Creating a Victorian style bathroom? Great choice! Victorian bathrooms look amazing and never go out of style. But picking the right wall tiles can feel overwhelming.
At Andrade Renovations, we help Suffolk homeowners create beautiful Victorian bathrooms. The trick is knowing which tiles work best for bathroom restorations.
Why Victorian Style Bathrooms Work So Well
Victorian bathrooms (from 1837-1901) were all about quality and cleanliness. They used bold colours, smart patterns, and practical design. Today’s Victorian style bathroom brings this look into modern homes.
This style works perfectly with freestanding baths, cast iron fixtures, and high level toilets. Get the wall tiles right, and you’ll have that perfect finish everyone wants.
Best Wall Tiles for Your Victorian Bathroom
Subway Tiles – The Top Choice
Subway tiles are the most popular choice for Victorian style bathrooms. These simple rectangular tiles (3 inches by 6 inches) give you that classic Victorian look.
Why subway tiles work so well:
- Easy to clean
- Work with any bathroom design
- Come in lots of colours
- Affordable options available
You can mix and match subway tiles with other design elements. Try white tiles with dark grout, or pick deep green for a bold Victorian feel.
Patterned Porcelain Tiles
Patterned porcelain tiles bring real Victorian character to your space. These copy the detailed designs Victorians loved, but they’re much easier to look after.
Popular Victorian patterns:
- Black and white geometric shapes
- Floral designs in rich colours
- Diamond patterns
These tiles work brilliantly as feature walls behind freestanding baths or around your roll top bath.
Small Round Tiles
Small round tiles (penny tiles) were huge in Victorian times. At three-quarters of an inch across, these tiny tiles let you create detailed patterns around curved bathroom fixtures.
Most penny tiles were white porcelain – this showed cleanliness, which mattered a lot to Victorians. Today, you can get these in different colours to match your bathroom design.
Victorian Colours That Still Work Today
Victorian bathrooms used bold, rich colours:
- Deep green
- Royal blue
- Rich burgundy
- Pure white
- Jet black
Mix and match these colours for striking looks. White tiles with green borders give you authentic Victorian style. For a touch of luxury, try marble effect tiles in these classic colours.
Matt Tiles or Glossy Finish?
Victorians loved glossy white tiles because they looked clean and bright. Today you have choices:
Glossy tiles are traditional and practical – easy to clean and bright Matt tiles give a softer feel but keep Victorian charm
Both work well. Pick based on the look you want and how much cleaning you’re happy to do.
Complete Your Victorian Look
Wall tiles are just part of creating the perfect Victorian style bathroom. Other design elements that work well:
- Slipper baths with claw feet
- High level toilets with traditional tanks
- Cast iron freestanding baths
- Roll top baths
These work together with your wall tiles for a complete Victorian bathroom design.
Getting Installation Right
Wall tiles in bathroom restorations need careful planning:
- Thin grout lines – Victorian tiles used much thinner gaps than modern styles
- Pattern planning – work patterns around your bathroom fixtures properly
- Waterproofing – use modern waterproofing behind tiles
- Professional fitting – Victorian patterns need expert installation for that perfect finish
At Andrade Renovations, we understand these details. Our team knows how to mix authentic Victorian style with modern practicality.
Budget Options for Victorian Style
Creating a Victorian style bathroom doesn’t cost a fortune:
| Tile Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Subway | £10-25 per m² | Large wall areas |
| Patterned Porcelain | £20-40 per m² | Feature walls |
| Penny Tiles | £15-35 per m² | Borders |
Tiles offers change regularly, so shop around for deals.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Using wrong tile sizes that look modern
- Picking colours Victorians never used
- Making grout lines too thick
- Forgetting proper waterproofing
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Can I mix different Victorian tiles?
Yes! Real Victorian bathrooms often mixed different tiles. Try subway tiles on walls with patterned borders.
Do Victorian tiles work in modern showers?
Absolutely. Quality porcelain tiles work perfectly in showers when properly waterproofed.
How do I clean Victorian style tiles?
Use gentle cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals. Regular gentle cleaning keeps tiles looking great.
Matt or glossy – which is better?
Glossy is more traditional and easier to clean. Matt gives a softer look. Both work in Victorian style bathrooms.
Get Your Victorian Bathroom Right
Creating the perfect Victorian style bathroom means picking wall tiles that capture real Victorian charm whilst working with modern life. Subway tiles give classic elegance, patterned porcelain adds character, and penny tiles provide finishing touches.
Success comes from understanding Victorian design and working with professionals who know bathroom restorations properly. The right wall tiles make all the difference between a good bathroom and a great one.
For expert advice on historic tiles, check Historic England’s guidance for proper care tips.
