Dip Into Mid Century Style with Modern Pool Tile Ideas

Mid century modern design is making a big comeback in home decor and architecture. With its clean lines, bold colors, and retro-inspired patterns, this style is a fresh and fun way to give your pool an energizing facelift. The right tile choice can transform a traditional pool into a showstopping mid century oasis.

When revamping your pool in the mid century aesthetic, tile selection plays a pivotal role. The shape, color, texture, and pattern of your tiles will define the overall look and mood of the space. By embracing some key mid century elements in your tile, you can perfectly capture the nostalgic spirit of 1950s and 60s design.

Mid Century Modern Design Elements

Clean Lines and Geometric Shapes

Mid century modern is all about simplicity. Angular, rectangular pools with minimal ornamentation suit the pared-down aesthetic. Stick to basic geometric shapes and lines in both your pool and tile design. Avoid any elaborate or overly decorative motifs.

Bold Colors

Vibrant, saturated hues are a mid century hallmark. For your pool tile, go for eye-popping colors like turquoise, chartreuse, coral, and marigold. High contrast color combinations, like navy and white or yellow and black, also embody mid century style. Muted, natural color palettes don't have enough pop for this bold look.

Abstract Patterns

Geometric prints, zigzags, chevrons, and abstract shapes bring movement and interest to mid century tile. These graphic motifs add liveliness to a poolscape. Diamond, triangle, circle, and rectangular patterns are all suitable options. Avoid floral or nature-inspired designs, which feel too traditional and ornate.

Tile Considerations for a Mid Century Look

Shape of the Pool

Rectangular pools instantly evoke mid century modern, but curved pools can also work with the right tile choices. For rounded pools, angular tile patterns and colors create contrast. This unexpected combo feels fresh yet retro.

Types of Tiles

Ceramic, glass, and natural stone tiles are all fitting options for mid century pools. Mixing tile textures and materials creates depth and interest. Contrast matte tiles with glossy accents or combine stone and ceramic for eclectic appeal.

Tile Colors

Choose bold, saturated colors to make a splash. Vibrant solids in turquoise, lemon yellow, and tomato red convey mid century panache. For variation, try color blocking with contrasting bright hues like kelly green and navy blue. Keep colors consistent or stick to two complementary tones.

Tile Patterns

From zigzags to chevrons, geometric patterns epitomize mid century cool. Opt for repeating abstract prints and angular motifs like triangles or diamonds. Checkerboards, basketweave designs, and mosaic stripes offer retro flair. Steer clear of floral prints or imitation wood or stone looks.

Finishes and Textures

Play with different tile finishes to add visual interest. A sleek high-gloss tile makes colors pop, while matte finishes feel authentically retro. For dimension, mix in textured tiles with raised relief patterns. Glazed ceramic, handmade glass, or textured natural stone all provide depth.

Bringing the Indoors Out

For a cohesive mid century aesthetic, echo your interior design outside in the pool area. Coordinate vibrant accent colors in your tile to match indoor accents. Repurpose rugs or pillow patterns as graphic tile motifs. Repeat concrete, brick, or wood textures outside. Blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Plants for a Modern Poolside

The right surrounding plants can enhance the mid century modern pool aesthetic. For easy maintenance, choose desert or tropical varieties like cacti, succulents, palms, ferns, and bamboo. Their sculptural or flowing forms complement the contemporary vibe. Avoid leafy plants like maples and oaks that will litter your pool.

Additional Mid Century Details

To complete the mid century transformation, accessorize your pool area with modern outdoor furniture, retro lighting, and playful accents. Vintage-style lounge chairs, fiberglass tulip tables, and brightly colored umbrella fabrics capture 1950s flair. Inflatable pink flamingos, beach balls, and pool floats make a fun retro statement.

Don't despair if your backyard already has a classic kidney-shaped or geometric pool. With a little creativity, you can give it an entirely fresh, modern look. Swapping in colorful graphic tile is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to revive a pool. Paint or tile the pool interior in a bold hue to coordinate. Update the surrounding hardscaping, plants, and furniture to complete your mid century oasis escape.

When executed artfully, your pool tile selection can transport guests decades back in time to the age of Elvis and Cadillacs. With eye-catching colors, retro tile materials, and graphic prints, you can recreate the splashy excitement of mid century pools. So grab your sunnies and get ready to make a stylish splash with your newly modded mid century modern pool paradise.