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24 Elegant Art Deco bathrooms

By Elise Hodge

Updated: January 5th, 2024

Create a space that exudes elegance and gives a nod to the old world glamour of yesteryear.

When you’re renovating your home, it can be easy to look through the lens of the latest modern design trends. But what about the classics like Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco bathroom design? Well, these are easy to revive with a modern twist with decorative highlights added to your bathroom. So, if you want to create a unique bathroom, it’s well worth taking a look at design styles from other eras to draw fresh inspiration.

For a brief history update, Art Deco originated in France in the 1920s just after World War I, bringing about a refreshing change from the eclectic and revivalist styles that came before it. At its heart, Art Deco design represented modernism in fashion. And on the home styling front, Art Deco products included unique luxury items as well as mass-produced homewares, that used fine craftsmanship and exquisite materials. During the height of the 1920s, Art Deco style epitomised wealth, sophistication, glamour, and faith in social and technological progress.

In today’s day and age, Art Deco style is so much broader and it can be fused with modern house design elements to create a dynamic interior that incorporates a hint of glamour – giving you all of the feelings of yesteryear without looking dated. So, are you looking to bring the glamour of the roaring ’20s to your new bathroom? Let’s look at simple ways to achieve it.

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Source: Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash

1. Traditional vanity

Take your bathroom design back in time with a traditional vanity. Once you’ve installed this, consider the other elements that will make your bathroom feel Art Deco. Think a classic mirror, large soaking tub and marble bathroom flooring.

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Source: Photo by Krystal Black on Unsplash

2. Two-piece toilet

While a two-piece toilet isn’t something you see often, it’s the perfect addition to an Art Deco space. Intentionally adding key pieces can inject so much character into even a small space.

3. Retro bathroom mirrors

While a mirror is a practical necessity in every bathroom, there’s no reason why you can’t make it fabulous. And you don’t just have to go for a simple round or rectangular mirror. There are so many great options on the market! The most obvious place to look is at homeware stores, but you can also scour your secondhand shops too. And spice things up a bit by considering something fun like a geometric retro mirror.

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Source: Photo by Lukas Schroeder on Unsplash

4. Create symmetry

One of the major hallmarks of Art Deco design is its symmetrical style. And I think we can all agree that there’s nothing more soothing in design than a little bit of symmetry! This forms the perfect foundation for the rest of the space. If you can squeeze a double vanity with dual basins, mirrors and lighting, then you’ll create a beautiful finish with strong Art Deco flavours.

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Source: Photo by Christian Mackie on Unsplash

5. Vintage lighting

Aim for the perfect blend of old and new with a statement piece that truly draws the eye.

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Source: Photo by Amira Aboalnaga on Unsplash

6. Patterned tiles

Take your flooring to the next level with interesting black-and-white tiles. What I love about these ones is they aren’t the classic subway tiles. Instead, they’re a mix of different patterns and shapes, which adds a layer of intrigue to a simple bathroom. But no matter what your style and taste, there are plenty of bathroom tile ideas to choose from. Be bold and go for something that speaks to your character – it’s so important to create a space that you truly love!

7. Modern classic

You don’t need to choose between turning back the clock on your design and keeping things in the 21st century. You can always add elements of Art deco style and combine them with more modern elements, like fresh white moulded bathroom cabinetry and a straight-cut rectangular mirror.

8. Parisian vintage

If you want to keep things truly authentic and stick to the heart of Art Deco design, then you should create a Parisian style bathroom. To make it feel truly French, incorporate a claw foot bathtub, classic pedestal sinks, chequered tile bathroom flooring, ornate lighting and intricate decor.

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Source: Photo by Valeria Boltneva from Pexels

9. Art Deco twist on modern bathroom

Keep things mostly modern with a slight twist on Art Deco style. Go for simple white subway tiles with white grout, a thick piece of marble as a benchtop and add a vintage, old-school mirror.

10. Ornate mirror

I’m a huge fan of fancy mirrors, especially those with detailing on the edging. It really makes it stand out as a feature piece in an Art Deco inspired bathroom.

11. Heavy brass

If you don’t want to completely overhaul your bathroom, you can still change it up by making a few small changes. The most simple one you can make is to swap out your old vanity hardware for some fresh new handles. I love a heavy brass option for both tapware and handles, and it’s really popular right now. You could also go for gold, silver or a rustic brass.

And you can’t go past a clean-cut marble countertop. Swap out your old benchtop for a pre-cut piece of marble with lots of veining. It’ll be the finishing touch on your vanity!

12. Black bathroom tiles

Slick shiny black wall tiles will take your design to the next level while allowing light to bounce around the space. And this can be offset with black and white mosaic floor tiles. Round and geometric shapes tiles add so much personality to a space. Silver hardware around the sink finishes the design off by adding a classic touch.

