How to create a traditional bathroom design with modern comfort in mind.

Bathroom designs inspired by the Victorian concept of luxury, as epitomised in films and TV series such as Downtown Abbey, have never been more popular. They possess a unique sense of indulgence and sanctuary, and can add glamour and grandeur to the most modest of spaces.

Central to any Victorian or Edwardian bathroom is a claw-footed roll-top bath. These beautiful objects are products of both craftsmanship and the tools of the industrial revolution. The cast iron bath is enamelled on the inside, painted on the outside, and mounted on four imposing ball-and-claw feet. Men tend to like resting their arms on the generous rim, while women dream of sinking under the bubbles like Downtown’s Lady Grantham.

Real cast iron baths have their drawbacks, however. First, they are very heavy. Even unfilled, a smaller cast iron bath can be upwards of 120kg. Unless the bathroom already has structural problems the floor shouldn’t need reinforcing, but the bath will certainly be difficult to manoeuvre, making it unsuitable for some older properties with tight staircases. Second, they are cold to the touch, and some of the heat from the water will be lost in warming the metal.

An alternative is to choose a traditional bath style, but opt for an alternative material. Victoria + Albert’s baths and basins are made from QuarrycastTM, a unique composite of Volcanic LimestoneTM and a special resin. This material is immensely strong, but much lighter than cast iron, and is a natural insulator, so the heat of the water is retained. The surface is less prone to scratching or chipping than porcelain enamel. Every bath in the range comes with a 25 year warranty.

Victoria + Albert’s range includes many classic designs, from double-ended models like the Cheshire, to slipper-style shapes like the Drayton and the Shropshire. They can be specified with a choice of over 200 RAL colours to match any conceivable bathroom scheme. Match with traditional English brassware from Perrin & Rowe, perhaps in an unlacquered brass finish.

Finally, add an elegant bath rack such as Victoria + Albert’s Tombolo with twin wine glass holders. Together with a silver ice bucket and a bottle of Champagne you will delight even the most noble of visitors.

For further information please email [email protected] or phone +44 1952 221 100. The House of Rohl group includes Victoria + Albert, Perrin & Rowe, Shaws of Darwen and Riobel.

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