12 Victorian bathroom ideas with a modern touch

Think of Victorian bathroom ideas and it's likely you'll have extremes spring to mind. 

For the wealthy, bathroom design was approached much like the rest of their home - with grandeur, opulence and decorative detail all playing their part. On the flip side, Victorian workhouses were cold, utilitarian environments where bathing was a communal experience in a cold and draughty space.

And while neither of those looks are entirely suitable for homes today - even Victorian house renovations are likely to embrace a more modern approach to bathing - there are always ways to respectfully pay homage to an era.

From sanitaryware to tiles, flooring to finishes we're here to help you create clever Victorian bathroom ideas that combine the past and the present in perfect proportion.

Are Victorian bathroom ideas the same as vintage ideas?

While it would be easy to assume vintage bathroom ideas and Victorian bathroom ideas are the same thing, vintage interior design will take references from any number of different periods. Vintage can also mean upcycling items and more weathered finishes - something that was not a feature of wealthy Victorian's bathrooms.

Specific in terms of their use of colour, tiles, finishes and choice of sanitaryware, for those with money, Victorian bathrooms were about creating a space filled with gleaming white porcelain, shiny metallic taps and rich colour. 

Here's how to do it in more modern times.

1. Pair a pedestal sink with ornate mirror and wall lights

Elegant porcelain sinks were a key feature in Victorian bathrooms, as were decorative tiles and rich colours. And although white porcelain would usually grace most bathrooms, this Bespoke Enchanted Blue Basin from Burlington is a prime example of how to take an historical reference and give it a modern touch.

Blue also ranks in the top 5 colours people search for when it comes to bathroom design ideas according to research from Swift Direct Blinds.

Pair with metro and patterned tiles, a decorative mirror and wall light sconces for added style reference points. And don't forget the addition of a leafy green plant. Victorians were also known for their love of hot-houses.

2. Soak in a slipper bath

"Freestanding bathtubs were key when it came to Victorian bathrooms," says Zoe Jones, senior creative producer at Roper Rhodes.

"Choose a slipper, clawfoot, or bateau bath as the centrepiece of your bathroom. These styles are emblematic of Victorian luxury and provide a focal point around which to design the rest of the space."

But as this bathroom scheme demonstrates well, when combined with a fresh modern colour, shiny chrome finishes and a contemporary light fitting, mixing old with new doesn't have to mean dated.

Zoe Jones

Zoe Jones, is Senior Creative Producer at Roper Rhodes, With 19 years of expertise, and a passion for design and architecture, Zoe manages all photographic and video projects for the brand and is responsible for Roper Rhodes signature style.

Some of our favourite freestanding Victorian baths

3. Choose a Victorian style washstand

Although the pedestal sink was popular in Victorian bathroom ideas, their love of wood and expensive materials was demonstrated in the design of bathroom furniture such as washstands.

This beautiful version from deVOL is one we've featured before and for good reason. It's a great example of how an historical item can be updated and made suitable for use in modern homes.

"This piece is much more elegant than a closed vanity unit," says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL. "It has a lightness and softness that you don’t often find in bathroom furniture.

"As we move towards a more comfortable way of designing our kitchens and bathrooms, we want beautiful as well as functional, especially as bathrooms are a very special part of our everyday lives.

"For some, they are a complete sanctuary and an escape," adds Helen, "so settling on a classic and beautifully made piece of furniture was a very sensible choice. Carrara marble is a really traditional washstand material and feels just right alongside our new Perrin and Rowe bathroom taps, in deVOL's exclusive aged brass finish."

Helen Parker

Helen Parker is deVOL's Creative Director and is responsible for deVOL's style. From creating one-of-a-kind showrooms, sourcing antiques and gifts and designing new pieces of furniture and accessories, Helen is known for her passion and desire to create a special look customers can enjoy in their homes.

4. Pair back your look with brick-shaped terracotta floor tiles

"While embracing Victorian aesthetics, remember to tailor your choices to suit your personal tastes and the overall design of your home," says Zoe Jones. "Victorian style can be adapted to fit a range of spaces, from opulent and grand to simple and understated."

So if you like the idea of freestanding bath for example, such as this Widdicombe Double Ended Roll Top Bath from Roper Rhodes, but the rest of your home is less ornate, mix and match your styles to suit. Brick terracotta style flooring will provide a more earthy feel to your space and when combined with simple white tiles create a bathroom that's simple but stylish. 

For tiles to replicate these look, try these Marrakesh Terracotta Brick Tiles from The Baked Tile Co and lay them in a herringbone pattern.

5. Be bold with geometric patterned flooring

Another way of creating a successful bathroom design is by choosing a variety of materials and finishes for your Victorian bathroom idea.

"Combine different tile patterns and textures," says Zoe Jones,  "and don't shy away from mixing metallics, such as brass and chrome, to recreate the authentic, lived-in charm of the Victorian era."

As an alternative, with bathroom flooring ideas, "go for a checquerboard style alternating in black and white tiles," says Abbas Youssefi, director of Porcelain Superstore. "This encapsulates the essence of the Victorian era's fondness for geometric designs and elegance.

