Create a vintage- or Victorian-style bathroom

Whether it's by choice, or as a matter of necessity because you live in an older home, a vintage bathroom can still have all the luxury fittings but on a more refined level.

 

 

 

Not everyone hankers after a bathroom that has all the mod-cons on tap and the latest fittings and accessories. There are many homeowners that prefer to decorate a bathroom in a style that dates back to when bathing was consider the ultimate luxury and a bathroom was fitted with a cornucopia of mouldings, trim and antique furniture.

 

 

There's nothing like an oversize tub to turn a bathroom into a spa-like retreat. In this space, a black-painted soaker on a platform of oak planks literally takes centre stage. And it's no wonder: The tub's rolled rim and claw feet set the tone for the entire room, lending it a classic, cozy look. A pedestal sink add to the vintage charm, as do nostalgic accessories, including antique apothecary jars and illustrations that suggest a Victorian-era fascination with the natural sciences. Tongue-and-groove walls, painted a dusky turquoise, complete the setup.

 

 

 

Nowadays, you can still achieve a vintage look in a guest or main bathroom - it's just far easier to turn on the hot, running water.

 

 

ABOVE: Bentley double ended Cast Iron Bath Supplied with chrome imperial feet from Victorian Bathrooms.

 

 

ABOVE: Hand crafted reproduction furniture can be distressed in any colour to kit out your new bathroom.

 

 

Think back to a time when claw foot bathtubs, chain-pull toilets and pedestal sinks were the ultimate in bathroom luxury. Today we consider these items as bathroom essentials and most definitely couldn't do without them, but it is possible to re-create the look of a Victorian bathroom and still incorporate modern conveniences.

 

 

Bathtub

Installing a Slipper or Claw Foot Bathtub is the first step to your Victorian bathroom. As a statement piece you will find that most bathroom sanware suppliers will have a fair selection of models to choose from.

Note: If you plan to restore an antique cast iron tub, make sure you do all the hard work or stripping and painting before you move the tub into the bathroom.

 

ABOVE: Bentley double ended Cast Iron Bath Supplied with chrome imperial feet from Victorian Bathrooms.

 

 

Note: Don't even consider an antique cast iron tub on an upper level - these things are extremely heavy and you may need to reinforce the floor to take the extra weight. Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Kit is ideal for restoring an old cast iron or enamel tub.

 

 

Vanity and basins

For a more ornate bathroom you will want to find the perfect vanity, but a pedestal sink with square-line design will also match a Victorian themed bathroom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting connected

True claw foot tubs don't have their water controls mounted on the wall; find photos of them and you’ll notice that in most cases, the taps are mounted on the edge of the tub. Hire the services of a reputable plumber to do all the fixing and fitting of water pipes. If you're new bathtub is freestanding you are going to need to have pipes moved from the wall and under the floor to where your new bath will be placed.

 

 

Taps

Locating taps for your new tub is as easy as going online. Victorian Bathrooms offers a luxury range of taps, mixers and showers, inspired by the best in classic design and incorporating the latest plumbing technology.

You don't need to spend a fortune on taps, you'll find affordable replica taps at reasonable prices.

 

 

Furniture

Browse secondhand shops, estate and online auctions for unique decorative touches.

If you’ve opted for a pedestal sink with no storage capacity, either find or stain a wood cabinet in a rich, dark shade topped by a lavish high-gloss lacquer finish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finishings

• Finish up Victorian bathroom with final touches that will make the room shine.

• An oval mirror with a richly carved frame hanging over a pedestal sink makes a perfect focal point. If your vanity is intricate, keep the mirror simple.

• Small boutique prints reminiscent of the Victorian era look even better hanging from satin ribbons.

• Choose bath linens as a way to bring out an accent colour that’s not dominant.

• Towel bars with old-fashioned porcelain dowels, ceiling and vanity lights fabricated of smoky glass finish the job.

• Change the look of your bathroom walls by installing wainscoting around the lower half of the room. Paint the panelling a light colour to convey the illusion of space, and then add at least two coats of lacquer to the surfaces to protect walls from water splashes.

• Victorians chose warm, serious colours like burgundy, brick red and maroon over others, so use colours in this spectrum to enhance the atmosphere.

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