Stepping into a 1930s bathroom is like entering a charming snapshot of history. Imagine the bold Art Deco styles, the pastel color palettes that were all the rage, and the classic vintage fixtures.
This era, revered for its distinctive design, can inspire your bathroom remodel, allowing you to blend timeless elegance with modern functionality.
Whether you live in a house from that period or simply appreciate the aesthetic, incorporating elements of the 1930s can give your space character and a sense of history.
When planning your bathroom renovation, you may find joy in selecting classic features reminiscent of the 1930s, such as pedestal sinks, hexagonal tile floors, and streamlined chrome fixtures.
The key is to honor the era of the house while ensuring every update meets today’s standards for comfort and efficiency.
Adapting the design principles from 1930s-style bathrooms, you can create a space that’s both a nod to the past and a functional area suited to your modern lifestyle.
Historical Context
In the 1930s, your bathroom became a reflection of modernity and the prevailing art movements of the time. With design influences stemming from new technologies and a shift in society’s approach to personal hygiene, the bathrooms of this era can be notably distinguished by their unique aesthetics.
Design Influences
The 1930s bathrooms were heavily influenced by the evolution in public health and sanitation awareness. You’ll find the use of water-resistant materials for floors and wainscotings, a move away from wood and varnish to combat moisture and maintain cleanliness. The vintage look often featured white fixtures, clean lines, and an emphasis on function without sacrificing style.
Art Deco Impact
The Art Deco movement left a significant mark on 20th-century bathroom designs. As you’ll discover, the period’s color palettes were bold, with fixtures in hues like orchid, mauve, and navy blue. Tiling often encompassed geometric patterns, chrome accents, and the use of glass to mirror the era’s enthusiasm for industrial progress and visual flair.
Cultural Significance
For your understanding, the 1930s bathroom held more than just a utilitarian purpose—it became a symbol of comfort and escapism during the economic downturn of the Great Depression.
The stylish offerings of the time, with their cool, dark colors complemented by crisp whites, were as much about creating a serene retreat as they were about hygiene, marking a pivotal point in how society viewed the personal bathroom space.
Common Layouts and Features
In the 1930s, bathroom design embraced both functional needs and the style of the era. Your small bathroom would typically feature a pedestal sink and practical yet stylish storage options.
Bathtub and Shower Configurations
1930s bathrooms often included a bathtub with a shower combination, giving you the versatility of both options in one space.
The tubs were typically cast iron with a porcelain enamel coating, making them both durable and a classic feature in your bath space. As for showers, they were sometimes separate but often involved a simple showerhead above the tub with a surrounding curtain.
Sink and Toilet Styles
Your sink would likely be a pedestal sink, recognized for its standalone basin and elegant lines, fitting perfectly into the aesthetic of the period.
The toilet designs were more compact, reflecting the smaller size often found in 1930s homes. High-tank toilets began to fade out in favor of the now-standard low-tank versions, saving space and reflecting advancements in plumbing.
Storage Solutions
Considering the small bathroom size typical of the era, storage solutions were ingenious. Built-in nooks and wall cabinets optimized space without cluttering the room. Freestanding furniture, like a wooden vanity, could add additional storage while maintaining the room’s elegance and providing flexibility for your organizing needs.
Using these styles and features, you can capture the essence of a 1930s bathroom, creating a space that is both functional and refined.
Color Schemes and Materials
Your 1930s bathroom can be a beautiful reflection of the era with the right color schemes and materials. Let’s dive into the popular combinations, and explore the best options for tile, stone, and accent features.
Popular Color Combinations
In the 1930s, your bathroom would likely feature deep, rich colors paired with more subdued tones. Imagine a palette including dark greens or navy blues, complemented by subtle blacks and whites. You might also find a range of pastels like mint green and powder blue, which were new and exciting at the time.
Tile and Stone Options
When it comes to your tile choices, vintage tile designs would be the go-to. It’s common to use black and white patterned tiles for the flooring, which can make a bold statement. For a softer look, green tile bathrooms with marble accents offer a fresh and timeless style. Incorporating materials like stone or marble could give your bathroom a luxurious feel while staying true to the era.
Accent Features
Accents are where you can have a little fun and really showcase your individual taste.
