Designing a bathroom requires intentional elements that are both practical and beautiful. With function being a key characteristic of midcentury modern design, it is no wonder that this design style is so well suited for these small spaces. From the tiles to the fixtures, there are many ways to incorporate the iconic elements of MCM style into your bathroom. If you find yourself wanting to do a major bathroom remodel, a small DIY or you just need some fresh and modern decor ideas, we have you covered with these midcentury modern bathroom ideas.
14 Midcentury Modern Bathroom Ideas
1. Source a Wooden MCM Vanity
Photo courtesy of LivCo/@liv_companies
With a wooden sideboard-style vanity, you can quickly transform your bathroom into a midcentury haven. Find a vintage treasure to DIY or choose from ones already crafted for bathroom use. Utilizing a larger piece will allow for more storage and counter space. Complement your focal piece with an understated mirror and simple bathroom lighting so that the vanity is what shines.
2. Add Wood Paneling
Photo courtesy of Bre Bertolini/@brepurposed
While the key is not to overdo it, the simple element of wood paneling gives a nod to midcentury homes of the past. This design feature can be added to the side of an existing tub, on part of a wall or as a ceiling design. With so many hard surfaces in a bathroom, a wood panel feature will add instant warmth
3. Balance the Cool and Warm Tones
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MCM design incorporates a lot of warm wood elements. If you prefer to balance the colors and material palette, choose cool tones for elements such as paint or the backsplash. Instead of choosing warm metals for your bathroom features like gold or brass, opt for chrome to coordinate with the cool tones.
4. Bring in a Geometric Wallpaper
Photo courtesy of Metamorphosis DESIGN/@dianasandiegodecorator
There’s no denying the power of wallpaper in a space. Since they are typically smaller areas, bathrooms are great places for wallpaper. You can experiment with something bold. Opting for a geometric pattern will add the perfect MCM angles to your space. Add in some contrasting shapes with the lighting, mirror and decor for a balanced and artistic design.
5. Hang an Asymmetrical Mirror
Photo courtesy of Olivia Bartlett/@orb.interiors
Hang an asymmetrical mirror as a groovy statement piece. Midcentury modern style is known for incorporating touches of 60’s funk. While mirrors can often blend into a design, opt to give your bathroom mirror the focus by going with something non-traditional.
6. Style With Atomic Accents
Photo courtesy of Cayman Ilika
There are many ways to give a nod to the Space Age inspired midcentury style. Invest in a Sputnik style light fixture, source handmade atomic style bathroom accents or paint starburst patterns on the walls for a retro touch. Make these elements shine by sticking to a monochrome MCM color scheme.
7. Keep It Clean and Timeless
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Subway tiles have been part of many design eras and are the perfect complement in a midcentury modern bathroom. Warm wood tones look even richer when surrounded by white. The classic and simple white subway tile makes any space feel clean and bright. Change up the scale while staying minimal with a penny tile floor or larger plain tiles.
8. Go Glam With All Gold
Photo courtesy of Irwin Construction/@irwin.construction
Warm finishes such as gold and brass can be found in many midcentury modern elements and decor. Sticking with gold for your metallic finishes and fixtures is sure to add brightness and glamor to your bathroom. Look for unexpected or uncommon ways to add gold metallic shine such as intricate detail in the vanity edges and large shower fixtures.
9. Make It Bright and Calming
Photo courtesy of Miranda Estes Photography/@mirandaestes | Design: The Residency Bureau
Working with a light-toned materials and using serene colors will make your bathroom feel like a bright personal spa. Pastel colors and light terrazzo are well suited for a tranquil modern interpretation of these classic midcentury elements. Minimizing ornamentation reduces the visual clutter and allows the clean lines of the design to shine.
10. Add a Pop of Vivid Color
Photo courtesy of LivCo/@liv_companies
Midcentury modern style homes are known for being bold with color. And the bathrooms are no exception. Pair a small modern vanity with a colorful accent wall to make your half bathroom exciting. Elevate the look with a retro piece of art or a unique decor piece that ties in the color.
11. Mix Design Styles
Photo courtesy of Lisa Freeman/@homeandfields
Bringing midcentury style together with other design trends is one way to make your bathroom feel unique. Contrasting elements such as sizeable glossy porcelain tiles add a luxurious and organic feeling to the structured MCM decor. Popular styles to mix with midcentury modern include art deco, coastal, farmhouse and bohemian.
12. Match the Floor and Wall Tile
Photo courtesy of LivCo/@liv_companies
Classic midcentury design did not shy away from tile being the star of the bathroom. Matching the floor and wall tile will give your design maximum impact. Using colorful or patterned tile to create site lines to the ceiling will create a sense of spaciousness in an otherwise small space.
13. Rework an Outdated Bathroom
Photo courtesy of Irwin Construction/@irwin.construction
Not all vintage bathrooms need a total redesign. If you’re set on maintaining the spirit of the original design, focus on replacing each element with similar yet modern features. Painting wood paneling white, adding modern square tiles and updating the fixtures with white porcelain can give new life to an old layout.
14. Pick MCM Lighting
Photo courtesy of Bre Bertolini/@brepurposed
To add a classic midcentury modern design flair to any bathroom, pick era-inspired lighting. Whether you are mixing design trends or going full MCM, this lighting style elevates a simple bathroom to elegant and modern. Look for wall sconces, pendants or chandeliers that tie in with the metallic fixtures of your bathroom.
