Bathroom Design
Accessories
Give a Traditional Bathroom True Polish With Accessories
As lovely as they are practical, these bathroom accessories have a classic look but keep modern needs in mind
Bathrooms are so often neglected in terms of accessorizing — usually because it's such a practical space. But given the amount of time many of us like to spend in them, accessories really should be given a higher priority.
The Victorians loved accessories in their bathrooms — from decorated porcelain soap dishes to lace-covered tissue boxes, from shaving stands to gilded wall sconces. Today it's important to be practical, too. The bathroom is one of the most heavily used rooms in the house and needs to be kept clean, so don't clutter floors and shelves or your housework will be a nightmare.
The Victorians loved accessories in their bathrooms — from decorated porcelain soap dishes to lace-covered tissue boxes, from shaving stands to gilded wall sconces. Today it's important to be practical, too. The bathroom is one of the most heavily used rooms in the house and needs to be kept clean, so don't clutter floors and shelves or your housework will be a nightmare.
The free-standing bath, which is very popular right now, also often lacks easy access to the towel rail. How did the Victorians cope? With a towel stand, of course. A lovely mahogany stand gives a real nod to traditional style, and you can pick up a great bargain online (or at a car-boot sale if you live, like I do, in the U.K.).
There are no rules to say that towels have to be white. Use colored ones to complete your scheme. The red introduced here, and carried through to the flower arrangement, really brings the room to life.
Mirrors are bathroom essentials that allow for a little creativity. Here is a lovely and practical way to show off a collection of vintage-style mirrors — it adds real character and reflects the room's natural light.
I'm very envious of all the space and natural light in this bathroom. There are lots of surfaces for pretty accessories without making things looking cluttered. Rather than lots of little pieces, keep to scale and go for furniture and accessories that are bit larger where you have the room.
Glass apothecary jars are lovely accessories and keep everything neat and tidy while still in view. They also looking amazing with a collection of guest soaps, which your visitors will appreciate.
A splash of greenery is lovely in a bathroom, especially if you can use it to bring the outside in — like in this gorgeous bathroom with a view. An aspidistra stand is a traditional accessory put to great use here, where there's enough space for it not to feel cluttered. You can easily pick up a cheap wooden one and simply paint it whatever color suits your bathroom.
I say no bathroom is complete without candles. I love to switch on my music, light my candles, turn the lights off and wallow in heavenly scents. But (listen to the voice of experience here) be sure to get good-quality beeswax or soy candles so as not to ruin your decor with black smoke.
This room feels very Victorian with the traditional sink and tiles, the use of dark wood and loads of accessories. In fact, it is very cleverly organized to be practical and easy to clean. I love the toilet-paper holder — it's a lovely way of injecting humor into the room.
More clever places for stashing the T.P.
More clever places for stashing the T.P.