Why are old bathrooms pink?

Author: Prof. Malika Bartoletti Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

The History Behind Pink Bathrooms Pink-tiled bathrooms were a staple in American homes from the late 1940s to early 1960s. The color was popularized by First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who famously loved the soft shade so much that it began being dubbed Mamie pink.

Why do old houses have pink bathrooms?

During the 1950s, Mamie Eisenhower really brought pink into the nation's fashion lexicon. Pink was her favorite color, and much of her wardrobe reflected her love of pink. She also redecorated the White House in pink, which was not lost on marketers. Soon pink was everywhere, including bathrooms and kitchens.

What does "pink bathroom" mean?

Serratia Marcescens, the bacteria responsible for those pesky pink stains, thrives in moist environments. While regular cleaning can help, prevention is key. Our team can assess your plumbing to identify any potential moisture issues and provide solutions to keep your bathroom dry and free of pink residue.

What year were pink bathrooms popular?

Tired of the khaki-hued drudgery of the war effort, Americans wanted to surround themselves with color. According to Pam Kueber of Retro Renovation and Save the Pink Bathrooms, approximately five million of the 20 million new homes built between 1946 and 1966 had a cotton candy pink bathroom.

Why are my bathroom walls turning pink?

We've discovered that the culprit behind these pesky pink stains is a bacteria called Serratia Marcescens. It's a natural bacteria found in soil, food, and animals that loves to thrive in moist environments, dust, and phosphates. Dealing with this organism can be quite tricky, but not impossible!

Retro chic? 1950s-style pink bathrooms are being embraced

Is pink mold harmful?

Pink mould is not as dangerous as some other types of mould, but it can still cause health problems especially if it is inhaled or ingested regularly. It can also lead to urinary tract infections, digestive problems and in some rare cases we're seeing cases of pneumonia.

How do you get pink mold off walls?

Mix a solution of 1/3 cup of bleach to every 1 gallon of water in your bucket. Using your sponge, apply the solution to the pink mold growth. Let the solution sit for 10 minutes. Wipe the area and rinse, allowing it to air-dry.

Are pink bathrooms coming back?

The revival of the pink bathroom suite has returned with a twist, favouring tactile, matt textures over glossy or coloured ceramic finishes. Embracing this trend in our Cameo designs, we've featured matt finishes throughout the collection from our bathroom taps, to our pink bathroom vanity and mineral stone basins.

What did bathrooms look like in 1870?

In the 1870s-1880s, sinks, tubs and toilets were made to look like pieces of built-in furniture with fine wood embellished with patterns. Porcelain sinks were decorated with floral patterns and toilets were often sculpted with shapes of dolphins and shells.

Is pink a good color for a bathroom?

The lighter shade of pink, blush, is a perfect way of subtly implementing the colour into your bathroom without it being too overwhelming or powerful. The pastel shade complements most bathroom accessories and brings a sense of calm and relaxation to the space.

Is pink mold airborne?

What Is Pink Mold? Serratia marcescens is an airborne bacterium or mold that grows in the dampest places in your home, like shower stalls, bathtubs, bathroom tiles, toilets, sinks, toothbrush holders, and kitchen faucets.

What does the color pink mean psychologically?

In psychology, pink is found to provide a sense of calm. That calmness brings feelings of relaxation and contentment. Pink is a soothing color, not a rousing one. Think of it as the difference between romance (pink) versus passion (red).

What color psychology for bathrooms?

The Relaxing Feel of Cool Bathroom Colors

Shades of blue, green, and violet, reminiscent of calming elements in nature such as water and sky, create a visually expansive and serene atmosphere. These cool tones tend to visually feel more open in and of themselves, making a bathroom feel more spacious and open.

What color bathroom sells the most?

Zillow and Behr Paint conducted a study in 2021 and found that having a light-blue palette can significantly increase a home's value. Make the most of this popular bathroom color, paint your bathroom walls a soft shade reminiscent of the sky, and extend the hue to the ceiling.

What did bathrooms in the 1920s look like?

From Breton to pinstripes, this linear design was everywhere in 1920s fashion. Give your bathroom a dapper facelift with a vertical striped tile design. Black and white is an iconic colour combination and is often associated with the 1920s due to the photographs of the time.

Why were old houses painted pink?

Suffolk pink dates back to the 14th Century when the colour was discovered by dyers local to the area. Traditionally, limewash was added to the exterior of houses in the county and it was believed it added an extra layer of protection.

How often did people bathe in the 1920s?

One hot bath a week sufficed for most people. In the 1920s, the attitude toward cleanliness shifted significantly. Both body and clothes cleanliness became a standard requirement. As the new house appliances became more available and economical, cleanliness in the house also became a requirement.

Why do old houses have sinks in bedrooms?

Sinks were installed first in bedrooms, as a replacement for the pitchers of water and basins that had previously been ferried in and out by servants. Bathtubs and toilets each got their own rooms—with toilets placed farther away from living spaces due to the smell.

What were bathrooms called in the 1300s?

Interior of a late 13th-century garderobe at Chirk Castle in Wales. The term garderobe is also used to refer to a medieval or Renaissance toilet or a close stool.

Why did bathrooms used to be pink?

The History Behind Pink Bathrooms

The color was popularized by First Lady Mamie Eisenhower who famously loved the soft shade so much that it began being dubbed Mamie pink. From fashion to interiors, mid-century women couldn't get enough, even going so far as to deck their baths in the shade from ceiling to floor.

Are GREY bathrooms still in style?

Are grey bathrooms out of style? This is a question we often hear asked. The answer is “far from it!”. Grey bathrooms are highly contemporary in style and, when used in a traditional setting, offer a timeless, vintage appeal.

What to do with a pink bathroom?

Pale Pink Bathroom Inspirations

Use this subtle shade on walls, tiles, or even the ceiling for a cohesive look. Pair it with white or light-colored accessories to maintain an airy and open feel. In larger spaces, a vintage touch like a clawfoot tub can add character and charm.

Does vinegar remove pink mold?

To get rid of pink mold in your shower, spray a 50-50 solution of water and white vinegar on the area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to penetrate and kill the bacteria, then scrub thoroughly with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel to prevent moisture buildup. Repeat as necessary.

Why is my toilet seat turning pink?

Many experts agree that the bacteria that causes these pink stains is most likely Serratia marcescens, a bacteria which is found naturally in soil, food, and in animals. Serratia, which produce a characteristic red pigment, thrive on moisture, dust, and phosphates and need almost nothing to survive.

Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of pink mold?

Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective solution for pink mold removal. It's a powerful oxidizer, capable of killing bacteria and removing stains.

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