Look, I get it. You’re scrolling through Pinterest at 2 AM (no judgment here), and suddenly you’re hit with this wave of nostalgia for an era you probably weren’t even alive for. Those 1940s bathrooms just hit differently, don’t they? There’s something about that post-war charm—practical yet pretty, functional but fancy enough to make you feel like you’re living in a classic film.
I’ve been obsessed with vintage bathroom designs for years, and the 1940s aesthetic? Chef’s kiss. It’s not trying too hard, it doesn’t scream for attention, and honestly, it ages like fine wine. So let’s chat about how you can bring that retro magic into your space without making it look like a museum exhibit.
The Classic Black and White Tile Combo
This is THE foundation of any 1940s bathroom, period. You’ve seen it everywhere—that crisp checkerboard floor or the subway tile walls. IMO, this combo never gets old because it’s basically foolproof.
Back in the day, people weren’t messing around with fifty shades of beige. They wanted clean, simple, and easy to maintain. Black and white tiles delivered exactly that. The best part? You can mix patterns without things getting chaotic.
Try pairing hexagonal floor tiles with classic white subway tiles on the walls. Or go bold with a checkerboard pattern that makes a statement. These tiles are workhorses—they hide dirt, they’re durable, and they photograph beautifully (hello, Pinterest-worthy bathroom!).
Pro tip: It is not so important to be perfectly symmetrical. The best 1940s bathrooms had a little quaintly putting together tile pattern that gave it personality. That is the loveliness of old age- nothing is perfect.
Pedestal Sinks Are Your Best Friend
Ever wondered why pedestal sinks were everywhere in the 1940s? Space-saving genius, that’s why. Post-war homes weren’t exactly palatial, and these sinks maximized every inch.
But here’s the thing—they also look ridiculously elegant. That sleek porcelain column, the gentle curves, the exposed plumbing that somehow looks intentional rather than unfinished. It’s architecture meeting function in the best way possible.
Modern pedestal sinks still capture that vintage vibe perfectly. Look for ones with chrome fixtures and rounded edges. The classic white porcelain never goes out of style, and it brightens up even the smallest bathrooms.
Worth mentioning though, storage is a problem. You will have to devise the use of wall mounted cabinets or an old medicine cabinet to store items. But honestly? That limitation compels you to have things body-minimal and clean, which is highly in-brand during the period.
The Medicine Cabinet That Does It All
Speaking of storage, let’s talk about recessed medicine cabinets with mirrors. These babies were absolute staples in 1940s bathrooms, and for good reason.
They’re practical (obviously), but they also add depth to your walls and make small bathrooms feel bigger. The mirror front meant you didn’t need a separate vanity mirror, and the built-in shelving kept all your toiletries hidden but accessible.
Hunt for vintage medicine cabinets with chrome frames or get modern reproductions that nail that retro look. Some even come with those adorable little side lights that give off the perfect warm glow for your morning routine.
| Feature | Why It Works | Modern Alternative | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recessed Design | Saves wall space | Built-in cabinets | $80-$300 |
| Chrome Frames | Classic shine | Brushed nickel | $50-$250 |
| Mirror Front | Dual purpose | LED-lit mirrors | $100-$400 |
| Interior Shelves | Hidden storage | Adjustable shelves | Included |
FYI, installing a recessed cabinet requires cutting into your wall, so unless you’re handy, you might want to call in a pro for this one.
Clawfoot Tubs for That Hollywood Glamour
Okay, real talk—clawfoot tubs are the divas of 1940s bathroom design. They’re dramatic, they’re luxurious, and they instantly transport you to old Hollywood.
Not every 1940s bathroom had one (they were definitely a splurge item), but when they did? Pure magic. Those curved porcelain beauties with their ornate feet were status symbols wrapped in functionality.
