Modern bathroom trends may come and go, but one kind of décor that seems to have stood the test of time is Victorian style. Originally built to be purely functional, Victorian bathrooms had a stunning, ornate look that has remained prevalent to this day. In an era where we all crave a Pinterest-worthy home, Victorian-inspired bathroom design is incredibly popular.
But how do you get the look? What exactly do you need to create your own Victorian bathroom? Well, whether you simply want to take some inspiration from the period style, or you want your bathroom to feel like you stepped into 1896, we’ve got you covered. So, on that note, let’s talk about how to create a Victorian-inspired bathroom.
Traditional Toilets
A high level toilet is perfect for achieving a Victorian-inspired bathroom design. A high level toilet consists of a cistern that sits high on the wall, and a toilet pan which are connected by a flush pipe. A pull chain is attached to the cistern for flushing. High level toilets were a prominent feature in Victorian bathrooms. Though they can be more expensive than a close coupled toilet, a high level toilet is the best choice for those seeking an authentic Victorian look. Low level toilets are also available; these are similar to high level toilets, but the cistern sits lower on the wall. A low level toilet is a good alternative for those who want the traditional appearance of a high level toilet, but don’t have enough height in their bathroom to accommodate one.
For those who aren’t keen on high level toilets, or don’t have the wall space to accommodate one, there are other options for achieving a traditional appearance. Close coupled toilets are available in traditional designs that fit in nicely with a Victorian-inspired bathroom. Make sure to opt for one with a flush lever, as opposed to a flush button, to maintain the traditional appearance.
Vintage Basins
Wash stands were a staple item in Victorian bathrooms. Wash stands can be found ready-made, or can be constructed using a basin frame and compatible wall hung basin.
Alternatively, there are pedestal basins available in traditional designs that blend well with Victorian-inspired décor. These are available separately, or as part of a toilet and basin set to make your bathroom renovation even more simple.
Whichever type of basin you choose, it’s important to choose the right taps to go with it. Make sure to choose traditional taps to match your Victorian-inspired basin. When it comes to Victorian style, two taps are better than one. A two tap basin was the standard in Victorian bathrooms, so opt for a pair of taps, like these ones, to achieve the most authentic look.
However, if you prefer a mixer tap, there are other options that will give a similar look. Mono basin mixer taps are available in traditional designs to fit with a Victorian theme. Another great option is a 3 tap hole basin mixer, which comes with two separate controls and a central spout. This gives a very similar look to Victorian taps, with the modern functionality of a mixer tap.
Victorian Baths
The main focal point of a Victorian bathroom was generally the bath. Free standing baths were a popular style, particularly roll top slipper baths. Traditional slipper baths are widely available, so it couldn’t be easier to replicate this style. Make sure to opt for one with traditional feet to match the Victorian theme.
If a freestanding bath is out of reach, a simple straight bath can also be used in a Victorian-inspired bathroom. Simply add traditional bath panels; these are available in various colours to suit you and have a vintage appearance that will match a period design.
Two tap systems were the most commonplace choice for Victorian baths, so a double tap is the best option for an authentic Victorian look. Alternatively, you could opt for a traditional bath shower mixer tap, like this one. This type of tap offers a stunning period look, as well as the modern functionality of a mixer tap and shower handset.
If you’ve chosen a freestanding bath, a freestanding bath shower mixer tap is a stunning option. This tap features a double metal column design and is made exclusively for use with freestanding baths. The gorgeous vintage design fits well with the Victorian theme and adds a feeling of luxury to the room.
Vintage-Inspired Showers
Showers obviously weren’t commonplace in Victorian bathrooms. However, this might be one of the areas where you simply want to take inspiration from Victorian bathrooms, rather than replicate one completely. It may not be authentically Victorian but, in this day and age, it’s probably unrealistic to expect someone to omit a shower from their bathroom entirely.
Fortunately, there are ways to add a shower to your bathroom, without compromising on the Victorian-inspired décor. A shower bath is a great option that will allow you to keep the traditional appearance, more so than a modern shower enclosure. Alternatively, you could install a walk in shower or wet room with a simple glass screen; this would allow you the convenience of a modern shower, without obstructing the vintage appearance.
