9 Vintage Bathroom Floor Styles New Yorkers Are Bringing Back
Remember those bathroom floors in your grandma’s apartment? Well, they’re making a stylish comeback in New York City homes. As design trends cycle through the decades, savvy New Yorkers are rediscovering the charm and character of vintage bathroom flooring. From classic patterns to bold colors, these nine retro floor styles are being reimagined for modern spaces while honoring their nostalgic roots.
1. Penny Tile Mosaics
Those tiny circular tiles that feel like stepping on buttons? They’re everywhere in Brooklyn brownstones again! Originally popular in the early 1900s, penny tiles create texture while remaining understated.
Modern homeowners are playing with contrasting grout colors – think white tiles with black grout – for a fresh twist on this classic. The small size makes these tiles perfect for creating custom patterns without overwhelming the space.
2. Hexagon Honeycomb Patterns
Hexagon tiles transport us back to Art Deco bathrooms of the 1920s and 30s. Manhattan designers are reviving these six-sided beauties in both monochrome and multi-color arrangements.
The geometric pattern adds instant visual interest without feeling too busy. What’s making this revival special? Homeowners are selecting matte finishes instead of glossy ones, giving these historical tiles a contemporary edge while maintaining their vintage charm.
3. Bold Checkerboard Squares
Classic black and white checkerboard floors never truly disappeared from New York’s design vocabulary. The timeless pattern that defined 1950s diners and upscale bathrooms alike is seeing renewed appreciation across all five boroughs.
Today’s twist? Homeowners are playing with scale, using larger squares for dramatic effect or tiny checks for subtle texture. Some adventurous souls are even swapping traditional black for navy, hunter green, or burgundy while keeping the alternating pattern.
4. Colorful Moroccan Cement Tiles
Moroccan-inspired cement tiles with intricate patterns and bold colors have captivated Upper West Side renovators. Though not strictly American vintage, these tiles were featured in upscale NYC bathrooms during the early 20th century exotic design craze.
The handmade quality and slightly imperfect edges give bathrooms authentic character impossible to achieve with mass-produced options. Designers are pairing these statement floors with simple white walls and fixtures to let the vibrant patterns take center stage.
5. Basket Weave Marble
Found in luxury pre-war buildings throughout the Upper East Side, basket weave marble floors exude old-world elegance. The interlocking rectangular pattern creates visual movement while maintaining sophistication.
Modern interpretations mix traditional Carrara marble with unexpected accent stones for subtle contrast. The natural material develops a gorgeous patina over time, something New Yorkers appreciate in a world of disposable design – these floors actually look better with age!
6. Retro Vinyl Sheet Flooring
Surprise! Vinyl flooring from the 1950s-70s is making waves in Queens and Brooklyn apartments. These aren’t your grandmother’s yellowed floors because today’s versions replicate vintage patterns with improved durability.
Budget-conscious renovators love the wallet-friendly price tag and easy installation. The cushioned surface feels warm underfoot during chilly winters, and the waterproof nature makes it practical for bathrooms. Plus, the nostalgic patterns bring instant personality to rental bathroom makeovers.
7. Terrazzo Comeback
Terrazzo, that speckled composite material containing marble chips, dominated commercial buildings from the 1930s through the 1970s. Now it’s staging a major comeback in Manhattan lofts and high-end renovations.
Contemporary terrazzo offers endless customization with recycled glass, mother of pearl, or even metal fragments mixed in. The seamless installation creates a waterproof surface perfect for wet areas. Designers are loving terrazzo in bold colors like dusty pink or sage green for a modern twist.
8. Octagon-and-Dot Combinations
Victorian-era bathrooms often featured octagonal white tiles with small square accent tiles at the intersections. This charming pattern is experiencing a renaissance in historic brownstone renovations across Park Slope and Harlem.
While traditionally installed in white with black dots, creative homeowners are experimenting with colorful accents – navy dots or even metallic bronze squares. The pattern feels both classic and playful, striking that perfect balance between respecting architectural history and expressing personal style.
9. Subway Tile Floors
Subway tiles aren’t just for walls anymore! Resourceful New Yorkers are laying these iconic rectangular tiles on bathroom floors, creating a look that pays homage to the city’s transit system.
The unexpected application works beautifully in herringbone or basketweave arrangements. What makes this trend uniquely New York? Many renovators are choosing colors inspired by actual subway stations, from the hunter green of the 6 train to the vibrant mosaics of the Q line.
