The color combination of mint green, black and pink isn’t common, but it is very appealing — there’s just something about the whimsy of the pink and green outlined by the steadfastness of the black trim. Reader Rachel sent in a few shots of her 1949 vintage bathroom — which we love — so we searched our list of bathroom fixture and tile resources to see how well we can recreate the look of Rachel’s vintage bathroom using materials available today.
Update note: Since this story was originally published in 2015, a number of the resources have become no longer available. Where you don’t see a hotlink, it means the source dropped of the radar at some point. However: Always check for proxies — stuff is around!
When Rachel sent in her photos, she wrote:
- A 1949 master suite addition to a 1913 craftsman foursquare. We love the unexpected mid century influence.
Indeed. And with its mix of vintage pink fixtures and fresh minty green tile trimmed in black, it’s a beauty. Note, Rachel, if you want to get a new, matchy pink toilet, we have two sources today (continue on).
Before we jump into our design boards to recreate this look, let’s talk pink. Pink bathroom fixtures, that is. We have a good sources for mint green field tile and black trim pieces. We even have pretty good sources for minty green floor tiles. But, those pink fixtures? If a full suite o’ pink is your heart’s desire, buckle up for a good game of whac-a-mole.
- Pink bathtubs — Unfortunately, there is no place that we know of that makes pink bathtubs — so if you want these, you will have to source them vintage. This quest could be difficult, so how about instead, create a…
- …Pink tile shower — If you have trouble finding a tub: How about putting a tile-in shower instead? Again, this is what I did in my new pink bathroom.
- Pink sinks and toilets — We tend to believe that pink bathroom sinks can be sourced vintage relatively easily. As far as sinks and toilets made new, there are no options that we know of right now (alas, Peerless closed in 2020.)
All of the bathroom mockups use the same B&W mint green 4″x4″ ceramic wall tiles paired with inexpensive black ceramic 2″x6″ bullnose, black ceramic bathroom accessories — like a soap dish and toilet paper holder — and Bahama Pink sink and toilet from Gerber. But remember (see directly above) for both toilets and sinks, there are more choices.
Core source list, used on all the boards:
- Wall tile: 4″x4″ ceramic tile available from B&W Tile (40W Green) and Clay Squared (Light Green Mid-Century). Note: Clay Squared sells B&W Tile, these are an identical product.
- Bullnose tile: You can find black 2″x6″ bullnose tile in many big box stores inexpensively. We found Daltile black bullnose at Home Depot for 98 cents each.
- Pink sink and toilet: Gerber Bahama Pink Rotunda drop in sink and Viper toilet (Gerber colors now discontinued.)
- Ceramic bathroom accessories: HCP Industries, though we have several sources where you can find both new and vintage ceramic bathroom accessories.
The principal differences among the design boards is (1) the flooring shown and (2) the size of the black trim tile at the bottom of the wall tile. We could have mixed and matched all these variables some more — but you get the point.
Option 1:
We did find several different options for the mosaic floor — the first of which is a block random tile pattern similar to Rachel’s original vintage except with black and white tiles instead of black and green. We like this option for the floor because it makes the bathroom feel cohesive by bringing the black found in the bullnose, floor edge tile and ceramic accessories down onto the floor, yet the addition of white tile in the mosaic keeps the room from feeling too dark.
Sources specific to Option 1:
- Floor tile: Black and white block random tile pattern available at Classic Tile Inc. (for $3.50-$4 per square foot) or Home Depot (for $9.97 per square foot)
- Floor trim tile: 3″x6″ black ceramic tile available at Home Depot, $4.26 per square foot. Note: For black floor trim tiles, you can also consider using the floor trim tiles at B&W — they have a variety of sizes and also have designs which are curved so that the bottom of the wall trim tile meet ups with the floor tile with no 90″ dust-catching edge. And note: Pam says she believes that 3″ high for the floor trim tile is not likely historically accurate; 2″ x 6″ would be (that’s what she used in her bathroom remodels). But we used this example from Home Depot because of economy ease of purchase.
Option 2
Option 2 uses an all green 1″ tile mosaic floor from Merola Tile. We’ve seen samples of both the B&W 40W Green tile and this light green Merola floor mosaic and they are a very close match indeed, even though the Merola light green tile looks more yellow green on the Home Depot website. That said, we both agree that using an all green floor may be just too much green. If you do choose this solid floor, we think it would be essential to also use a black tile at the bottom of the wall tile — or else the bathroom would start to feel tippy.
