Traditional Decorating Ideas For Bathrooms

Period-style bathrooms are great for family homes of any age.

Contemporary bathrooms can look stunning, but can be very minimalist.

What you need in a busy, family home is lots of storage and use-ability, in a traditional, timeless design - that won't go out of fashion.

• A traditional decorating ideas for bathrooms essential, is an old-fashioned bath. These are known by several different names - a 'roll-top' bath, a 'free-standing' bath, or a 'slipper' bath (which is slightly higher at one end).


• A roll-top bath looks stunning in the centre of a bathroom, and makes a great focal point for the room. The downside is, it does require some space. There is little point in spending the extra, to cram it into a tight corner.


• Also check that the pipework underneath won't be on view in your bathroom - photographs in brochures can be a little misleading!


• Originally, free-standing baths used to be made of cast-iron, and were very heavy. If you choose to pick your period bath-tub from a salvage yard, make sure your floor can take the weight. Ask a structural engineer for advice if you are not sure. Modern reproductions are a lot lighter.


• Consider painting the underside of your roll-top bath in a color which matches your bathroom color scheme.


• Try painting decorative, cast-iron feet (or cast-iron style) in silver or gold for a great period feel.


• Choose traditional-style taps for your free-standing bath - and don't forget a bath-rack for storage and practicality.


• If you don't have the space (or budget) for a free-standing bath, choose a standard, fitted bath, in a traditional design. Most bathroom companies, from budget to luxurious ranges, will provide at least one traditional, or period-style, bathroom suite.


• For a really great choice of old-fashioned style baths and other accessories, I recommend you check out VintageTubs.com.


• They have a really big selection of all traditional style, quality bathroom fixtures and accessories to browse, even the usually difficult-to-find period-style bathroom lighting.


• Try the new 'Tub Finder' tool for a quick and easy way to find the best bath for your bathroom.


• Also make sure you check out their useful 'buying guides' for free info, that I am sure you will find really useful, for your decorating ideas, for bathrooms in a period style.


• And have a look at their FAQs for really helpful hints on installing and maintaining your bathroom fixtures.


• The website is really easy to use, with loads of info on products, customer reviews and ratings, and plenty of discounts. Check out the Current Specials from VintageTub.com! FREE SHIPPING on all items


• Choose a pedestal basin, with decorative moulding, in a period style. Add a rounded towel-rail underneath.


• One of the really effective decorating ideas, for bathrooms in a period style, is to find an old-fashioned wash-stand, or use a console-style table. Add a bowl-style basin, and create instant period charm.


• Consider an old-fashioned toilet with a high-level cistern - and long pull-chain.


• Scour salvage and reclamation yards for such items, or choose a modern reproduction suite - for ease of fitting.


• Traditional-style taps are a must. Also consider lever taps, and taps with ceramic handles. Go for silver colored taps for an Edwardian or Art Deco feel. Pick gold colored taps for a more Victorian feel.


• One of the great decorating ideas for bathrooms in a period style, is to add traditional features into your bathroom. Add dado-rails, picture-rails, tongue-and groove, wood-panelling, or panels of wallpaper, framed by decorative moulding. Such detailing will really add period-charm into your bathroom.


• We achieved an old-fashioned look, in our boring bathroom, by adding ply-wood panels, with wood battening, to form 2ft squares of period-style panelling - we painted the wood a pale color to keep the room light. I think it looks great - and really authentic!


• A dark wood floor is one of the great decorating ideas for bathrooms in a traditional style.








• Mahogany is the wood of choice for any bathroom furniture, toilet seat, bath-panelling, picture or mirror frames.


• Rather than stick with a conventional radiator, or modern towel rail, look out for old-fashioned cast-iron radiators (from a salvage yard), or pick a modern reproduction of a traditional radiator design for an authentic period tone. You can even choose one with an added towel rail on top.


• Choose a shower-screen with a traditional, decorative pattern - or choose shower curtains in a traditional (waterproof) fabric.


• If you want to create a romantic feel in your period bathroom, invest in a circular shower-curtain rail. Drape a soft, pretty shower curtain over either side of a free-standing bath. Relax in a bubble bath, and get a real, old-fashioned and romantic mood going.



• Black and white is always an excellent choice, for traditional decorating ideas for bathrooms. A line of alternating black and white tiles looks very striking, and will fit any color scheme. Or, try a full chequer-board effect, with black and white tiles on the floor. This goes particularly well, if you are aiming for an Edwardian style, or Art Deco theme. Take another look at the photo at the top of the page, to see how stunning this look can be!



• For paint colors, check out heritage ranges from Dulux, Crown, Fired Earth and Farrow and Ball. My personal favourite is the '1829' range from Craig and Rose - gorgeous colors, and the paints go on so easily. Most companies with a heritage range will tell you which period the colors come from, so you can get a really authentic look. Make sure you choose a muted tone, for a genuine period feel.


• Deep red is a classic choice for a Victorian inspired bathroom - lift the color a little with the addition of black and white.


• Make sure you apply a coat of varnish over paint on any tongue-and-groove, or wood panelling, if it adjoins the bath or shower, and is likely to get wet.


• The best traditional decorating ideas for bathrooms concentrate on the accessories. Look out for beautiful accessories in traditional styles. Check out reclamation yards, flea markets and junk shops, for the genuine articles. Or, go for modern reproductions.


• Take your opportunity to fill your bathroom with loads of beautiful, traditional items. Don't worry if they initially seem more suited to a living room, or bedroom. They will look stunning in your period bathroom.


• Choose large mirrors with decoratively carved frames.


• Pick beautiful wall-lamps and candle-sconces in a traditional style.


• Add lots of old-fashioned, black and white or sepia prints, or traditional photos and paintings, in attractive and decorative frames.

Your traditional style bathroom will look stunning, be practical for everyday use, and will not go out of fashion.

Were you inspired by these traditional decorating ideas for bathrooms?

Why not get your project started with these important considerations for decorating a bathroom.

Or look at these practical bathroom decorating tips.

Read more style and design tips for decorating your bathroom.

Find great ideas for decorating small bathrooms.

Return to the main decorating bathrooms page.

Return from this traditional decorating ideas for bathrooms page to the Home Page



Top of Page

Search for words or phrases inside my site:

Custom Search