As for choosing a shower, a traditional thermostatic rigid riser shower, like this one, is ideal for a Victorian bathroom. The traditional design mixes well with Victorian-inspired décor.
Traditional Radiators
Radiators were a staple item in many Victorian bathrooms. In fact, the Victorian era was the period when radiators started to become decorative items, as well as functional ones.
A traditional radiator is a great option that adds to the Victorian appearance. It also has the added bonus of being highly functional, with a design that’s perfect for hanging towels to dry.
Victorian Tiles
Tiles are something that can make or break your bathroom design. A bathroom with stunning Victorian fixtures can be spoiled by the wrong choice of tile.
Wooden floors were commonplace in Victorian bathrooms, particularly during the early Victorian period. A modern way to replicate this is to opt for wood effect tiles to get a similar appearance, without the hassle of trying to maintain real wooden flooring in a humid bathroom.
Towards the later Victorian period, the wooden bathroom floors gave way to more functional floor tiles. Heavily patterned tiles were a popular choice in Victorian bathrooms, particularly for floors. Opt for a bold patterned tile, like this, to replicate the look.
For walls, the best option in a Victorian-inspired bathroom is to keep it simple. Opt for plain square tiles or metro tiles. Basic colours like black, white or grey work well here, but you could also opt for plain tiles in a bold colour, like green or blue, to create a dramatic look.
And that’s it, folks. How to create a Victorian-inspired bathroom. We hope you found this helpful, whether you want to create a completely traditional bathroom, or simply want to take inspiration from a few aspects of the style. Would you opt for a Victorian-inspired bathroom?
Shower enclosures come in a huge variety of styles, so choosing the right one for you can be an overwhelming task. But fear not; we’re here to talk you through your options so you can decide which shower enclosure is the perfect fit for your bathroom. So, on that note, here is our Buyer’s Guide to Shower Enclosures!
Sliding Door Shower Enclosure
A sliding door shower enclosure is a classic design that remains a popular choice in many bathrooms. As the name would suggest, this type of enclosure features a sliding door mechanism, which opens smoothly within the enclosure without impeding on the rest of the bathroom.
Sliding door shower enclosures are available in a range of different sizes, so you can pick one to suit your space. A sliding door shower enclosure is useful in smaller bathrooms that don’t have space for a door to open outwards. The only downside is that they have limited access, so may not be as easy to get in and out of, especially for those with lower mobility.
Hinged Door Shower Enclosure
A hinged door shower enclosure is a simple option with a modern appearance. A simple hinged door action means that the door opens outwards into the bathroom. This allows generous space for getting in and out of the shower and gives the enclosure a spacious feel. However, it can impede on the space in your bathroom, so it’s important to measure carefully to ensure that your bathroom has enough space for the door to swing open. As such, it’s a better option for those with more spacious bathrooms.
Pivot Door Shower Enclosure
A pivot door shower enclosure is a great option for those with small bathrooms looking to make the most of their space. The door opens by pivoting on its hinges; the door opens outwards into the bathroom, but the far edge of the door pivots back into the shower enclosure. The door’s opening action takes up less space in the bathroom than that of a hinged door, while still allowing generous space for getting in and out of the shower. While you will still need to allow space for the door to swing open, a pivot door requires less space than a hinged door, so is a better option for small bathrooms.
Bi Fold Door Shower Enclosure
A bi fold door shower enclosure is a great space-saving solution for small bathrooms. The door opens by folding in on itself within the shower enclosure, so doesn’t impede on the rest of the bathroom. It comes in a range of sizes that are perfect for fitting into small spaces. However, a drawback of this kind of enclosure is that the folding door mechanism doesn’t allow as much space for entry as a hinged door or pivot door would. The folding mechanism can also be tricky to manoeuvre, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.
Quadrant Shower Enclosure
Quadrant shower enclosures are a very popular option nowadays, as they’re ideal for saving space in your bathroom. This type of enclosure features a curved shape that is designed to fit into a corner. This is useful for making the most of the available space in your bathroom.
