Do you love the look and feel of a traditional bathroom? Traditional bathrooms create a timeless elegance that can stand the test of time. They typically feature classic shapes, heritage finishes and ornate detailing.
Traditional bathroom designs are proving very popular at the moment, with lots of classic items and vintage looks resurfacing again. If you’re struggling to decide how to give your bathroom more of a classic feel, you’re in the right place. We’ve come up with some traditional bathroom ideas to give you some much-needed inspiration.
What is a traditional bathroom design?
In short, when we say traditional bathroom design ideas, we are really referring to what feels classic and timeless to you. Traditional bathroom designs include features like freestanding baths, pedestal basins, crosshead period style taps, and panelled walls. Think richer colours like deep green or dark blue or warmer tones. Often vintage bathrooms will feature one bold strong colour against softer neutral tones.
What type of homes does a traditional bathroom suit?
Traditional style bathrooms ideas tend to work really well in properties with character, such as cottages and older period type properties. They also tend to pay homage to historic times such as Edwardian and Victorian times. However, if you’re set on this style, you can make it work inside any home. It’s an excellent way of adding some character to a house that needs a little something.
How to create a traditional bathroom with accessories
If you don’t plan to swap out your tub for a free-standing bath with fancy chrome feet or adding an art-deco-inspired pedestal sink, don’t worry, as you can still upgrade your bathroom with clever fixtures and fittings. Sometimes a whole bathroom renovation is not necessary. Affordable swaps and updates can add character, charm, and all-important accessibility to your space. Consider things like:
- Crosshead taps
- Quirky wallpaper
- Vintage tiles
- Towels and flannels with a unique classic style pattern or rich colour palette
- Vintage soap dispensers and dishes
- Toothbrush holders and tumblers in a more traditional style
- Metal towel rings and rails with extra character
- A fabric shower curtain or traditional pattern shower curtain
- Soft fabric bath mats which suit this style and are lovely to step onto
Of course, if you are planning on a full re-design that goes beyond just switching out your taps then we can help. We have plenty of resources that can help, like our price guide for an accessible walk-in shower and our large catalogue of walk-in bath designs that can fit every space, corner, and budget.
Traditional bathroom furniture ideas
Traditional bathroom designs tend to feature vintage furniture such as:
- Classic, framed cabinets
- Older style vanity units
- Pedestal basins
- Tall cabinets also work really well in this style of bathroom
- Vintage style mirror cabinets that add loads of character
- You could also feature a classic wooden chair in your bathroom if you’ve got some space to fill
Bring in more colour and character with wall panelling and tiling
When it comes to adding some unique character, there is no shortage of styling options. Think wall panelling, tile designs (Herringbone is very on-trend), and functional but pretty backsplash vinyl. You can keep your bath, shower, sink, and toilet the traditional white colour, and then bring in either more muted tones with wall paint or add some vibrancy with wood panelling or faux marble accents.
You can bring in stone-finish decorations, wood accents, or trick the eye into believing the room looks bigger than it is with tactile wallpaper or a metro-tiled feature wall.
Even if your bathroom customisation needs to be accessible or support the installation of a disability-wetroom, you can still have unique flooring and tile work that meets the waterproofing standards, all while keeping the space stylish and personal.
Traditional bathroom lighting ideas
A lot can be done with some fancy, well-placed lighting, and your bathroom should be no exception. Think about the style of your lights in your bathroom. Metal and vintage lighting designs can work really well. Think brass and polished chrome. Modern bathrooms tend to have clear, clean, crisp lighting. Traditional bathrooms often have softer lighting from multiple sources. Layering different lighting can help to create a calming atmosphere. You can use lighting to highlight some of your favourite vintage features like a beautiful mirror or lighting directly over an older style free standing bathtub.
It’s all in the details
No traditional-style bathroom would be complete without the extra finishing touches. You know, the small yet meaningful details that tie an entire space together. Think accessories! Framed wall art, vintage brass mirrors, ornate soap dishes and good ol’ art-deco towel rings. These small details can really add appeal and charm to your traditional-themed bathroom.
If you love a coordinated look, you could match all your metal elements across your accessories, like making them all polished chrome, brushed brass, or antique nickel. Even your essential and functional items, like toilet roll holders or robe hooks, can add to the aesthetic for a truly timeless design.
These small details don’t just end up adding character and cohesion; they also bring an elegant, timeless touch that never goes out of style.
Blend traditional style with practical elements
You can still have the traditional bathroom of your dreams with custom, modern additions like levitating-style shelves or a cupboard built around your traditional pedestal sink. Bathrooms that combine traditional charm with adaptability features like walk-in showers and customisation are the way forward, and at MobilityPlus, we support this with a range of flexible furnishings perfect for even the most unique spaces or smallest bathrooms.