Consider adding a border of vintage tile around the room or choose specific areas for a pop of color, like a blue or green backsplash behind the sink. Accessories and fixtures in chrome or brushed metal can complement the tile and stone beautifully, tying the entire design together.
Decorative Elements
When you explore the decorative elements of 1930s bathrooms, you’ll find a celebration of style and function. The era was rich with unique lighting fixtures, intricate wall and floor treatments, and distinctive windows that provided both privacy and ventilation.
Lighting and Accessories
Your 1930s-style bathroom wouldn’t be complete without the right lighting and accessories.
Wall-mounted sconces on either side of your mirror cast a warm, even glow, adhering to the symmetrical designs popular during the decade.
For overhead lighting, a central light fixture with frosted glass or a geometric design can serve as a period-appropriate choice. Accessories may include glass shelves, built-in soap dishes, and towel rings with chrome or nickel finishes.
Wall and Floor Treatments
The wall and floor treatments in a 1930s bathroom create its distinctive look. You’ll often find wallpaper with Art Deco patterns or pastel-colored wainscoting adding character to the room.
The floors typically feature black and white hexagonal tiles, but don’t be surprised to find colorful geometric patterns as well. Tiled walls often extend to wainscot height, featuring subtly detailed borders for an added sense of elegance.
Window and Ventilation Details
While privacy is key in your bathroom, so is natural light and air. A leaded glass window can be a stunning focal point that prevents direct visibility and enhances the room’s overall design.
Opt for windows with frosted or textured glass for privacy that doesn’t compromise on style. Ventilation comes in the form of tastefully designed vents or discreetly placed fans, ensuring that your space remains moisture-free and fresh.
Renovation Tips
When approaching a 1930s bathroom renovation, your focus should be on preserving the charm of the era while incorporating modern functionality.
Keep an eye on the condition of original features and balance your budget to ensure the space is both aesthetically authentic and practically up-to-date.
Preserving Original Features
Original Tile: Retain any original tiles that are still in good condition to maintain the bathroom’s historic character.
Cleaning the grout and applying a sealant can refresh the look without a complete overhaul. If tiles are damaged or missing, look for replicas or salvage pieces that match the original design.
Subway Tile: If you’re lucky enough to have original subway tiles, keep them. These classic pieces can also be enhanced with a subway tile bathtub surround, projecting a timeless aesthetic while ensuring durability.
Choosing Modern Upgrades
Modern Beige Tile Bathroom: For areas that require new tiling, consider using modern beige tiles which can infuse warmth into the space without detracting from the retro feel. For a harmonious look, choose shapes and finishes that echo the 1930s style.
Retro Bathroom Elements: Introduce retro bathroom fixtures that offer modern performance. You can source new fixtures designed with a nod to the past, or go for actual vintage pieces that have been refurbished to today’s standards.
Budgeting and Planning
- Budget: Before you begin, set a clear budget. Account for both expected and unexpected expenses, including the cost of addressing any mold issues that are common in older bathrooms.
- Planning: Start by cataloging what can be preserved, what needs replacing, and where you can compromise. Planning ahead will save you time and money, especially if you need to find replacements for unique 1930s features.
Remember to integrate these elements thoughtfully as you envision your renovated 1930s bathroom, blending nostalgia with modernity.
Product and Material Recommendations
When renovating your bathroom to reflect the charming aesthetics of the 1930s, choosing the right products and materials is essential to achieving an authentic look. Pay special attention to classic fixtures and fittings, period-appropriate tiles, and the fine details in sanitaryware and hardware.
Fixtures and Fittings
Your choice of fixtures and fittings, such as taps and showerheads, can make a significant difference in your 1930s bathroom design.
Look for Kohler products, which often offer designs with a vintage touch. The use of chrome fittings can add a clean, sleek finish to the space, providing a beautiful contrast to darker tones or a clean white palette.
- Taps and Showerheads: Chrome-finished fixtures from Kohler or Waterworks for a period-appropriate shine.
- Lighting: Wall sconces with frosted glass and chrome or nickel finishes.
Flooring and Wall Tiles
The iconic look of a 1930s bathroom is often characterized by the tiles used on floors and walls.
Subway tiles are a fantastic choice for your walls, embodying the period’s style with their rectangular shape and classic appeal. For flooring, consider black and white patterns which promote a bold contrast, or opt for the timeless elegance of hexagonal or penny tiles.
