12 Classic Design Touches for the Bathroom That Will Never Date
These timeless details will ensure your bathroom’s style is a keeper
It’s the first place you head to, bleary-eyed, in the morning, and the room you retreat to at the end of a long hard day for a relaxing soak. No wonder most of us want a bathroom that’s more than just a place to scrub faces and brush teeth – we want a welcoming haven that’s stylish and luxurious as well as practical. Of course, there’s lots to think about when designing a bathroom – fittings, flooring, tiles, taps – so naturally you won’t want it to feel dated the minute the grout dries. Whether you’re planning a complete overhaul or just a few smart updates, check out this roundup of the proven bathroom design trends that aren’t going anywhere – the classic touches that always work, and that elevate ordinary bathrooms into something special.
Work a washstand
If a pedestal basin is a little too ‘avocado suite’ for you, consider a traditional sink mounted on a metal washstand instead. This look is subtly quirky and period-style, but without ever feeling out of date – think quaint gentlemen’s clubs and Victorian manors.
Because you can see the wall below the washstand, it also helps avoid that cramped feeling. Here, the metal legs work brilliantly with the updated Moroccan-style floor tiles, wall panelling and luxe touches, such as the wall light and armchair.
See how to bring a splash of style to your floor
If a pedestal basin is a little too ‘avocado suite’ for you, consider a traditional sink mounted on a metal washstand instead. This look is subtly quirky and period-style, but without ever feeling out of date – think quaint gentlemen’s clubs and Victorian manors.
Because you can see the wall below the washstand, it also helps avoid that cramped feeling. Here, the metal legs work brilliantly with the updated Moroccan-style floor tiles, wall panelling and luxe touches, such as the wall light and armchair.
See how to bring a splash of style to your floor
Get your groove on
If you’re a fan of the cosy country look, tongue and groove on walls remains a fantastic choice for bathrooms. Don’t assume you have to lay it vertically, either. In this attic bathroom, horizontal planks have been taken up onto the sloping ceiling for a characterful ship’s cabin feel. Panelling laid like this also helps a tiny space appear wider.
Finally, don’t forget to paint your tongue and groove in a calming colour, like this muted blue, to gaze at as you soak your cares away.
If you’re a fan of the cosy country look, tongue and groove on walls remains a fantastic choice for bathrooms. Don’t assume you have to lay it vertically, either. In this attic bathroom, horizontal planks have been taken up onto the sloping ceiling for a characterful ship’s cabin feel. Panelling laid like this also helps a tiny space appear wider.
Finally, don’t forget to paint your tongue and groove in a calming colour, like this muted blue, to gaze at as you soak your cares away.
Double up your basins
It’s a classic hotel-chic trick: if you have the room, the perfect symmetry of matching twin basins instantly ups a bathroom’s glam factor.
An extra basin is also a godsend for busy families, helping you avoid those all-too-common arguments over who gets to brush their teeth first in the morning. These two rather grand pedestal basins look way more stylish paired up, while the dreamily dark walls add to a boho vibe.
It’s a classic hotel-chic trick: if you have the room, the perfect symmetry of matching twin basins instantly ups a bathroom’s glam factor.
An extra basin is also a godsend for busy families, helping you avoid those all-too-common arguments over who gets to brush their teeth first in the morning. These two rather grand pedestal basins look way more stylish paired up, while the dreamily dark walls add to a boho vibe.
Take the subway
Metro tiles are an ongoing favourite in bathrooms, and no wonder. These modern classics inject the utility chic factor with minimal effort, and go with absolutely everything. Make sure you lay them neatly in classic brick formation, and use dark grey grout for extra definition.
Here, the tiles have been used in the adjacent bath and shower zones, as well as on the bath panel, for a seamless, modern effect.
Metro tiles are an ongoing favourite in bathrooms, and no wonder. These modern classics inject the utility chic factor with minimal effort, and go with absolutely everything. Make sure you lay them neatly in classic brick formation, and use dark grey grout for extra definition.
Here, the tiles have been used in the adjacent bath and shower zones, as well as on the bath panel, for a seamless, modern effect.
Shake up your shower rail
Give a freestanding bath oodles of extra character – and avoid a flooded floor – with a timeless, Victorian-style circular metal curtain rail and matching shower rose. This unashamedly charming vintage look nearly always works best with a plain white shower curtain, as seen here above a double-ended tub. I also love this rail’s gold finish: much cooler than silver.
Give a freestanding bath oodles of extra character – and avoid a flooded floor – with a timeless, Victorian-style circular metal curtain rail and matching shower rose. This unashamedly charming vintage look nearly always works best with a plain white shower curtain, as seen here above a double-ended tub. I also love this rail’s gold finish: much cooler than silver.
Indulge in marble magic
Luxurious polished marble is cool, classy and works brilliantly in both contemporary and period bathrooms. It won’t get scummy or worn, it’s easy to wipe down and it exudes ‘how the other half lives’ elegance. A marble counter holding the basin is a classic upscale touch, but to make a real statement, line the walls and floor in marble, as in this awe-inspiring city penthouse. Black marble also makes a great contrast to a minimal white tub.
