Art Deco Bathroom Ideas and Stylish Paint Colour Palettes

So we don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the 20s have come back around, and we’re not talking about the year of our lord 2020. If you look at the influence of some of the hottest interior designers around, you’ll find snippets of the Jazz Age. That’s right, we’re harking back to the roaring twenties of the 20th century, the era that brought us The Great Gatsby, flapper fashion, and the unmistakable allure of Art Deco. 

And what more exciting canvas than a bathroom? Often overlooked as a site for experimentation, your bathroom deserves to share a bit of the limelight within your home. Here are a variety of Art Deco bathroom ideas to see this intimate space sing. 

But first, let’s explore why this lavish aesthetic movement is making a comeback and what general influences and elements characterise it.

A Short History Lesson On Art Deco Bathroom Styles

If you don’t know what Art Deco is, cast your mind back to The Great Gatsby: do you remember the opulent parties, the glitzy fashion, and the extravagant décor that defined the sets? That’s Art Deco.

What Is Art Deco?

Art Deco is the interior design and architectural aesthetic movement that came about during the 1920s and was the dominant trend until the late 30s. Cities such as Paris and Chicago were known as the birthplace of Art Deco as there was an outpouring of imaginative expression took hold of their art scenes. 

The aesthetic was marked by daring geometric shapes, vibrant colour palettes, and meticulously crafted ornamentation, epitomising the ideals of contemporary aesthetics and pure opulence. But it also looked towards the future.

The interior design looks luxurious and glitzy, reacting against an ornate past whilst simultaneously providing a futuristic energy thanks to its streamlined forms. To the modern viewer, we might even call this retrofuturism as the two values clash. If you want to see more of this retrofuturism in action, we recommend watching the 1927 film Metropolis to get a feel for this dynamic vibe. 

The 3 Types Of Art Deco

So now we have a background on Art Deco, it’s time to divide it into its 3 main subcategories.

  • Zig zag – usually vertical and embellished with zig zags, chevrons and other geometric patterns for a stimulating visual rhythm and balance.
  • Streamline modern a streamlined look inspired by mechanics and mass production, focusing on functionality and clean lines.
  • Art moderne often horizontal with asymmetrical facades and shapes that incorporate curved edges.

Whilst there are 3 main types of Art Deco interior design, they can all be combined into one scheme, so feel free to take elements from each and marry them together.

1920’s Bathroom Style

We’ve covered the various types of this interior design trend, but how does it translate to bathrooms? Well, 1920s Art Deco bathrooms were a testament to the era’s commitment to luxury, modernity, and bold design, so they incorporated intricate tiles, mirrored surfaces, bold lighting, geometric shapes and luxurious, shiny materials.

Modern Art Deco Bathroom Décor: 7 design suggestions

Accent With Mirrors

Mirrors are a quintessential Art Deco element. Large, ornate mirrors or mirrored cabinets not only enhance the sense of space but allow you to echo the roaring 20s vibe with a sunburst motif, for example.

Vintage Geometric Lighting

There are plenty of lighting options suitable for bathrooms that can add a dash of the futuristic look we mentioned earlier. Think sweeping lines and metallics, then find something that matches features such as a chrome sink and shower.

Folding Dividers

Popular in 1920s films, screen dividers are a gorgeous exotic touch that can function as an additional canvas within your bathroom. You can source them with geometric patterns or florals that match the scheme – and you might even be able to thrift one if you’re lucky!

Embrace Art Deco Shapes

Like any bathroom modernising idea, Art Deco thrives off visual intrigue. Tiling is an easy way to introduce Art Deco shapes and patterns into the space. Whether zig zag or art modern influenced, the right tiles can make an impactful statement.

Try Herringbone Or Chevron

A staple of the Art Deco bathroom trend, these flooring patterns nod towards the past without compromising the contemporary finish of a room. Complement it with clean-lined storage and fixtures for a cohesive look.

Mix Classic Patterns

A classic plant-patterned wallpaper reminds us of old Hollywood. As does a polished black and white checked floor. Put them together and you reach the pinnacle of glamour.

Tiled Trinket Dishes

Tiled accessories such as trinket dishes, toothbrush holders and soap dispensers are a beautiful way of topping off the Art Deco vibe. Remember, every single detail is worth its weight in gold when the final scheme pulls itself together.

Art Deco Bathroom Colour Ideas

As Art Deco is characterised by zany and rich colour palettes, prepare to spend a bit of time looking for paints, wallpapers and tiling that will knock your socks off. Often it will feel a bit out of your comfort zone, but as soon as you add in the details, it will start to come together beautifully.

Gilded Gold

An Art Deco bathroom idea doesn’t have to be subtle, if anything, we want to achieve the opposite. A warm, metallic gold paired with rich jewel tones like Little Greene’s mid-azure shade creates a regal and opulent atmosphere worthy of the fixings you’ve chosen for the space.

Midnight Magic

Deep navy or indigo combined with silver accents evoke the mystery and sophistication of the Art Deco era. Blue has always been an obvious choice for a bathroom, but why stay safe when you can take the scheme to the next level?

Emerald Elegance

Taking inspiration from Gatsby’s “green light on a dock”, let’s add an influx of hope and vibrance. A lush emerald green, when paired with cream or white, exudes a sense of luxury and vibrancy ideal for an Art Deco backdrop that POPs.

Black and White Drama

Classic black and white colour schemes with bold geometric patterns never go out of style. You can lean into the Art Deco sensibilities here as you harken back to the era of old Hollywood glamour and the iconic movie sets of the talkies. 

Checkerboard or herringbone patterns can create a stunning visual impact on floors and walls. Pair these with an opulent shade like Farrow and Ball’s Hague Blue or a wallpapered section with the famous sunburst motif.

Rouge Radiance

Bold as lipstick or the red carpet, indulging in a bright, warm rouges can tie an Art Deco bathroom décor scheme together seamlessly. Something like Romesco from F&B’s Carte Blanche collection has the power to add both exuberance and drama to a space whilst complimenting gilded accents and ceramic flooring.

Drawing The Curtain On The Art Deco Bathroom Style

As we draw the curtain on the opulent world of Art Deco bathroom ideas, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the Roaring Twenties may be a bygone era, but its spirit of glamour, sophistication, and artistic innovation lives on.

Whether you plan to go all out, or prefer to incorporate just a few eye-catching accents to inject a bit of dynamism into a plain bathroom such as an oversized mirror, velvet loveseat or geometric light fixings, we’re excited to see your creations.