Changes in Bathroom Design Trends from the 1950s to the Present

Discover The Evolution of Bathroom Design Trends from the 1950s to the 2020s

Bathroom design trends have changed a lot in the past 75 years. From the pastel colors of the fifties to minimalist design and smart toilets, learn how bathroom design has evolved.

The bathroom is an essential feature in every home. The bathroom is also the perfect space to flex your personal design muscles. Bathroom design trends and styles have shifted through the years. Every decade has put its own stamp on bathroom design.

From the pastel colors popular in the 1950s to modern minimalist designs and the advanced technology popular today, bathroom aesthetics, materials, and fixtures have changed dramatically.

Learn how the evolution of bathroom design has shaped the way we renovate our bathrooms with a focus on functionality and sustainability.

Bathroom Design Trends

With its sink, tub, and toilet, the bathroom was a 20th-century invention. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the bathroom began to shift from a functional, utilitarian space to an expression of personal style.

The 1950s

The 1950s introduced the era of personal taste. The iconic pastel bathroom trend was the popular choice for this decade. Pink, blue, and mint green were the colors of the day and were popular choices for tiles, fixtures, and accessories.

The 50s also saw new design trends like sunken tubs and colorful mosaic tiles that exuded a sense of postwar optimism. With a little rock and roll influence, the 50s saw homeowners remove the old to make way for the new mid-century style.

The 1960s

The swinging 60s saw bathroom design trends shift from rock and roll to flower power. This era introduced retro bathroom ideas that featured patterned tiles and built-in furniture that paid homage to mainstream 60s culture. Sleek, modern materials like plastic and Formica became common. With new groovy patterned flooring, bold colors, and the use of wallpaper, the age of Aquarius was here!

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The 60s introduced the shower/bath and saw a rise in quirky features like pendant lighting, built-in shelving, and other decorative accents. The 1960s were the time for homeowners to express their personal tastes and style.

The 1970s

The 70s ushered in the age of environmentalism, and earth tones became a popular design choice. Keeping with the environmental trend, low-flow showerheads – popular in the Navy – made their way into bathroom remodels.

The 1970s bathroom was often carpeted, and countertops were made using laminated. Pastels were out and were replaced by yellow, gold, brown, avocado, and teal. Textured tiles became popular, and flooring appeared in all the bright colors of the 1970s palette.

The 1980s

The 1980s were a time of world-changing events, shoulder pads, and big hair. Design trends were all about excess. Bathrooms often became overly ornate, featuring mirrored walls, neon accents, and shiny brass fixtures.

Popular decorative colors of the 80s included dusty, muted pastels like peach, mauve, and teal. Colorful, heavily pattered wallpaper was popular in 80s design. There were some other interesting design changes. Built-in cabinets became a thing of the past. The more opulent the bathtub, the better.

The 1990s

Every luxury bathroom in the 90s had to feature a large garden tub or jacuzzi. The most popular whirlpool color was dusty rose with gold accent rings. Placing the tub in a corner was one of the most popular bathroom design trends of the 1990s. Neutral colors and natural materials like wood and stone were popular design choices.

The 1990s also brought more cabinetry into bathrooms, including substantial double-sink vanities that feature large mirrors and Hollywood-style dressing-room lighting. Toilet technology also changed when the U.S. Energy Policy Act required new toilets to use only 1.6 gallons per flush. The 90s also saw the introduction of free-standing soaking tubs and minimalist vanities.

The 2000s

As we entered the new millennium, bathroom design took on a much more modern look. The 2000s were all about marbled surfaces, gold accessories, and slick, glossy finishes. Some design trends were understated and subtle, but the popular Tuscan-style bathroom was not. As homeowners upgraded in size, larger bathrooms with ornate features and colors like ochre and terracotta were paired with heavy dark wood.

The turn of the century saw some interesting new inventions, including the first digital toilet, introduced in 2001. In 2008, the Delta company introduced the touch faucet. The 2000s saw the introduction of contemporary, minimalist designs. Clean lines, open spaces, and functionality became key design trends. Frameless glass shower enclosures, vessel sinks, and high-tech features defined the bathroom design trends of the decade.

The 2010s to Today

Bathroom design trends from the 2010s to today take a mix-and-match approach. Bathroom design trends include industrial elements, rustic accents, and open shelving. Free-standing tubs, bold wallpaper, and personal style are the trends to watch.

Big changes have come in the form of technology entering the bathroom. Technology like digital shower systems, Wi-Fi-connected technology like touchless toilets, faucets, app controls, voice commands for shower settings, water temperature, and humidity control are all popular features. Electric radiant floor heat keeps the bathroom floor toasty for pennies an hour.

Today’s bathroom designs feature modern elements like cement sinks and natural materials. Natural stones, like limestone, are getting attention for being eco-friendly. Floating vanities, large format tiles, and smart technology are all popular. Easy-to-clean surfaces and personal hygiene are the focus of new builds and bathroom remodels. It is the era of the spa-like sanctuary.

Bathroom Design Can Reflect What We Value

Bathroom design trends have changed a lot since the 1950s. Each passing decade has influenced bathroom design, reflecting the changes in society, culture, and technology. Whether you love the pastel shades of the 50s or the stark modern designs popular today, the history of bathroom design trends can be inspirational! The beauty of modern design is that you can draw your inspiration from all these diverse influences and decades past to design a bathroom that is a truly unique personal statement to suit your style!

Are you thinking about a bathroom remodel or other home improvement projects? Whether a new kitchen remodel, a bathroom update, or any other project, let us help you create a new look and design for your home! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Are you ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.