50s pink tile for your retro bathroom — available from this California company
Mid Mod Pam on Dec 14 2007 at 1:09 pm | Filed under: Reader homes, bathroom, pink bathrooms, tile
Stephan from Palm Springs is a wealth of info, and provides this info on a Southern California company still producing the 50s pink tile so common during this era. Don’t use any other pinks - they are not right! I am so excited at this find - a big one for the retro renovation community. This source for pink now supplements what’s available from my other favorite source for retro 50s and 60s style tiles, Olympia Tile (who has great blues etc., but not the right pink.)
The source: B&W Tile, with 3 locations and online, bwtile.com. See the warehouse photo to the left - they sure look like they’ve been in this Gardena location since the 50s. Reassuring!
Stephen adds: “B& W Tile makes this tile and keeps it in stock at all times in every size imaginable, from 1″ hex tile to 6×6 inch glazed and unglazed wall and floor tiles. I talked to their Riverside location just this afternoon, and the 4.25 by 4.25 glazed wall tile in 1950s pink (their inventory number 70W) is just $3.88 per square foot….I should be able to do the walls in my new bath just like the ones in that photo.”
Thank you thank you, Stephan! Original color - vast selection - great price. And, they produce the 1950s style wall-mounted & recessed china toilet paper, soap, and toothbrush holders (see toilet holder in top photo) also from original molds. Or you can use shiny stainless from Franklin Brass.
Spread the word and prepare the mastic.
[...] See my newest post — on a company with pink tile in just the right shade. We now have two [...]
I love the pink tile!!!
Our half-bath has pink tile similar to what is pictured. I love it, but visitors often say, You are going to get rid of that pink tile, right? What do they know? The upper walls were white, and I painted them with a Brehr color called Moondance. I thought it would be a soft gray, but it has too much lavender in it, and is too cool. It is not flattering to the warm pink tile at all. So, what is a better wall color — cream as in the photo? (Our tile is just pink, and the tile soap, cup, and toilet paper holders are white. No black or any other color trim.) Our full bath was renovated at some point, and has no tile. Someday, maybe we can tile it.
I had the paint brand wrong — it was Olympic paint, not Behr.
I’ve been collecting illustrations and photos of pink tile bathrooms and can try to get these posted soon, too. (I have a lot of promised posts to do, argh!) Meanwhile: I’d recommend that you look to the Sherwin-Williams Suburban Modern interior palette (see my Paint Color category) for paint to coordinate with pink tile. If you want white, I’d start with the Porcelain. If you do go for white paint, I’d also advise, that you add artwork and rugs in a nice strong color of about the same intensity as the pink in order to balance and punctuate it. Another idea: Wallpaper. If you can swing the cash, look at Bradbury & Bradbury’s new line. There are a couple with pink elements that would look smashing. Alternatively: Hunt all over Lexington for vintage paper - you probably don’t need very much for a powder room. Something with grey and a bit of pink and even aquamarine would be awesome, I bet. Even consider an ad in a Shopper maybe? Or ask longtime wallpaper stores whether they have any squirreled away. I got mine for $3 a roll!
P.S. You are SO LUCKY to have a pink bathroom!!!!! I’m jealous.
The very first thing my stepsister said when she visited our house for the first time was,” Ahh, you haven’t gotten rid of these countertops yet, I see,” of my beloved greenish-blue vintage formica with stainless steel edging. Feh!
Yes. We are SO leading edge!
[...] If you’re into this subject, be sure to see our other pink bathroom posts — Judi’s 1959 bathroom — and B&W tiles 40s style look. [...]
My daughter just found your site, and I am tickled Pink!!! (No pun intended.) I’ve had my pink bathroom since 1955 and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I also have the same small pink and white tile on the floor. It needs re-grouting, which we will do but still looks good.
Georgene Birchett
[...] This bathroom definitely has a deco feel to me. For additional tiles, if you need replacements, the only place I know to send you is B&W Tile in California. [...]
For anyone in search of pink tile, look for my listings on evilbay! I have loads of 4″ pink ceramic tile. My seller name is theamishdisco (isn’t that a hoot?!), so you should be able to find all my auctions. Lots of goodies going up so I can clear out my extras before the snow flies. Mention Mid Mod Pam for a super deal.