7 Traditional Bathroom Ideas for Classic Design Lovers

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
Dorchester collection, Heritage Bathrooms Heritage Bathrooms Classic style bathroom
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The ever-changing time and trend have shown us that not all styles are meant to be fleeting – and one of those things that turned out to have everlasting class is the traditional bathroom

Ideal for older properties, a bathroom designed in the traditional style is the answer if you’re looking to retain some of the authenticity and character of your vintage home. 

But just like any other design (from modern and rustic to Asian and colonial), the traditional style also has its little tips and tricks that help make it seem… well, traditional.

Thus, herewith our recommended ideas for your traditional bathroom. 

1. What’s included in a traditional bathroom suite?

Even though the traditional bathrooms from yesteryear typically included a toilet, a basin and a bath, these are no written-in-stone rules. For a smaller space (which we see more and more these days), a simple water closet with toilet and basin will do just fine.  

Traditional-style toilets are usually available in either the compact close-coupled style (where the cistern is located right above the pan), or a high-level design with the cistern positioned on the wall above the toilet.

Traditional basins can be chosen in the ceramic pedestal style, as part of a vanity unit (with the basin neatly fitted into the top of a storage cupboard), or a console basin with a ceramic pan on top of a chrome console frame. 

For your traditional bath, consider either the standard rectangular style or a free-standing tub with four supporting legs. 

Just ensure that all your bathroom features match up in terms of look and style. Unlike the eclectic or modern style, a traditional bathroom prides itself on all its elements being carefully chosen to complement one another perfectly. 

2. The traditional bathroom: A free-standing bath

If you have the space, we must recommend opting for a free-standing bath, as it is the standout feature in a traditional bathroom. As they’re available in a wide variety of designs, sizes and looks, do take your time when window-shopping. 

A single-ended free-standing tub is designed with its taps placed at one end of the bath. A double-ended free-standing tub has its taps right in the middle. Compare these to a slipper-style free-standing tub, which has one or both sides raised up to resemble a giant slipper – they can have their taps positioned either at the end or the middle. 

homify hint: Always take the colour of your tub into consideration as well. While white is a timeless choice, modern-day designs have treated us to a range of alternative tints that include grey, blue, beige and even pitch black. 


3. The traditional bathroom: Picking your furniture

Another feature which distinguishes traditional bathrooms from others is how they love to include comfy furnishings. But remember it’s all about attention to detail and high-quality materials when scoping out traditional furniture. 

Some prime options to consider for your traditional bathroom include a cabinet (to help with storage), a footstool, table, chair or ottoman. 


4. The traditional bathroom: A traditional shower

If you have the extra legroom, how about adding a traditional shower to your period bathroom space? Modern-day designs include rigid shower sets with beautifully exposed valves and tiled surfaces to blend in strikingly with the rest of a traditional bathroom. Circular fixed shower heads are also available to complement a traditional space. 


5. The traditional bathroom: Perfect tiles

Don’t overlook the importance of tiles, which are especially vital to make your traditional bathroom flaunt that classic, elegant look. Patterned- and wood-effect floor tiles (both light and dark) are quite popular for traditional bathroom designs. Should you want to opt for patterned tiles on your bathroom floor, rich Victorian patterns can provide colour and motif without seeming too jarring. 

For the walls, you can’t go wrong with metro tiles that feature super glossy, rippled effects. 


6. The traditional bathroom: Modern convenience

Just because you’re designing a vintage-like space doesn’t mean you can’t include modern-day features. Just be sure that the heated towel rails you pick are suitable for a traditional-like style and don’t seem too contemporary in appearance. 

Cast-iron radiators are another creative solution for a traditional bathroom. And even though these beautiful, ornate designs might take quite a chunk from your budget, it will definitely ensure an eye-catching feature. 


7. The traditional bathroom: Faucets

Finally, the little hardware details that can help to make or break your space: the taps. Fortunately, designers have treated us to budget-friendly designs that are perfect for a traditional design, like cost-effective crosshead taps or a monobloc mixer tap.

In addition to your taps’ traditional design, also take into account the finishes of your faucets (i.e. gold, stainless steel… ) to ensure they complement yet don’t overthrow the rest of your bathroom’s look.

Planning on Adding an en-suite bathroom? Here’s what you should know…

Would you love a traditional bathroom in your home, or do you prefer something more modern?

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