If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, you can opt for mid-century furniture with clean lines and warm wood tones. Or, if you want to add a more modern touch, you can incorporate contemporary elements like geometric patterns and metal fixtures.

No matter what style you choose, a modern mid-century bathroom is sure to be stylish and functional.

1.- Bathroom Light

Lighting is essential in any room, but it is especially important when designing a mid-century modern bathroom. The right light fixtures can radically transform the appearance of a space, and you don’t want to detract from the midcentury vibe with a conventional light fixture.

There are many different types of light fixtures that would complement the mid-century modern aesthetic of the bathroom. Still, some of the most popular choices include globe, sputnik, and dome lights.

Each of these options has its unique look that can help create a cohesive overall design. When choosing a light fixture for your bathroom, consider both function and style to ensure that it is the perfect finishing touch for your space.

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2.- Choose Dark Wood Cabinets

Mid-century modern style is characterized by the contrast between dark wood and white porcelain. The technique gives some visual appeal to an area that might be rather monotonous in terms of color.

If you want to try out the mid-century modern look in your bathroom, start by choosing dark wood for your cabinetry or vanity. You can then pair it with white porcelain tiles for the floor and walls. Add some simple but stylish hardware in a metallic finish to complete the look.

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3.- Add Brass Accents

Brass is making a comeback in a big way. This popular metal from the mid-century modern era is now being used in all kinds of contemporary design, from faucets and door handles to lamp sconces and plant hangers.

And because brass has such a timeless quality, it’s easy to incorporate into your own bathroom design. One of the best things about brass is that it’s so versatile.

You can use it to add a touch of glamour to your bathroom with brass-plated mirrors or create a more industrial look with brazen fixtures. And because brass is such a warm metal, it pairs well with both cool and neutral tones.

So whether you’re going for an all-white bathroom or something a little more colorful, incorporating brass into your design will give your space an instant vintage feel.

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4.- Maintain Neutrality With Grey

Grey is one of the most prominent colors in the mid-century modern color palette. In the bathroom, grey can be used on the floor, the tiles, the vanity, and even the countertops.

By using different shades and tones of grey, you can create a unique and stylish bathroom that is both practical and attractive.

For example, using a light grey on the floors and walls will give the room a bright and airy feel, while using a dark grey on the vanity or countertops will create a more dramatic look.

You’ll note that grey gives the room a cool, extremely contemporary atmosphere reminiscent of an updated classic design.

Whether you’re looking to update your existing bathroom or create a new one from scratch, adding grey to your color palette is a great way to achieve a modern look.

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5.- Floor Tiles That Pay Homage to the Designs of the Sixties

Mid-century modern style is precisely what you need to make a statement with your flooring. These tiles’ sleek lines and vintage details are sure to turn heads and garner compliments.

Furthermore, their unique pattern will add an element of interest to your space, making it more inviting and enjoyable to be in. If you are unsure of how to incorporate this trend into your bathroom design, consider using floor tiles as an accent.

This will enable you to maintain a neutral color palette while still making a bold statement. With so many options available, there is no reason not to try this trend in your home. Give your bathroom the upgrade it deserves with mid-century modern floor tiles.

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6.- Keep in mind Your Straight Lines

One of the most iconic design movements of the 20th century, mid-century modernism, is characterized by a reliance on straight lines, sharp corners, and overall simplicity.

This clean-lined aesthetic was a stark contrast to the ornate designs that came before it and quickly gained popularity in the post-war era. When it comes to bathroom design, mid-century modern style is defined by a few key elements.

By embracing the principles of functionality, simplicity, and minimalism, mid-century modern bathrooms can create a serene and stylish space.

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7.- Avoid the Massive Vanity

If you are sharing a bathroom with someone, it may be tempting to choose a large vanity to accommodate both of you. However, doing so would be a missed design opportunity.

An excellent mid century modern bathroom vanity is basic and compact, like most of the other décor and furnishings in the room. So, you might add two smaller vanities instead of one huge, cumbersome one.

This will give each person their own space to get ready in the morning and prevent arguments over who gets to use the sink first. Two small vanities can make the room look bigger than one large one.

So, for both practical and aesthetic reasons, choosing two small vanities is the best option when sharing a bathroom with someone else.

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8.- Add Some Life Through Plants.

Plants and greenery play an important role in creating a mid-century modern aesthetic. Using plants helps create a sense of space and can add color and texture to a room.

