15 Unique Retro Blue Bathroom Ideas for Chic Interiors

Remember that bathroom your grandma had with the baby blue fixtures that everyone said was outdated? Well, guess what – retro blue bathrooms are having their moment, and honestly, I’m here for it! There’s something absolutely magical about walking into a bathroom that feels like a time capsule from the ’50s, ’60s, or ’70s, except this time around, we’re doing it with intention and style.

I’ve spent the last few months obsessing over retro bathroom designs (my Pinterest board has officially gotten out of control), and blue keeps stealing the show. Maybe it’s because blue creates that perfect calming vibe we all crave in our bathrooms, or perhaps it’s just that vintage blue tiles have this inexplicable charm that modern designs can’t replicate.

Let me walk you through 15 retro blue bathroom ideas that’ll make you want to grab a sledgehammer and start your renovation immediately. Trust me, your morning routine will thank you.

Vintage Navy Tile Bathroom

Navy blue in a bathroom? Some people think it’s too dark, but they’re missing out on one of the most sophisticated retro looks you can create. Navy tiles bring drama and elegance that lighter blues simply can’t match.

I recently helped my sister renovate her guest bathroom with vintage-inspired navy hexagon tiles, and the transformation was mind-blowing. The key here is balancing that deep blue with plenty of white – think white grout, white fixtures, and maybe a crisp white vanity. You want that navy to pop without making the space feel like a cave.

Making Navy Work in Small Spaces

Here’s what I’ve learned about using navy tiles effectively:

• Always pair with brass or gold fixtures – the warm metals prevent the space from feeling cold
• Consider navy on just one accent wall if you’re nervous about going all-in
• Mix in some white subway tiles to create visual breaks
• Add plenty of lighting (seriously, more than you think you need)

The beauty of navy is that it reads as a neutral while still making a statement. Plus, it hides water spots like nobody’s business – practical AND gorgeous!

Sky Blue Retro Vanity Setup

Now, if navy feels too intense, let’s talk about sky blue vanities – they’re basically happiness in furniture form. Picture this: a vintage-style vanity in that perfect robin’s egg blue, complete with curved edges and those adorable little legs that scream mid-century charm.

I scored an original 1960s vanity at an estate sale last year (best $150 I ever spent), and after some TLC and fresh sky blue paint, it became the centerpiece of my powder room. The color works brilliantly because it’s bold enough to be interesting but soft enough to feel timeless.

What makes a sky blue vanity truly retro? It’s all in the details:

• Curved or scalloped edges instead of sharp, modern lines
• Chrome or brushed nickel hardware with that vintage flair
• Maybe even built-in towel bars on the sides (so practical!)
• A matching mirror with rounded corners

Turquoise and White Retro Combo

Can we just agree that turquoise and white is the power couple of retro bathroom design? This combination screams 1950s diner meets Miami Beach hotel, and I’m absolutely living for it.

The trick with turquoise is knowing when to stop. You want enough to make an impact but not so much that you feel like you’re swimming in a public pool. I typically recommend the 60-40 rule – 60% white, 40% turquoise – though honestly, rules are made to be broken if you’re feeling bold.

Where to Use Turquoise

My favorite spots for turquoise accents:

• Bathtub exterior (if you’re brave enough)
• Lower half of walls with white on top
• Floor tiles in a checkerboard pattern
• Accent tiles in the shower

The white keeps everything fresh and prevents that overwhelming “too much color” feeling. Plus, white fixtures and trim create this gorgeous contrast that makes the turquoise really sing.

Powder Blue Clawfoot Tub

Nothing – and I mean nothing – says vintage luxury quite like a powder blue clawfoot tub. It’s the bathroom equivalent of wearing a ballgown to brunch, and honestly, why shouldn’t your bathroom be extra?

I’ve been eyeing one of these beauties for my master bath renovation, and the research has been enlightening. Original vintage tubs can run you thousands, but there are some fantastic reproductions that capture that same charm without the hefty price tag (or the potential lead paint – yikes!).

The best part about a powder blue clawfoot? It becomes instant art. You don’t need much else in the room when you have this showstopper. Keep the walls simple, maybe add some vintage-style floor tiles, and let that tub do all the talking.

