The One “Dated” Bathroom Feature Designers Don’t Want You to Remove

Don't overlook this gem when you begin the remodelling process.

When it comes to updating old bathrooms, our immediate instinct is to completely gut the space. Everything from the sink to the shower gets replaced, and we quickly forget what the original bathroom looked like. But sometimes, new isn't always best and there's one feature you might want to consider retaining.

Whether you don't have the budget for a full renovation, or you're interested in keeping some historical charm in your space, preserving original bathroom tiles – be it on the floor, walls, or bathtub – during your renovation can be advantageous for several reasons.

Why should you preserve original bathroom tiles?

Often when it comes to bathroom updates, it's not the tiles themselves that need updating, but rather the amenities. So before you grab a hammer and a chisel or consider tiling over the existing design, you may want to consider the benefits of preserving the original bathroom tiles.

Original tiles can help maintain a sense of history and uniqueness within your space that contributes to its overall charm and ambience. Whether they have a special texture, colour, or pattern, original tiles are often great to keep because they maintain the original character of your home which can be tricky to replicate with modern materials.

The trends and craftsmanship of the time the bathroom was built can also be reflected. For example, if your bathroom was built during the Art Deco movement, you may find incredible geometric shapes and high-contrast designs present. Or, if your bathroom was built during the '70s, there may be some stylish subway tiles present. By leaving them in your space, you can maintain the historical integrity and character of the original design and set your bathroom scheme apart from other homes.

Removing and replacing tiles can also be an expensive undertaking. Spending that money on other areas of the bathroom that also allow these tile designs to shine is both more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

How to work with the existing tiles

If you want to keep the original tiles but update the rest of the bathroom, there are a few ways to go about it to keep things cohesive. Many original tiles are unique, bold, or colourful, so ensuring your other design features complement them is key. Instead of trying to conceal or disguise the vintage designs, embrace their retro charm and make them a focal point of the space.

1. Get the paint colour right

Ensure that the paint tone you choose matches the hues of the tiles. For example, if you're working with bright blue tiles, opt for pale blue walls. If you have pink floor tiles, opt for warm neutral-toned walls. This will both enhance and compliment the tiles and make the design look intentional.

2. Incorporate modern decor and fixtures

Just because you're leaving old tiles in your space, doesn't mean it needs to look outdated or be disfunctional! Replace fixtures with more contemporary versions, introduce fresh towels, and switch out shower curtains/screens with new designs.

A good example is if your space has retro tiles, add in a new fluted glass shower screen. This style is timeless and has transcended trends.

3. Deep clean/replace the grout

If you're working with old tiles, there's a strong chance you'll either way to re-grout the space to freshen it up, or at the very least give the grout a good clean.

4. Re-use the tiles elsewhere in the bathroom

If a significant remodel is to take place and the general layout of your bathroom needs to change, you can always try removing and reusing them in a more appropriate spot within the space.