“Victorians also loved uniqueness and detail," confirms Abbas, "so on the walls consider crackled tiles with their distinctive hairline cracks. These introduce depth and a sense of history to your walls. Opt for a brickbond layout and contrasting grout to further enhance the period look.”

To complete the look, choose aged brass taps, a more contemporary square shaped basin, a vintage style washstand and then combine with rose gold wall lights for a cleverly curated mix of Victorian, vintage and modern styles.

6. Use jewel coloured metro wall tiles and a patterned wallpaper

"Wall tiles in jewel tones or classic white metro tiles can add sophistication and a nod to Victorian opulence," says Zoe Jones and nothing say this more than these glossy Victorian green metro tiles from Walls and Floors.

Paired with an animal inspired wallpaper - a nod to the Victorians love of travel and exploration, a pedestal sink, brass taps and a traditional toilet with a wooden seat means this bathroom scheme gets full marks for its Victorian references.

For a flawless finish, be sure to follow the advice given in our helpful guide which answers the question, 'can you use wallpaper in a bathroom?'.

7. Focus on the detail with exposed gold pipework

Although more modern bathroom ideas usually involve concealing as much of the behind the scenes pipework involved in plumbing a bathroom as possible, it's the opposite when it comes to Victorian bathroom ideas.

Often including exposed pipework and vintage brassware, a floor-mounted bath tap such is the perfect compliment to a free-standing bath with traditional claw feet. 

8. Opt for a wall mounted toilet cistern - the higher the better

If you're looking at types of toilet, there's one key rule to adhere to when it comes to choosing the best one for your Victorian bathroom idea.

"Opt for a high-level cistern toilet with exposed pipework," says Zoe. "This design not only pays homage to Victorian engineering but also adds an element of decorative flair to the bathroom."

If rustic bathroom ideas also feature on your wishlist, follow the principles of this cloakroom scheme. By combining a basic washstand made from scaffolding pipes and wood with rustic wooden flooring and a more ornate wall mounted cistern toilet from Thomas Crapper, it's an overall look that is cohesive, without being tied to one particular theme.

9. Combine pretty floral tiles with a more modern sink shape

If you're only looking for a small scale Victorian bathroom solution, a good place to start is with your splashback, especially if you are trying to find tile ideas for a small bathrooms.

Pretty floral tiles with an aged finish are a good way of adding decorative detail to an otherwise simple setting with a more modern circular basin and simple wooden countertop.

When used in bathroom splashback ideas, tiles such as these Heritage Blenheim Blue Patterned Tiles from Walls and Floors are the perfect way of adding a nostalgic touch without it feeling too overpowering.

10. Create a modern Victorian bathroom idea 

Although a lot of Victorian bathroom ideas err on the side of ornate, we love this bathroom design from Roper Rhodes which is a lesson in how to take a period style and bring it right up to date.

Patterned floor tiles - tick, exposed pipework - tick, wall lights - tick, mirror - tick, plants - tick.....you get the picture. And yet despite all those key Victorian elements, the more simplistic design of each individual piece means the overall feeling is contemporary rather than dated. 

It's also perfectly executed using a monochrome colour scheme which is both classic and contemporary. 

11. Install panelling and pretty wall sconces

"Decorative walls and panelling are another feature of Victorian bathroom ideas," says Zoe Jones.

And while we're no strangers to the delight of pink bathroom ideas, it's not necessarily a colour you'd associate with Victorian bathroom styles.

To combine pink with a Victorian theme, Zoe suggests using "colourful, mural-style wallpaper or wall panelling such as wainscoting or board and batten to introduce texture and depth.

"Incorporate chandeliers or sconces with decorative glass to mirror Victorian design, which often included statement lighting as a functional and decorative element, and add vintage accessories like large, ornate mirrors, brass or copper fixtures, and classic soap dishes or towel rails to complete the Victorian look."

12. Pop a bath tub in your bedroom and bathe in style

If you're renovating an older property why not embrace the opulence associated with Victorian bathroom ideas and pop a smaller slipper style bathtub in your bedroom.

Indulgent and decadent, this red Tubby Tub Bath from The Albion Bath Company nestles perfectly amongst a wealth of Victorian style charm including chequerboard tiling, rich tones of red, yellow, darker wood furniture and floral artwork. 

Peek through the archway into the bathroom beyond and you can see it's a scheme that's been carried right through for that perfect interior design cohesion that turns something good into something spectacular.

If choosing brass for your bathroom fittings, Thomas Crapper experts advise the following:

"Brass is one of the oldest materials used in bathrooms and can be used almost anywhere - with care and attention. If the finish is natural brass - an unlacquered finish - it will need polishing and buffing regularly if you want to keep its lustrous shine. Natural brass can be left to patina down over time. Without polishing or surface care the shiny surface will develop its own character depending upon the environment.

"When buying brass products, or products described as brass, always check whether they are actual brass, or brass-plated and whether they have been lacquered or unlacquered (sometimes called live or living brass). 

"Lacquered or plated brass finishes may cause problems over time as the lacquer or plating can be removed or damaged by cleaning. This can lead to spotting or an uneven surface and can be difficult to rectify. Natural brass, however, can always be returned to a beautifully polished finish with the use of a brass cleaner and a little elbow grease."

As well as cleaning your new sanctuary well, be sure to avoid these bathroom design mistakes before you start.