Are you looking for 4×4 wall tile in retro colors for your mid century bathroom remodel? I’m now up to about 35 places to search for 4×4 (ish) ceramic field tiles in vintage colors. The two things I look for: tile manufacturers with four inch square sizes and who carry vintage colors (or at least, some colors). My research includes a variety of options. For example, some readers are looking for new wall tile with all the different accent pieces for a gut remodel. Others are looking for replacement wall tiles. Some readers may want basic 4×4, others may be interested in more expensive, artisanal options.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Please see my May 2, 2016 story, Understanding potential lead hazards in old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any age. This article focuses on raising awareness around three other potential sources of lead dust exposure in your home – old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any era — and steps you can take to assess and, if required, address them. My research for this story also indicated that lead glazes may still be used on ceramic tile to this day. See the story for more information so you can do your own research on how to proceed in your hunt for tile and in completing your project.
Another note on safety / durability / installation issues, etc.: Check the tile you are considering for its use specifications. That is: Is it recommended for only walls, or walls and floors, etc? I am not an expert. It’s my experience that 4x4s were commonly used on vertical walls — but they may not necessarily be recommended for flooring applications. So, if you are considering these tiles for flooring, check with the manufacturer regarding whether the particular line you are considering is recommended for that use. Consult with your own pros.
Four approaches to finding retro color bathroom tile for your mid century bathroom
1. Retailers with classic 1950s and 1960s style ceramic wall tiles and colors at relatively affordable prices — generally big color selections with trim pieces too:
- B&W Tile — B&W Tile has been a long-time go-to place for new 4×4 tile made today because of their expansive vintage color selection + they can make all the bullnose and other accent pieces. Clay Squared, a company in Minneapolis, also sells the B&W line.
- Make It Mid Century — Make It Mid Century now comes on as a solid competitor, with an extensive collection of 4-1/4 square ceramic wall tiles. MIMC’s lineup includes two shades of pink and other retro colors like two light blues, speckled gold dust, salt and pepper, a warm gray, orchid (!), yellow, and seafoam. MIMC also carries all the trim pieces. Owner Susan suggests calling directly to place an order to get a custom invoice based on current shipping prices, etc. MIMC’s line comes from Nemo — but MIMC carries colors not shown on Nemo’s site. Susan also can provide a second line of 4×4 tiles she not shown on her website; she says: “Ceramica Vogue’ System line is another place that carries true 4” x 4” (not 4 ¼”). (Actually, since it’s an Italian line, it’s in centimeters.). They have some good colors, including a pink and purple. They also carry four different finishes, including some appropriate for flooring (although not in all colors). We can procure these tiles for interested customers.”
- Daltile — Daltile is probably the largest brand name in tile in the U.S. — and always a place we’d look. If you can find a color you like, you might be able to buy it via your local big box or tile store — and not be charged shipping. As of September 2021, their 4x4ish wall tiles seemed to be all grouped in the Color Wheel Collection – Classic — and you can get matching shower shelves now too! And NOTE >> you can also get some mid century modern colors of Daltile 4×4(ishes) right from Home Depot – see this story. Also check the Natural Hues and Color Match collections; the latter even allows for custom colors, though I have not research the details of this program.
- American Olean — American Olean is part of Daltile and has its colors in its Color Story Wall collection. (As I write this), a handful of AO colors are also carried at Lowes.
- Nemo Tile — See Metrowall collection of 4x4s. You can order from Nemo directly. Or, Make It Midcentury carries a large selection of these Nemo tiles — plus some colors not shown on Nemo’s website; Classic Tile currently shows a smaller number of their designs.
- Classic Tile New York — Has a selection of colors from Nemo and Roca. Classic Tile New York.
- Roca Tile — Roca Tile over time seems to have introduced more retro choices. They carry a big line of trim pieces, too. Classic Tile carries some of these Roca tiles.
- Big Box stores — You can typically find 4×4 bathroom tiles at the Big Box stores at low prices, especially for neutral colors. (Note my separate link for Daltile at Home Depot, above.) When I renovating my bathrooms several years ago, I found rose beige at the Home Depot, trimmed it with white bullnose, and it looks smashing.
- Wayfair has what looks to be a changing roster of four-inch square tiles in retro colors that might fit a bill.
Lots of readers have used tiles from the sources above. Check them out (and others) in our archive of stories — Readers and their Bathrooms
List continues!
Meanwhile, see how Kate used B&W pink tile in her bathroom remodel:
2. Finding tiles New Old Stock tile in retro colors tiles locally:
- Longtime local tiles stores — It could be that you have one or more tile stores in your area that have been around for decades. If so, ask them if they have any deadstock in their backrooms or warehouse. If they do, you might also be presently surprised at the great price they give you to take it off their hands. One reader mentioned Tile Outlet Chicago. An online retailer, Tile Daily, tells me (Jan. 2018) that they have at least one palette each (that’s about 300-400 s.f.) of new old stock vintage left in more than a dozen colors; thanks, Benji, for the tip. You get the drift — check your local stores that have been around awhile!
