The 1970s Bathroom Trend We Wish Would Return

The 1970s were known for some pretty incredible trends, some that have stood the test of time and still boogie today. Look at aviator sunglasses for instance — the trend was perfected in the '70s and still shows up on sunny days. Some trends went out of style or evolved, like wall-to-wall shag carpeting that is now in homes as shorter-pile area rugs. Some trends from the '70s we loved have made a comeback in a big way, like flares and record players. But we're still waiting on one trend that could add instant pizazz in bathrooms: retro-color tile.

The 1970's were all about burnt orange, mustard yellow, and other groovy colors that have made a comeback in other spaces, but the trend hasn't quite reached bathrooms. You'll find earthy yellow throw blankets tossed on the back of leather chairs, velvety orange ottomans and bedspreads, and even bold paintings with these earthy shades. So why aren't we bringing back the '70s in our bathrooms?

Avocado and olive green were popular color-drenching shades from that time. Bathrooms would be decked out from floor to ceiling and tub to toilet in this bold and earthy color choice. If a bathroom wasn't somehow showcasing green, chances are it was sporting burnt orange or harvest gold in big ways. Sinks were far-out in chocolate brown and shaggy orange mats littered the floors by yellow tubs.

People were exploring personality in their homes in the 1970s, so bathroom tile wasn't relegated to just the shower or floor — the era was bold, so the tiling was too. Floor to ceiling tile wasn't an out of the question design choice, and neither was mixing shine with matte textures while maxing out the color palette. The usual rectangular shape of tiles was challenged with psychedelic flower or geometric shape patterns, so when you walked in the only thing you could think to say was "radical."

Modernizing the 1970s bathroom tile trends can be a fun way to make your bathroom retro and current-day cool. You may even become a trendsetter when your friends and family see the beautiful ways you've combined retro style with modern day charm. Terracotta tile, once a staple in that era of organic and earthy vibes, looks great on floors with off-white grout and retro lighting to make the color pop. Likewise, opting for a trendy green bathroom color scheme and tiling your floor and shower can ooze '70s vibes while not looking too far-out. If you don't want to go too heavy on the green, tile your shower walls in off-white or a buttery yellow while leaning into the green on all foot surfaces.

You don't have to go crazy with your tiling and create a psychedelic atmosphere. But if you're brave enough to take on the 70s geometric designs, there are ways to do it without going overboard. Start by picking a bold design in a neutral color. If you go heavy on hexagons and oranges for instance, you might run the risk of dating your bathroom. If you decide you have to have both, then be strategic with placement — a shower niche, sink backsplash, or floor border are wonderful ways to give the 1970s bathroom trends a comeback while maintaining a style synonymous with modern times.