The idea of Victorian bathrooms might conjure thoughts of old-fashioned designs and customs. While these bathrooms take inspiration from those of traditional Victorian estates, today’s Victorian bathroom designs are luxurious and modern. This style is the best of both worlds, bringing the elegance of the Victorian era to your home while maintaining the quality of modern-day hardware.
The Hallmarks of a Victorian-Style Bathroom
In the past, many people bathed in their kitchens because it was the warmest room of the house. It was convenient to heat water on the stove and bathe in the same room rather than carrying the water to a different room. When indoor plumbing was developed during the Victorian era, it revolutionized the bathroom experience forever. The bathing area eventually became a separate room that needed to be decorated like the rest of the house.
There are several must-have features needed to give your bathroom this look. Here are some Victorian bathroom ideas to start:
- Clawfoot tubs: Bathtubs are a great way to unwind after a long day, and a clawfoot tub is a staple in any Victorian bathroom remodel. There are several varieties of clawfoot tubs. In slipper clawfoots, one side is slightly raised, allowing for more comfortable relaxation. A double-ended tub is raised at the ends and lowered in the middle where the faucet is, reducing spillage.
- Victorian sinks: There are several types you could choose. A pedestal sink attaches to the wall and stands on one to four legs. The space below the sink can be empty or have some open shelves — giving the area a clean, minimal look while saving space in your bathroom. Another type consists of an antique chest with a sink made of bronze or marble set on top. The chest usually has ornate designs and crown molding. This type of sink provides storage and elegance.
- Tilework and paint designs: Victorian tile designs include the penny tile, which are small tiles shaped like a hexagon or circle; subway tiles shaped like rectangles; and a classic hexagonal tile. These simple designs were the standard in a true Victorian bathroom.
- Colors: The color of the tiles and walls should be soft and soothing rather than bold. You can use white, pink, light blue or light yellow. The fixtures should be white — as Victorians considered this to be a clean color.
- Heavy fabrics: Shower curtains, window curtains, towels, floor mats and any other linen in your bathroom should be made of fabric that is heavy yet soft. They can also have a decorative aspect to them, such as a fringe or tassel on the shower curtain.
- Accessories: No bathroom is complete without proper lights and a mirror. Choose a mirror with an ornate frame. For lights, go with a wall lamp that resembles a Victorian-era gas lamp. If your bathroom has space, feel free to include a piece of antique furniture such as a wicker chair for an additional touch of character.
What Are the Advantages of a Victorian Bathroom?
It may seem surprising that one bathroom style would have advantages over others, but it’s true. Here are a few of the perks you’ll experience with a Victorian bathroom:
- Durability is something to consider: Cast iron tubs instead of glass fiber; tilework instead of wood or drywall; porcelain pedestal sinks rather than wood or laminate vanities. Each of these materials are more durable than their modern counterparts.
- If you enjoy luxurious baths, clawfoot tubs are ideal for this. They’re typically deep, with a rounded shape that makes them quite comfortable.
- Maintenance can be easier, too. In some Victorian bathrooms, the plumbing is left exposed as a stylish part of the decor — which makes it easy for you to spot leaks or issues that would be otherwise hidden behind walls.
Now that you know how to design this type of style, it’s time to search for Victorian bathroom products. At Modern Bathroom, we have the products you need to set up your dream bathroom today.