Victorian Bathroom Design Ideas
The Victorian aesthetic subscribes to the “more is more” philosophy, which seems at odds with the minimalist modern interior design ethos. But, the early 19th-century maximalist style works well in a modern bathroom.
Free-standing, centerpiece bathtubs; jewel tones; and ornate washstands can transform a dull space into a luxurious one. So can patterned tiles, traditional radiators, and vintage basins.
Sound good? If you want to give your bathroom a Victorian makeover, you're in the right place.
What is a truly Victorian bathroom design?
It wasn’t until the 1920s that the modern bathroom was introduced to smaller new-build houses in England, so during the Victorian era only the wealthy enjoyed such a luxury.
But the elite of the time wanted lavish spaces that wowed their guests and made them feel like they were enjoying the ultimate luxury.
Free-standing tubs with detailed feet and brass fixtures were a must-have, as were large mirrors with intricate frames.
High tank sinks were popular, sometimes they would have a double basin to enjoy as couples and if the patterns weren’t to someone’s taste, solid wooden flooring was also very popular.
Top Victorian Bathroom Ideas For Modern Homes
1. Central Freestanding Tub
Having a freestanding bathtub placed right in the centre of your bathroom is a staple of Victorian style. It’s bold, striking and the ultimate luxury. This one is obviously appropriate only if you have the space!
You can put a more modern twist on the central bathtub by choosing a contemporary style bath instead of the claw footed baths, so you do have versatility here.
Browse our freestanding bathtubs
Patterned Flooring
Patterns were BIG during the Victorian period, especially where flooring was concerned.
If you have a small bathroom, consider using techniques that make your space feel bigger, as the patterned flooring can have a shrinking effect.
Pair your tiles with lots of mirrors, and place them opposite a light source if possible to really reflect the glow around the space. Go for plain wall colours, like white or beige, to offset the contrast of the patterns and keep your design elegant.
Twin Sinks With Brass Fixtures
Another staple of Victorian-era bathrooms was brass.
A darker metal, brass has an distinctly antiquated appearance, even when brand new.
Pair your brass fittings with a more minimal bathroom design to draw attention to the beauty of the metal and merge modernism with historic charm.
Small Room, Big Style
Here’s a very clever contemporary Victorian design that makes excellent use of a very compact space.
The free-standing bath is the most luxurious piece of furniture in the room, but it also blends in with the floor tiles that are a similar color, meaning your eye is drawn to the beaten-up antique stool.
Your bathroom accessories can really transform the aesthetic of your space, so think about choosing things like Victorian-style parlor chairs, rustic light fixtures or cast iron radiators.
Modern/Victorian Blend
Roughly a quarter of this bathroom is dedicated to the uber-modern shower, but some features dotted around the room add some Victorian charm to the space.
The towel rack is plumbed into a traditional radiator, the toilet is classically designed, and the very angular shape of the stand-alone sink is as Victorian as it gets.
it’s the perfect combination of antiquated statement pieces and modern amenities.
Patterned Walls
It wasn’t just the floors that were often patterned in Victorian England, but the walls too. Both would be a bit much in this day and age, but choosing one or the other and setting it against a plain wood floor or white wall can look very striking.
Take this design, for example, with wonderful William Morris-esque nature patterns interrupted by a decorative fireplace and tall, Victorian-style doors in a deep muted blue. Is it quirky? Absolutely. Does it work? Absolutely!
Monochrome Masterpiece
One way to bring Victorian style into the 21st century is to use design tropes of the era and give them a modern feel.
The tub is a classic Victorian shape, and so is the patterned flooring, yet there’s no way you’d ever see this bathroom and immediately think… Victorian.
To make this look fresh, the designer has opted for a stark monochrome palette, even the Victorian taps are black to stand out against the bright white of the bathtub.
Tips to help you create your own Victorian bathroom
Fixtures
Victorian style is all about the details, so don’t neglect your fixtures when redesigning your bathroom.
Brass was the metal of the Victorian era, as it was easy and cost-effective to mass produce.
And don’t forget your radiators. A modern radiator can really fracture the scene, so we’d recommend having classic cast iron designs installed, perhaps with a few extra bars for warming and drying towels.
Colour schemes
Reds, yellows, greens, blues, and purples were in style during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match various shades, but choosing subtle tones ensures your design won’t end up too loud.
Delve into our guide on choosing a colour scheme for your bathroom to find the perfect mood for your space.
Tiles
Patterned tiles were one of the most common aspects of Victorian bathrooms. The more intricate the patterns were, the better.
There has never been more variety of patterned tiles than there is right now, so be sure to choose something that appeals to you. Even if the patterning is fairly subtle, it’s still a nod to the Victorian aesthetic, just with your own flare worked in.
Accessories
Accessories are the finishing touches that can make your Victorian bathroom feel that much more magical.
Vintage soap and shampoo caddies can be a fantastic addition, as can an antique chair or stool against a wall, and if at all possible, opt for a chandelier instead of pendant or recessed lighting.
