooms

Mid-century design is all about warm wood tones, and walnut hits that perfect balance between rich and modern.

Why it works:

It instantly makes your bathroom feel more high-end.
Darker wood hides dust and water stains better than white cabinets.
It pairs well with every fixture finish—brass, matte black, chrome, you name it.

If you’re going full renovation, look for a floating walnut vanity to add a sleek, modern edge.

If you’re just updating, even swapping out vanity doors for a walnut finish makes a huge difference.

2. Terrazzo Floors

Terrazzo floors are pretty, but know what you’re getting into.

Not only are they pretty but also a camouflage for dirt. Hair, dust, the occasional toothpaste mishap?

Terrazzo makes it all disappear like magic. Just don’t drop anything breakable on it unless you enjoy cleaning up a million tiny glass shards.

Terrazzo is one of my favorite mid-century flooring choices—it’s timeless, unique, and (best of all) it hides dirt like a pro.

But here’s the deal: terrazzo can be pricey, and it requires sealing to prevent stains.

My advice:

If real terrazzo isn’t in your budget, terrazzo-look porcelain tiles give the same effect without the high maintenance.
Stick to a neutral terrazzo mix—too much color, and you might get tired of it fast.

3. Green Walls

Hear me out: Mid-century bathrooms love green, but there’s a fine line between “vintage chic” and “fluorescent hospital lighting.” The key is picking the right shade.

Best mid-century greens:

Deep olive: Pairs beautifully with brass and wood tones.
Muted Sage: If you want color without it overpowering the space.
Teal or deep forest green—looks amazing with white and walnut.

Avoid anything too pastel unless you’re fully committing to the retro aesthetic.

4. Floating Vanities

Floating vanities are one of those things that look sleek in photos but might not work for everyone.

They create the illusion of more space and keep things feeling airy, but if you rely on undersink storage, be prepared to downsize.

What I love:

Makes a small bathroom feel bigger.
Gives off high-end, custom-built vibes.

What I don’t love:

Less storage—if you’re messy, this will be an issue.
You’ll need to keep things minimal (or get creative with baskets).

5. Pink Tile

Hear me out again; pink tile was everywhere in mid-century homes, and while it’s making a comeback, it’s not for everyone.

If you want to lean into the trend without going full Barbie Dreamhouse, keep it subtle.

How to do it right:

Opt for a soft blush instead of bubblegum pink.
Pair with white, black, or brass fixtures to keep it modern.
Use pink as an accent (backsplash or floor tiles) rather than wall-to-wall.

6. Starburst Light Fixtures

A Sputnik or Starburst chandelier instantly gives your bathroom that mid-century feel. It’s dramatic without being too much.

What to consider:

Stick with warm brass or matte black for a modern twist.
Make sure your ceiling height can handle it. If it’s too low, it will feel cramped.
If your bathroom is small, opt for wall sconces with a starburst shape instead.

RECOMMENDED TEXT: 26 Elegant Mid Century Modern Bedroom You’ll Love

7. Matte Black Fixtures

Brass is the classic mid-century metal, but matte black is the perfect update. It adds contrast and makes the space feel a little more current.

Where to use it:

Faucets and showerheads.
Vanity hardware.
Light fixtures (black and brass mixed together look amazing).

The best part? Matte black doesn’t show water spots as much as chrome, so you can get away with cleaning slightly less often.

8. Slatted Wood Walls

Wood paneling has a bad reputation, thanks to outdated 1970s basements, but slatted wood walls in a mid-century bathroom look high-end.

How to make it work:

Stick with vertical slats—they make the room feel taller.
Use a warm-toned wood like walnut or teak.
Keep the rest of the space modern so it doesn’t feel too retro.

If you’re not ready to commit to full paneling, try a single feature wall behind the vanity or bathtub.

9. Hexagonal Floor Tiles

Hexagon tiles are an easy way to add subtle mid-century flair. They’re geometric without feeling too bold, and they work with almost any color scheme.

Best options for mid-century bathrooms:

White or gray hex tiles—clean and classic.
Small-scale terrazzo hex tiles (combine two great trends).
Muted green or blue hex tiles—a subtle nod to vintage design.

10. The Right Mirror

Mid-century bathrooms don’t do basic builder-grade mirrors. The key is choosing one with character.

Best mid-century mirror styles:

Round with a thin metal frame (brass, black, or walnut).
Asymmetrical mirrors for a sculptural, modern look.
Backlit mirrors for a soft, warm glow.

11. Built-In Planters

Mid-century architects loved integrating nature into their designs. So instead of just plopping a plant in the corner:

Build a shallow planter into the vanity for succulents or ferns.
Add a floating shelf with trailing plants above the toilet or tub.
If you have the space, a mini indoor courtyard with a skylight takes it to the next level.

A little greenery makes the space feel alive, especially if the rest of your materials are wood, stone, and neutral colors.

12. Floating Shelves Instead of a Medicine Cabinet

Let’s be honest—most medicine cabinets are ugly. Instead, try:

One long floating shelf across the vanity wall for a cleaner look.
Hidden storage behind a sliding wood panel.
A low shelf above the toilet for extra storage without looking cluttered.

It keeps everything open and less “bathroom-y.”

13. A Sunken Bathtub (Because Why Not Bathe Like a 1960s Movie Star?)

If your bathroom renovation budget isn’t terrifying, consider a sunken bathtub.

Mid-century homes loved built-ins, and nothing says “luxury” like stepping down into a tub instead of awkwardly climbing in.

It pairs perfectly with terrazzo flooring or wood-paneled walls and works in smaller spaces by making the tub feel like part of the architecture, not an afterthought.

It also looks ridiculously cool, and if you add a dimmable pendant light? Chef’s kiss.

14. Large Windows for Natural Light

Large windows are a very vital part of midccentury modern bathrooms; they allow ample of natural light and air to flood the space.

It is also a connection to the outdoors, which gives the feeling of openness.

15. Retro shower curtains

Mid Century Modern bathrooms often use these curtains as a way to introduce personality and style without overwhelming the space.

There you have it—My top 15 Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Ideas to create a space that’s both functional and stylish.

If you’re going for this look, pick one or two major elements (i.e., walnut, terrazzo, a statement mirror) and let everything else be clean and understated.

That way, your bathroom feels fresh, not like you’re starring in a 1960s sitcom.

Which idea is your favorite? Or if you’ve ever regretted a design choice (looking at you, white grout), let’s hear it!

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15 Trendy Mid Century Modern Bathroom You’ll Absolutely Love