In the Victorian era, bathrooms were just starting to become more common in middle and upper-class homes. As indoor plumbing advanced, bathrooms moved from being a luxury to a standard feature. The colors and styles used in Victorian bathrooms reflected both the technological changes of the era and the prevailing tastes and trends of the time.
Early Victorian Bathrooms
In the early part of the 19th century, most bathrooms were fairly basic. Richer households may have had indoor bathrooms in the early 1800s, but they were still not common. Early Victorian bathrooms would have had a utilitarian look, with a focus on function over form.
The first fixed baths were made of cast iron, lined with sheets of lead to waterproof them. These early Victorian bathtubs were painted with basic white enamel paint for a neat, clean appearance. The white color scheme extended to the walls and floors of the bathroom.
Walls were often tiled or occasionally painted or papered. The floor would likely have been basic stone or concrete. Some early toilets and sinks were made of wood, lined or painted with metal or enamel for water resistance. So a predominantly white color scheme with metal accents was common in early Victorian bathrooms.
Middle Victorian Style
As bathrooms became more widespread in homes by the mid to late 1800s, the style became a little more decorative. They were still fairly small, utilitarian spaces, but some ornamental touches started being seen.
Middle class Victorians could afford a bit more adornment in their bathrooms by this stage. Colors were light, but patterned wallpapers or tiles became fashionable. Delicate floral motifs, geometric prints or ‘sanitary ware’ with cleanable paint were popular wall and floor coverings.
Wooden floors gave way to colorful patterned tiles and enameled metal baths were replaced with porcelain. Brass fixtures also became more common, introducing splashes of shine into bathrooms.
So while the overall look still tended to be white and minimalist, hints of Victorians’ love of detail and decoration crept into bathroom design. Pale blue, pink or green were seen as suitable bathrooms colors, in addition to white.
Late Victorian Opulence
As the late 19th century approached, bathrooms were scaled up in larger, richer households. For upper and upper-middle class Victorians, the bathroom became a space for indulgence and luxurious relaxation as well as functionality.
Bathroom fixtures and fittings used the latest technology – early showers and flushing toilets appeared. Bathtubs were often clawfoot or decorative stand-alone models, made of enameled cast iron or even marble.
Late Victorian bathrooms featured colorful patterned tiles covering the walls and floors, often with custom motifs. Ornate brass and nickel plumbing fittings added luxury and shine. Built-in storage like cabinets kept the clutter of grooming products at bay.
Deeply colored or gilded wallpapers also appeared in opulent late Victorian bathrooms. Jewel-toned emerald greens and deep blues evoked an aquatic feel, alongside metallic accents. Clean white marble and tiles prevented garishness.
The overall effect was of sensuous indulgence – these bathrooms were for lounging as well as washing. This new approach was only possible for the very wealthy at the time.
Victorian Color Palette
The most popular colors used in Victorian bathrooms included:
- White
- Cream
- Pastel blue, pink and green
- Pale aqua
- Soft peach
- Mint green
- Pale lavender
- Light gray
Bolder colors like emerald green, navy and burgundy appeared in luxurious upper-class bathrooms later in the era, often contrasted with white. Metallic accents of brass, nickel and chrome provided shine.
Patterned wallpapers and floor tiles often had floral, botanical or geometric motifs. These offered splashes of color and visual interest against the predominantly light color schemes.
Typical Features
Here are some key features found in a common Victorian bathroom:
- A clawfoot bathtub (usually enameled cast iron or marble)
- Pedestal sink or wall-mounted fixture
- Early flush toilet
- Patterned floor tiles
- Colorful botanical wallpaper
- Brass or nickel plumbing fixtures
- Small shelves and cabinets for storage
- Towel racks, holders and hooks
- Mirrored medicine cabinet
- Decorative privacy screen
Wealthy households had more lavish finishes like inlaid tiles, gilded fittings and marble surfaces. But most middle class Victorian families would have had simpler bathrooms with the same light and colorful scheme.