Reproduction is surprisingly cheap nowadays, and you can see both modern one in different styles, such as classic white to bright colors, such as mint green or dusty pink. Add an antique type of telephone shower to yours and you have yourself a center piece that cannot be ignored.
Just be prepared: these tubs are heavy, they need solid flooring support, and they’re not exactly water-efficient by today’s standards. But the aesthetic payoff? Totally worth it 🙂
Pastel Color Schemes That Pop
Here’s where things get fun. While black and white dominated, the 1940s also embraced soft pastels in bathrooms—think mint green, powder blue, soft pink, and buttery yellow.
These colors brought warmth and personality without overwhelming the space. They worked beautifully with white fixtures and chrome hardware, creating that perfect balance between cheerful and sophisticated.
Want to incorporate this? Paint your walls in one of these vintage hues, or if you’re feeling bold, hunt for a colored sink or toilet. Yes, colored bathroom fixtures were absolutely a thing, and they’re making a comeback.
You could also go subtle with pastel towels, bath mats, and accessories. It’s an easy way to test the waters (pun intended) before committing to a full-color bathroom renovation.
Chrome Fixtures Everywhere
If there’s one material that screams 1940s bathroom, it’s polished chrome. Faucets, towel bars, light fixtures, cabinet handles—chrome was the go-to finish for everything.
Why? It was modern, it was shiny, and it looked clean. Plus, chrome is incredibly durable and easy to maintain. Just a quick wipe-down keeps it looking pristine.
When shopping for fixtures, look for pieces with Art Deco influences—those geometric shapes and streamlined designs that defined the era. Cross-handle faucets are particularly authentic to the period and add instant vintage charm.
Mix chrome with white porcelain and those pastel accents we talked about, and you’ve got yourself a color palette that’s both cohesive and eye-catching.
Subway Tiles: The Unsung Hero
Let’s show some love for subway tiles. These rectangular beauties lined countless 1940s bathrooms, and they’re still crushing it today.
The standard 3×6 inch size creates clean lines that make walls appear taller and rooms feel more spacious. The beveled edges catch light beautifully, adding subtle dimension without being flashy.
You can either use them in the traditional brick shape running horizontally or you can alternate between vertical stack or herringbone design. To be as authentic as possible in the 1940s, have them half way up the wall and paint plaster or wallpaper over them.
The grout color matters too—white or light gray grout keeps things bright and airy, while darker grout adds contrast and makes each tile pop. Either way works, just depends on your vibe.
Built-In Storage Solutions
1940s homeowners were clever about maximizing space. They built recessed shelving into walls, created niches in showers, and added narrow cabinets wherever they could squeeze them in.
This wasn’t just about style—it was necessity. Resources were limited, homes were modest, and every square inch counted. But the result? Bathrooms that felt organized and intentional rather than cluttered.
You can replicate this by adding built-in shelves between wall studs, installing corner cabinets, or creating a recessed nook in your shower for toiletries. These additions look seamless and keep your space tidy.
Bonus points if you tile the inside of these niches to match your walls. It creates visual continuity and looks incredibly polished.
The Art Deco Influence
Can we talk about Art Deco details for a second? This design movement heavily influenced 1940s bathrooms, bringing in geometric patterns, symmetrical designs, and luxe materials.
Think hexagonal tiles, octagonal mirrors, stepped light fixtures, and decorative borders. These elements added sophistication without cluttering the space.
You do not have to become a complete Gatsby in order to add Art Deco vibes. Some geometric floor pattern of this, some streamline mirror of that–little touches say a lot. Find black accent tiles to make the borders or feature walls.
This style works especially well if your bathroom has good natural light. Those geometric shadows throughout the day? Chef’s kiss.
Vintage Lighting Fixtures
Sconce lighting was huge in 1940s bathrooms. Mounted on either side of the mirror, these fixtures provided even, flattering light that made morning routines easier (and everyone look better).
Modern bathroom lighting can be harsh and unflattering, but vintage-style sconces fix that problem beautifully. Look for fixtures with frosted glass shades and chrome or brass bases.
