12 Vintage Bathroom Photos That Show Just How Much Styles Have Changed
A look back at popular designs over the decades.
If there’s one part of our homes that gets the most use, it’s our bathrooms. For starters, it’s the place where we go to shower, bathe, wash our hands, and of course, handle our daily business. Although it’s not a place for social gathering like the kitchen or living room, it’s still a focal point in the home.
While its primary functions have remained unchanged, the same can’t be said for its design and decorating trends. Just like other rooms in the home, bathroom styles have changed over the years. In fact, bathrooms may have undergone the most dramatic transformation of them all. Keep in mind that these spaces used to be outside of the home, and it wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century that toilets and all the modern bathroom trappings we’re familiar with today were put in place.
From fuzzy, carpet-like fabrics covering toilet seats in the 1970s to present-day minimalist aesthetics, we’ve rounded up some of the best photos of bathroom trends over the years.
1880s Wooden Accents
This Victorian-era bathroom boasts a wooden sink and toilet seat. During this period, wood dominated bathroom design, from floors and wall paneling to fixtures. As indoor plumbing spread to middle-class homes, bathrooms were styled like elegant parlors with rich, dark-stained finishes.
Early 1900s Bold Bathtubs
This 1902 photo captures the New York City bathroom of prominent art dealer Edward Brandus, featuring a wooden vanity and freestanding tub—hallmarks of the era’s design style.
1930s Art Deco Green
Green with envy? Homeowners during the 1930s were inspired to decorate their bathrooms in light green shades, often referred to as Ming Green. Bathtubs were the stars of the show and showcased the eye-catching color.
1940s Glass Shower Doors
Glass shower doors were produced in the U.S. as early as the 1930s. However, transparent enclosures set in heavy metal frames became more mainstream in the following decades. Glass and tempered glass provided an elegant, elevated look that was also easy to clean, making them attractive to homeowners.
1940s Decorative Wallpaper
Although wallpaper dates back to the early 16th century, it didn’t really make its way into homes—especially bathrooms—until the mid-20th century. Affordable and decorative, it became a popular way to disguise imperfect walls with bold patterns and stylish motifs.
1950s Square Tubs
Some mid-century homes featured a square tub, often referred to as a “Cinderella” tub. Uniquely shaped, they fit squarely into corners, providing extra room to sit, soak, and store extra towels.
1960s Polka Dots
Bold, statement-making designs were all the rage during the 1960s. What better design encapsulates that aesthetic than polka dots? This peachy bathroom features colorful dot accents complemented by subway tiles for a groovy look.
1970s Shaggy Accents
It’s no secret that shag carpets in bedrooms and living rooms were a hit during the ’70s. That fuzzy look and feel also made its way into many bathrooms during this era. This photo features a bathroom decked out with a blue, carpet-like fabric toilet seat cover and a matching rug.
1980s Pastel Power
The 1980s were all about bright colors, and bathrooms were no exception. Soft pastels dominated the space, adding a lively, feminine flair to the era’s designs.
1990s Marbled Green
In the 1990s, rich shades of green became a staple in home design, especially in bathrooms. The deep hues brought a calming yet luxurious feel that instantly elevated the space.
2010s Spa Inspired
The 2000s embraced self-care and indulgence, and oversized bathrooms became the ultimate symbol of luxury. Deep soaking tubs and spa-like showers defined the era’s relaxing retreat-inspired designs.
2020s Clean Minimalism
Modern, clean designs dominate many bathrooms today. The “less is more” look is appealing to many homeowners and continues to top interior design styles.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
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