Everyone Had One In The '50s — Now You'd Be Thrilled To Find It At The Thrift Store

There's one retro plumbing trend that has become unexpectedly coveted. In the 1950s, colorful tubs and sinks were all the rage. The kitschy bathrooms with pastel plumbing were eventually replaced with uniform white toilets, sinks, and bathtubs. However, as homeowners and designers start to crave more character in their interiors, colorful plumbing is having a second — and possibly permanent — renaissance

If you happen to find a colorful piece of plumbing at your local thrift store, it's a great buy for several reasons. Beyond the color, the quality of vintage plumbing tends to be heavy and generally durable. Often crafted with porcelain, mid-century sinks and tubs were built to last. However, be aware of surface scratches and crazing, and be prepared to refinish the porcelain. True cracks, however, can render the basin unusable, so always inspect your thrift store finds. If you spot these valuable, high-end items at a thrift store and you aren't afraid of a little color, '50s-inpsired plumbing is a stunning way to add personality to your space.

There are several different color options to choose from if you want to recreate that retro look. You can either choose to add one colorful piece to your bathroom — like a single powder blue sink — or you can coordinate all of your plumbing to match. Cool colors, like pale blue or mint green, can give your bathroom a quirky feel without looking too garish. If you want your house to evoke the playful glamour of a mid-century Palm Springs resort, try a perfectly pale pink tub or toilet!

When it comes to styling your colorful plumbing, you can balance it with modern decor or commit to a vintage-inspired bathroom. For example, chrome hardware looks contemporary but also suits a mid-century style. Silver-toned fixtures can help you blend the past and the present. For an unapologetically vintage look, add accessories like ruffled café curtains, pastel towels, or scalloped mirrors. You also have the perfect opportunity to try out the color drenching trend, which isn't just for paint — you can also do it with tile. If you aren't lucky enough to find colorful plumbing pieces at the thrift store, try searching online resources like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or 1stDibs. For those who love to embrace a quirky, nostalgic look, you'll love these creative bathroom ideas.