by Melissa Miles McCarter

Created on: February 24, 2010

A traditional style bathroom employs a timeless design that won’t go out of fashion. Here are some tips for designing your bathroom in a traditional style:

An old-fashioned bathtub, such as a clawfoot cast iron tub can really be a focal point in a traditional style bathroom.  These types of bathtubs can be put in any area of a bathroom to create a great fixture in a traditional bathroom. Traditional style taps or fixtures are a must in this style of bathroom.  This means white, black or stainless steel hot and cold water taps which feature H and C to represent hot and cold. 

Consider wallpaper or borders, tongue and groove paneling or other wood paneling for a traditional touch.  Flower wallpaper can be a great touch—you can even wallpaper one wall and paint the rest of the room for a neat traditional touch. A dark wood style, perhaps mahogany for cabinets make a great touch for a traditional style bathroom.

Black and white tile or color scheme for the wall or floor can be a great touch for a bathroom.  For instance, Subway Ceramics has great tiles for a traditional look to help inspire you. Romantic touches such as pale pink or light blue, or try a deep red for a Victorian style bathroom.  This could be in terms of the wallpaper or even in your choice of towels. 

Add personal vintage touches, perhaps in a large mirror or in a chandelier for lighting.  This is where you can have lots of fun and show your personality with your choice of accessories. Wall-lamps or sconces, especially over wallpaper or wood paneling, looks great for delicate lighting options—choose warmer bulbs and avoid fluorescent or halogen lighting.  Multiple and varied lighting choices look great in a traditional bathroom.

Don’t leave the walls blank—even over wallpaper you can put old-fashioned framed photos or paintings to add traditional charm.  Unexpected family photos or rich landscapes can look great in a traditional style bathroom.  Even a large oil painting can really be a great addition.

Try an ornate or even vintage type vanity or basin.  This can be a freestanding vanity that mimics the claw feet details on a traditional tub, or even a glass vanity next to a sink where you could put your make-up on in the bathroom.  The more romantic the basin the better.

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