If you are thinking of renovating your bathroom and want a bathroom packed full of character, then the heritage style is definitely for you. Perfect for period properties, heritage-style bathrooms sit equally well in modern homes, so don’t be put off if you don’t live in a Victorian or Edwardian building.
Even if you are hooked on modern interiors, don’t balk at the idea of choosing a more traditional bathroom design. Traditional isn’t necessarily synonymous with prudish, stuffy or dated. Equally, choosing a traditional style for your bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t have modern touches. A good bespoke bathroom designer can help you cleverly match modern and heritage style.
If you have always dreamed of a showstopping roll-top bath, then it’s a heritage style bathroom makeover you are looking for. If you don’t have the room for a freestanding roll-top bath, a simple shower can still be complemented by a period-style basin and toilet. On trend brassware and a bathroom chandelier team brilliantly to complete the look.
Read on for more bathroom design ideas with some top tips on how to bring heritage style into your home and make your bathroom a timeless classic. Perhaps it’s time to break with modernity for a breath of fresh air in the bathroom.
Bring on the pedestal basin
Pedestal basins have definitely made a comeback. What are pedestal basins? They are essentially sinks composed of two pieces (the sink basin and the leg). There are plenty of modern versions, but nothing sings quite like the intricately detailed pedestal basins of the past. Find out more about pedestal basins here.
It is well worth picking up a reclaimed pedestal basin for your bathroom. You can find these at most decent antique salvage yards.
Make way for a luxurious roll-top freestanding bath
Freestanding baths come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from modern designs to the original Victorian slipper baths. If you are serious about creating a heritage look, a slipper bath is the perfect choice. Slipper baths have a higher back at one end and are brilliant for wallowing and relaxing in as they offer great support. Check out these beauties.
Be brave with heritage colours
You only have to cast your eyes over the latest period paint colours and wallpapers by Little Greene to realise that heritage colours and patterned papers are bang on trend. Take a peek here for an awesomely good bathroom design finished with 18th century wallpaper.
Don’t feel you have to stick with white in the bathroom, even if it is a smaller room. Be brave. You won’t regret it.
Image source: The Brighton Bathroom Company
Wood panelling
As you can see from this fabulous bespoke bathroom designed by The Brighton Bathroom Company, wood panelling makes a wonderful feature in a more traditionally styled bathroom. This is a perfect example of a heritage style bathroom with modern twists.
Bring back the black toilet seat
Controversial, yes. But, before you dismiss the idea, hear me out. If you prefer an all-white colour scheme in your bathroom, then a black toilet seat works. Don’t ask why, it just does. Black and white colour schemes will always be a classic choice and work incredibly well in heritage bathroom design. Why not paint your cast-iron vintage radiator black to match?
Pay attention to the smaller details
Choosing a statement bathtub will certainly draw the eye and attract compliments from anyone who visits your bathroom. But, while the big statement pieces and fancy wallpaper look fantastic, the subtle small features and accessories will help to bring your whole bathroom design together.
Classic taps, door handles, elegant towel hooks and toothbrush holders are the perfect exquisite finishing touches. Taps aren’t just a functional necessity. They can enhance the look of your carefully chosen bathtub and basin. Crosshead taps deliver an instant heritage style.
An antique mirror is also a must. Add the odd oil painting if you dare.
Opt for a Victorian-style towel rail
A traditional Victorian-style towel rail fits in beautifully in any heritage-style bathroom. It is one of the finishing touches that will add authenticity to your traditional bathroom design. There are a huge range of designs and styles available. See a range from the Victorian Emporium here.
If you are falling out of love with modernity and are seriously looking for a refreshing change, then why not bring heritage back into your home with a traditional bathroom makeover.
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I have to say, there’s something about wood paneling that is really appealing to me. Great advice on how to bring to work together including the precious details that totally makes a world of difference.
I’m loving this heritage style! It’s different to anything I have in my home but I really like it.
Loving that tiled floor pattern! Some incredible options are on the market now that make bathrooms and kitchens fun!
Love this style! I’m particularly a fan of a freestanding bath. I’m thinking about renovating my bathroom but there are so many factors involved – I’ll have to get a plumber in to assess if I need anything changed with the pipes. I also want some nice, new LED lights so might have to get an electrician in!
Some really great ideas here. I’ve always had a traditional bathroom with white tiles etc but this has really opened my eyes to new possibilities and a completely different look.
Wow! Something special. Can’t wait to try this. Just lovely to find. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Hey Rachel,
As I have been thinking in my whole life that bathroom tiles will and shall be only white and didn’t think of any alternative; but, this article has changed my thought and helped find more alternative that makes bathroom look even better. I appreciate your effort for writing this article. I am interested to read your other write-ups too. Please let me know how I can do that. Thank you.