- Wall Tiles: Choose glossy subway tiles for a simple, yet elegant look.
- Floor Tiles: Black and white geometric patterns, available from many retailers, to create a vintage feel.
Sanitaryware and Hardware
Select pieces of sanitaryware that echo the 1930s era, like a pedestal sink or a claw-foot tub, and complement them with vintage-style hardware.
A vessel sink can also be a fitting choice if you’re seeking a blend of classic and contemporary. Remember, the details matter, so even your choice of toilet roll holder should resonate with the overall design.
- Sink: A pedestal sink or a vessel sink for a mix of traditional and modern.
- Hardware: Chrome taps and spouts, and porcelain handles to accentuate the vintage vibe.
Choosing these products and materials with care will help you create a bathroom that not only pays homage to the 1930s but also functions beautifully in your modern home.
Accentuating Architectural Features
When remodeling your 1930s bathroom, paying homage to the era’s distinctive architectural features can introduce a classic charm.
Think about emphasizing key characteristics such as freestanding bathtubs and tailored storage solutions to capture that vintage appeal.
Freestanding Tubs and Panoramic Views
If you have the luxury of space, incorporating a freestanding bathtub can serve as the focal point in your 1930s-inspired bathroom. Immerse yourself in a bygone era as you soak in a tub that speaks to timeless elegance.
To enhance the indulgence, position your bathtub to take advantage of panoramic views. If privacy allows, consider a layout where large windows invite natural light to highlight the tub area and set a serene mood.
Sophisticated Storage and Niches
Your storage solutions in a vintage bath can be both practical and stylish. Install sophisticated storage units that reflect the 1930s aesthetic with clean, geometric lines or period-appropriate hardware.
Wall niches are not only period-appropriate but also serve as clever spaces to keep toiletries within reach without cluttering the space.
For an added touch of authenticity, utilize accent tile, such as green subway tile, to line these niches. It will create visual interest and a splash of color that complements the neutral palette common in the era.
Let’s not forget the durability and sleek look of integral concrete floors or the use of field stone to accent the vintage design while maintaining modern functionality.
Special Topics
In this section, you’ll discover how to make the most out of a small 1930s bathroom, ensure it complements your home’s decor seamlessly, and adopt eco-friendly practices without compromising style.
Maximizing Space in Compact Bathrooms
Your small bathroom can feel more spacious with the right techniques. Use light colors like white on walls to visually expand the space.
Installing unglazed porcelain fixtures gives both a vintage feel and a sleek look without taking up too much room.
Strategic storage in the form of built-in shelves or medicine cabinets can keep essentials at hand without cluttering the area.
Integrating the Bathroom with Home Decor
Pair the luxury colors of a vintage palette with the rest of your home for a cohesive look. You might consider Victorian green tile for an authentic 1930s touch that also complements a copper clad central fireplace in your living space.
Incorporating Honduras mahogany veneers in your bathroom cabinetry can match furniture elsewhere in your home, creating a harmonious flow.
Eco-friendly and Sustainable Practices
Embracing sustainability in your 1930s bathroom doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Opt for eco-friendly paints with low VOCs to maintain white walls that are healthier for you and the planet.
Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads saves water while keeping the vintage look with options like polished copper or brushed nickel.
Remember, your choices not only define your bathroom’s character but also contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
Final Considerations
When you’re wrapping up your 1930s bathroom project, two critical aspects to keep in mind are how to maintain the space and the impact your renovations might have on your home’s value.
Maintenance and Longevity
Your 1930s bathroom can maintain its charm and functionality for years with correct care.
Longevity is hinged on preventing water damage and mold—two common issues in bathrooms.
Ensure your shower pan is sealed properly to avoid leaks. For tiles, opt for high-quality grout and sealant to keep them pristine and less prone to staining. Incorporate niches to reduce clutter and make cleaning easier.
The Impact of Renovations on Home Value
A thoughtfully remodeled bathroom can be a strong selling point, potentially increasing your home value. While preserving the 1930s aesthetic, modern updates like efficient plumbing and convenient storage can appeal to buyers looking for a functional yet classic space.
Renovation choices should be approached with not just the current utility in mind, but also how they will fare in the market if you plan to sell.