Victorian Bathroom Ideas: Designing A Modern Victorian-Style Bathroom
In this guide, we explore various modern Victorian bathroom ideas that can transform them into something contemporary yet nostalgic, no matter the size.
Victorian bathrooms are a testament to the luxurious design sensibilities of the 19th century, embodying both elegance and extravagance.
Drawing inspiration from the era of Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901), these bathrooms blend ornate details, intricate craftsmanship and luxurious finishes.
Designing a modern Victorian-style bathroom allows for a unique opportunity to blend old-world charm with contemporary conveniences.
Whether you’re working with a spacious master suite or a smaller bathroom, there are countless ways to incorporate Victorian elements into your space.
Classic Victorian bathroom ideas
Freestanding tubs, vintage fixtures and ornate tiling typify many of the most iconic elements.
Freestanding bathtubs
- Victorian bathrooms are synonymous with iconic roll-top design with claw feet for creating an air of luxury and unchanging magnificence.
- If you’re going for a more vintage look, traditional roll top baths are your best option, with curved edges and the ability to pair with a retro tap.
Victorian tiles and flooring
- In Victorian bathrooms function and beauty were equally important, and as such, tiles were a favoured feature on walls and floors.
- Mosaic tiles can be Victorian style in bold black and white patterns or muted colours such as deep green or burgundy and can be placed on floors or walls.
- A slightly more subtle approach is to use Victorian style wall tiles in light neutrals, such as cream, grey or white,
Fixtures and fittings
- A typical recreation of a Victorian bathroom includes fixtures such as brass or gold taps, showerheads and towel hooks.
- Classic taps with porcelain handles or lever design are a beautiful focal point. These taps mix the vintage feel and still offer usability while being usable with freestanding tubs as well as traditional pedestal sinks.
Vintage lighting
- Vintage style lighting fixtures are a really good way of finishing off a Victorian bathroom – a chandelier is ideal, if feasible.
- If room is limited, don’t reach for the chandeliers; instead try wall sconces with frosted glass or pendant lights with ornate detailing to achieve the right amount of light. For that real authentic touch, use fixtures with Victorian patterns and finishes.
Here are our traditional bathroom ideas and also, several bathroom lighting ideas, for both big or small bathrooms.
Small Victorian bathroom ideas
You might think you can’t design a Victorian style small bathroom, but a little creativity and good thinking will help you make it work.
The trick is to bring out important details that aid in making the space feel bigger, without compromising the conventional appearance.
Maximising space with wall-mounted fixtures
- If you want to make your space feel airy, wall hung basins will really help to do that as you have more space for movement. It goes well with a flowing wall mounted toilet to keep it from feeling closed in and cramped.
- Small Victorian bathrooms also work with wall mounted storage units. A brass towel rack or even corner cabinet could serve a purpose as well as bringing an added style to the space without overcrowding it.
Small-scale freestanding bathtubs
- Choose a compact clawfoot bathtub, with a smaller boxy footprint, that suits the space of the room. These tubs create a sense of elevated space, but keep the feel of a large tub.
- Alternatively, a slipper tub, which is smaller and features a raised end for comfort, can serve as a perfect solution for tight spaces. With its elegant curves and historical design, a slipper tub evokes Victorian opulence even in a small room.
Mirrors to expand the space
- In small bathrooms, mirrors are a must! A large, ornate mirror with a gilded or aged frame not only dresses up the room, but helps to make the room feel larger.
- It also makes the bathroom feel vintage by enhancing that reflective surface and keeping with that Victorian charm.
If you wish to maximise natural lighting, consider placing mirrors opposite windows. This can make the bathroom feel lighter and less cramped.
Here are our bathroom wall ideas, including mirrors.
Combining modern elements with Victorian charm
In order to keep a Victorian styled bathroom in good working order, it’s necessary to have modern versions of some aspects.
The following are a few ways to fuse the two styles together:
Minimalist freestanding tubs
A more contemporary take on the freestanding bathtub is the modern, minimalist version. A freestanding tub with sleek, clean lines can serve as a beautiful contrast to more ornate Victorian elements like vintage taps and tiles. These tubs often have simple, sculptural designs that blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the room.
Mixing metals and finishes
The Victorian era was all about opulence, so it’s easy to see why combining different metallic finishes works well in this style. For example, you can pair brass taps with matte black or chrome light fixtures for a chic and modern look. Mixing metals creates visual depth and adds an eclectic, yet cohesive, touch to the space.
Smart technology
Victorian bathrooms were all about period aesthetics but modern technology does not have to be overlooked. Upgrades you can add to a Victorian style space include smart taps, heated towel rails, and underfloor heating. However, not only do these elements make a bathroom more comfortable, but they also fulfill the modern standards of the bathroom.
Find out more about smart bathroom technology in our full guide.
The finishing touches – accessories and decoration
Victorian bathrooms are known for their luxurious finishes – and accessories are the final touch that completes the look.
Decorative accents such as vintage towel racks, ornate mirrors, and antique-inspired soap dispensers help bring the design together.
Textiles
Soft textiles like plush rugs, lace curtains, and embroidered towels are important in creating a vintage, cosy atmosphere. For smaller spaces, a simple but elegant rug or bath mat in neutral tones can help ground the room while adding comfort.
Storage and shelving
Victorian-style storage solutions can be elegant as well as functional. A vintage-style cabinet or a period-inspired vanity unit can offer ample storage while adding to the room’s character. These pieces can be beautifully crafted from wood, with intricate carvings or paneling that echo the era’s design style.
Here are our cloakroom storage ideas, but many of these are applicable to larger bathrooms too.
Final thoughts: Victorian bathroom ideas
Designing a modern Victorian-style bathroom allows for endless possibilities. You can create a space that captures the essence of Victorian elegance by incorporating key elements like freestanding tubs, vintage tiles and period fixtures.
With a careful selection of materials, fixtures, and design elements, you can create a Victorian bathroom that’s both nostalgic and modern.
For more guides, take a look through our blog. Recently we covered bathroom panelling ideas for all bathroom sizes.
Ability Bathe are experienced bathroom designers Devon and South-West residents can rely on – we have over 35 years of service experience behind us.
We specialise in exceptional walk-in showers Devon and surrounding areas love! To find out more about our services or for any other queries, do not hesitate to contact us.