Retro Mosaic Blue Floor Tiles

Ever walked into a bathroom and immediately looked down because the floor was just that stunning? That’s the power of retro mosaic tiles in various shades of blue. We’re talking tiny hexagons, penny rounds, or even those adorable flower patterns that were huge in the ’60s.

I installed blue mosaic penny tiles in my rental property’s bathroom, and it’s literally the feature that sells the place every time. The pattern adds so much visual interest without being overwhelming, and the blue tones create this serene, spa-like atmosphere.

Mosaic Tile Tips That Actually Matter

Here’s what nobody tells you about mosaic tiles:

• Seal them properly – those tiny grout lines need protection
• Mix different shades of blue for depth (monotone can look flat)
• Consider a border in white or black for definition
• They’re slippery when wet, so maybe skip them in the shower floor

Teal Blue Art Deco Bathroom

Art Deco and teal blue go together like coffee and mornings – they just make sense. The geometric patterns and bold lines of Art Deco design paired with that rich teal color create a bathroom that feels both vintage and incredibly sophisticated.

Think fan patterns, chevron designs, and those distinctive stepped edges that Art Deco is famous for. When you combine these elements with teal blue tiles or paint, you get a space that feels like it belongs in a swanky 1920s hotel.

I’ve seen this done brilliantly with teal subway tiles arranged in a herringbone pattern – simple yet effective. Add some gold or brass fixtures (because Art Deco loves its metallics), and you’ve got yourself a bathroom that would make Gatsby jealous.

Also Read: 15 Creative Pink and Blue Bathroom Ideas for Modern Homes

Pastel Blue Retro Sink Design

Let’s talk about those adorable pastel blue pedestal sinks that make you wonder why we ever switched to boring white. These beauties were everywhere in the 1950s, and finding an original one is like striking gold at a flea market.

My neighbor has an original American Standard sink in the palest blue, and every time I see it, I consider befriending her just to use her bathroom :). The color is subtle enough that it doesn’t overwhelm but unique enough that everyone notices it.

Making Pastel Blue Sinks Work Today

Want to incorporate a pastel blue sink without looking dated? Try these tricks:

• Pair with modern faucets for an updated look
• Keep the rest of the bathroom neutral
• Add contemporary lighting fixtures
• Use clean, simple lines elsewhere in the space

Bold Retro Blue Wallpaper Accent

Wallpaper in a bathroom? I know what you’re thinking – moisture, peeling, disaster. But hear me out: modern wallpapers designed for bathrooms have come so far, and a bold blue retro pattern on just one wall can transform your entire space.

I’m talking about those fantastic geometric patterns from the ’70s, or maybe those sweet little florals from the ’50s, all in various shades of blue. The key is choosing one accent wall – usually behind the vanity – and letting it be the star.

FYI, peel-and-stick options have gotten really good lately. You can experiment without the commitment, which is perfect if you’re renting or just indecisive like me.

Retro Blue Subway Tile Walls

Blue subway tiles might just be the most versatile retro element you can add to a bathroom. They work in literally any style from 1920s to 1970s, depending on how you style them.

I’ve seen baby blue subway tiles paired with black grout for a bold, graphic look that screams 1960s mod. Or you could go with a deeper blue and white grout for something more subtle and timeless. The beauty is in the simplicity – subway tiles never really go out of style.

Installation Patterns That Make a Difference

Don’t just stick to the standard brick pattern:

• Vertical stack for a modern twist on retro
• Herringbone for added visual interest
• Diagonal for drama
• Mixed with white tiles for a custom pattern

Also Read: 15 Elegant Powder Blue Bathroom Ideas with Stylish Touches

Mid-Century Blue Bathroom Style

Mid-century modern design and blue bathrooms? Name a more iconic duo. This style is all about clean lines, functional design, and that perfect shade of turquoise or teal that defined the era.

The key to nailing mid-century style is restraint. You want those characteristic elements – the angular vanity, the simple hardware, the geometric patterns – but you don’t want to go overboard. Think of it as retro minimalism, if that makes sense.

I’ve found that floating vanities in blue really capture that mid-century vibe. Add some walnut accents, maybe a sunburst mirror, and you’re basically living in a Mad Men episode (minus the questionable workplace behavior).

Retro Blue and Gold Fixtures

Can we have a moment of appreciation for blue and gold combinations? This pairing is having such a moment right now, and it’s basically the perfect marriage of retro charm and modern luxury.

