25 Common Things Pennsylvania Boomers Had in Their Bathrooms That Are Now Rare

The bathrooms that baby boomers grew up with were full of personality.

In places like Pennsylvania, you’d walk into a friend’s house and see things like ruffled curtains or a pink sink without thinking twice.

Today, those same features feel like a time capsule.

Carpet Around the Toilet Base

In many boomer-era homes, carpet wasn’t just for the living room.

Bathrooms often had matching rugs, including one that wrapped around the toilet. These carpets came in colors like avocado green or dusty rose.

They soaked up moisture and were tough to clean.

Today, most people prefer washable bath mats instead.

Toilet Tank Covers Made of Fuzzy Fabric

Another popular bathroom trend was the toilet tank cover.

These were soft, fuzzy, and often matched the seat cover and rug. They came in sets that gave the bathroom a “finished” look.

While cozy, they also collected dust and were hard to wash.

Modern bathrooms have moved away from fabric-heavy touches like these.

Ruffled Fabric Shower Curtains

Before vinyl and polyester became common, many people used ruffled fabric curtains.

They looked more like drapes than anything waterproof. Sometimes they came with lace or bows for decoration.

These curtains often needed a plastic liner to prevent water damage.

Today’s styles focus more on clean lines and easy maintenance.

Colored Toilets and Sinks

Pastel pink, mint green, and powder blue toilets were all the rage.

Boomers embraced color in every part of the house, including the bathroom. Matching sinks, tubs, and tile created a bold look.

Now, white and gray are the go-to choices for a clean, modern feel.

Vintage fixtures in bright colors are much harder to find today.

Soap in Decorative Shapes

Boomer bathrooms often had fancy soaps that looked like seashells, flowers, or fruit.

These weren’t meant to be used, just admired. They usually sat in a pretty glass dish or tiny basket.

Kids were often told not to touch them.

Now, decorative soap has been replaced with liquid pumps and simple bars.

Padded Toilet Seats

Soft toilet seats were once seen as a luxury.

They had vinyl covers with a cushion inside for extra comfort. You could even hear a slight hiss of air when someone sat down.

Over time, they cracked, faded, or tore easily.

Today, hard plastic or wood seats are more common for durability and hygiene.

Matching Bathroom Accessory Sets

Boomer bathrooms often featured complete sets of accessories.

The soap dish, toothbrush holder, tissue box cover, and trash can all matched. Some sets were ceramic, while others were plastic in bold colors.

They gave the room a very coordinated look.

Now, most people mix and match or go for simpler, neutral designs.

Wall-Mounted Cup Dispensers

Disposable rinsing cups were once a bathroom staple.

Many homes had plastic dispensers mounted to the wall near the sink. They held tiny paper cups for mouthwash or after brushing teeth.

It was a small touch, but it felt modern at the time.

These days, most people use reusable cups or none at all.

Avocado Green or Harvest Gold Everything

Boomers didn’t shy away from bold color choices.

Bathrooms were often filled with shades like avocado green or harvest gold. Tiles, sinks, and even towels followed these strong color schemes.

It gave the room a distinct retro look that stood out.

Now, those shades are rare unless you’re visiting a home stuck in time.

Built-In Hamper Cabinets

Many older bathrooms had a built-in hamper hidden behind a small cabinet door.

It helped keep dirty laundry out of sight. These features were often built into the vanity or wall.

While useful, they’ve been phased out in favor of portable hampers.

Today’s bathrooms focus more on open space and flexibility.

Tissue Box Covers That Matched the Towels

In many boomer homes, even the tissue box had to match.

These covers were often made of plastic, fabric, or even crochet. They came in the same colors and patterns as the towels or rug.

It was all about creating a unified look.

Now, most people leave tissues as-is or use a simple neutral cover.

Bar Soap Left in a Grooved Soap Dish

Liquid soap wasn’t always the go-to.

Bar soap was common, and every sink had a ceramic or plastic dish. These dishes had grooves to keep the soap from sitting in water.

Still, they got messy fast and needed regular cleaning.