Design Trends
Some of the main design trends that influenced Victorian bathrooms included:
- Ornate styles – Heavy decoration was popular, including baroque, rococo and gothic revival styles.
- Floral motifs – Flowery patterns were widely used on tiles, wallpaper and textiles.
- Bold colors – Deep green, blue and burgundy became fashionable later in the era.
- Metallic accents – Brass, nickel and chrome fittings provided shininess.
- Luxurious materials – Marble, granite, cast iron and porcelain became affordable for the wealthy.
- Clutter-free – Built-in storage helped keep products neatly tidied away.
Towards the end of the era, artwork, wall mirrors, plants and upholstered furniture helped transform deluxe bathrooms into decorative showplaces.
Influential Factors
Some key factors that influenced the style of Victorian bathrooms included:
- Improved plumbing and water supply systems
- Technological advances in sanitation e.g. flushing toilets
- Mass production of enameled metal bathtubs and porcelain sinks
- Fashion for bold, vibrant colors and patterns
- Increasing privacy and separation of bathrooms from other rooms
- Rising middle class wealth and leisure time
The developing industrial revolution enabled decorative mass-produced fittings and fixtures at reasonable cost. And the Victorian enthusiasm for decoration and display extended to bathrooms.
Types of Victorian Bathrooms
Victorian bathrooms can be categorized into three main types:
Early Victorian
- Basic baths of lead-lined cast iron
- Mostly white color scheme
- Focus on functionality over decoration
- Often shared by multiple household members
Mid-Victorian
- More common, but still fairly small
- Enameled metal or early porcelain fixtures
- Pastel blue, pink or green wallpapers
- Geometric or floral floor tile patterns
- Brass accents and fittings
Late Victorian
- Very decorative with luxury finishes
- Ornate fittings, marble and tile surfaces
- Deep green, burgundy or navy wall colors
- Clawfoot or unique decorative bathtubs
- Built-in storage cabinets and furniture
The dividing line between bathroom types was heavily influenced by social class and budget. But improved production enabled more households to afford a useful bathroom.
Regional Differences
There were some regional variations in Victorian bathroom design across the United Kingdom and elsewhere:
- London – Wealthy households had elaborate, opulent bathrooms, often with custom designs.
- English countryside – Rustic cottages had simpler bathrooms with basic fixtures and white/pastel colors.
- Scotland – Sturdy wooden furnishings were popular here, with aqua or peach schemes.
- America – Black & white geometric floor tiles were common. Bathrooms were often larger.
- France – Intricate floral patterns were widely used, with gilded mirrors and chandeliers.
But improved transportation enabled new styles to spread quickly across different regions. The underlying Victorian aesthetic unified bathroom fashions.
Lighting
Early Victorian bathrooms were not specifically lit, relying on daylight from windows or portable oil lamps. By the mid 1800s, gas lamps appeared, followed by early electric lights later in the era.
Common lighting included:
- Sconce wall lights
- Pendant lights over bathtubs
- Candle chandeliers (later converted to gas or electric)
- Freestanding brass lamps
- Small circular wall lamps
Lighting was designed to be functional but was often decorated to match the ornate scheme, with etched glass shades, molded metal bases and finials.
Conclusion
In summary, early Victorian bathrooms tended to be basic white rooms focused on hygiene. But as the 19th century progressed, improved technology enabled more decorative bathrooms. Middle class bathrooms used pretty pastel colors, floral patterns and brass fixtures.
The very wealthy created lavish showplaces with luxury surfaces, rich colors and customized fittings. But the underlying Victorian influences of pattern, ornamentation and love of display are seen throughout the era, even in smaller middle-class bathrooms.
The Victorian age paved the way for bathrooms as we know them today – specialized, private, decorated rooms with technology enabling hot water, effective drainage and sanitation. The Victorians’ emphasis on cleanliness laid foundations for modern bathroom functionality and design.
