At home in a traditional style property or as a characteristic twist on a modern home, a Victorian bathroom consists of carefully constructed, timeless fixtures including detailed porcelain basins, intricate tiling, sophisticated cast iron baths and much more. Elaborately decorated and elegant, a Victorian style bathroom pays homage to tradition and provides a touch of softness in comparison to the clean lines we’ve come to expect of contemporary designs that we often see today.
If you’re looking for classic and elegant Victorian bathroom design inspiration, join us as we provide a little extra insight into what makes the ‘Victorian style’, as well as tips, tricks and design ideas to help you recreate the luxurious style of the era on your own with our beautiful Victorian bathroom ideas.
How do you make a bathroom look Victorian?
One of the best places to start, and one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when designing your new bathroom is choosing the perfect tiles for your vintage-inspired look. With our selection of tile-effect panels, you can achieve a classic tile finish that’s low-cost, quick to install and easy to maintain.
Classic Victorian tiles popularly utilised bold burgundys and greens in their colour ways and featured intricate designs that eluded to the royal aesthetic of the time. However, if you’re looking to achieve a more modern-Victorian look, you could choose tiles that opt for more subtle colourways, whilst still introducing the classic styles and intricate details of the Victorian style. Alternatively, brick was also a popular choice in Victorian style bathrooms, and are a great option for those who want to marry both a Victorian and industrial design aesthetic.
Once you’ve decided on the ideal base for your Victorian bathroom, you’ll need to choose some classic fixtures. A well-known piece of traditional bathroom furniture are cast-iron baths, famous for their claw foot style which has become iconic in interior design and a staple across many design styles. Better known as clawfoot tubs, these were widely used in 19th century bathrooms and are perfect for adding a unique twist to your bathroom.
Of course, a true Victorian bathroom wouldn’t be complete without a classic style basin and washstand. Traditional vintage style sink units often fall into one of two styles - a freestanding porcelain sink, or a more traditional wooden unit with a basin mounted within. For a more modern take we recommend opting for either a Victorian style sink unit, that provides additional convenience with built-in storage space, or a classic porcelain basin.
Finally on our list of vintage bathroom essentials, a traditional porcelain toilet will blend seamlessly alongside other classic fixtures. Featuring an intricate carved stand and pan, and wooden seat, these are the perfect addition to any Victorian style bathroom. And for the smaller decorative essentials that will help to elevate the Victorian feel, metal towel rails, sconce lighting and intricate bevelled mirrors complete the look.
Victorian Bathroom Ideas
Feeling inspired to create your own Victorian style bathroom? Whether you’re looking to recreate the traditional tiled look that has become the hallmark style of the era with tile-effect panels from our Solid Core range, or you’re looking for classic bathroom fixtures to add an element of sophistication to your contemporary bathroom, we’ve put together some of our favourite pieces to inspire your design plans.
Traditional Victorian Style Bathrooms
Victorian Wall Panels
If you’re looking to achieve a traditional Victorian appearance in your bathroom, our striking Subway Showerwall range provides the perfect base to build from that brings in the hallmark jewel tones of the period. Available in emerald, blush and navy, these Victorian style acrylic wall panels feature a rich, deep shade and create a flattering brick tile effect without the messy upkeep of grout. These vibrant coloured panels are a perfect budget-friendly alternative to tiles that install in a fraction of the time.
Clawfoot Bathtub
An essential fixture for homeowners aiming to accomplish a Victorian style look, this stunning clawfoot bathtub from Kartell provides the ideal centrepiece for any bathroom, drawing inspiration from the 19th century. Featuring traditional cast-iron feet, centre mounted faucets, and boasting encapsulated baseboard made from a premium acrylic finish, this bath oozes quality relaxation.
Modern Victorian Bathroom
Mosaic Wall Tiles
Perfect for a more current take on a Victorian bathroom that hints to the boho style, these elegant mosaic tile-effect shower panels boast intricate patterns in an assortment of contemporary colourways. The detailed patterns pull from the traditional style, with updated grey, blue and turquoise colour choices, these Victorian inspired Showerwall panels create an ideal blend between tradition and the contemporary. Complete with a sleek finish that is bound to make a statement, these acrylic panels will fit seamlessly alongside modern or vintage style fixtures.
For a more toned down look that still eludes to the 19th century appearance, these flattering mosaic wall tiles from the Dumawall Plus Vinta range feature dominating light and grey tones along with subtle hints of blue, complimenting the elaborate patterns evident in each and every tile. Their waterproof properties and convenient tongue and groove fitting make these panels the ideal choice for those wanting to create big changes to their space as quickly and efficiently as possible, without compromising on style.
Oak Flooring
A popular option in modern twists on the Victorian style - rustic oak style flooring from our elegance range blends seamlessly alongside tiles and traditional porcelain bathroom fixtures of the Victorian style. However, if you prefer the contemporary look to dominate, simply use the flooring as a contrasting feature alongside lighter walls and furniture. Our wooden style flooring is the ideal practical addition to your bathroom, the scratch-resistant SPC coating includes antibacterial and water resistant properties whilst maintaining a natural wood-like appearance.
Freestanding Bath
If you prefer a more contemporary Victorian tub, the Esposito Free Standing Bath from Kartell adopts a similar shape as our clawfoot bath, without the intricate metal feet. Boasting a simple design, this bath pairs seamlessly in any minimalistic bathroom and is equally at home toning down a more vibrant and bold space. This bath's deep, enclosed shape means there’s less risk of water spilling over. This design is also suitable for use with a shower mixer, making it ideal for family homes.
Victorian Style Toilet
Although it’s not everybody’s favourite fixture to shop for, a toilet is an essential asset to any bathroom and can add a great deal to the Victorian aesthetic. So if you’re looking for the traditional appearance to dominate, it’s important to choose a toilet that features the intricate bevelled style that the period is famous for. Complete your 19th century style bathroom with the matt grey toilet seat, pan and a cistern, available online at The Panel Company.
Victorian Sink Unit
Despite slightly differing from a traditional Victorian sink, which featured long legs and a small, rounded basin, this stylish vanity unit still adopts a traditional, 19th century look, with the added luxury of additional storage space. Ideal for storing all modern day toiletries, this traditional unit is highly convenient while still maintaining a classic, Victorian appearance, and its durability means that it will last for years to come.
Victorian Bathroom Ideas at The Panel Company
From unique clawfoot bathtubs to stylish vanity units and traditional mosaic wall tiles, discover our comprehensive range of realistic tile effect shower panels and stylish bathroom accessories at the Panel Company and create the Victorian bathroom of your dreams.