Some of my favorites feature milk glass globes—they diffuse light perfectly and add that authentic retro touch. You can also find wall-mounted fixtures with exposed bulbs for a more industrial take on the era.
Layering your lighting matters too. Combine sconces with overhead fixtures for flexibility. Dimmer switches are your friend here, even if they’re not period-accurate 🙂
Checkered Floor Patterns
Beyond solid colors, checkered floors defined countless 1940s bathrooms. That bold black-and-white pattern made a statement while remaining timelessly chic.
The high contrast adds visual interest and helps define the space. It also tricks the eye—checkered patterns can make small bathrooms feel larger by creating depth and movement.
You can achieve this look with vinyl tiles (budget-friendly and DIY-able), ceramic tiles (more durable, slightly pricier), or even painted floors if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure you seal painted floors properly to handle moisture.
Don’t limit yourself to squares either. Diamond patterns (squares turned 45 degrees) were also popular and add extra visual pizzazz.
Wainscoting and Wall Treatments
Beadboard wainscoting brought texture and visual interest to 1940s bathroom walls. Usually painted white or cream, it extended about three to four feet up the wall, with painted plaster or wallpaper above.
The treatment has many functions – it prevents the walls against moisture, provides a feature to the architecture, and also provides a definite visual separation, making ceilings seem taller.
Installing beadboard is relatively straightforward (DIY-friendly if you’re moderately handy), and it instantly elevates the space. Pair it with a thin chair rail along the top edge for extra authenticity.
Modern moisture-resistant MDF beadboard works great for bathrooms and costs less than traditional wood. Paint it in a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish for easy cleaning.
Vintage Wallpaper Accents
Here’s something fun—vintage-inspired wallpaper can transform your bathroom without major renovation. The 1940s loved floral patterns, geometric designs, and Art Deco motifs on bathroom walls.
Obviously, you need moisture-resistant wallpaper designed for bathrooms. But once you’ve got that sorted, the options are endless. Small-scale patterns work best in compact bathrooms, while larger prints shine in spacious areas.
Consider wallpapering just one accent wall or the area above wainscoting. This approach adds personality without overwhelming the space. Botanical prints in soft colors were particularly popular and still look fresh today.
Just remember—wallpaper trends come and go, but classic patterns inspired by the 1940s tend to have serious staying power.
Rounded Mirrors and Frames
Forget those boring rectangular mirrors. The 1940s embraced round and oval mirrors with elegant frames that added softness to bathroom spaces.
These curved shapes contrast beautifully with all those straight lines from tiles and fixtures. They’re also surprisingly flattering—something about that rounded shape just works with human faces.
Look for mirrors with beveled edges or decorative frames in chrome, brass, or painted wood. Medicine cabinets with rounded corners count too and give you that two-for-one functionality.
Size matters here. Your mirror should be proportional to your sink and wall space—not too big, not too small. When in doubt, go slightly larger than you think you need.
Exposed Plumbing as Design
This might sound weird, but visible plumbing was actually a design choice in many 1940s bathrooms. Those exposed pipes under pedestal sinks? Intentional.
Rather than hiding everything behind walls and cabinets, designers celebrated the mechanical elements. Chrome pipes were polished and displayed proudly, turning functional necessities into decorative features.
You can embrace this aesthetic by choosing wall-mounted sinks with visible traps, exposed shower pipes, and vintage-style radiators. Just make sure everything is clean and well-maintained—exposed doesn’t mean messy.
This approach also makes repairs easier down the line. No tearing apart cabinets to fix a leak—everything’s right there and accessible.
Transom Windows for Natural Light
Transom windows above doors brought natural light into interior bathrooms without sacrificing privacy. These small horizontal windows were genius for dark spaces.