Plants also help soften mid-century furniture’s hard lines and can provide a calming effect. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, plants also have health benefits.

They help to clean the air, improve mental health, and boost energy levels. So, if you’re looking to add a bit of mid-century flair to your home, don’t forget to add some plants! If you have pets, review our article on pet-friendly houseplants and which houseplants are toxic for pets. 

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9.- Complement the room with an accent wall

A bathroom renovation is a perfect opportunity to add some personal style to your space. One way to do this is by including an accent wall, which can be tile, stone, wood, or even wallpaper.

The important thing is that it should complement the room’s overall concept. For a mid-century modern bathroom, consider an accent wall with trim and tiles that add a bit of flair. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!

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10.- Add Style to Your Shower With Tiles

The beauty of mid-century modern design is in its simplicity. A few well-chosen pieces can make a big impact, and that includes your mid-century bathroom tile. Selecting the right tile for your shower or floor can truly enhance your design.

When choosing a tile, consider both function and form. You’ll want to select a tile that is durable and easy to clean but also one that fits with your overall aesthetic.

Glazed ceramic or porcelain tiles are good options for both the shower and floor, as they are impervious to water and come in a variety of colors and styles. For a more unique look, opt for patterned cement tiles.

These handmade tiles come in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a great way to add personality to your space. Whatever tile you choose, make sure it fits with the overall style of your mid-century modern bathroom.

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11.- Keep It Simple With A Traditional Color Scheme

Mid-century modern design is having a moment, and there’s no doubt that it has a certain magical appeal. After all, who wouldn’t want to channel their inner Mad Men sipping scotch in a glamorous sunken living room?

But before you get ahead of yourself and start tearing down walls to make your home more open concept, it’s important to take things slow and focus on the basics. A great place to start is by choosing a color palette.

When it comes to mid-century modern design, warm browns and neutrals are always a safe bet. You can also incorporate accent colors such as cream and mustard yellow.

If you’re working with a smaller space, stick to white walls and warm brown accents. This will help to open up the space and make it feel larger than it actually is.

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12.- Mind the Details

For instance, a sense of touch can, be generated by specifying a softer light or providing more support through chairs with armrests in specific areas.

A fun and unique way to add a bit more flair to the room is by hanging shower curtains that reflect your personal interests, such as nature or sports. You may also add printed mid-century modern bathroom rugs to add a bit more personality to the space.

However, suppose you have a small bathroom. In that case, you’ll want to avoid cluttering the space with too many accessories and stick to the essentials. This case focuses on three key elements: lighting, storage, and plants.

Choose mid-century modern sconces to provide lighting without taking up too much space. Install shelves above the toilet or in another corner for extra storage. And incorporate a few small plants to add some life to the room.

With these simple tips, you can create a stylish and functional mid-century modern bathroom that will be sure to impress your guests.

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13.- Soften the Space using a Round Mirror

The mid-century modern style is characterized by its use of straight lines and sharp edges. It has a very clean appearance, but it can also feel a bit chilly. One way to add some warmth to this style is to incorporate circular or round accents.

A round mirror, some round picture frames, or a shower curtain with a softer pattern rather than a geometric one can all help to soften the sharp lines. By adding these gentle curves, you can create a stylish and welcoming space.

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14.- Acquire a Vintage Vanity

Mid-century modern design is the perfect way to show your personality through your vanity. By mixing vintage and contemporary style elements, you can create a look that is completely unique.

For example, you could use a mid-century modern dresser as the base of your vanity. Then, add a contemporary sink and faucet. Choose a bold color for the vanity base and use fun accessories like patterned towels or a retro-inspired wastebasket for extra personality.

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15.- Subway Tile is the Ideal Blend of Vintage and Contemporary

Don’t you love it when fashions make a comeback? It makes it so simple to replicate your desired style. In terms of bathrooms and kitchens, subway tile has been one of the most prominent fads over the last several years.

Now you can include it in your midcentury contemporary decor! Subway tile may serve as the ideal neutral background for more adventurous items and hues that are out of the ordinary.

This tile can also create an excellent herringbone or chevron pattern thanks to its rectangular shape. Not to mention, its smooth surface is much easier to keep clean than other types of tiles (such as mosaic).

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16.- Introduce Some Jewel-Tones

If you’re looking for a way to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, consider using jewel tones. These rich, saturated colors can make even the simplest space feel luxurious and glamorous. And best of all, jewel tones work well with a variety of design styles, from traditional to contemporary.

