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Traditional English bathrooms are really Victorian-style bathrooms, since the English didn't embrace indoor plumbing until the late 1800s. The style is classic, charming and opulent, with a touch of whimsy. The look of a traditional English bath can be recreated today with stylized bathroom pieces, a checkerboard or diamond-shaped tile floor pattern and the right colors.
History
Until 1861, people used outdoor latrines instead of having indoor plumbing.
It was not until 1861, when Thomas Crapper perfected an airtight seal between the toilet and the floor and created a venting system that went through the roof of the home, that the toilet became a regular part of an English home. Earlier versions did not trap the sewer gases and the resultant smell was so odorous that people preferred to use outdoor latrines instead of dealing with the stench. Once the smell was contained, however, the English began to decorate their bathrooms with the same elegance and flair that they devoted to the rest of the house.
Essential Elements
Traditional components are a claw-foot tub and pedestal sink.
The essential components of a traditional English bathroom are a claw-foot tub, in either a slipper or conventional configuration. These tubs imitated the look of the portable tubs, which were brought into the room and filled by hand. The toilet has a cistern tank, attached to the wall at either a high or low level. Often, a bidet is included in the room. The sink is either a classic pedestal sink, with vertical grooves cut into the pedestal, or is a two-legged, spindle sink with curvy legs. Bathroom fixtures are either chrome, brass, pewter or rubbed bronze.
Colors
Robin's egg blue and buttercream are perfect color choices.
Wallpaper in a floral pattern, featuring ivy or roses, is an excellent wall covering for the traditional English bath. If paint is your choice, select from tea rose, canteloupe, robin's egg blue, buttercream or any other fresh pastel. Window treatments can be layered, as they were in the Victorian era, with lace, panels, a swag and tie backs.
Flooring
A checkerboard floor is very traditional.
Black and white tile was the flooring choice in the Victorian era, and is as timeless today as it was then. Set in either a checkerboard pattern or in a diamond pattern, it provides the perfect backdrop to a traditional English bathroom. Cover a portion of it with a chintz rug, and the look is complete.
Furniture & Accessories
Traditional English bathrooms did not have accessories, such as towel racks and toilet paper holders, screwed into the walls. These were free-standing units, and were considered essential elements of the well-turned-out bath. The toilet seat was wooden, and all furniture in the room was dark wood, such as walnut or mahogany. The addition of a fireplace added to the opulence of a traditional English bathroom.
Considerations for Today's Look
Today's English bath should combine traditional styling with modern conveniences. The traditional English bathroom did not have a separate shower. Instead, hand-held devices were attached to the claw-foot tub. Since a separate shower is an essential element of today's bathroom, install one with a glass surround, to make it less obtrusive. Since space is a concern in a modern bath, replace the pedestal sink with a reproduction vanity with a marble top and a sink. For a touch of English whimsy, use a vessel sink that looks like a basin. Set a water jug next to it to render the complete look.
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