Bathroom Design
10 Traditional Features to Make Your Bathroom an Instant Classic
Install a pedestal sink, a claw-foot tub, wainscoting and other period items to help your bathroom go the distance
Minimalist sinks and sculptural tubs aren’t for everyone. When it comes to the bathroom, a traditional look is often ideal, especially if you live in a period home. What traditional definitely doesn’t have to mean is stuffy or dated. Think cross-handle faucets, claw-foot tubs and pedestal sinks — all markers of classic, timeless bathroom style and likely to look as good in 10 years as they do now.
2. Wainscoting. Vintage-style wallpaper paired with tongue-and-groove wainscoting gives this compact bathroom a cozy atmosphere. Also note the toilet with a high tank — a classic historic design. Swap slick modern spotlights for a decorative chandelier, like this brass number, to keep things traditional.
3. Claw-foot tub. A rolled-edge, claw-foot bathtub is a timeless luxury. For an indulgent, traditional look, combine it with wallpaper, plantation shutters and a marble-topped vanity. Painting the sides of the bath a dark color, like this French navy, adds a period detail.
4. Two-piece toilet. The modern toilet trend may be for hidden or boxed-in tanks, but a two-piece toilet can look homey and has something of a country-home air about it.
A black toilet seat always looks smart and grounds an all-white scheme. And who knew large marbled floor tiles could work so well?
A black toilet seat always looks smart and grounds an all-white scheme. And who knew large marbled floor tiles could work so well?
5. Slipper tub. Free-standing bathtubs come in all shapes and sizes these days, but the slipper version offers a special kind of indulgence. Originally a Victorian design, it features a higher back at one end, which provides support as well as privacy when you sink into the bubbles, wallow and relax.
This luxe room ups the traditional look further with a wall of oil paintings, a Victorian-style towel rail and a gleaming wooden floor. I love the floor-length curtains too.
This luxe room ups the traditional look further with a wall of oil paintings, a Victorian-style towel rail and a gleaming wooden floor. I love the floor-length curtains too.
6. Shower ring. A curved metal shower rail not only is practical for when you want to shower over your free-standing tub, but it also adds a lovely traditional vibe. This classically styled bathroom manages to make even a bidet look chic, while the geometric floor tiles somehow pull off timeless, of-the-moment and traditional at the same time.
7. Historic hues. We tend to go for white, but color can make a big difference in the bathroom. This Art Deco-style space sports mint-green tiles that instantly transport you back to another era.
Note the slim border of black tile, a classic traditional feature. When it comes to bathroom wall lights, it may be worth taking the time to find ones that match your look, like these retro numbers.
Note the slim border of black tile, a classic traditional feature. When it comes to bathroom wall lights, it may be worth taking the time to find ones that match your look, like these retro numbers.
8. Washstand. A classic washstand can elevate a plain sink into something more interesting while adding a sense of space. In this smart powder room, it works perfectly with the vintage-style faucets, checkerboard floor tile and subway wall tile. A hexagonal mirror and armed wall lamps with shades also add a traditional touch.
9. Black and white. Black and white tiles have long signaled that you’re in a traditional period bathroom. A border of black — on walls, the floor or both — adds a focal point and is elegant, timeless and chic. Also note how the vintage cast-iron radiator is painted to match. The console sink is another stylish traditional touch.
10. Cross-handle faucets. Bathroom showrooms may be filled with faucets that are part water deliverer, part modern sculpture, but cross handles hark back to history and work well with washstand-based or pedestal sinks. Although you can buy modern, angular cross-handle designs, consider classic curved edges for comfort and traditional style.
Your turn: How have you decorated your traditional bathroom? Share your photos and ideas in the Comments below.
More: How People Upgrade Their Main Bathrooms, and How Much They Spend
Your turn: How have you decorated your traditional bathroom? Share your photos and ideas in the Comments below.
More: How People Upgrade Their Main Bathrooms, and How Much They Spend
If you have the space, two pedestals side by side can look particularly magnificent. And they work nicely with traditional beveled mirrors.