15 Outrageous Decorating Trends From ’60s Bathrooms We Can’t Believe Were Real

The 1960s weren’t just swinging in the streets—they were grooving right into the bathroom, too! This was the decade where “less is more” was gleefully tossed out the window and replaced with “go big, bold, and borderline bonkers.”

Growing up, I’d hear wild stories about avocado green tubs, shag carpet in the bathroom (yes, really), and wallpaper patterns so loud they could wake the neighbors. And honestly? I can’t help but laugh—and secretly admire—the fearless flair of it all.

These were spaces that didn’t whisper relaxation… they shouted personality! So grab your lava lamp nightlight and brace yourself as we time-travel through 15 absolutely outrageous ’60s bathroom trends.

From psychedelic color palettes to toilet seat covers that doubled as plush cushions, you’ll be left wondering: “Was it genius or just plain groovy madness?” Either way, it’s going to be a fabulously funky ride down memory lane!

1. Carpeted Floors (and Sometimes Carpeted Toilets)

I kid you not; there was a time when bathroom floors were as fuzzy as a teddy bear. Wall-to-wall shag carpeting in the bathroom was not just a myth—it was a reality.

Imagine the luxurious feel of stepping out of the shower onto a plush carpet. Moisture be damned, this trend laughed in the face of logic and embraced coziness instead. And yes, some daring souls even extended this fuzzy embrace to their toilets.

Thinking about the hygiene implications might make you cringe, but back then, it was considered the height of comfort. My aunt once mentioned matching toilet seat covers, and I still chuckle imagining the cleaning nightmares. But hey, at least her feet were always warm!

2. Colored Toilets and Tubs

Why stop at avocado green when you could have a rainbow in your bathroom? Back in the ’60s, colored toilets and tubs were all the rage.

Whether it was pastel pink, powder blue, or harvest gold, these colorful fixtures were a badge of fashion-forward thinking. Step into one of these bathrooms, and you’d be greeted by a kaleidoscope of hues that made every visit feel like an art exhibit.

It seems unfathomable now, but back then, having a pastel toilet was akin to sporting the latest designer handbag. It was a statement of style, and one that didn’t fade easily—literally and figuratively.

3. Plastic Tile Murals

Who needs plain walls when you could have a plastic mosaic masterpiece watching over your shower time? The ’60s introduced plastic tile murals that turned your bathroom into an art gallery.

From dolphins leaping through plastic waves to majestic swans gliding on synthetic ponds, these murals were anything but subtle. It was like inviting a whole zoo into your bathing space.

Sure, they might seem kitschy now, but back then, they were avant-garde. My neighbor had one of a Grecian column, and I always imagined it had tales of ancient Rome to share while you shampooed.

4. Fuzzy Toilet Seat Covers

Soft, fluffy, and usually in a vibrant color, fuzzy toilet seat covers were the epitome of luxury—at least if you didn’t think too hard about the bacteria. Back in the ’60s, these covers turned otherwise hard and chilly seats into plush thrones.

As a kid, I would visit my aunt’s house and marvel at her bright pink fluffy seat cover. It was like sitting on a cloud, albeit one that might have needed frequent laundering.

While they may seem a bit outlandish today, they were a must-have accessory back then. It was all about comfort and style, even if it meant a bit of extra cleaning effort.

5. Hollywood-Style Vanity Lighting

Nothing screams glamour like a bathroom mirror surrounded by a dozen exposed bulbs. The ’60s brought Hollywood to homes with vanity lighting that made even the most modest bathrooms feel like celebrity dressing rooms.

I remember visiting a friend’s house and feeling like a movie star as I adjusted my hair in her luminous bathroom mirror. Those bright lights might have blinded you momentarily, but they also made you feel fabulous.

For many, this was the ultimate touch of elegance. A bit over-the-top? Perhaps. But it was all in good fun and fabulousness.

6. Avocado Green Everything

Imagine stepping into a bathroom where everything, and I mean everything, is drenched in the hue of ripe avocados. From the tub to the sink, even the toilet got swept up in this earthy-green takeover. It was less “natural” and more “guacamole explosion.”

Picture this: you’re brushing your teeth, surrounded by a sea of green that would make even a rainforest blush. The ’60s had a love affair with this color, and it stuck around like a stubborn houseguest.

If you’re thinking this trend sounds absurd, you’re not alone. My grandmother’s tales of her avocado sanctuary never fail to amuse. But back then, it was the epitome of chic. And let’s face it, it was a bold choice, even if it made your bathroom look like a salad gone wrong.

7. Vinyl Wallpaper in Wild Prints

Step into a time machine and prepare to be dazzled by the wild world of vinyl wallpaper. The ’60s was a time when walls weren’t just walls—they were canvases for psychedelic art.

Oversized florals, atomic patterns, and swirls that could induce vertigo were all part of the charm. My parents had a bathroom that looked like a kaleidoscope threw up on it, and it was magnificent.

These wallpapers were durable and easy to clean, which was a bonus. They made bathrooms a place of both artistry and practicality, albeit with a side of dizziness.

