In the 1950s, several types of tile were commonly used for bathrooms in American homes. Some of the most popular choices included ceramic, mosaic, vinyl asbestos, and early plastic tiles.
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Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile was one of the most widely used types of bathroom tile during the 1950s. Ceramic tiles were made from clay that was shaped, glazed, and then fired in a high-temperature kiln. This process produced a durable, water-resistant tile that was ideal for bathrooms.
There were several styles of ceramic tile popular in the 1950s:
- Subway tile – Rectangular tiles with a length 3 times the width, installed in a brickwork pattern.
- Hexagon tile – Small, geometric hexagon-shaped tiles installed in creative patterns.
- Penny tile – Tiny mosaic tiles, usually 1 inch by 1 inch.
- Decorative accent tiles – Ornate tile designs used as accents around the borders of rooms or shower walls.
Ceramic tiles came in a vast array of colors, shapes, and patterns. Popular 1950s colors included pastels like pink, mint green, soft yellow, and robin’s egg blue. Bold, contrasting colors and retro geometric patterns were also common.
Advantages of Ceramic Tile
- Durable and water-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Long lasting if properly installed
- Available in many colors, shapes, and designs
Disadvantages of Ceramic Tile
- Can crack or chip if exposed to hard impacts
- Tiles may need re-grouting over time
- Can be slippery when wet if not textured
Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tile was another bathroom tile staple of the 1950s. While ceramic mosaic tiles were common, glass mosaics also grew in popularity during this era. Mosaic tiles are made up of small (usually 1 inch or less) individual tiles arranged in decorative patterns and set within grout.
There were a few common mosaic tile styles in 1950s bathrooms:
- Penny mosaics – 1 inch by 1 inch ceramic tiles in retro colors and patterns.
- Subway mosaics – Long, rectangular glass or marble tiles in coordinating colors.
- Geometric mosaics – Angular designs, often zig-zags or diamonds.
- Accent mosaics – Elaborate mosaic medallions or borders.
Mosaic tiles provided a cheery, retro flair. They allowed for creativity in laying out eye-catching geometric shapes and decorative motifs. Mosaics were often used on bathroom walls, shower floors, and as backsplashes.
Advantages of Mosaic Tiles
- Small scale allows for intricate designs
- Glass mosaics reflect light beautifully
- Durable and water-resistant
- Easy to clean
Disadvantages of Mosaic Tiles
- Grout lines may discolor or need frequent cleaning
- Installation is labor intensive
- Glass tiles can break, crack, or scratch
- Patterns may feel visually busy for some
Vinyl Asbestos Tile
Vinyl asbestos tile, commonly called VAT, was a very popular choice for bathroom floors during the 1950s. VAT tiles were made of vinyl resins, solid color pigments, and asbestos fibers. The asbestos gave the tiles strength and rigidity.
VAT tiles were typically 9 inches square. They came in solid colors and patterns like speckles, streaks, and geometrics. Some popular hues were turquoise, sunny yellow, coral, gray, and robin’s egg blue. VAT tiles had a rich, glossy finish.
VAT was affordable and DIY-friendly. It provided a seamless, water-resistant flooring option. VAT was used on bathroom floors, sometimes extending up the walls in shower stalls.
Advantages of VAT Tiles
- Inexpensive
- Easy for DIYers to install
- Attractive solid colors and patterns
- Low-maintenance
Disadvantages of VAT Tiles
- Contains carcinogenic asbestos fibers
- Prone to scuffing and scratching
- Patterns could wear unevenly
- Inflexible
Early Plastic Tiles
Early plastic tiles emerged at the end of the 1940s and were available by the 1950s. These were some of the earliest vinyl composite tiles made without asbestos.
Solid vinyl tiles were constructed in layers, with decorative vinyl chips in the top layer sealed by a clear wear layer. They copied the look of more expensive tile types like terrazzo and ceramic. Plastic tiles were easy for DIY bathroom remodelers to install using just adhesive.
Common plastic tile sizes were 9×9 inches or 12×12 inches. Popular design options included solid colors, stone and marble looks, and geometric patterns.
Advantages of Early Plastic Tiles
- Inexpensive
- Easy installation
- Good durability
- Range of colors and patterns
Disadvantages of Early Plastic Tiles
- Less durable than modern vinyl tiles
- Prone to yellowing and staining
- Seams more visible than VAT tiles
- Plastic odor during initial installation
Tile Installation Methods
In the 1950s, tile was installed using mortar beds or adhesives.
