Bathroom floors often get overlooked, but the right vintage tile can steal the show and make your space unforgettable.
Think intricate mosaics, bold patterns, and colors that whisper stories of bygone eras – these tiles don’t just cover your floor, they breathe soul into your bathroom.
Ready to ditch the ordinary? These floor tile ideas will help you channel timeless charm and create a bathroom that feels like a stunning step back in time.
1. Black and White Hexagon Tiles
Remember those classic films where characters stepped into elegant bathrooms? That’s the exact feeling these tiles evoke. Small hexagons in contrasting black and white create a dramatic pattern that’s been gracing bathrooms since the early 1900s.
While bold in appearance, they’re surprisingly versatile and complement nearly any fixture style. Their geometric precision adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.
2. Penny Round Tiles
Fancy a floor that whispers tales from the past? Penny rounds date back to the early 20th century when these small circular tiles were the height of bathroom fashion. Their distinctive coin-like shape creates a delightfully textured surface underfoot.
Available in classic white with dark grout or multicolored patterns, penny rounds offer that quintessential vintage look. The numerous grout lines provide excellent slip resistance – a practical bonus to their charming appearance.
3. Basketweave Marble Tiles
Luxury meets tradition in this elegant flooring option. The interlacing pattern of rectangular marble pieces creates a woven effect that’s been adorning upscale bathrooms for generations.
Typically featuring white Carrara or Calacatta marble with black accents, these tiles exude sophisticated charm. Each installation becomes a miniature work of art beneath your feet, with natural stone variations making every bathroom uniquely beautiful.
4. Checkerboard Ceramic Tiles
Nothing says classic quite like the timeless checkerboard. This iconic pattern has graced bathroom floors from Victorian mansions to 1950s diners, making it truly transcendent across eras.
The stark contrast between black and white squares creates a bold statement that somehow never goes out of style. For a softer approach, try cream and light gray tiles instead of the traditional black and white for a more subtle vintage nod.
5. Herringbone Mosaic Tiles
Zigzagging through history, herringbone patterns have adorned floors since ancient Roman times. When applied to small rectangular mosaic tiles, the effect is particularly charming in a bathroom setting.
The dynamic layout creates movement and energy while maintaining an air of sophistication. Natural stone versions in marble or travertine offer subtle color variations that enhance the pattern’s visual depth.
6. White Subway Tiles on the Floor
Who says subway tiles are just for walls? When installed on floors, these rectangular classics take on a whole new personality while maintaining their timeless appeal.
Originally found in early 20th-century bathrooms, floor subway tiles create clean, orderly lines that soothe the eye. The glossy finish reflects light beautifully, making small bathrooms appear more spacious.
7. Encaustic Cement Tiles with Vintage Patterns
Journey back to the Victorian era with these handcrafted beauties. Encaustic cement tiles feature pigment pressed into the surface rather than glazed on top, creating rich, velvety colors that soften with age.
The intricate patterns – often featuring quatrefoils, stars, or floral motifs – tell stories of craftmanship from another time. Unlike factory-perfect modern tiles, slight variations in color and pattern add to their authentic vintage charm.
8. Victorian Floral Mosaic Tiles
Delicate blooms underfoot create a garden-inspired sanctuary in your bathroom. These intricate mosaics feature tiny tiles arranged into floral patterns that would make any Victorian homeowner proud.
Often incorporating roses, lilies, or abstract botanical motifs, these floors become the artistic centerpiece of the room. The labor-intensive installation reflects an era when craftsmanship was paramount.
9. Classic Blue and White Delft-Inspired Tiles
Across the centuries, Dutch Delft pottery has captivated with its distinctive cobalt blue designs on white backgrounds. When translated to floor tiles, this aesthetic brings European heritage and timeless elegance to bathrooms.
Featuring windmills, floral motifs, or geometric patterns, these tiles tell stories through their designs. The limited color palette creates a cohesive, classic look that pairs beautifully with white fixtures and natural wood accents.
10. Timeless Black Marble Tiles
Dramatic yet eternally sophisticated, black marble floors have graced upscale bathrooms throughout the ages. The natural white veining creates organic patterns that no manufactured tile can truly replicate.
Light fixtures reflect beautifully off the polished surface, creating a luxurious atmosphere. For authentic vintage appeal, choose honed or slightly textured finishes rather than mirror-like polish, and consider smaller tile sizes consistent with historic installations.
11. Honeycomb Mosaic Tiles
Buzzing with vintage character, honeycomb tiles create a distinctive hexagonal network that’s been adorning bathrooms since the Art Deco period. Their geometric precision satisfies our human love of pattern while remaining timeless.
Larger than penny rounds but smaller than standard hex tiles, honeycomb mosaics strike the perfect balance between statement and subtlety. They’re particularly effective in white with gray or black accents for a classic look that transcends trends.
12. Retro Starburst Ceramic Tiles
Straight from the atomic age comes this playful mid-century pattern! Starburst tiles feature radiating lines forming star-like shapes that capture the optimistic spirit of post-war design.
Popular from the late 1940s through the 1960s, these geometric celebrations add personality without overwhelming the space. The pattern typically features contrasting colors like turquoise and cream or black and gold for maximum visual impact.
13. Terrazzo Tiles with Vintage Flecks
Originally created by Venetian workers using leftover marble chips, terrazzo has evolved into a beloved flooring option with serious vintage credentials. The speckled surface creates visual texture that’s both playful and sophisticated.
Mid-century bathrooms often featured terrazzo with larger, more colorful aggregate pieces. For an authentic vintage look, choose tiles with brass divider strips and marble chips in colors typical of the era – think pink, turquoise, or gold flecks against neutral backgrounds.
14. Antique-Look Saltillo Tiles
Bringing Spanish colonial warmth to bathroom floors, Saltillo tiles offer earthy elegance with their terracotta tones and handmade character. These clay tiles have graced homes for centuries, developing beautiful patina over time.
The natural variations in color – from amber to deep rust – create subtle movement across the floor. Though traditionally associated with kitchens and outdoor spaces, smaller Saltillo tiles create unexpectedly charming bathroom floors with old-world appeal.
15. Art Deco Fan Tiles
Channeling the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, fan-shaped tiles create scalloped patterns reminiscent of the era’s architecture and fashion. This distinctive silhouette instantly evokes vintage luxury.
Traditionally rendered in high-contrast black and white, these tiles make a bold statement. For a more subtle approach, consider tone-on-tone variations like cream and beige, which maintain the pattern’s visual interest while softening its impact.
16. Speckled Porcelain Tiles
Cast your mind back to mid-century school buildings and you might recall these distinctive speckled floors. Their confetti-like appearance comes from colored clay particles embedded throughout the tile, creating depth and visual interest.
Popular from the 1930s through the 1960s, these durable tiles typically featured black or colored speckles against white or tan backgrounds. Their slightly textured surface provided practical slip resistance while maintaining a cheerful, vintage aesthetic.