13. Penny round mosaic tiles

If you’ve decided you want to create a modern Art Deco space in your modern house, then you need to consider every little detail, not just the furniture. The design begins from the ground up, when you choose your flooring. Of course, there are the usual simple white tiles. But if you want to do something different, then you should have a look at mosaic tiles. I really love penny round mosaic tiles and they set an Art Deco tone for your space. From there, you can build the bathroom up with your vanity, hardware, countertop and sinks, mirrors, lighting and decor. Remember to always choose elements that speak to your personality and make it shine.

14. Double-wall design

There are so many options out there when it comes to bathroom design and if you’re anything like me, then you probably find it hard to land on one style. But the good news is that you don’t have to stick to one style. You can go all out and embrace your multi-passionate side by incorporating two designs. One way to to do this is to incorporate two designs in your wall – such as soft pastel paint for the top half and classic rectangular white tiles for the bottom.

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Source: Photo by Cameron Smith on Unsplash

15. Make it different

While black and white is a mainstay of Art Deco design, it doesn’t mean you need to make your walls look exactly like everyone else’s. Consider unusual patterns, such as a scalloped edge, to create interest while remaining elegant in your sophisticated modern Art Deco bathroom.

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Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

16. Vintage wallpaper

If you want to create something that will make a statement as your guests walk through the doors of your new bathroom, then paste your walls with a fancy wallpaper! There are so many quirky and whimsical designs full of vintage flavour that allow you to inject your unique personality into the space. So as you plan your bathroom renovation, think of ways to make it yours. Some key areas to consider are your walls, lighting, mirror and decor.

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Source: Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

17. Pastel Art Deco bathroom

A little bit of pastel can go a long way in making your small bathroom look fresh and pretty. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be overly feminine either. You can incorporate pastels by adding in a tea towel, vase, flowers or any other small piece of decor. Remember, when creating your new Art Deco bathroom, it’s the details that will really make it shine!

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Source: Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

18. Mixed materials

Modern bathrooms don’t have to be black and white to embody Art Deco glamour. You can incorporate a mix of elements, including brass, pops of pink, fun prints, rustic bricks and natural greenery to create an inspiring, contemporary space.

19. Earthy Art Deco

Art Deco style is know for being big, bold and beautiful. Achieve a glam look with striking statement tile, a super-sleek floating vanity, faux hardwood floor tile, artworks, and all the modern amenities a homeowner could ever need. It’s all in the details, people.

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Source: Photo by yann maignan on Unsplash

20. Contrasting colours

Art Deco colours are traditionally bold and driven by contrast in colour schemes of silver, black, chrome, yellow, red, cream, green, and beige. And when it comes to solid colours, black-brown and tan are the go-to. So, when you’re designing your Art Deco bathroom, consider how you can incorporate a colour palette using these traditionally Art Deco hues.

21. Black paint

If you want to create a bathroom that’s totally luxe, then you should consider a lick of black paint. It’s amazing how a coat of paint can completely transform a room. Get some help to transform your bathroom colour scheme with a professional painter.

22. Clawfoot bath

I love a good soaking tub. There’s something nothing like enjoying a relaxing bath at the end of a long day at work, right? Adding a good dose of classical opulence and vintage aesthetics, a clawfoot bathtub can instantly transform your bathroom. Combined with shiny silver tapware, a statement tub will take your bathroom from modern design to vintage chic.

23. Classic pedestal sinks

Rewind back a century by installing classic pedestal sinks. The double sink and double mirror/cabinet look will evoke strong Art Deco vibes.

24. Decorative flooring

If you’re not afraid to make a statement with your floors, then consider geometric tiles! These beauties look good with almost anything but they really shine with simple black and white furniture. I love how such a simple addition, like tiles, can make such a huge difference to your bathroom’s overall look.

There you have it, 24 Art Deco ideas that you can use for your next bathroom renovation. Before you go, I’d love to hear from you. Which idea stood out to you the most? Comment and tell me. Plus, if you have any other brilliant Art Deco bathroom ideas, share them too!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elise H

I've recently moved into a new home and I've been having so much fun decorating it with pretty wall prints and Scandinavian-inspired furniture. So as well as being a freelance writer, I'm always on the lookout for new design pieces for my home!

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Comments

  1. Aditya

    Nice article

  2. Veronica Mercedes Springer

    So much appreciated this through information. I now can describe the correct verbiage on my bathroom remodel.
    In my head I have a natural decorating design ability where many people have asked me to help them with ideas but need correct descriptions.
    Totally recommend this site and author.