8. Matching Everything (Down to the Soap Dish)

In the ’60s, coordination was key, and bathrooms were no exception. Matching towels, rugs, soap dishes, and even toothbrush holders were a testament to one’s dedication to style.

My mother had a bathroom where everything matched down to the last detail. It was like stepping into a symphony of color coordination every morning.

This trend might seem excessive now, but back then, it was the hallmark of a well-put-together home. It made bathrooms feel cohesive and intentional, even if it required a bit of extra effort to maintain.

9. Ruffled Shower Curtains

Who needs a plain shower curtain when you can drape your tub in ruffles? The ’60s were all about adding flair to every corner, and that included bathroom linen.

These ruffled shower curtains looked like wedding dresses for your tub, and they were often complemented with matching sink skirts. It was like bringing a touch of bridal elegance to your daily bathing routine.

My cousin had one of these setups, and it always made me feel like I was stepping into a romantic comedy every time I visited. A little over-the-top? Maybe. But it certainly added character.

10. Wall-Mounted Ashtrays

Believe it or not, smoking in the bathroom was once a leisurely activity, and wall-mounted ashtrays were there to accommodate. The ’60s were a different time, and these ashtrays were as common as soap dishes.

I recall my uncle’s bathroom having one of these, complete with a small collection of cigarette butts. It’s hard to imagine now, but back then it was the norm.

These fixtures might seem bizarre today, but they were part of everyday life. It was a nod to the era’s social habits, even if it feels out of place now.

11. Built-In Bathroom Radios

Imagine soaking in the tub, surrounded by the crackly sounds of AM jazz. The ’60s embraced built-in bathroom radios that made music an integral part of the bathing experience.

I have fond memories of my grandparents’ bathroom, where the radio’s big silver dials were as much a fixture as the sink. It added a soundtrack to daily routines that felt both charming and quaint.

While modern technology has moved on, these radios were a delightful blend of innovation and nostalgia. They were a testament to the era’s love of music and technology.

12. Plastic Vanity Chairs

Clear or translucent plastic vanity chairs were the epitome of chic in the 1960s—a perfect fusion of modern design and futuristic flair. Sleek, minimalist, and undeniably stylish, these chairs added a sophisticated edge to any bathroom or vanity setup.

My grandmother had one positioned in front of her makeup table, and while it looked like it belonged in a fashion magazine, it came with its own set of hazards. “Stylish danger,” she used to say with a smirk, especially after a few near-slips on the slick bathroom floor.

The smooth plastic and curved lines made them visually stunning, but not exactly practical in a room filled with water and tile. Still, their aesthetic appeal couldn’t be denied. These vanity chairs were all about making a design statement, proving that even the most functional spaces could be elevated with a touch of mid-century glam—even if you had to sit down carefully.

13. Gold-Flecked Countertops

Sparkly, bold, and undeniably fabulous, gold-flecked countertops were the crown jewel of many 1960s bathrooms and kitchens. Made from Formica and sprinkled with metallic accents, these glittering surfaces were the epitome of mid-century luxury.

While they may have been slightly flammable and far from subtle, they radiated glamour and instantly elevated any space. I still remember my mother beaming with pride as she showed off her bathroom’s countertop to guests—it shimmered under the lights like a movie star’s dressing room. For her, it wasn’t just a place to brush her hair or set a soap dish; it was a statement piece, a daily dose of dazzle.

These countertops weren’t just about practicality—they were showstoppers, designed to impress and reflect the bold optimism of the era. In a time when modernity meant glitz and futuristic flair, a gold-flecked Formica counter was a proud declaration of style and sophistication.

14. Sculpted Soap Displays

In the 1960s, sculpted soap displays were more than just bathroom accessories—they were tiny works of art, often never used and only admired from a safe distance. Shell-shaped, flower-shaped, or delicately molded into swans, these decorative soaps sat proudly in porcelain dishes or glass trays, sometimes arranged like a bouquet.

My aunt had an entire collection perched on the bathroom counter, untouched and perfectly positioned, gathering dust but always ready to impress unsuspecting guests. Occasionally sticky from years of humidity, they weren’t exactly hygienic, but hygiene wasn’t really the point. These soaps were there to be seen, not used—a symbol of mid-century domestic pride.

They reflected a time when every corner of the home, even the bathroom, was a place for artistic expression and curated style. It was less about function and more about flair, turning an ordinary washroom into a gallery of pastel-scented elegance.

15. Pop Art Bathroom Art

Who says bathrooms can’t double as art galleries? In the 1960s, pop art boldly made its way into even the most private corners of the home, transforming bathrooms into vibrant, conversation-starting spaces. Think Andy Warhol-style bananas, oversized comic book panels, and surreal lip prints adorning the walls—suddenly, a quick trip to the loo became a full-on visual experience.

I remember a friend’s house that had a massive pop art print right above the toilet, and every guest who saw it had something to say. It was more than decor; it was a declaration. This trend wasn’t about subtlety—it was about embracing color, chaos, and creativity, no matter the room.

The pop art bathroom perfectly captured the spirit of the era: playful, rebellious, and unafraid to break the rules of “good taste.” It blended art with everyday life, making even the most routine moments feel like part of a bold cultural movement.