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’80s Bathroom Style: Tub Talk

September 13, 2016 by Kate 2 Comments

'80s bathroom with yellow accents

In the ’80s, bathroom remodels became an ever-growing design trend. After all, the yuppie lifestyle meant long hours of work, so having a home sanctuary was important. If you had the right job in a city like New York, working hard meant earning the money to renovate your place and add special features such as a deep soaking tub, shiny grid tile, and chrome finishes.

In Metropolitan Home Renovation Style (1986), Joanna L. Krotz writes, “Pampering has become a serious business, a reward for all our hard work. We want a room that satisfies our fantasies as well as our needs. We want the size and sizzle of the spa–everyday amenities for weary eyes and bodies.” One such amenity: a decadent bathtub. Read on as we highlight a collection of tubs that take ’80s bathroom style to the next level…

Clean-Lined and Modern

Let’s begin with chic, modern bathrooms that showcase simplicity and bold accents rather than “more is more” accessories. The light-filled powder room below features a clean-lined tub surrounded by interesting features such as an arched window and a chaise for post-bath lounging. Also note lighting features like a series of tungsten bulbs by the sink and a subtle neon strip near the ceiling. [from The Lighting Book by Deyan Sudjic, 1985]

'80s modern bathroom

It’s all about the lines in this next featured bathroom. Horizontal wooden panels surround the tub, and they’re contrasted by the diagonal red and white stripes of the shower curtain. [from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt, 1981]

'80s bathroom with a striped shower curtain

All About the Plants

Plants play a key role in the bathing experiences below. A yellow tub and sink bring this next bathroom to life, along with a collection of plants by the window. [from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt]

'80s bathroom with yellow tub and sink

The next tub is nothing short of exquisite. In fact, it’s a ten-foot tub that’s 3 1/2 feet deep to create a total soaking experience! In case you’re wondering, yes, it’s a whirlpool tub, and the surrounding grid platform is perfect for holding an array of plants to create a bath time like no other. [from Metropolitan Home Renovation Style, 1986]

'80s bathtub with grid tile

Decadent Soaking

Let’s get decadent, shall we?! The tubs that follow all feature ledges for the display of ample grooming products. Below, a tub surrounded by rosy stone (which is said to be marble) is enhanced by warm-toned walls. Vertical blinds can be adjusted to welcome or block out the light. Grooming products and sea artifacts abound…  [from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt]

'80s bathroom with vertical blinds

Miniblinds shield this bathing area from the adjacent bedroom, and tile reigns, along with a slew of bath gels, soaps and sponges. A fabric wall covering and modern artwork add elegance, and a whirlpool/tub becomes the centerpiece of this bold red space. [from Metropolitan Home Renovation Style]

'80s bathroom with red tile

These next two bathrooms are nothing short of stunning. Below/left is a cream powder room with a bright orange tub, as well as brightly painted panel insets that provide storage for towels and more. There’s even room to exercise and rest in the space! On the right: a sunken bath surrounded by marble tiles. Ceramic tiles line the walls, and a large ficus tree helps create a true haven. Bonus points for the floating blooms. [from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt]

'80s bathrooms

Specialty Tubs

Next up: specialty tubs. Like a traditional tub that’s now filled with goldfish (below, left). No bathing here! But what a happy home for the fishies, marked by a bold painting. [from The International Book of Lofts, 1986]

Below, right is a sunken Jacuzzi tub surrounded by an array of plants and bulbs. [from The Decorating Book by Mary Gilliatt]

'80s bathtub style

In fact, this tub seems to have made it into other design publications as well! Looking a bit like a fried egg, here it is with some nighttime lighting to add drama. Note how the tile surround accommodates folded towels, as well as plants. [from Metropolitan Home Renovation Style]

'80s sunken tub

A Bath with a View

Last but not least, there’s nothing like a tub with a view! This one overlooks San Francisco, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a skylight for extra illumination. On the wall we see Italian ceramic tile, and a handheld shower accommodates the deep soaking tub. Nerve-soothing whirlpool jets create a relaxing experience, and the tub’s wraparound deck helps hide plumbing. [from Metropolitan Home Renovation Style]

'80s bathtub with a city view

This suburban New York ranch house features a bedroom extension with a hot tub…and a view. Rustic-modern ’80s style at its finest! [from Metropolitan Home Renovation Style]

'80s tub with a view

Now who’s ready for a siesta?! Thanks for reading.  XOXO, Kate

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Comments

  1. Jan Griffiths says

    September 13, 2016 at 10:34 pm

    We don’t have a tub, but a nice shower with a bench. And replaced the window with glass block. Some of these tubs are awesome, but we take showers.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      September 18, 2016 at 1:04 pm

      Jan, I have to admit…I far prefer showers as well! But when it comes to design-fabulous bathrooms of the ’80s, the tubs always catch my eye. I love that you have glass block in your powder room. Such a timeless feature that grew in popularity during decades like the 1980s. Thanks for your comment!

      Reply

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Mirror80 is a blog that celebrates the intersection of modern design and retro style. I'm Kate, and I enjoy exploring the look and feel of the "recent retro", with a focus on the late '70s through the early '90s. Welcome to Mirror80. Read More…

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