If you want to know how to turn your bathroom into a Victorian bathroom, learn about its history and other bathroom styles. Traditional, contemporary, and modern are today’s dominant bathroom designs. The Victorian bathroom is rare.

According to this study, 70 percent of home bathrooms in the US are traditional, contemporary, and modern.

Where does this put Victorian bathrooms? According to the same study, Victorian bathrooms make up about .3 percent of all US bathrooms.

Following the top trends is fun, but it can be more fun if you’re creative. Find out what makes a Victorian bathroom with these tips:

What Is Victorian Design Style?

RLH Studio

Victorian design takes its cue from the Victorian Era, form the early-1800s to the 1900s. However, this doesn’t correspond with Queen Victoria’s reign.

While the Victorian Era was full of controversy, the design style in wealthy homes exists today. The style features ornate designs, cluttered shelves, and a romantic overtone.

How does this translate to the bathroom? That’s what we’re here to tell you.

Brass/Gold Is Your Metal

Jimmy Bryan Construction

Silvers, chromes, and pewters were not prominent in the Victorian Era. Metals in the bathroom were gold or brass. Warmer tones were popular in bathrooms, though pipes were made of cast iron.

If copper attracts you, it’s acceptable as it has the same warm tones that brass and gold do. During this time, shiny metals were found in wealthy family homes.

Find Something Antique

Isler Homes

The best way to make your bathroom feel like a Victorian bathroom is to find something that is from that era. You have room to fudge the year a bit and find something from early or later than the Victorian Age.

Since it isn’t ideal to get appliances or something once functional, try finding something like a vanity. Vanities were popular in the Victorian Age and add character to a bathroom. They work well for en suite bathrooms too.

Victorian Bathroom Floor

Viscusi Elson Interior Design – Gina Viscusi Elson

Victorian bathroom floors were made of wood or tiles. Wood floors were real hardwood with a dark finish, chestnut or cherry are both great choices. Today, you can still fake the floors with solid laminate flooring.

If you choose tile, small tiles that are square or hexagonal are best. You can get blue and white designs or simply white tile for a more simplistic and sterile look. Many early indoor bathrooms were inspired by hospital bathrooms.

This was when the general public started recognizing germ theory. Because of this, it became important for bathrooms to remain clean.

Crown Moulding

Norris Furniture and Interiors

Crown moulding is a type of trim that is found next to the ceiling, separating it from the walls. It can give a room a more refined feel and works well with simple and bold design styles.

Crown moulding is centuries old. However, it didn’t become part of the architecture until the gothic period, followed by the Victorian period.

Extravagant Lighting

Symmetry Architects

There are two types of Victorian lighting you need to look at for your bathroom. There are chandeliers and there are wall sconces. Both are viable, and in most bathrooms, both can be used at the same time.

If you have low ceilings, chandeliers aren’t recommended. However, if you have high ceilings, but narrow floors, sconces are recommended.

Clawfoot Tub

Shed Brand Studios

Clawfoot tubs are popular. The Victorian style makes them shine. Clawfoot tubs were popular during this time in nicer homes, but not everywhere.

Most homes built during this time didn’t have indoor plumbing. They were left with carrying buckets of water to a metal tub in a closed-in area. A clawfoot tub was a sign of wealth.

Contrasting Toilet

Robert Frank Interiors

Most toilets are white. You don’t see different-colored toilets often, and when you do, they are one solid color. In the Victorian Era, many toilets now had seats and covers. These covers were a darker color, contrasting with the base.

The seats could be black, wooden, or some other darker color. Not all toilets were like this, but it’s an easy way to add another antique element.

Porcelain-Enamel Or Metal

Murphy and Co Design

Two materials were dominant in Victorian bathrooms. Warm metals and porcelain. With bathroom appliances, like sinks, these were the options. Consider a copper or classic enamel sink.

If you do go with metal, you can add a marble or porcelain countertop to contrast it and have both elements.

Modern Victorian Bathroom Decor

If you’re still looking for Victorian additions to your bathroom, then we have some amazing options for you. All of these are inspired by the Victorian Era and can turn your bathroom into a piece of history.

Victorian Privacy Doorknob with Keyhole

You will have a hard time finding a doorknob more Victorian than this one. It offers the immaculate design that Victorian items have while remaining clean. It comes in multiple metal colors with gold being the most authentic.

Victorian 1.6 ft. x 1.6 ft. Glue-up Ceiling Tile

If you want some amazing DIY tile, then this is a great choice. It is a glue-on tile . While it can be put on floors and walls, the ceiling is the most popular choice.

KTPL2 Victorian Toilet Tank Lever

If you want a cheap addition to your victorian bathroom, look no further. A simple lever for your toilet is a small investment with a big impact attached. It can bring the metals and ceramics in your bathroom together.

Victorian Metal Floor Register

This Victorian floor register and vent cover is perfect for any bathroom that needs an update. You can get them in any standard size and in four different colors. Brass is a strong Victorian bathroom feature.

Delta Victorian Faucet

Everyone knows Delta makes amazing bathroom faucets. If you want a good brand with a great victorian faucet, this one should do the trick. The classic spout will make it feel like your sink is 150-years-old.

Embossed Victorian Wallpaper

Wallpaper has been quite popular since the Victorian Era. However, during this time, wallpaper was embossed to add character and depth. This embossed wallpaper will work with any victorian bathroom.

French Victorian Mirror

The only thing better than a fresh victorian bathroom is a vintage one. Adding distressed decor can make your bathroom feel like it’s been around since the Victorian Era, yet kept it in such good condition.

Victorian Lightswitch Cover

Adding Victorian hardware is one of the cheapest ways to transform your bathroom. You can quite easily dress up your bathroom. Gold, brass, or copper are good choices.

Mr. Direct Copper Sink

A warm copper sink that can be built-in to a ceramic or marble countertop is the perfect sink for a Victorian bathroom. Pair it with other copper decor items for a huge statement.

Gold Clawfoot Tub

Did you know you could get a gold clawfoot tub? This is the ideal tub for a Victorian bathroom.

Great Britain In The Victorian Era Vs. America In The Victorian Era

Although the Victorian Era is the most prominent influence in US design style, it wasn’t prominent in the US.

By the mid-1800s, Europeans were in the US. Victorian design was common on the East Coast, but this was also the Industrial Era, which reigned supreme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What Kind Of Tile Can I Install In A Victorian Bathroom?

Victorian tiles are Cuban, Hydraulic, Encaustic, and Cement. Real Victorian tiles are ceramic and made with clay and powdered glazes. Afterward, a kiln fires them to perfection.

What Are Victorian Bathroom Light Fixtures?

Victorian bathroom light fixtures feature intricate designs from the early 18th Century. The fixtures add substance to our bathroom’s style.

What Are Victorian Bathroom Shower Curtains?

Victorian bathroom shower curtains feature intricate designs. Because of their patterns, the curtains will complement your bathroom. You don’t want to use curtains that would clash with your Victorian bathroom.

Did The Victorian Era Have Showers?

The Victorian Era did not have showers. Furthermore, bathrooms weren’t common.

Victorian Bathrooms Conclusion

Before you commit to a Victorian bathroom, weigh the pros and cons to make sure it would be worth it. The bathroom style isn’t cheap and requires maintenance.

If you’re willing to put in the time, a Victorian bathroom would increase your home’s value. The bathrooms are elegant and stylish additions that homebuyers love.