Quadrant enclosures feature a sliding door mechanism that allows easy access for getting in and out of the shower, and are available as single door and two door options. These enclosures are available as standard quadrants, with the same height as width, or as offset quadrants. Offset quadrants have one side longer than the other and offer more space than a standard quadrant.
Quadrant enclosures offer a spacious showering area, without impeding on the space of other items in your bathroom. They’re perfect for small spaces, and are particularly popular choices for ensuite bathrooms.
Corner Entry Shower Enclosure
Like a quadrant enclosure, a corner entry shower enclosure is designed to fit neatly into a corner. It features a 2 door sliding mechanism that allows easy access for getting into the shower. It is a practical option for those looking to make the most of their space in a small bathroom. It can also be useful to combine with a separate bath in a more spacious bathroom, as it can fit into a corner without obstructing the space.
D Shape Shower Enclosure
A D shape shower enclosure features a rounded shape that is designed to sit flat against a single wall. It has a spacious feel and is a good alternative to a bath in smaller bathrooms. It’s also ideal for long, narrow bathrooms that don’t have much corner space to use.
Shower Cabin
A shower cabin is a great option for those who are looking to invest in a more luxurious shower. Similar in shape to a quadrant enclosure, a shower cabin is designed to fit in a corner. A shower cabin comes as a ready-made, one-piece enclosure, with everything you need for a functional shower. It doesn’t require any tiling, so installation is easy and stress-free.
A shower cabin comes complete with a rain effect shower head and multi-functional hand shower. It also features luxurious body jets for an opulent, spa-like showering experience. Shower cabins are available in different sizes to suit you, and can be found as small as 800mm to fit smaller bathrooms.
Walk In Shower Enclosure
A walk in shower enclosure is perfect for those looking for a roomier showering space. As the name would suggest, a walk in shower enclosure doesn’t have any doors; you simply walk in and out. It features a glass shower screen and rectangular shower tray. The lack of doors means this type of enclosure is incredibly easy access, so it’s ideal for those with lower mobility. A walk in shower enclosure offers a spacious showering area and is a good alternative to a bath.
And there we have it. Our Buyer’s Guide to Shower Enclosures. We hope you found this helpful. If you need any more help with your bathroom renovation, you can find the rest of our Buyers Guides here.
Marble has become a massive trend in interiors in the last few years, so it should be no surprise that marble is a popular choice in bathroom design. Marble is perfect for creating that luxurious and lavish look that we all dream of for our bathrooms. But I’m sure you know the catch; real marble can be eye-wateringly expensive. Most of us just can’t afford to spend their life savings on marble floors for their bathroom. Luckily, nowadays there are plenty of more affordable options for getting the marble look (that don’t require taking out a second mortgage to pay for them!). So, without further ado, here are our tips for creating a marble bathroom on a budget!
Marble Wall Panels
If you love the look of marble, but find yourself fainting at the hefty price tag, wall panels could be a great alternative option for you. Marble effect wall panels are available in a variety of different effects and colours. Different patterns are available to give the effect of different finishes of marble.
A calacatta marble effect wall panel, like this one, is a popular option. Calacatta marble is probably where your mind goes first when you think of marble. It’s a classic option, so it’s not surprising that wall panels with this effect are very popular. A calacatta finish gives an authentic look and is very on-trend.
If you’re not keen on the calacatta finish, there are other options that incorporate the trend. A black marble wall panel is great for adding a more dramatic look. Alternatively, a smooth white marble effect, like this one, will add a luxurious feel and never go out of style.
These wall panels will look great anywhere in the bathroom. They look stunning when used all over the room as a full wall covering. Another great option is to keep them contained to your shower enclosure, which will give the look of a marble shower but without the bothersome maintenance.
Marble effect wall panels may not have the same luxurious feel as real marble, but they do have some added benefits. As well as being much more affordable, they’re far easier to maintain than real marble. Cleaning is quick and easy, and you don’t have to worry about any stains or chips.
