Here are the best portrayals of some of the most private spaces from one of the screen’s best decades.

By Nick Tamarin

The bath is often where one goes to be alone, an essential place of solitude — unless it’s a really crowded party. Or, in the case of these famous rooms of rest, if the bath was designed for all the world to see. Some may prefer quiet and spa-like and others bright and cheery, but the following are not to be missed — especially for ’90s fans who enjoy reliving one of the most stellar decades in screen history.

1. Pretty Woman (1990)

What a way to open the decade! With the exception of “Psycho,” Julia Roberts and director Garry Marshall own perhaps the most famous bath scene of all time. It notably alternates between Roberts, Richard Gere, a Walkman (perhaps not great in water!), Prince’s “Kiss” and lots of suds at the luxe Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. Besides Roberts’ Vivian, the bath is a star itself, with copious marble and brass, along with the pile of towels that only a fancy hotel can provide.

2. Home Alone (1990)

Another classic from 1990, this time set in the tony Chicago suburb of Winnetka, features a moment of cinematic comedy gold that is etched in the minds of those who were kids in the ’90s — and probably their parents’ minds, too. Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister makes the classic rookie mistake of applying ’90s-era aftershave to, well, a fresh shave. One of the screen’s most famous screams — and, inevitably, the audience’s knowing chuckles — ensues. So much so that Culkin re-created it for a Google ad in 2018.

3. Full House (1987-1995)

Permanently implanted in the brain of pretty much every Gen Xer, the Tanner home is a classic Victorian in San Francisco’s posh Pacific Heights neighborhood. The interior is definitely of its time, including the bath, where countless life lessons were imparted against the backdrop of a funky octagonal mirror backed by post-Memphis pastel wallpaper. You got it dude!

4. The Simpsons (1989-present)

In a rare moment of peace for Marge on Valentine’s Day, we get a good look at the private chamber of TV’s most famous animated family. A collection of candles illuminates a standard Springfield design featuring a pedestal sink, abundant tile, and a timely teal hue that complements Marge’s famously blue bouffant.

5. Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

The cult prime-time TV favorite’s iconic bath design features an oft-imitated red zigzag pattern — a shape reminiscent of director David Lynch’s plots. A new season with star Kyle MacLachlan on Showtime in 2017 resuscitated the bold racing stripe once again.

6. Father of the Bride (1991)

This comedy, starring a stressed-out Steve Martin facing the sudden engagement and upcoming wedding of his daughter, has hijinks that make the audience roar with laughter. And who could forget the overpriced rented swans that are moved into the tub when unexpected snowfall turns the wedding into an indoor affair? The swans are the focus here, but the bath space is notable, too — with the ruffle curtains, a staple of the ’90s, floral wallpaper and the white classic clawfoot tub.

7. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

One of the most beloved rom-coms of the ’90s, Sleepless in Seattle has many memorable scenes set in special settings — and one of the most unforgettable, and envied, places is Tom Hanks’ floating house docked on Lake Union. In the bath, recently-widowed Hanks and his son brush their teeth together while having a discussion about Hanks’ potential new wife that any parent is sure to remember. The bath itself is charming and simple, with an all-white interior including wood paneling on the walls and a glimmer of gold provided by the faucet fixture.