18 Bathroom Trends from the ’70s That Are Making a Comeback
Step into a time machine of style as '70s bathroom trends, from bold color schemes to iconic fixtures, make a comeback, blending retro flair with contemporary luxury for the ultimate nostalgic retreat!
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Prepare to be swept away by the playful and bohemian vibes of ’70s bathroom styles reviving their stylish grandeur! From rich color schemes and quirky geometric tiles to opulent gold faucets and vintage lighting, these retro touches are being reinterpreted in modern spaces.
1. Bold Color Schemes
Image from Color Hex
The ’70s were filled with bold colors such as mustard yellow, avocado green, and burnt orange. These colors are coming back into bathrooms today, sometimes as accent walls, tile, or even vanity colors. The trick is to pair these bold colors with neutral colors to prevent overwhelming the room.
2. Shag Carpets
Image from Crate and Barrel Philippines
Yes, you heard correctly—the shag carpet is back, albeit with some modern enhancements. It’s used for bathroom rugs and mats, giving a soft, plush surface to walk on. The shag style is reimagined by employing moisture-resistant materials to make it more bathroom-friendly.
3. Terrazzo Tiles
Image from Machuca Tile
Terrazzo, made from chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass set into concrete, was a hit during the ’70s and made a huge comeback in bathroom design. Its colorful, speckled finish is perfect for floors and countertops. Modern terrazzo comes in various colors and blends well with other minimalist design aspects.
4. Orange and Brown Color Scheme
Image from Color Hex
Warm oranges, browns, and earthy tones were classic ’70s bathroom shades. They are back in vogue within contemporary design, though with modernized tones such as terracotta or cinnamon. They apply them to anything from wall paint to tiles for an evocative yet sophisticated look.
5. Sculptural Faucets
Image from Azure Magazine
During the ’70s, faucets featured unusual, sculptural designs that made them the focal point. Such striking features are back again, with curvier and abstract shapes being in vogue currently. These faucets complement modern bathroom designs very well, with both form and function.
6. Clawfoot Tubs
Image from Homestore Philippines
Clawfoot tubs, a symbol of vintage and luxury, are again a favorite among bathroom designs. They are nostalgic and provide an elegant, timeless appearance. They are ideal for producing a spa-like ambiance and have the advantage of having a modern finish, such as matte black or brass feet.
7. Mirrored Walls
Image from Apartment Therapy
Mirrored walls were a brash design element in ’70s bathrooms, enlarging and glamorizing the area. The shiny surfaces have returned in a sophisticated guise, often as floor-to-ceiling mirrors or carefully positioned panels. Strategically employed, they provide a smooth, open atmosphere, ideal for compact spaces.
8. Wood Paneling
Image from MantelCraft
The retro wood paneling that covered bathroom walls during the ’70s is back, but with more moisture-resistant, eco-friendly materials. Today’s wood paneling is typically applied to accent walls or vanities for a natural, warm atmosphere. This revival adds a homey, retro touch to bathrooms today.
9. Gold Fixtures
Image from ELM Construction
In the ’70s, gold-plated fixtures were the height of luxury, and now they’re back in a big way. From faucets to towel bars, gold accents bring a little glamour to any bathroom. Modern gold fixtures tend to be brushed or matte, giving a more refined finish than the shiny, reflective gold of the ’70s.
10. Pineapple and Palm Prints
Image from Fine Art America
Tropical prints such as pineapples and palm fronds were a signature of the ’70s style, most commonly applied in wallpaper or textiles. This style is trending in a major way, particularly for shower curtains and wallpaper. The new, bright patterns add a fun, beachy feel to bathroom areas, ideal for an energetic, stress-relieving setting.
11. Rotary Phones
Image from CCP Solutions
Whereas rotary phones were typically used as decorative items in the ’70s bathroom, contemporary models are assuming a more functional role with retro-inspired designs. Retro phones add a chic touch to a bathroom that combines vintage appeal with modern style. They’re the ideal retro touch in a vintage bathroom.
12. Bold Floral Wallpaper
Image from Walls Republic
Floral wallpaper was everywhere in ’70s bathrooms, with big, bold flowers covering entire walls. Floral prints are back today but with a tastier, more modern spin. Designers use these prints judiciously, sometimes on only one feature wall, to produce a sleek, retro look.
13. Avocado Green Fixtures
Image from The Guardian
Avocado green was the quintessential color for bathroom fixtures in the ’70s, and now, we’re seeing a resurgence of this earthy, retro color. Modern designers use it in sinks, toilets, and tubs but balance it with neutral walls and clean lines. It’s a quirky throwback that adds character while keeping the space grounded in earthy tones.
14. Sunken Bathtubs
Image from Badeloft
Sunk-in bathtubs, a signature of over-the-top ’70s bathrooms, are now making a comeback in high-end remodels. These tubs provide a dramatic visual anchor and can turn a bathroom into a peaceful, spa-inspired oasis. Newer versions tend to have streamlined, minimalist looks and are utilized to produce a fresher, high-end look.
15. Retro Lighting Fixtures
Image from eBay.ph
Globe-shaped pendant lights were the norm in ’70s bathrooms, and this retro lighting is now in full swing. Upgraded versions feature brass or matte finishes that emit a gentler, more modern ambiance. These lights are ideal for lighting a vanity or promoting relaxation in a bathroom.
16. Wooden Vanity Units
Image from IKEA
Wood vanities were a mainstay of ’70s bathrooms, with dark wood tones being the trend. Now, designers are bringing back wood vanities but in lighter, more natural tones. Wood vanities add warmth and texture to bathrooms and look great with stone or tile surfaces.
17. Geometric Tile Patterns
Image from Mercury Mosaics
Geometric patterns, especially bold, angular designs, were very characteristic of the ’70s tile trends. These patterns are coming back again, often in the form of subway tiles but with added visual interest, like chevrons or hexagons. The tiles add movement and style, infusing a bathroom with retro-modern chic.
18. Orange Countertops
Image from Houzz
The classic orange countertop, frequently accompanied by coordinating cabinetry, was once the signature element of the ’70s bathroom style. Now, such bold surfaces are being redesigned using contemporary materials such as terrazzo or quartz in bright colors of tangerine or coral. Such countertops are striking and provide personality and a splash of color to otherwise neutral bathrooms.