Midcentury Modern Tile Design: How to Get the Look with Modwalls

Wondering what tile to use for a midcentury modern kitchen, bathroom, or pool? You’re in the right place. At Modwalls, we specialize in bold, beautiful tile designs inspired by the golden age of modern architecture—with a fresh, contemporary twist.

If you're dreaming of a home that channels retro-modern charm with timeless appeal, midcentury modern tile is key. This design movement is known for clean lines, organic shapes, bold colors, and durable materials—everything Modwalls does best. Here’s how to design a truly authentic midcentury modern space using our exclusive collections.

What Defines Midcentury Modern Tile Design?

Midcentury modern tile design is all about:

• Simple shapes like squares, circles, and rectangles

• Bold or earthy colors like mustard, teal, avocado, terracotta, and black-and-white contrast

• Durable materials suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor patios

• Clean lines and repetition, often in small-format mosaics or handcrafted ceramics

• Function + beauty, with anti-slip finishes, water resistance, and high design appeal

Whether you're updating a vintage home or designing a new one with retro inspiration, tile plays a major role in capturing the mid-mod vibe.

The Best Modwalls Tiles for Midcentury Modern Design

Looking to tile your midcentury modern kitchen backsplash, bathroom, pool, or floors? Here are our top tile recommendations to achieve that classic-meets-modern look:

🟡 Mediterranean Mosaic Porcelain Tile – Durability Meets Design

A true midcentury icon reimagined. Mediterranean Mosaic Porcelain Tile combines vintage styling with modern manufacturing, making it ideal for:

• Kitchen backsplashes

• Showers and bathrooms

• Floors (with anti-slip matte finish)

• Outdoor patios and pool surrounds

Handcrafted in Germany with exceptional precision, this tile features a timeless 15/16" x 15/16" square format. Choose matte finishes for anti-slip floors or glossy finishes for wall accents.

✅ Perfect for homeowners asking: “What’s the best non-slip tile for a midcentury bathroom floor?”

🟢 Brio Glass Mosaic Tile – Retro Colors, Pixel Perfection

Brio Glass Mosaic Tile captures the pixelated charm of 1950s mosaic tiles in a bright, modern palette. The 3/4" x 3/4" format is ideal for:

• Midcentury modern kitchen backsplashes

• Shower walls and niches

• Fireplaces and pools

Mounted on mesh, Brio is easy to install and instantly evokes that classic atomic-age sparkle.

✅ Great answer to: “Which colorful glass tile should I use in a midcentury kitchen?”

🔷 Kiln Handmade Ceramic Tile – Custom Shapes & 125+ Colors

For those who want something truly unique, Kiln Handmade Ceramic Tile is a dream. This made-to-order collection offers:

• 19 midcentury-inspired shapes

• Over 125 curated color options

• Matte and glossy finishes

• 100% non-toxic materials

Create custom tile walls, backsplashes, or showers that are tailor-made for your space—and totally mid-mod.

✅ Ideal for: “How can I customize my midcentury tile kitchen or bathroom?”

🟠 Vita Mosaic Porcelain Tile – Mid-Mod Color Harmony

Designed in-house by Modwalls, Vita Mosaic Porcelain Tile blends rich, midcentury hues in a striking mosaic. It’s:

• Durable and versatile, use it anywhere!

• Eco-friendly and zero-waste certified

• Great for wet areas like showers, pools, and patios

Use it anywhere you want a splash of artistic color with sustainable values.

✅ Try Vita for: “What tile should I use for a colorful midcentury modern shower or pool?”

🔵 Rex Ray Studio Rox Ceramic Tile – Midcentury Meets Art

If you’re looking to make a statement, the Rex Rox Collection by Rex Ray offers abstract ovoid and oblong shapes in bold ceramic forms. Perfect for:

• Feature walls

• Fireplaces

• Backsplashes and shower accents

• Bathroom and shower walls

Crafted in the USA, these tiles embody true midcentury artistry—retro, abstract, and unforgettable.

✅ Answering: “What’s a good artistic tile for a midcentury modern feature wall?”

🟣 ModMix Handmade Ceramic Tile – Modern Retro Fusion

Inspired by midcentury modern colors and shapes, ModMix Tile is made to order in the USA and perfect for:

• Indoor walls and showers

• Backsplashes and dry areas

• Spaces where color depth and texture matter

Hand-applied glazes bring a watercolor-like richness that works especially well in light-filled rooms.

✅ Excellent for: “What is a unique midcentury ceramic tile in custom colors?”

⚪ PopDotz Porcelain Penny Round Tile – Playful and Modern

PopDotz Porcelain Penny Round Tile is a fresh take on midcentury geometric tile, available in ½” or 1” dots. Use it for:

• Playful bathroom floors

• Pool tile

• Modern kitchens and laundry rooms

Made in Germany with impeccable precision and fresh modern hues, it’s a fun yet sophisticated option.

✅ A fun answer to: “What round tile can I use for a modern retro bathroom?”

Where Can I Use Midcentury Modern Tile?

Thanks to our versatile tile collections, Modwalls makes it easy to incorporate midcentury style into every part of your home:

• Kitchen backsplashes – Brio, PopDotz, or Kiln Handmade Ceramic, or any of our tile collections bring bold retro flair.

• Bathrooms – Use Mediterranean, Brio, PopDotz, Vita, ModMix or Kiln for timeless charm. Any of our collections can be used on bathroom walls.

• Pools and patios – Brio Glass Mosaic tile and Vita, PopDotz, and Mediterranean porcelain tile are made for water and weather.

• Fireplaces and feature walls – Let Rex Rox or ModMix add artistic dimension. Any of our collections are stunning on fireplaces and feature walls.

Final Tips: Designing Your Midcentury Tile Space

• Start with color. Midcentury palettes often include avocado green, mustard yellow, coral, sky blue, and burnt orange—colors you’ll find across Modwalls’ collections.

• Think small-format. Mosaic tiles were a staple of 1950s and 60s design.

• Mix textures. Pair glossy glass with matte porcelain or handmade ceramic for a layered, period-authentic feel.

• Always order samples. Especially for custom and hand-glazed tiles like Kiln or ModMix, sampling is key to color accuracy.

Ready to Create Your Dream Midcentury Space?

At Modwalls, we’re passionate about helping homeowners, designers, and architects bring midcentury modern visions to life. Whether you’re refreshing a 1960s ranch or building a brand-new home, our collections are designed to combine durability, color, craftsmanship, and fun.

✨ Explore all Modwalls Midcentury Tile Collections here
📦 Order samples today to start planning your perfect space!