Bathroom Design Trends from the 1990s that Will Make You Nostalgic

As with many markets, popular home designs have changed significantly over the past few decades. From exterior paint work and internal color schemes to furnishing and fittings, modern homes often look very different to those from even the late 20th century. Take a journey back through time and re-discover typical 1990s bathrooms. Some design trends of yesteryear might make you feel nostalgic. Some might inspire a retro-style renovation and others may make you relieved to have changed with the times. You may even notice similarities with your existing bathroom and be encouraged to update your own 1990s-style bathroom.

Brass Fittings

Yellowish brass fittings were very common in 1990s bathrooms. Light fittings, toilet roll holders, tail rails, taps, shower heads … brass was everywhere! However, brass isn’t necessarily outdated in a bathroom; it depends on how the brass is used. Brass fittings can still look classy in a contemporary bathroom and add warmth if used in a modern way.

Closed-In Showers

Showers of times gone by were often closed in, usually with a dividing wall, opaque plastic curtains or similar. Think back and you can probably remember at some point needing to pull across a shower curtain before turning the water on. Curtains were often in mis-matching colors and were sometimes adorned with garish floral patterns. In contrast, glass showers are more typical today.

Built-In Bath Tubs

Whether straight alongside a wall or angled into a corner, built-in bathtubs were typical in older bathrooms. Sleek and elegant free-standing tubs are becoming more of a hallmark of a contemporary bathroom. Changing the tub and shower is a relatively easy way to instantly breathe a new lease of life into an outdated bathroom.

Wallpaper

Wallpapered bathrooms weren’t uncommon in the 1990s — some homes even wallpapered bathroom ceilings! As well as looking rather outdated today, this bathroom design quirk from the 90s can also contribute to the growth of harmful mold or mildew.

Frosted Glass

Frosted glass serves a really useful purpose—it stops people from seeing into an area. As such, frosted glass was very popular in bathrooms, where it could prevent people from peeking inside while still allowing natural light in. However, frosted glass tends to look rather old-fashioned today. As such, many homeowners are opting to replace frosted glass windows and shower screens with a range of modern alternatives, such as textured or reeded glass.

Dark Wood

In many homes, dark wooden cabinetry, such as oak, was common in bathrooms in the 1990s. Darker vanities and storage cupboards can, however, tend to make spaces seem smaller than they actually are. Dark wooden window frames can also make natural sunlight feel dimmer, enhancing a feeling of dimness in the room overall. While you may feel nostalgic thinking back to a darker-colored 1990s bathroom, contemporary designs typically use colors that open up an area and make a bathroom feel spacious while looking great.

Oversized Mirrors

Cast your mind back to the late 20th century and think of a bathroom mirror. It probably dominated the best part of a whole wall. Bathrooms in the 90s typically featured larger than life mirrors. Today, bathroom mirrors are often more subtle without foregoing practicableness and usability.

Dim Lighting

The way in which lighting is used has changed a lot in the past 30 years. Bathroom designs from the 1990s often incorporated soft muted lighting. While dimmer lighting can enhance the feelings of warmth in a space, often the bathroom is a place where people want to be able to see clearly. Contemporary bathroom lighting is typically more practical than that of the past.

Are you considering remodeling your bathroom? Bohan Contracting offers professional, high-quality, timely service that you can trust. The skilled team is friendly and accommodating and the local business is proud to support the community. Get in touch through the online contact form or call today on (410) 757-0971 to discuss your requirements and obtain a free quote.