Our miniseries on vintage bathroom colors continues! Blue bathrooms may not be quite as prolific as their cousin pink — but there were still loads of beautiful blue vintage bathrooms installed in homes all over the country in midcentury America. Today, we take a look at some of many shades of blue that were produced from 1927-1962, along with their pretty names — like “Clair De Lune.” There are even some dark navy blues in the mix.
American Standard Blues — Clair De Lune Blue, Royal Copenhagen Blue and Regency Blue
In 1930, American-Standard offered two blues — one lighter pastel blue called ‘Clair De Lune Blue’ (above) and one darker blue ‘Royal Copenhagen Blue’ shown below. Above images: 1930 American-Standard Clair De Lune Blue bathroom fixtures from the MBJ collection/archive.org.
Above images: 1930 American-Standard Royal Copenhagen Blue bathroom fixtures from the MBJ collection/archive.org.
By 1950, American Standard had removed the darker Royal Copenhagen Blue color from their lineup in favor of the more popular lighter Clair De Lune Blue. Above from: 1950 American-Standard catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org showing Clair De Lune Blue bathroom fixtures.
The 1960s ushered in ‘Regency Blue’ which looks very similar to its early sibling ‘Clair De Lune Blue.’
Three images above: 1962 American-Standard catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org showing Regency Blue fixtures.
Kohler Blue — Horizon Blue, Cerulean
A few years ago, Pam wrote about the very first year — 1927 — that Kohler offered its bathroom fixtures in colors besides white. One of these original colors was ‘Horizon Blue.’
Kohler’s 1928 ‘Horizon Blue’ must have been a very pale blue/gray color because it appears to be almost white in the catalog illustration above. The exact same image and color also appears in Kohler’s 1929 catalog. Above: Horizon Blue fixtures from a 1928 Kohler catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org.
Above: We see Kohler’s color lineup 1936 Kohler catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org. While Horizon Blue was still offered and may have been darkened, it was not one of their four most popular colors as indicated by the larger swatch size above.
Above: In this 1948 Kohler catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org, we see the whole palette for the year, which includes their new, brighter blue Cerulean showcased here with a lovely deep red and white themed bathroom. Also, note the dental sink!
By 1949, Kohler had reduced its color offerings to just four: Spruce Green, Peachblow, Cerulean Blue and Tuscan. Two images above: from a 1949 Kohler catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org.
Above images: In this 1950 Kohler catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org, Cerulean Blue is still going strong.
You can see Kohler’s complete color offerings — including all of their different blues — in this extensive color timeline found on Kohler’s website.
Crane — Lucerne Blue
Above: This 1940 Crane catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org shows their blue as “Lucerne Blue.” Just check out the use of color in this bathroom — purple floor, black wall, pink walls and gold towels with blue fixtures. What a bold arrangement!
Montgomery Ward — Sky Blue
This 1955 Montgomery Ward catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org offers fixtures in Sky Blue.
Briggs — Sky Blue
Three images above of Briggs’ Sky Blue from: A 1951 Briggs Beautyware catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org show off some inventive decor ideas for a blue bathroom.
The two images above show Sky Blue from the 1950s Briggs Beautyware catalog from the MBJ collection/archive.org. Check out that low profile blue toilet.
Eljer — Midnight Blue and Twilight Blue
Pam spotted this 1939 Eljer catalog in the MBJ Collection on archive.org that shows their color offerings, which include a dark blue called ‘Midnight Blue’ and a lighter pastel ‘Twilight Blue.’
Alliance Ware — Blue
Pam found this ad for Alliance Ware porcelain enameled bathroom fixtures that includes a pastel blue in a 1950s Small Homes Guide.
Reader’s blue bathrooms
Above: We just love Kristen and Paul’s aqua blue 1940s bathroom with black and white accents.
Above: Nanette and Jim built a lovely blue and white bathroom from scratch in their basement.
Two images above: This 1950s time capsule house had seven vintage bathrooms — two of which are blue.
Above: The Comer House in Gallatin, Tenn. has a lovely blue and white vintage bathroom.
Above: Alice’s 1950s blue bathroom has a fun mosaic floor tile pattern that we figured out how to replicate.
Still want more blue? Check out Pam’s story: Scenes from 22 blue midcentury bathrooms
See our other stories about vintage bathroom colors:
- The color green in kitchens and bathrooms sinks, tubs and toilets from 1928-1962
- The color pink in bathroom sinks, tubs and toilets — from 1927-1962
Comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Jessica says
Our house was built in 1950 and we bought it with the original bathroom fixtures which are American Standard and must be the Claire de Lune. They are blue but have the slightest green tint to them (I always thought it was due to the age of them). After changing the guts in our toilet several times, we ended up having to replace it (We had already been forced to put a white lid on the seat). Then we ended up needing to take the sink out (complete with legs). So now we have a white toilet and vanity/sink but a blue cast iron tub in the Princess style. The bathroom floor is tiny tiles in a mix of blue colors. The walls are paneling (painted) with white subway tile 1/2 way up around the sink and almost to the ceiling around the bath tub. Don’t worry, we didn’t trash the blue sink & toilet. They are stored in an old one bedroom house behind our house.
JH says
We love our 1949 blue bathroom! American Standard blue toilet, sink and the “net-angle” tub — all installed in blue terrazzo that goes 1/2 way up the walls! (If the fixtures ever get damaged we are TOAST). The shower is terrazzo too, but the base is grayish white instead of blue with the same assortment of marble chips. So very groovy.
Susan says
Is there anywhere where these can still be purchased?
Pam Kueber says
Yes, dive into our categories and subcategories for sources.d
Tammy Poole says
Is it possible to be part of those who have sets to sell? Ours appears to be the ’49-’50 Kohler Cerulean. We have all 3 pieces in perfect condition and are curious if we could find someone truly interested in good, time-past, bathroom “furniture”. Your reply will be helpful.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Tammy, put them on craigslist. No buying/selling in the comment threads on the blog, or it becomes chaos.
Sami says
My 1938 bathroom is tiled in Pink/Orchid and has Midnight or Navy Blue American Standard Toilet and tub. I had to replace the sink. I have to retile the floor and they will hopefully not break the toilet when they remove it. In case they do I need to know if there is any resource where I could find one.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Sami, I don’t know of anyone making this color new today. I think you would have to find one vintage or New Old Stock.
SAMI SCHINDELHEIM says
Thanks Pam, what are the sites where I might find vintage or New Old Stock?
Pam Kueber says
See: https://retrorenovation.com/2009/09/25/wher-to-find-vintage-bathroom-fixtures/
Mary hood says
We are getting ready to gut a bathroom we still have the original toilet in like a teal blue and the tub any idea on how much we could get for them or should we just trash them?
pam kueber says
Hi Mary, places like craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are places you could list them (and check for pricing in your area.) Be sure to Renovate Safe!