In case your bathroom has a wall with a hallway or bedroom, you should consider adding a transom window. It illuminates the room/space in a natural manner, minimizes the use of artificial light in daytime, and gives an architectural touch.
Frosted or textured glass maintains privacy while still allowing light through. The original 1940s versions often featured beautiful geometric patterns that doubled as decorative elements.
Not possible to add actual windows? Faux transom details above your door can still capture that vintage look and make your ceiling feel higher.
Terrazzo Flooring Comeback
Terrazzo floors—those speckled composite surfaces made from marble chips set in cement—were absolutely a thing in upscale 1940s bathrooms. And guess what? They’re having a major renaissance.
These floors are incredibly durable, unique (no two sections look exactly alike), and add subtle visual interest without being overwhelming. The speckled pattern is also forgiving—it doesn’t show dirt or stains as easily as solid colors.
Original terrazzo is pricey to install, but modern alternatives like terrazzo-look tiles or vinyl give you the aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. Colors ranged from neutral grays to pastels with flecks of black, white, or metallic chips.
Pair terrazzo floors with simple white walls and fixtures to let the floor be the star.
Glass Block Windows
Want privacy and light? Glass block windows were the 1940s solution. These chunky, translucent blocks allowed light to flood in while keeping prying eyes out.
They’re incredibly durable, provide good insulation, and add serious architectural character. That wavy, distorted view through the blocks? So distinctly vintage and charming.
You can install glass blocks as actual windows, shower walls, or even decorative accent walls. They work particularly well in bathrooms that face neighboring properties where privacy is crucial.
Modern versions come in various patterns and finishes—from clear to frosted to colored glass. Installation is more complex than regular windows, so professional help is recommended.
Vintage-Style Towel Bars and Rings
Don’t sleep on the details. Chrome towel bars and rings might seem minor, but they pull the whole look together. The 1940s versions featured clean lines, solid construction, and that unmistakable shine.
Look for pieces with substantial weight—cheap modern hardware feels flimsy and ruins the authentic vibe. Vintage or reproduction hardware often costs more but lasts forever and looks infinitely better.
Consider a heated towel rack if you want vintage style with modern comfort. These weren’t common in the 1940s, but chrome versions blend seamlessly with the aesthetic while adding luxury.
Mount towel bars at proper heights (not too high, not too low) and space them logically near your tub and sink. Function first, always.
Pull-Chain Toilets and High Tanks
Okay, this one’s more novelty than necessity, but high-tank toilets with pull chains are peak 1940s bathroom aesthetic. They’re quirky, functional, and make everyone who visits smile.
The elevated tank uses gravity to create powerful flushes (efficient, actually), and that pull chain adds interactive charm. Modern reproductions meet current plumbing codes while maintaining vintage appeal.
In case your bathroom has a wall with a hallway or bedroom, you should consider adding a transom window. It illuminates the room/space in a natural manner, minimizes the use of artificial light in daytime, and gives an architectural touch.
Not ready to commit to a full toilet replacement? Chrome flush handles on standard toilets can still capture some of that vintage hardware charm.
Bringing It All Together
So here’s the thing about 1940s bathroom design—it works because it’s honest. No pretense, no excess, just solid design principles executed beautifully. These bathrooms were built during a time when people valued quality over quantity and function over flash.
You don’t need to renovate your entire bathroom to capture this magic. Start small—swap out your mirror, add some vintage lighting, introduce those classic black and white tiles where you can. Layer in the details gradually, and you’ll be amazed how quickly the vibe shifts.
The beauty of this era is that it plays well with modern conveniences too. Want heated floors under those checkered tiles? Go for it. Smart mirrors alongside your vintage sconces? Why not? The bones of 1940s design are strong enough to support whatever contemporary comforts you need.
At the end of the day, these timeless bathrooms prove that good design transcends decades. They’re not trendy—they’re foundational. And that, my friend, is exactly why they’ll never go out of style. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some vintage bathroom fixture shopping to do… 🙂