How to Create a Victorian Style Bathroom with a Modern Touch

If you’re looking to update the bathroom, you might want to consider giving it an old-style makeover. Victorian style bathrooms are very much coming back into fashion, only this time with a modern twist.

Here, we’ll look at the basics behind Victorian bathroom design, why it’s proving to be popular and how you can create a Victorian style bathroom with a modern twist.

Image: Robert Moore

 

The history behind Victorian bathrooms

It may be hard to believe now, but bathrooms were a fairly strange concept during the Victorian era. While public baths were common, private bathrooms in the home were very rare and reserved only for the upper class. This was because the cost of having the plumbing installed was extremely expensive and not something the working class could afford.

They largely featured a bathtub, usually with a claw design, which was initially installed to a gas water heater. However, the heaters were known to explode back then, which meant many Victorians avoided using them completely. The toilet was often kept separate to the bathroom, though it did include a pedestal style sink.

The sink and toilet were sometimes decorated with a floral design. Other homes covered the sink and furniture with wooden surrounds. It was a very basic yet beautiful bathroom design.

Image: daily mail

What basic elements make up a Victorian bathroom design?

Obviously, bathroom design has changed significantly over the decades. We no longer need to worry about water heaters exploding, or keeping the toilet separate from the bathroom due to ineffective drainage systems. So, compared to Victorian times, we have a lot more options when it comes to choosing our bathroom design.

Despite the problems Victorian bathrooms faced, their overall style has remained popular, even today. Porcelain tiles played a heavy role in the design of Victorian bathrooms so if you’re looking to recreate the style, that’s a good place to start. Floral design porcelain tiles would look particularly great, along with a claw-footed bath.

Installing wooden surroundings on the sink and bath would also help you achieve that basic Victorian design.

Image: H&G

 

How to create a Victorian bathroom with a modern twist

Now we’ve covered the basics of Victorian bathroom design, how can you go about giving it a modern twist? Well, firstly you’re going to need the right tools for the job. You can buy your renovation equipment and tools from companies such as RS Components.

Once you’ve got everything you need, there are a few ways to add a modern twist on a classic Victorian design. Installing a traditional style radiator into the room would work well. Opting for a freestanding bath and installing mosaic style tiles into the room will also give it a dramatic makeover.

Overall, it’s not hard to see why the Victorian style bathrooms are so popular. It’s easy to give them a modern twist following the tips above. Why not look online for a little inspiration too? You’ll find lots of free images you can use for inspiration on modern Victorian bathroom designs.