Sources specific to Option 2:
- Floor tile: Merola Tile Metro square matte in light green at Home Depot, $5.95 per square foot.
- Floor trim tile: 4″x4″ black ceramic tile available at Home Depot, $3.22 per square foot.
Option 3
Option 3 uses the same light green 1″ square tile mosaic as option 2, but this time we inject a random 1″ black square tile every so often. Adding the black makes this floor infinitely more interesting than the solid green floor, plus it brings the black from the bullnose wall tile, floor trim tile and ceramic bathroom accessories out onto the floor, creating a cohesive look.
Hmmm… this Option 3 might just be our favorite — and it’s very close to Rachel’s original. And e think: It would work with or without the black floor trim tile.
Sources specific to Option 3:
- Floor tile: Merola Tile Metro square matte in light green at Home Depot, $5.95 per square foot and Merola Tile Square matte black at Home Depot, $5.95 per square foot.
- Floor trim tile: 4″x4″ black ceramic tile available at Home Depot, $3.22 per square foot.
Option 4
Option 4 uses a classic go-to flooring pattern, especially in homes built prior to 1950 — Merola black and white 1″ hex tile mosaic. The pattern is classic without being too busy and — like option 1 — brings the black from the bullnose wall tile and ceramic bathroom accessories down to the floor, creating a cohesive look. Note that on this board, we did not use a black tile at the bottom of the wall, to help everyone envision the difference between inserting the trim and not.
Sources specific to Option 4:
- Floor tile: Merola Tile Metro hex matte in white and black dot at Home Depot, $5.95 per square foot.
- Another option for the same look (Thanks, Robin, for this tip!): Polka dot porcelain mosaic by Mosaic Tile Supplies., $10.95 per square foot.
Option 5
Option 5 would be the most labor intensive version of the floor for this black, mint green and pink vintage style bathroom because you can’t buy this color combination off the shelf — it must be pieced together using two different colors of Merola Tile hex tile, black and light green. It would be relatively easy to buy sheets of the green hex tile floor and just pop out and replace some of the green tiles with black tiles to create the pattern above (which seems to be, row 1: a black tile every fourth tile, row 2: an all green row, repeat). Even though making this floor tile pattern would create an extra step, it wouldn’t be quite as labor intensive as the block random pattern that reader Nicole put together by hand.
In this Option 5, we also tried 6″x6″ floor trim tile. We tend to think that if you are going to use a floor trim tile this big, you should be careful about its scale relative to that of your walls. That is, if you are running your wall tile quite high: 6″ floor trim tile could look really great. See Nicole’s bathroom at the right, that’s what she did. If, on the other hand, you are only running your wall tile about half way up the wall, that 6″ of black at the bottom might be overpowering.
Sources specific to Option 5:
- Floor tile: Merola Tile Metro hex light green at Home Depot, $7.82 per square foot and Merola Tile Metro hex matte black at Home Depot, $9.95 per square foot.
- Floor trim tile: 6″x6″ black ceramic tile available at Home Depot, $3.22 per square foot.
Thanks, Rachel, for sharing photos of your 1949 bathroom!
MsKittyMuses says
I got all excited that you may have leads on mint green fixtures or a cheaper 4″ x 4″ option, but these are still great source to have in one location. They’re almost exactly the mood boards I’ve put together for our eventual bathroom redo, with white fixtures instead. I’ve been obsessed with mint green, black and white bathrooms ever since my grandparent’s house when I was little, and am determined to have my own. We’ve also been looking and black and white basket weave, which I like a lot. Or I may have to go nuts and pick one of the Merola University styles and do a labor intensive replacement of mint green and/or black 1″ tiles. I too thought about the green hex or 1″ with bits of black, but did think with out bathroom it would be green overkill. In the right space it could really look nice though!
I really like the combo paired with the Googieland wallpaper from Bradbury in gray or ivory too. The sample I have looks fantastic with the 40W Green and the 70W Pink.
pam kueber says
When last we checked prices (2013) B&W tile was $4.50/s.f. That’s pretty inexpensive, isn’t it? See: https://retrorenovation.com/2013/03/11/tile-colors-b-and-w-tile/
MsKittyMuses says
It’s not too bad per sf, but it’s the shipping that will get me, from CA to IN. And of course I used to live in Long Beach, maybe 20 minutes away from their location! Ah well, I’m still going to save our pennies and do it if nothing cheaper or as perfect a mint green shade comes along before we’re ready to tackle the project. But wanting to do the full tub walls, and all the rest of the wall to the typical 4 or so foot height, it certainly adds up! But hopefully will be sooo worth it.
