The Best Designs of Printed Tiles for Wall to Create a Vintage-Inspired Bathroom

Creating a vintage-inspired bathroom with printed tiles can bring timeless elegance and charm to your home. From intricate patterns to classic colour schemes, printed tiles offer endless possibilities for achieving a nostalgic look. Here, we’ll explore the best designs of printed tiles for walls to help you create a vintage-inspired bathroom that exudes character and style.

1. Classic Black and White Patterns

Checkerboard Design

A checkerboard design is one of the most iconic vintage tile patterns. This simple yet striking black-and-white pattern can instantly transport your bathroom back to the early 20th century. So, it's versatile enough to complement various vintage styles, from Art Deco to mid-century modern.

Hexagonal Tiles

Hexagonal tiles in black and white offer a unique twist on the classic checkerboard. These tiles create a more intricate and detailed look, adding texture and depth to your bathroom walls. Though the hexagonal shape was popular in the early 1900s,  it is perfect for creating a vintage ambience.

2. Floral and Botanical Prints

Victorian Floral Tiles

Victorian floral tiles are renowned for their intricate and delicate designs. These printed tiles for walls often feature roses, lilies, and other ornate floral patterns that evoke the elegance of the Victorian era. So, using these tiles as a wall feature or backsplash can add a touch of vintage romance to your bathroom.

Art Nouveau Botanical Prints

Art Nouveau was a design movement characterised by its use of natural forms and flowing lines. Botanical prints from this era often feature stylised flowers, vines, and leaves in soft, muted colours. So, these tiles can create a serene and organic feel, perfect for a vintage-inspired bathroom.

3. Geometric and Moorish Patterns

Moroccan Tile Designs

Moroccan tiles, also known as Zellige tiles, are famous for their intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colours. These tiles can bring a touch of exotic vintage charm to your bathroom. For this, you can opt for designs in muted blues, greens, and earth tones to keep the look timeless and elegant.

Art Deco Geometrics

Art Deco tiles are characterised by their bold geometric shapes and luxurious materials. Incorporating Art Deco printed tiles into your bathroom can add a touch of 1920s glamour. So, look for designs featuring zigzags, chevrons, and sunburst motifs in classic black, white, and gold.

4. Subway Tiles with a Twist

Bevelled Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are a staple of vintage bathroom design, particularly those from the early 20th century. As bevelled subway tiles add a subtle texture and depth to your walls, they can enhance the vintage appeal. For this, stick to classic white or off-white tiles to maintain an authentic vintage look.

Coloured Subway Tiles

Do you want to bring a fresh twist on the classic subway tile? 

Then you can use coloured subway tiles. Soft pastels like mint green, powder blue, or blush pink can evoke the charm of the 1950s and 1960s bathrooms. These colours in printed tiles for walls can add a cheerful and nostalgic vibe to your space.

5. Retro Advertising and Typography Tiles

Vintage Advertisement Prints

Tiles featuring vintage advertisements or posters can create a unique and personalised feature wall. These prints often include old-fashioned products, charming slogans, and retro fonts. As a benefit, they can add a playful and historical touch to your bathroom.

Typographic Tiles

Typographic tiles with vintage-inspired fonts and phrases can add an artistic element to your bathroom walls. For this, you can look for designs that feature classic lettering styles from the early to mid-20th century. For example- phrases like "Bath," "Relax," or "Powder Room" can be both functional and decorative.

6. Delft Blue Tiles

Dutch Blue and White Tiles

Delft tiles, originating from the Netherlands, are known for their distinctive blue and white designs. These tiles often depict pastoral scenes, windmills, and floral patterns. So, incorporating Delft tiles into your bathroom can add a touch of European vintage charm and sophistication.

Mix and Match Patterns

One of the unique aspects of Delft tiles is their ability to mix and match different patterns while maintaining a cohesive look. For this, you can combine various designs in printed tiles for walls. As a benefit, you can create a custom and eclectic feature wall that reflects the rich history of Dutch tile-making.

7. Ornate Border Tiles

Victorian and Edwardian Borders

Ornate border tiles were commonly used in Victorian and Edwardian bathrooms to add a decorative element to plain walls. These tiles often feature intricate scrollwork, floral motifs, and geometric patterns. Further, you can use border tiles to frame your bathroom walls, and mirrors, or even create a wainscoting effect.

Accent Borders

If you want to highlight specific areas of your bathroom, you can use accent borders in contrasting colours. For example, a dark green or navy border against white tiles can create a striking and elegant vintage look.

8. Penny Round Tiles

Traditional Penny Rounds

Penny round tiles are small, circular tiles that were popular in early 20th-century bathrooms. These tiles can create a charming and playful pattern on your walls. In this regard, stick to classic white or incorporate subtle colour variations for a more dynamic look.

Mosaic Penny Round Designs

For a more intricate design, you can create a mosaic with penny-round tiles. Arrange them in patterns or images that reflect vintage styles, such as floral motifs or geometric shapes. As a benefit, this can add a unique and artistic touch to your bathroom walls.

9. Rustic and Weathered Tiles

Distressed Finishes

Printed tiles for walls with a distressed or weathered finish can add a sense of history and character to your bathroom. Think of tiles that mimic aged stone, faded paint, or worn surfaces. These tiles can effortlessly create a rustic, vintage-inspired atmosphere. As a benefit, it can give your space a unique and charming look.

Handmade Look

Tiles that have a handmade or artisanal appearance can enhance the vintage feel of your bathroom. These tiles often feature irregular edges, uneven glazing, and subtle colour variations. In this way, they add a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship to your space.

10. Pastel and Soft Hues

1950s Pastel colours

The 1950s were known for their love of pastel colours in home décor. Soft hues like baby blue, pale pink, mint green, and buttery yellow can create a nostalgic and cheerful bathroom. Combine pastel-coloured tiles with vintage fixtures and accessories for a cohesive look.

Monochromatic Schemes

You can create a monochromatic colour scheme with varying shades of a single pastel colour. This can add depth and interest to your bathroom walls while maintaining a soft and vintage-inspired palette.

Closing Notes 

Designing a vintage-inspired bathroom with printed tiles offers endless possibilities to create a space that is both nostalgic and stylish. Whether you prefer classic black-and-white patterns, intricate florals, bold geometrics, or soft pastels, there is a tile design to suit every taste. By carefully selecting and combining these designs, you can transform your bathroom into a charming retreat that captures the elegance and character of bygone eras. Embrace the beauty of vintage design and let your bathroom tell a story through its timeless tiles. Besides the wall, if you are looking for printed tiles for the floor, you can order them from MYTYLES.