Who were the leaders in mid century bathroom fixtures? We tend to think: American Standard and Crane. Seems like we see these the most. We also tend to think of Crane as the creme de la creme. These sinks — vintage — are still around in great quantities. If you need replacement parts including instructions to DIY, see our longtime advertiser deabath.com — they are experts in Crane. So with all this background — it’s great to look at a big catalog of vintage Crane bathroom sinks, faucets, tubs and toilets from 1949. Just coming out of the war — there is a building boom on that will last for years to come. This catalog also is fabulous in terms of viewing aspirational (interior designer and illustrator conceived) color, tile, wallpaper and other 1940s and 1950 bathroom design ideas. Continue on for highlights of vintage bathroom design — and the complete catalog, enlarged in a slide show:
One almost feels voyeuristic looking at this scene — but instead of spying on this woman as she washes her hands we are all wishing we were the ones standing in this new, minty vintage bathroom — right?
Here’s an interesting color scheme for the bathroom — purple and yellow. Also check out that counter design — the Marcia counter top sink with a laminate vanity surrounding it. This sink could also be installed with a tile counter. And, take note — we presume that’s supposed to be plate glass tile in the tub surround. Glass tiles were more common in prewar days, before the huge baby boom housing boom. We tend to think this is a streamline moderne look. In postwar houses, 4″ tiles were much more common.
Interesting to see how this peachy keen bathroom above mixes what looks to be six inch square wall tiles with red and peach striped wallpaper, a checkerboard shower curtain and a black floor with an interesting inla. Back i the day, folks were so excited to get these new bathroom — they had fun using color and pattern.
Here’s an interesting way to use the corner sink — looks like they’ve made a custom sink cabinet — bumped out from the actual corner of the room to allow space for a dressing table. Very inventive.
The bathroom above includes the wonderful, rare and elusive “dental sink” — read more here.
Look at this color scheme — rust and gold plaid wallpaper and flooring, light blue tiles and purple accents — wow.
This bathroom looks very formal to me. Interesting to see 1″ tiles used on the counter top and floor, paired with 4″ tiles on the wall.
Hands down, my favorite of the bunch would have to be this dark orange and yellow number — not only do I like the colors they chose — which really makes the crisp white Crane fixtures pop — but the layout is neat, too. I could see myself lounging in the tub, admiring the plants on the tile ledge — or taking my time getting ready at that cute little dressing table.
Here’s a classic grassy green — again with interesting tile variations in the tub. Speaking of the tub, this must be the compact model — a “mini Cindy” — look how short it is — yet there seems to be a seat on one end. These were called “receptor baths” by Crane and marketed for foot-, sponge-, or shower-baths. I’ve never seen one of these in real life before — Pam says one of her neighbors has one, in blue. Perhaps we can get her to invite herself over to take a photo?
The catalog also has a “trim” section — which seems to mean faucets.
Then there are tons of charming illustrations of the Crane fixtures — like this wall sink with legs and a built in porcelain faucet. Crane sinks were famous for this integral faucet.
Does anyone else see faces in these sinks? They have such personality.
All 24 pages of this fantastic catalog are loaded up in the gallery for all to enjoy. If you’re still hungry for more vintage Crane catalogs — revisit this 1953 Crane kitchen cabinet catalog from Pam’s collection.
Thanks to archive.org for featuring this catalog.
Tips to view slide show: Click on first image… it will enlarge and you can also read my captions… move forward or back via arrows below the photo… you can start or stop at any image:
Jenn V says
I have a vintage Crane pedestal sink in my bathroom–much older than these, 1919. I did tons of work with the folks at DEA, and they are AMAZING! I wouldn’t have a working antique in my bathroom without them.
Carole says
Wow….were bathrooms really that large back then? Seriously, how times change. My two baths would fit into any of those with room to spare. lol
I love that alcove tub (the one w/ the dental sink), w/ recessed shelving. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Carole says
I guess that one is the Diana.
pam kueber says
These are bathrooms for a catalog — a designer’s dream, and as we all know from our experiences in *real* midcentury bathrooms, large bathrooms were not common….
Patty says
I can’t imagine putting a curtain on a sink that close to the toilet in a bathroom that will be used by men, (brown curtain, blue tiled wall and sink)
Tina M says
Cool! I have a “Marcia Marcia Marcia” Crane sink. Love it!!
Dulcie says
I love everything about that pink an mint bathroom, the corner sink, that cute little table, the glass block walls, the towel rack/divider, even that awesome black floor. I WANT IT!
Sandra says
You said, “I could see myself lounging in the tub, admiring the plants on the tile ledge,” but the plants are at the wrong end…” (see, I tried to imagine it, too)!
So, I notice what appear to be grab bars in most of these baths, though not detailed in the trim page. Were these true grab bars?
Also, I wonder how much of 50’s color schemes were limited by the printing processes available for the catalogues. (I’m old enough to remember mimeograph and still appreciative of today’s printing tools.)
Carrie Cabrera says
Reminds me so much of the original baths I had in my early 70’s ultra modern home, but have since renovated the two bathrooms. Although I did want to stay true to the homes midcentury architecture I do not miss the soffits over the shower/tub nor the florescent cove lighting.
Robin, NV says
I was thinking how charming the soffits were but now that you mention it, I bet they were a pain. It was probably impossible to keep paint on them and they probably attracted all kinds of mold. Maybe that’s why you don’t see them anymore.
RangerSmith says
This is a great resource! My 1948 bathroom still has the peach & blue tile. This article provides great ideas for the walls other than just painting them white. Thanks for posting this!
Diane in CO says
When I was in 4th grade (1956 – yes I am old) we moved to a wonderful tudor home in Michigan where my family lived until I was well into college. It was on CRANE Avenue, next to Crane Park — and I still remember my little brother running around the new house exclaiming in amazement “All the toilets and sinks say “Crane” too!!!!!!” LOL
….wish I had photos of those bathrooms. My parents called the huge green-tiled master bath The Green Hornet.
Kate says
What a cute story Diane. I love it — the Green Hornet! I wish you had pictures too… 🙂
pam kueber says
🙂
Robin, NV says
Another timely post from you guys! I just did some work on my minty green bathroom this weekend (removed the glass doors from the tub) and am getting ready to put on a fresh coat of paint next weekend. I’m going with a pale goldy-orange to match the speckles on my tiles. Then on to the floors and I’m all done!
My favorite bathroom of the ones shown would have to be the yellow and black room with the teal accents.