Mortar bed installation involved building up a thick mortar layer and pressing tiles into the mortar. This created a very durable tile floor, but required skill to complete. Mortar bed installations were more common with ceramic and mosaic tiles.
Adhesive installation used new mastics and contact cements developed during this era. Vinyl asbestos and plastic composite tiles were installed using adhesives troweled onto the underlayment. Adhesive installation didn’t require the complex subfloor prep needed for mortar beds.
Grout was used to fill in gaps between tiles in all installation types. Typical 1950s grout colors included gray, white, and cream.
Bathroom Tile Patterns
Creative tile patterns were a hallmark of 1950s bathrooms. Here are some of the most popular ways tile was laid out:
- Brickwork/staggered rows
- Mosaic geometric designs
- Diagonal designs
- Contrasting border stripes
- Hexagon layouts
- Harlequin-style diamond patterns
- Contrasting inserts of specialty tiles
Using multiple colors, shapes, and tile orientations allowed for eye-catching patterns tailored to each homeowner’s personal style.
Bathroom Tile Brands
Some of the top bathroom tile manufacturers in the 1950s included:
- American Olean Tile Company
- Marble Mosaic Tile Company
- Mosaic Tile Company
- United States Ceramic Tile Company
- Flint Faience Tile Company
- International Pipe and Ceramics
- Mid-State Tile Company
- Cambridge Tile Manufacturing Company
- B.F. Goodrich
- Congoleum-Nairn
American Olean, Marble Mosaic, and Mosaic Tile were some of the largest producers of ceramic and porcelain tiles. Flint Faience, Cambridge Tile, and Mid-State specialized in mosaic tiles.
Major vinyl asbestos tile brands included Kentile, Azrock, and Armstrong. Vinyl composite tiles were made by Congoleum-Nairn and B.F. Goodrich.
Bathroom Tile Cost
In the 1950s, bathroom tile prices generally ran:
- Ceramic tile – $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot
- Mosaic tile – $1 to $4 per square foot
- VAT tile – $0.50 to $1 per square foot
- Vinyl composite tile – $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot
According to 1950s newspaper ads, American Olean and Mid-State mosaic tiles ran about $4 per square foot. Flint Faience penny rounds were $7 per square foot.
VAT tiles could be purchased for as little as $0.09 per tile. Armstrong Embassy vinyl tiles were $0.39 per tile in 1959.
Overall, VAT and plastic tiles provided very budget-friendly options. Intricate ceramic and glass mosaics carried higher price tags but offered beautiful designs.
Sourcing Vintage 1950s Tile
Mid-century tile can still be found today at some vintage and architectural salvage stores. Online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay also offer selections of vintage 1950s tile for sale.
When sourcing original 1950s tile, examine it closely to make sure it is in good condition with no cracks, chips, or damage. Mosaics often have missing pieces leading to holes and gaps. Make sure any asbestos tile does not show wear patterns where asbestos fibers may be exposed.
Some key considerations when using vintage bathroom tile:
- Have enough to complete your intended project area.
- Factor in extra tile to account for cuts and potential breakage.
- Confirm tile dimensions to ensure proper spacing and layout.
- Reset and re-grout tile for best results.
- Take safety precautions if dealing with vintage VAT tile.
Sourcing enough vintage tile in good condition can be challenging. Using some vintage tile accented with modern tile reproductions is an option for getting a classic 1950s look.
Modern Tile Options for 1950s Style
For a 1950s-inspired bathroom today, these modern tile types are good choices:
- Ceramic subway tile – Choose glossyfinish in pastel hues for traditional 1950s ambiance.
- Ceramic penny tile – Round 1-inch mosaic tiles revive the checkerboard floor.
- Crackle glass subway tile – Sleek with retro crazed effect.
- Marble hexagon mosaics – Classic honeycomb layout.
- Vinyl composite tile – Durable, easy to install, and comes in 1950s hues.
Pair these modern tiles with vintage-look plumbing fixtures and accessories for an authentic 1950s bathroom vibe.
Conclusion
The 1950s offered a wide selection of tile options for updating bathrooms. Ceramic, mosaic, VAT, and early plastic tiles in cheerful pastel hues and bold geometric patterns created retro, water-resistant bathrooms. While health concerns require caution when using original vintage asbestos and plastic composite tiles, many new tile choices can capture 1950s style.