A guide to elegance and charm in a small downstairs bathroom

Victorian Bathroom Fitters based in Edinburgh

Creating Stylish Small Victorian Bathrooms from your downstairs bathroom space

Victorian-era bathrooms are synonymous with elegance, opulence, and timeless charm. These historical spaces have a distinct personality that can transform even the smallest of rooms into stylish sanctuaries. If you have a small bathroom and want to infuse it with Victorian flair, you’re in for a treat.

Choosing the Right Colour Palette for your Victorian Bathroom

Victorian bathrooms are known for their rich, dramatic colour schemes. To make a small Victorian bathroom stylish, opt for deep, moody hues.

Classic colours like deep burgundy, forest green, navy blue, and various shades of brown work wonders. These colours create a cosy, intimate atmosphere and evoke the Victorian era’s warmth in the room.  While the rule of thumb suggests that lighter colours should be used for smaller spaces like a downstairs bathroom, the rich colours of the Victorian era are perfect for small bathroom spaces. However, this only works in balance. While dark walls can be luxurious, they can also make the room feel cramped to to balance this out, you should consider using these deep colours as accents on one wall or as part of the decor, and balance them with lighter, neutral shades on the remaining walls, tiles, or fixtures. Creams, soft greys, and off-whites can provide a harmonious contrast.

Elegant Victorian Tiles

Victorian bathrooms are often adorned with ornate and intricate tiles. To capture this aesthetic in a small space, Victorian-style tiles on the floor or as a wainscoting along the walls is perfect. Options like hexagonal or subway tiles with floral, geometric, or intricate patterns can instantly transform your bathroom.

You can use tiles with Victorian-inspired designs in key areas, like a decorative border or an accent wall. Subway tiles with a bevelled edge or a glossy finish can also mimic the look of classic Victorian tiles.

Antique-Inspired Fixtures

One of the quickest ways to add Victorian charm to your bathroom is by selecting antique-inspired fixtures. Look for clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks, and taps with ornate detailing. These timeless pieces will infuse your bathroom with the authentic Victorian character it needs. Keep in mind that in a small bathroom, it’s essential to choose fixtures that are proportionate to the space to avoid overwhelming it.

Vintage Accessories

To complete the Victorian look, adorn your bathroom with vintage accessories. Mirrors with intricate frames, antique towel racks, and ornate sconces can elevate the space’s style. Don’t forget to add small details like vintage soap dishes, apothecary jars, and decorative bottles to enhance the authenticity of your Victorian bathroom.

Victorian-Inspired Wallpaper

Wallpaper was a popular choice in Victorian homes, and it can be a fantastic addition to your small bathroom. Select wallpaper with Victorian-style patterns, such as damask, floral, or intricate geometric designs. Be mindful of the scale of the pattern. In a small space, a large, busy pattern can make the room feel cramped. Go for a smaller, more delicate pattern or limit the wallpaper to a single accent wall to create visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Creative Storage Solutions

Small bathrooms often lack storage space. To maintain the Victorian style while maximising functionality, incorporate creative storage solutions. Consider installing shelves with ornate brackets, vintage-style medicine cabinets, or a vanity with concealed storage. These elements can help keep your bathroom organised while preserving the Victorian aesthetic.

Transforming a small bathroom into a stylish Victorian retreat is a rewarding endeavour. By carefully selecting the right colour palette, tiles, fixtures, accessories, and storage solutions, you can capture the essence of the Victorian era while making the most of your limited space. The key is to strike a balance between classic elegance and modern functionality to create a small Victorian bathroom that is both stylish and practical. With the right choices, your bathroom can become a charming oasis that transports you to a bygone era every time you step inside.

At Edward & Greaves, we can help you with that.  We are specialists in the design and of Victorian style bathrooms for homes across Scotland and the North of England. From the beautiful designs, fittings and finishings to the incredible ceramic tiles and geometric, mosaic tiles, we provide the complete Victorian Bathroom design and installation for customers that want that authentic Victorian look and feel to go with their period home and interior design tastes.

Using traditional skills combined with modern methods, we can provide bathroom design and fitting service for a broad range of projects for clients looking for skilled craftsman who can work on complex projects efficiently with as minimal disruption to our clients day to day lives as possible.

To find out more, simply get in touch.