Picture this: powder blue walls or tiles paired with brushed gold faucets, towel bars, and light fixtures. The warmth of the gold prevents the blue from feeling cold, while the blue keeps the gold from being too overwhelming. It’s bathroom design harmony at its finest.

Why Gold Works So Well

Here’s why I’m obsessed with gold fixtures in blue bathrooms:

• They add instant warmth to cool blue tones
• Gold reads as both vintage and contemporary
• The contrast creates visual interest without being jarring
• They photograph beautifully (hello, Instagram!)

Retro Blue Checkerboard Flooring

Nothing says “retro diner bathroom” quite like blue and white checkerboard floors. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it definitely makes a statement. But here’s the thing – you have to commit to the look because there’s no hiding checkerboard floors.

I helped a friend install navy and white checkerboard tiles in her kids’ bathroom, and it transformed the space from boring to absolutely delightful. The pattern adds so much energy and personality that you barely need any other decoration.

IMO, the key to making checkerboard work is keeping everything else relatively simple. Let those floors be the star of the show. Solid white walls, simple fixtures, and maybe just a pop of the same blue in your towels or artwork.

Also Read: 15 Beautiful Baby Blue Bathroom Ideas to Brighten Your Home

Retro Blue Bathtub Highlight

Remember those gorgeous colored bathtubs from the 1960s and ’70s? They’re making a comeback, and blue is leading the charge. Whether you paint an existing tub or invest in a new colored one, a blue bathtub instantly becomes the focal point of any bathroom.

I recently saw a bathroom where they painted just the exterior of a clawfoot tub in the most gorgeous cobalt blue, while keeping the interior white. Genius move – you get all the visual impact without feeling like you’re bathing in a Smurf village.

Making a Blue Tub Work

Consider these approaches:

• Paint just the exterior for a pop of color
• Choose a pale blue for a subtle vintage vibe
• Go bold with navy or cobalt for maximum impact
• Pair with neutral everything else to avoid overwhelm

Blue Retro Patterned Wallpaper

Let’s circle back to wallpaper because retro patterns in blue deserve their own moment. We’re talking about those incredible geometric designs, tropical prints, and abstract patterns that defined the ’60s and ’70s.

The secret to using patterned wallpaper successfully? Choose one wall and commit to it. I’ve seen too many bathrooms where someone got excited and papered every surface – trust me, less is more here.

My personal favorite? Those wave patterns from the ’70s in various shades of blue. They create movement and interest without being too busy, and they work surprisingly well with modern fixtures.

Retro Blue and White Contrast Bathroom

Finally, let’s talk about the classic blue and white contrast bathroom. This isn’t just about checkerboard floors – it’s about using these two colors throughout the space to create a cohesive, retro-inspired design.

Think blue wainscoting with white walls above, or white tiles with blue grout, or even alternating blue and white tiles in creative patterns. The contrast creates visual interest while maintaining that clean, classic look that never goes out of style.

Creating Perfect Contrast

Here’s how to nail the blue and white look:

• Use the 70-30 rule – 70% of one color, 30% of the other
• Add black accents for extra definition
• Mix different shades of blue for depth
• Include plenty of white to keep things bright

I recently redid my guest bathroom with white subway tiles and navy blue painted wainscoting, and the number of compliments I get is honestly embarrassing. The contrast is striking but not overwhelming, and it feels both vintage and completely current.

Bringing It All Together

Creating a retro blue bathroom isn’t just about throwing some blue tiles on the wall and calling it vintage. It’s about capturing that perfect balance between nostalgia and modern functionality. You want a space that feels special and unique but doesn’t sacrifice comfort or practicality.

The best part about these retro blue bathroom ideas? You don’t have to choose just one. Mix and match elements – maybe combine blue mosaic floors with a sky blue vanity, or pair navy subway tiles with gold fixtures. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this trend so exciting.

Whether you’re doing a full renovation or just want to add some retro blue touches to your existing bathroom, remember that confidence is key. Own your choices, have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. After all, it’s your bathroom – might as well make it one that makes you smile every morning.

And hey, if anyone questions your bold blue choices, just tell them it’s vintage-inspired. Everything old is new again, and your bathroom is simply ahead of the curve. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some blue tile samples to obsess over…