Vinyl Flooring
To get the look of marble flooring, marble effect vinyl floor tiles are a great option. Available in different colours, these give the appearance of square marble tiles with grout, but without the gruelling maintenance. Marble effect vinyl floor tiles are also available as larger, interlocking floor tiles. These give a seamless appearance that’s reminiscent of a real marble floor.
Much like wall panels, vinyl floor tiles won’t have the same luxe feel as real marble does. However, they do have the benefit of being far more low maintenance. Not only do they help you avoid the arduous task of scrubbing grout lines for hours on end, they also quell any worries about accidental damage. Real marble flooring tends to come with the negative point of additional worry that it will be damaged. Drop something particularly heavy, and you could be left with a sizable chip in your beautiful marble floor (a sobering thought, indeed). With vinyl flooring, there is little to worry about and, if on the off chance it ever does get damaged, it’s pretty simple and inexpensive to replace.
Tiles
If you’re not as keen on wall panels or vinyl flooring, marble effect porcelain tiles are another great option. Porcelain tiles are a much more affordable option than real marble, but feel more similar to the real deal than vinyl or laminate materials.
Porcelain tiles can be used anywhere in the bathroom, from the floor to the walls. Pair white marble effect tiles like these with white grout for a classic appearance, or opt for dark grey grout to create a more contemporary look.
Accessories
For those of us who aren’t ready for a full renovation, there are other ways to incorporate marble into your bathroom. Use marble as an accent pattern and choose marble accessories, like soap dishes, tumblers and toilet brush holders. Small accessories like these are available in genuine marble, and are often more affordable than you might think. Alternatively, you could opt for accessories in faux marble, which are available all over the high street. You can even find faux marble accessories in the homeware section of your local supermarket.
Another way to incorporate marble as an accent in your bathroom is to opt for marble patterned textiles. A marble patterned shower curtain is a great way to add the trend into your bathroom décor. You can also find other textiles like towels, bath mats and even toilet seat covers in marble patterns.
And there we have it. How to create a marble bathroom on a budget. What do you think of the marble trend? Would you try out any of these ideas?
A cloakroom bathroom can be a very valuable addition to your home. A cloakroom is a small bathroom containing a toilet and basin, but no bath or shower, which is usually located downstairs. An extra downstairs toilet can have many benefits; it’s handy for guests, allows easy access for the elderly and can help to minimise wear and tear on your main bathroom upstairs.
There are many reasons to add a cloakroom to your home, but it can be challenging to transform a very small space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing bathroom.
So, without further ado, here are our tips for designing the perfect cloakroom bathroom.
Compact Furniture
Cloakrooms tend to be very small rooms that don’t leave you with a lot of space to work with when choosing fixtures and furnishings. Luckily, there are options available that are perfect for this issue. Compact furniture ranges are made specifically with cloakrooms and small bathrooms in mind. Units from these ranges come in smaller widths than standard units, which allows them to fit neatly into small spaces. Wall hung units are also a great option here, as they take up less floor space and create the illusion of a spacious room.
Short Projection Toilets
Toilets can take up a surprising amount of space in your bathroom. When dealing with a small room, choosing the right toilet can be tricky. Some toilets are available with short projections, meaning that they protrude away from the wall less than a standard toilet and take up less space in the room. Back to wall toilets and wall hung toilets tend to have smaller projections, as they are designed to be used with concealed cisterns, so these are a particularly good option here.
Multi-purpose Products
Multi-purpose, combination items are incredibly useful when dealing with small spaces like cloakrooms. A toilet and basin combination unit consists of a toilet unit with a small basin sitting just above the cistern. This is a very convenient option if you have a particularly small space to work with.
If you have a bit more space, a vanity unit toilet suite is also a great option for cloakrooms. Some are available in slimmer widths and smaller projections than standard units to accommodate slightly narrower spaces.
Use the corners
Most cloakrooms tend to be made from an unused space in the home, such as under the stairs. As such, the space left to work with can sometimes be awkward in shape and size. Corner fixtures can be very useful here to help you make the most of your space. Opt for a toilet or basin that fits neatly in the corner of the room to utilise every inch of space in your cloakroom. You could also add in some useful storage with a corner mirror cabinet.