- Re-Store Habitat for Humanity — I added this because every year I seem to hear from a few readers that they have found enough tile at their local Re-Store to do a complete bathroom. Tile contractors and tile stores may cart their extra New Old Stock straight to the ReStore. Note, this might present extra hurdles because trim pieces like bullnose may not be included in the leftovers. Think through what you need very carefully before you buy.
3. Other tile companies with 4×4 (+ish) ceramic retro color field tiles:
- Clayhaus Tiles offers an expansive color selection, 4x4s and all the fixins. Website.
- Modwalls Tile — Modwalls offers ceramic tile in 105 colors, including 4×4 and 4-1/4 square field tiles and all the trim pieces too. They have quite a large selection. Thanks to Cindy for this tip!
- Mosaic Tile Supplies — check out their Lyric collection
- American Universal Tile — The Brittany line looks to have some g.ood pastel color choices. Also click onto their homepage to see some 3-7/8 square options, kinda interesting.
- Olympia Tile — Olympia tile is a Canadian-based company, but they have some distribution in the U.S. (See their location map.) I used their heron blue tile in my blue bathroom renovation (although I think this color is now discontinued.) They now look to have one collection of 4x4s with a few possible retro colors — for example, periwinkle, tender gray, and warm gray look promising.
- Interceramic has wall tile in a number of colors and separately, a lipstick red.
- Mid America Tile, in business since 1961, has a pretty large slate of color-colors although not necessarily a lot of retro pastels. Worth checking out, go here but then sort by specific size/4×4 > 4×4-ish Mid America Tile’s ceramic tiles .
- Pratt & Larson has 4x4s in a large selection of colors. They also have custom color matching!
- Fireclay Tile has 4x4s in a large selection of colors.
- Heath Tile is a storied tile maker. They offer 4×4 field tiles in a lot of colors, very artisanal.
- Mission Tile West has pastel colors that can be special ordered in 4×4 field tile sizes. See their Revivals page here. Also check out their coordinating liner tiles.
- California Pottery and Tile Works, established in 1994, offers 4×4 tiles. Very bespoke, my sense is they offer a virtually unlimited array of color options.
- Sonoma Tilemakers makes 4×4 field tiles in light pastel colors.
- The Subway Ceramics Collection of Heritage Tile isn’t just subway tiles — it also makes 4×4-ishes and trim pieces in many lovely pastel shades, and it has all the trim pieces to go with. See the tile here.
- American Restoration Tile does 4×4 walls tiles — wall tile here.
- McIntone Ceramics has 3x3s, and they have a chunkier craftsman look, but some of the colors are really nice so I’ll put them out there. Thanks, Ann, for the tip!
- Kismet Tile tells us that they can manufacture classic white-body 4×4 tiles in custom glazes.
4. More sources for vintage replacement bathroom wall tile in retro colors:
- Match My Tile — Website here specializes in replacement tile and has an expansive inventory.
- Vintage Tile in Sacramento, Calif. — website added in 2018 (thanks, Hernan!) — Owner Andy Rosten wrote me: “We have a large stock of numerous manufacturers of discontinued tile from 1930s to 2000, and we offer free identification of those seeking to match existing installations as well as many retro colors and ship all over North America…. We also carry many 8″ discontinued floor tiles and several 12″ floor tiles from Dal and Florida Tile.”
- Greenwich Tile & Marble — for replacement American Olean tiles: Thanks to Andy Rosten of Vintage Tile (above) for a tip on where to go to see out replacement American Olean tile: Greenwich Tile and Marble . On their website, they say, “We stock in our warehouse 4 x 4 American Olean field tile in every color going back from 1945-1995.” I had a terrific conversation with owner Mike Imbrogno Jr. on Aug. 31, 2021 – fascinating story of how he acquired all this tile stock!
- Ebay and etsy — It’s my experience that there is an increasing number of what I’ll call “smaller vendors” who find tile locally, then sell it on ebay and etsy. Sometimes in large varieties. Set up your searches and start watching.
- Latch Tile in San Francisco says they offer vintage replacement tile — site here.
- Architectural Salvage stores — Places like Toledo Architectural Artifacts, as one example, says they have 4×4 reclaimed vintage bathroom tiles in many different colors. All tile is original vintage tile either taken during a salvage job, purchased as new old stock or purchased from customer’s renovation jobs. Use google to search architectural salvage in your area. And again, check local tile stores, too.
- Other sources for hard-to-find replacement tiles: Readers have reported success asking neighbors, who may have renovated or be renovating and have a the color they need — and whose house may have tile original purchased from the same place as yours. Another possibility: “borrow” tile from your own bathroom, taken from someplace inconspicuous spot; if you take this route, get with your own professionals to assess what you are working with before proceeding; remember to Be Safe/Renovate Safe.
- Color your own — Reader SillyJenn offered up a not-so-silly suggestion that some folks may want to give a try, writing: “I have a Paint-Your-Own-Pottery shop in Lincoln, NE. We have a huge color palette of glazes and carry tiles in bisque form. We have helped many people who are not able to find the manufactured color they need create their own. Just another option to toss out there for y’all:)”
Again, see this story: Understanding potential lead hazards in old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any age. And, check use specifications for the tiles you are considering.