Pencils says
How about yellow bathrooms? I have a vintage yellow bath with American Standard fixtures. However, the tiles on the faucet end of the bath/shower are loose–we probably should take them down to see if there’s water damage underneath. But if they break, we’re screwed, as I don’t think anyone makes those kind of 4″ yellow tiles anymore. Also, the yellow & beige floor tile is worn and/or faded and probably should be replaced.
pam kueber says
did you check B&W?
Joyce says
I’m planning to have my 1954 white sink and tub refinished in pink. Website of company in Sacramento that refinishes writes that they can refinish in any color! All my tiles are green. I’m going to have the pink and green bathroom of my dreams!
pam kueber says
okay but be aware… we are not confident that these refinishing systems may deliver longterm durability. study up on the subject thoroughly to make sure you know what you are getting into…
Joyce says
Thanks Pam, that is great advice. Inspired by this article, I called B&W and they are mailing me sample chips of the Mid Century pink, light green, and black! 1 x 1 in samples mailed for free same day. If you want full size tile you pay the going price plus shipping by UPS
ModCodAli says
I love the mood boards. With all of the research you guys do into sourcing appropriate materials, the visual aid of putting it all together is very helpful.
As far as my favorite goes, I am a sucker for the black and white floor tiles…such a classic! Honestly though, I think any of the floor tile with black in it would look really sharp because it repeats the black trim tile.
conorb says
We would like to do something similar in our powder room but opposite in that we’re planning on using ming green fixtures and pink tile. I was able to find a NOS 50’s Standard sink in ming green but am having difficulty finding a toilet that will work for us.
Any sources for new ming green toilets?
pam kueber says
Hi conorb, check our stories on the Gerber and Peerless toilets. We show all the colors available. I don’t recall if there’s a green. I don’t think so…. If not, we don’t know of any other options at this point…
Laura says
I love all the combos! Such fun!
We are just finishing our mint/jadeite bathroom remodel using B & W tiles- we are saving the pink for our master bath 😀
Laura says
I forgot! We used large hexes on our floor. They are a great option and through B&W they are just a bit more than the 4×4. Better yet if you can go through a contractor!
pam kueber says
I hear ya, Laura, but note: Not all such tiles are rated for floor use.
Laura says
You are so right, Pam! I did some checking around after the fact- according to B&W neither the hexes nor the 4x4s are rated for floor use- only shower pans, counters and walls. So I then contacted our tile setters and they said for our particular bath (very low traffic, nothing in there that could really damage the floor) it should be just fine. I got a second opinion and was told the same thing- unless we start dropping hammers and running and such we should be okay. Relief! But we have extras and both tile setters said that Ina high traffic area these tiles would be a complete no-go.
Always check with pros!
pam kueber says
Yes, everybody: Check with your own properly licensed professinals on questions like these.
Robin, NV says
Pam – are you guys still willing to do retro design dilemmas? I’d like to submit my Ming green bathroom. I’d like to tile the floor (currently covered in box store bleh) but I’m not sure if I should also retile the rest of the bathroom too. Ming green is a tough color to work with!
Robin, NV says
Don’t forget Mosaic Tile Supply for other options. I like their hexagonal collection. Check this one out:
http://www.mosaictilesupplies.com/hex-rosette-pattern-in-ecru-raven-lyric-hexagon-mosaic-tiles-hcrose.aspx
I like Option #4 best, especially if you’re going for a pre-1950s or early 1950s look.
pam kueber says
Thank you for that reminder, Robin! The black and white hex — premade — looks like a great option for that mood board idea. I added your suggestion as a link in the story in Option #4.
Chris says
I’m no help to you whatsoever. With these colors in combination, in my mind, you can’t go wrong. I love them ALL!!!!!!!! We need to redo our bathroom in our 1930s house and I love this inspiration. Unfortunately, it will be the primary bathroom for teen boys, so I’m thinking I’ll have to go with green, black, and white! No pink! Thanks for these articles! Pam and Kate — thank you for all you do!
Rick S says
Chris,
You may want to add thick, plush pink towels. who doesn’t like a great towel coming out of the shower. 🙂
rick
Jay says
Option # 1, please (minus the pink). Mint green and black is my favorite mid-century color combo. When I have the opportunity to redo the hall bath, this is pretty much what i want to do but with white fixtures. (some day when the $$ materialize). I truly believe these posts are very helpful to everyone, after all, you folks are doing all the research and presenting great design boards. Thanks!
Chris says
Same here, June! If you find a way to get the money to magically appear, let me know! 🙂