Space-saving radiators
Just because a cloakroom is small doesn’t mean it can’t benefit from heating; there’s nothing worse than stepping into a freezing cold bathroom. Radiators can often take up a lot of wall space. But there are space-saving cloakroom radiators available that are ideal for small spaces. Opt for a sleek, slim-line radiator that will give a modern appearance and save valuable wall space. Make sure to choose a vertical radiator instead of horizontal to make the best use of the space you have and create the illusion of a larger room.
Use the correct door
One thing that can make a difference to the spaciousness of your cloakroom is your choice of door. It’s important to make sure that your door doesn’t impede on the space, as this can make the room feel smaller. Opt for a door that opens outwards so it doesn’t obstruct anything in the room. Another good option here is to opt for a sliding door, which will allow you to make the most of the space.
Create the illusion of space
As well as choosing clever fixtures to save on physical space, there are other things that can be done to optimise the space in your cloakroom. Sometimes, the appearance of the room can make all the difference. Use clever visual illusions to make the room appear bigger than it is. A light, bright colour scheme is perfect for making a room look more spacious. White is ideal here, but other neutral colours, such as light grey, will also work well.
Another tip here is to install large wall mirrors to create the illusion of space. A mirror the same width as the wall, placed above the basin, can work a treat here.
If you’re looking for more tips to make a small bathroom look more spacious, check out our previous blog here.
So, that was our tips for designing the perfect cloakroom bathroom. Cloakrooms are often a tricky thing to get right, but they can be a worthwhile investment. Are you planning on adding a cloakroom to your home?
Basin wastes are something that can often be overlooked when carrying out a bathroom renovation, but they’re actually a very important component.
Choosing the right type of waste for your basin can be a bit of a minefield, especially if you don’t know the terminology. But fear not; we’re here today to talk you through everything you need to know when choosing a basin waste.
Ready? Let’s go!
What is a basin waste?
The waste allows you to fill your basin with water and safely drains used water.
What is an overflow?
An overflow is a small hole on the inside of the basin, usually located under the tap, that allows excess water to be drained while the tap is running to stop any potential flooding.
Slotted vs. unslotted wastes
The first question to ask yourself when looking for a waste for your basin is: “Do I need a slotted or an unslotted waste?”
What’s the difference, you ask? Well, a slotted basin waste has a slot that allows any overflowing water to run safely into the main waste.
If your basin has an overflow, you’ll need a slotted waste. If it doesn’t have an overflow, you’ll need an unslotted waste. Make sense?
It’s important to make sure you choose the right type of waste, as fitting the wrong one can result in your overflow not working as it should.
Types of Basin wastes
Plug and Chain
A plug and chain waste is a traditional choice and is probably the type of waste that you are most familiar with. It comprises of a plug attached to the end of a chain. Place the plug in the hole to seal up the basin and fill with water, and pull on the chain to remove. The plug and chain waste is a staple choice in many bathrooms and is particularly suited for those after a traditional look. One thing to be aware of is that a chain and plug waste will require a basin with a chain stay, which is a small hole used for securing the chain bolt.
Flip Top
A flip top waste, sometimes known as a flip over waste, features a rotating plug that spins 180 degrees to open and close the drain. A flip top waste has a minimalist appearance that’s ideal for those seeking a modern bathroom design.
Push Button
A push button waste, also known as a click clack waste, is one of the most widely used types of basin waste. These are operated by simply pushing on the button to close the drain, and pushing again to open. This type of waste is incredibly simple to use and creates a modern look, making it a very popular option.
Free Running
A free running waste, also known as a free flow waste, is used to keep your waste pipe permanently open. Unlike other wastes, this type of waste doesn’t have a closing mechanism; it is only used for draining water from your basin and allows water to slowly escape. While it may not be for everyone, this type of waste can be useful for basins without an overflow as it removes the risk of flooding.
So, there we have it, folks. Our Buyers Guide to Basin Wastes. We hope you found this helpful. If you need any more help with your bathroom renovation, you can find the rest of our Buyers Guides here.