Now, many bathrooms rely on pump bottles instead.

Bathroom Telephones

Yes, some boomers had actual phones in the bathroom.

It was a sign of luxury to have one mounted near the sink or vanity. These landline phones were often part of a built-in system.

People used them while soaking in the tub or getting ready.

Today, smartphones make the idea of a bathroom phone feel outdated.

Framed Pictures or Art Prints

Bathrooms during the boomer years often had framed art on the walls.

These were usually small prints of flowers, scenic views, or inspirational quotes. The goal was to make the bathroom feel more like a living space.

Sometimes, they matched the color scheme or wallpaper.

Modern bathrooms usually stick to minimal décor or none at all.

Wall-to-Wall Tile in Bold Colors

Many boomers grew up with bathrooms covered in tile from floor to ceiling.

These tiles came in bright colors like blue, pink, or yellow. The grout was often hard to clean, but the look was bold.

Some even had built-in soap holders or toothbrush slots.

Now, most people opt for partial tile or easier-to-clean surfaces.

Decorative Towels No One Was Allowed to Use

Many boomer bathrooms had a set of “for show” towels.

These were usually embroidered, lace-trimmed, or color-coordinated with the décor. They hung perfectly folded on the towel rack and stayed untouched.

Guests might get scolded for using the wrong towel by mistake.

Today, most people keep things more practical and low-maintenance.

Bathroom Wallpaper with Busy Patterns

Wallpaper wasn’t just for the dining room or hallway.

Boomer bathrooms often featured floral, paisley, or striped designs on the walls. Some had shiny finishes or even a slight texture to them.

Over time, the steam from showers caused peeling and mildew.

Now, most people prefer paint or tile for easier upkeep.

Scales with Analog Dials

Before digital scales took over, bathroom scales had a spinning dial.

They were heavy, sometimes squeaky, and not always accurate. Many were white, gray, or made with chrome trim.

People kept them tucked near the sink or toilet.

Now, digital models with memory and apps have taken their place.

Curtains Instead of Blinds

Instead of blinds or shutters, boomer bathrooms often had fabric curtains.

These were ruffled, pleated, or covered in patterns to match the rest of the room. Some were purely decorative, while others gave minimal privacy.

They were hung from simple tension rods or tied with bows.

Today’s window treatments tend to be simpler and more functional.

Mounted Toothbrush Holders in the Wall Tile

Older bathrooms sometimes had ceramic holders built right into the tile.

These were meant for standing toothbrushes upright, side by side. They were usually installed above the sink, next to a soap dish.

It was a handy feature, but hard to clean and impossible to move.

Now, countertop cups or medicine cabinet storage are more common.

Metal Shower Doors with Textured Glass

Before frameless showers became trendy, many homes had metal-framed shower doors.

These often came with textured or frosted glass for privacy.

The tracks collected grime and were hard to clean. They made a loud scraping noise when opened or closed.

Now, people often prefer curtains or frameless glass for a cleaner look.

Heated Toilet Paper Holders or Covers

Some boomers had plush covers on toilet paper rolls.

A few even had heated holders built into the wall. These were marketed as luxurious touches for cold mornings.

The soft covers matched rugs, seats, and tank covers.

Today, most people skip the extras and keep it simple.

Bathroom Magazine Racks

Boomer bathrooms often had a small rack or basket for reading material.

Magazines, catalogs, and newspapers were stacked near the toilet. This was before smartphones gave people endless reading options.

Some racks were built into the wall or freestanding on the floor.

Now, printed bathroom reading has mostly disappeared.

Electric Wall Heaters Near the Floor

Many homes in colder areas had built-in electric heaters in the bathroom.

They were installed low on the wall and warmed the room quickly. Some had metal grates that got hot to the touch.

They were handy in winter but not very energy efficient.

Today, central heat or radiant floors are more common.

Vanity Lighting with Globe Bulbs

Boomer bathrooms often featured large mirrors surrounded by globe lights.

These bulbs gave off a warm glow but could overheat quickly.