• Adding colour to your bathroom

• Buying a new bathroom (Part 1)

• Essential, but never boring….toilets!

• How to pay for a new bathroom?

• A guide to bathroom furniture

Key ingredients for creating a period bathroom

Those living in a period property have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing interior style and design. While a contemporary and ultra-modern look can work well, most people tend to favour interior design that is sympathetic to the original building itself. However, a more traditional style is not exclusive to those living in period properties and Victorian or Edwardian styling can look stunning in newer builds.

From vintage junk shop chic to elegant styling, homeowners are spoilt for choice when it comes to designing a period bathroom. Creating an authentic look can require a bit of patience as coordinating pieces and accessories with that perfect period feel can be difficult to find. However, period style sanitaryware and furniture is also readily available from bathroom specialists and retailers with bathroom showrooms.

Those in a period property have a head start as rooms generally have plenty of character. Alcoves can be used for storage solutions and an old fireplace can be easily used to help convert the bathroom into a retro spa by filling it with candles, lighting, or other vintage accessories. Period properties often have high ceiling and large windows which allow natural light to flood in. Chandelier style lights can add a real touch of glamour to the bathroom.

Intricate styling and detailed design are a great starting point when designing a period bathroom. The key is to look for etched or bevelled furniture or bathroom fittings. The centrepiece of any period bathroom must be the bath itself and nothing is more luxuriant than a roll top bath. Having a freestanding bath portrays a feeling of elegance within a bathroom space. However, if space is tight then install a standard straight edged bath encasing it with painted wooden panelling to imitate period design.

When it comes to basins, pedestal style is the most traditional and ideal for a period bathroom. With its curves and detailing, it creates the perfect touch. High or low cistern toilets accompany a pedestal basin providing the bathroom with a more historic style and touch of elegance. The cistern is on show and wall mounted while the flush is often a lever or pulley design. Ideal for high-ceilinged rooms, these make the most of lofty proportions, but the same look can be achieved in a lower-ceilinged room as designs with shorter flush pipe are available.

When designing a period bathroom, it is important to keep things seamless and not be tempted to add anything that looks too modern. There are plenty of traditional fittings with modern technology available so stick to Victorian style taps, traditional radiators, and vintage light fittings. It is this level of detail that completes the look and adds charm.

Traditional Victorian bathrooms had bare or painted floorboards. If you are lucky enough to still have the original floorboards and they are in good condition then paint them black, and white to imitate Victorian style. If your bathroom doesn’t have strong, robust floorboards then good quality vintage laminates or specialist floorings are a great alternative.

23rd Jul 2020