If you’re not sure where to start, try using jewel tones as accents. For example, you could paint your trim in a deep emerald green or install a backsplash in jewel-toned glass tiles. Or, if you really want to make a statement, consider using jewel tones for your walls or floors.

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17.- Bathtub

A clawfoot tub has no place in a bathroom designed in the mid-century era. But what exactly does a mid-century bathtub look like? The answer lies in the clean lines and simple shapes that typify this design style.

Instead of a clawfoot tub’s ornate details and curved edges, a mid-century tub is typically made from white porcelain with straight lines and sharp corners. This type of tub is perfect for creating a spa-like retreat in your own home.

While they may be less traditional, mid-century tubs provide a modern twist on an old classic. So if you’re looking to give your bathroom a makeover, ditching the clawfoot tub is a good place to start.

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18.- Create visual appeal with hexagonal forms.

Hexagonal shapes are one of the defining characteristics of mid-century modern bathroom design. The honeycomb shape is a beautiful design element that checks multiple boxes, including the use of geometric shapes, visual interest, and unusual tiling.

If that’s too much, you can also incorporate hexagons into the shape of your windows or mirrors. Hexagonal shapes are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to create an eye-catching bathroom design.

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19.- Adopt An Earthy Atmosphere

A mid-century modern bathroom can be easily achieved with a few minor adjustments. To start, select hardware with a vintage feel, such as simple cabinet knobs or round mirrors. Next, add wood accents to warm up the space.

Try a counter tray made of grainy wood or hung plants in woven baskets. Finally, don’t forget the greenery! Indoor plants are essential for achieving that perfect midcentury look. These easy tips allow you to transform your bathroom into a stylish mid-century space.

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20.- Employ Pastel Colors

When it comes to adding color to your décor, pastel hues are a great option – especially if you’re not a fan of more vivid colors. Pink, green and blue are particularly popular for this style, and they can help create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

If you’re working with a small space, like a bathroom, these colors can also help make the room appear larger and more open. Pastels are also an excellent choice if you want to stay true to the mid-century modern time period.

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Final Thoughts

Fortunately, designing and decorating a mid-century modern bathroom is simpler than it may seem. Numerous characteristics from this design era are also popular today, but with a contemporary twist.

Rather than being about entering a time capsule, it is about blending these vintage elements with contemporary ones and making them your own. This can be achieved by incorporating these vintage-inspired elements into a modern space that transforms this utilitarian room into a fashionable one with a deliberate appearance.

For example, select clean lines and neutral colors for the walls and flooring, then add in a few accent pieces in bolder colors or patterns to create visual interest and achieve the desired aesthetic. When done right, the result is a chic and stylish mid-century modern bathroom that feels both classic and modern at the same time.

Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Design – FAQ

Are black and white tiles compatible with midcentury modern design?

Yes, black and white tiles are often used in midcentury modern bathrooms. The contrast between the two colors is eye-catching and creates a unique visual interest.

Do blue tiles, and wooden furniture look good in a midcentury modern bathroom redesign?

Blue tiles can look good in a midcentury modern bathroom, but it depends on the shade of blue. A light blue might work well with wooden furniture, while a dark blue might be better suited to contrast with white walls or light-colored furniture.

Is a wood vanity recommended for this particular room?

Yes, a wood vanity is a good option for a mid-century modern bathroom. The natural material can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Just be sure to choose a style for your wood vanity with clean lines and a simple design.

Is a double vanity recommended for midcentury bathrooms?

Yes, a double vanity is a good option for a midcentury modern bathroom. The extra sink can be useful if you have a large family or often entertain guests.

How can I easily make my bathroom look mid-century modern?

You can make your bathroom look mid-century modern with just a few touches. Some of these modern bathroom ideas include marble countertops, white subway tiles, wood paneling, wooden vanity, shower curtain with contrasting patterns, a vessel sink, faux plants, white and black tiles, large mirrors, bright colors, a patterned floor, a bathtub, bold lighting, use of patterns.

Are marble countertops used in mid-century design?

Yes, this is one of the best modern bathroom ideas you can incorporate and brass cabinet pulls.

Is a vessel sink recommended in a mid-century modern powder room?

Yes, a vessel sink is a great option for a midcentury modern powder room. The sink provides a touch of luxury and can help make the room feel more sophisticated.