Tip: All 4 inch square bathroom tiles are not — 4 x 4!
Before you begin your search for replacement tiles, it is important to note that not all 4″x4″ ceramic wall tiles are created equally. Depending on the manufacturer, age of the tile, etc., tiles may vary in their actual measurements. So-called 4″x4″ tiles might actually measure 3.75″x3.75″ or 4″x4″ or 4.25″x4.25″ square etc. There also could be variations in the thickness of the tile. And, for salvage shop hunts, carry a piece of your tile along to make color matching easier.
So there’s my list!
Victoria says
The Nemo Tile Metro collection also comes in “retro” colors, like pink, seafoam green and blue.
Pam Kueber says
Yes, that’s the first link in the bullet. I will make it clearer, thank you!
Robin says
Sonoma Tilemakers’ Stellar line comes in 4 x 4 in lots of colours.
https://sonomatilemakers.com/product/stellar-4×4/
Also, I have a sample of the periwinkle tile from Olympia and it is made by TGT Ceramica,
Pam Kueber says
Thanks for the Sonoma Tilemakers tip, Robin, I will add it to the list!
Rose says
I’m looking for Florida Tile from the 60’s gray glossy marked # 51 if anyone can help, please let me know.
Thanks,
Rose
Pam Kueber says
Hi Rose, check all the resources shown. Note, I don’t allow buying/selling here in the comment thread or it becomes chaos…
Beth says
Looking for 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 white matte tiles with a bullnose on one side. Need ASAP!
Pam Kueber says
consult the resources identified in this story…
Rebecca Ducker says
HI all!
We recently acquired a very large lot of vintage NOS Florida tile in at least 50 colors including pinks, teals, turquoise, greens, blues and the rare speckled varieties in 8 different colors. Also, have plenty of avocado 🙂 We have bullnose, finished edge pieces and some cove base of most colors.
I will be listing on eBay but am also happy to do direct sales for those looking. PLEASE reach out if you are looking for anything- we are on the east coast and will ship by 20 pound box to most of the US.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Rebecca, thanks for letting folks know via comments, but please know, no buying/selling here on the blog in the comments thread or it becomes chaos. Good luck with all your sales, that’s good to know!
Cheryl says
Mortarless Tile in LA closed. I would love to know if anyone bought their stock. Also, Wells Antiques is a good source in the area.
Ann says
Daltile has a new line called RetroSpace which comes in retro colors and irregular hex shape along with standard shapes. The light blue is unusual and pretty. If you like glass, check out the mid century modern irregular block tile by American Olean. The collection is called Renewal. I love,love it! I’m getting the Sea Pearl color for my bathroom reno.
Pam Kueber says
Thanks, Ann. On this blog, I usually search for options to recreate or restore what would have been used back in the day. I took a look at the Daltile collection. While the colors are great, the sizes are not appropriate for renovating most midcentury bathrooms in an historically authentic way — they used mostly 4″x4″ tiles — hence this story. I did see 4X6’s used here, interestingly: https://retrorenovation.com/2012/03/07/mamie-pink-4-x-6-bathroom-tiles-monument-mountain-high-school-great-barrington-mass/
In the 50s and 60s we also saw smaller mosaics — 1X1s, for example, on walls. Sometimes 1x2s and 2x2s especially as mixed mosaics on floors.
Larger format tiles did start being used later — but then, not in the colors in this collection, which are 50s era (nice colors!).
Re the American Oleans, I don’t focus on glass tile, because they were very rarely used back in the day. The “confetti” bathroom in amazing house, *may* have been glass tiles: https://retrorenovation.com/2015/03/27/carl-graffunder-william-irma-dale-time-capsule-house-minneapolis/
ll that said — thanks for the tips — there may be folks who find these interesting options.
Barbara P. Haschmann says
Our mid-century bathroom has all the original tile but we need someone to remove the grout and caulking and replace them with new. Can we hire just any “tile guy”? Or do we need to find someone who specializes in vintage/retro work?
Thank you for any information you can give us.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Barbara, I don’t know the best answer to this. Be sure to Renovate Safe https://retrorenovation.com/renovate-safe/
Stephanie says
Wonderful resources. I’m trying to preserve the current tile in my 1961 ranch, but may need to replace a lot of it due to renovation needs. I noticed most of the tile featured on the blog is solid colored, any luck finding colorful speckled (salt and pepper style) 4×4? I have pink salt and pepper tile in one bathroom and yellow salt and pepper in my kitchen, I’ve been trying to figure out if these were common at the time or unique.
Pam Kueber says
Some of the resources listed have salt ‘n pepper tile, I think… But, with a colored base, probably not. Seeking out vintage may be your only option..
CJY says
Has anyone seen the Dal Tile called Golden Granite in person? I’m wondering if it has sparkle. It looks like glitter tile on the computer screen and the name implies it but seems to good to be true!
CJY says
Too! ????
Pam Kueber says
It’s not glitter… it’s what I would call paint speckles.