Read expert advice on where to start with a bathroom redesign
Luxurious polished marble is cool, classy and works brilliantly in both contemporary and period bathrooms. It won’t get scummy or worn, it’s easy to wipe down and it exudes ‘how the other half lives’ elegance. A marble counter holding the basin is a classic upscale touch, but to make a real statement, line the walls and floor in marble, as in this awe-inspiring city penthouse. Black marble also makes a great contrast to a minimal white tub.
Read expert advice on where to start with a bathroom redesign
Balance a bowl
The bowl-style basin sitting on a minimal plinth has definitely crossed the line from ‘passing bathroom trend’ to ‘love-forever styling’.
These two simple round basins look modern and sleek. Wall-mounted taps, subtle lighting and a long mirror complete a scheme that’s upmarket – and contemporary without being soulless or faddy.
The bowl-style basin sitting on a minimal plinth has definitely crossed the line from ‘passing bathroom trend’ to ‘love-forever styling’.
These two simple round basins look modern and sleek. Wall-mounted taps, subtle lighting and a long mirror complete a scheme that’s upmarket – and contemporary without being soulless or faddy.
Use wonderful wood
It’s definitely worth thinking about including wood in your bathroom. Used smartly, it works well in most rooms, injecting a warm, natural spa atmosphere that will last the distance.
The designers of this bathroom could easily have stuck to plain white, but the wooden bath panel, framed mirror and vanity unit together add that crucial design detail. Go for a pared-back look elsewhere, as here, and you can’t go wrong.
It’s definitely worth thinking about including wood in your bathroom. Used smartly, it works well in most rooms, injecting a warm, natural spa atmosphere that will last the distance.
The designers of this bathroom could easily have stuck to plain white, but the wooden bath panel, framed mirror and vanity unit together add that crucial design detail. Go for a pared-back look elsewhere, as here, and you can’t go wrong.
Stick with slate
A dark grey-tiled floor is one of those basic design features that somehow works in any bathroom scheme, whether modern or traditional. It also goes brilliantly with white, which, let’s face it, your bath and basin are likely to be.
Either choose timeless natural slate, or source a practical ceramic or porcelain lookalike. Stick with simple classic squares, as seen here, or try large pavement slabs laid brick bonded for a country-ish style. Always check your tiles have an anti-slip finish so they’re safe when you step out of the shower.
A dark grey-tiled floor is one of those basic design features that somehow works in any bathroom scheme, whether modern or traditional. It also goes brilliantly with white, which, let’s face it, your bath and basin are likely to be.
Either choose timeless natural slate, or source a practical ceramic or porcelain lookalike. Stick with simple classic squares, as seen here, or try large pavement slabs laid brick bonded for a country-ish style. Always check your tiles have an anti-slip finish so they’re safe when you step out of the shower.
Splash out on quality taps
Whether traditional crosshead or minimal mixer, choose the best-quality taps you can afford – they really do make a difference and will look good for years.
It might sound obvious, but before you buy, check the feel of the taps in the showroom: are they hard to turn, and will little hands manage? Remember, you’ll be turning them on and off dozens of times a week. Finally, consider plumbing in wall-mounted taps, as seen here. They’re a proven bathroom design trend and keep things neat and super-stylish.
Whether traditional crosshead or minimal mixer, choose the best-quality taps you can afford – they really do make a difference and will look good for years.
It might sound obvious, but before you buy, check the feel of the taps in the showroom: are they hard to turn, and will little hands manage? Remember, you’ll be turning them on and off dozens of times a week. Finally, consider plumbing in wall-mounted taps, as seen here. They’re a proven bathroom design trend and keep things neat and super-stylish.
Hang a great mirror
Every bathroom needs a mirror, and a beautiful one can make a big impact in a small room. This Venetian-style design adds a touch of grandeur in a plain scheme, but a large modern mirror can be just as effective. To help make a tiny bathroom feel more spacious, ask your local glazier to cut a mirror bespoke to fit the width of an entire wall.
TELL US…
Have you incorporated any timeless features into your bathroom? Is there anything you covet, such as a roll-top bath? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Every bathroom needs a mirror, and a beautiful one can make a big impact in a small room. This Venetian-style design adds a touch of grandeur in a plain scheme, but a large modern mirror can be just as effective. To help make a tiny bathroom feel more spacious, ask your local glazier to cut a mirror bespoke to fit the width of an entire wall.
TELL US…
Have you incorporated any timeless features into your bathroom? Is there anything you covet, such as a roll-top bath? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
A freestanding, roll-top bath will never go out of fashion. It’s one of those timeless luxuries that make everyday life seem deliciously indulgent. If you’re prepared for the odd splash on the floor, a roll-top can transform a workaday bathroom into a boutique hotel-style pamper zone.
Roll-top baths can also help give bathrooms a ‘living room’ feel, as seen here, helped along by the armchair, chandelier and sheepskin rug. Don’t assume they only suit huge rooms, either – they can add glamour to smaller spaces, too.
Plain white is always a classic choice, or choose a bath with sides you can paint for a dab of custom colour.