Do you love spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and full of character? Then a traditional bathroom might be exactly what you're looking for. Think classic fixtures, beautiful textures, and the little details that make a room feel thoughtfully put together. Traditional design isn't about being old-fashioned - it's about creating a bathroom that feels classy, calm and a little bit indulgent. If you're renovating your bathroom or want to give your current bathroom a few new upgrades and need inspiration, then you're in the right place. From free-standing baths to vintage-inspired taps and showers, in this blog we'll explore traditional bathroom fixtures that proves classic design can still feel fresh, stylish and effortlessly sophisticated.
Traditional Basins
Basin Taps
Taking the first step to creating a beautiful traditional bathroom doesn't have to start with replacing the big things or totally ripping out your basin. Making small changes to your current bathroom can have a huge impact without breaking the bank. Lets start with traditional basin taps, think period inspired pillar taps featuring a crosshead or lever style, but with all the benefits of modern inner-workings to guarantee smooth control of water temperature and flow, while offering long-lasting style. All traditional inspired taps are designed to fit into any basin with 1 or 2 holes and there are even some traditional inspired wall mounted basin taps out there, so although your bathroom might look modern now, a simple switch can quickly start you off on your traditional bathroom design journey.
Heritage Glastonbury Basin Pillar Taps
Crosswater Belgravia Tall Monobloc Basin Mixer Tap with Crosshead Handle
Booth & Co. Axbridge Basin Pillar Taps
Basins
If you're considering a more extensive bathroom remodel that includes replacing your old basin with a new one, you'll find a huge variety of styles to choose from. Pedestal basins are a go-to for traditional bathrooms, especially in smaller spaces. They're simple, but elegant and let beautiful details like heritage taps do the talking. Shape and detailing all matter, soft curves and subtle fluting help keep things feeling authentic, while finishes like crisp white ceramic pair beautifully with both warm and cool metals, allowing you to be fully flexible with your design. A well chosen traditional basin grounds the bathroom, bringing everything together in a way that feels effortless and timeless.
Heritage Dorchester Medium Round Basin with Pedestal
Burlington Guild 450mm Cloakroom Basin with Washstand
Heritage Granley Cloakroom Basin with Pedestal
Vanity Units
Think panelled doors, decorative legs and classic hardware that adds character and a focal point to your bathroom. A traditional vanity unit is the perfect blend of beauty and practicality that provides you with much needed storage and makes a bathroom feel complete. Painted finishes such as soft neutrals, muted greens or warm greys all sit comfortably within a traditional bathroom scheme, pair with a classic basin and heritage-style taps to instantly elevate your room. With a range of styles to choose from including floor standing or wall mounted, you'll be sure to find a design you love in a size or style that comfortably compliments your space.
Burlington Guild Floor Standing 620mm Vanity Unit with Basin
Eastbrook Hardwick Traditional 900mm Floor Standing Vanity Unit with Basin
Heritage Caversham Wall Mounted Vanity Unit with Basin or Worktop - 700mm - One DrawerTraditional Baths
Bath Taps
The exact same theory as basin taps applies when it comes to bath taps. You can create a traditional inspired bathroom by switching out your old bath tap to a new traditional inspired one and you can match your bath tap with your basin tap to keep things co-ordinated. One of our favourite styles are the bath shower mixer taps, allowing you to switch from bath or shower with ease while offering an authentic feel without compromising on quality, you'll find a huge variety of traditional styles to choose from with different finishes to match your theme. But don't worry if you just want a bath tap without the shower attachment, there are plenty of stand alone bath fillers available, we love the lever style handle for a touch of hotel-inspired luxury.
Booth & Co. Axbridge Deck Mounted Bath Shower Mixer With Traditional Shower Handset
Flova Liberty 4 Hole Bath and Shower Mixer Tap with Shower Set
Booth & Co. Axbridge Lever Bath Filler Tap
Bath Panels
Bath panels might not be the first thing you think about when planning a bathroom, but they can make a huge difference if you're on a budget or aren't wanting to do a full bathroom renovation to achieve the look you desire. The right bath panel can help your bath feel like a considered feature rather than just something built in, often with shaker style detailing and painted a variety of colours to keep the look timeless and provide subtle contrast without overpowering the space. Matching your bath panel to the colour of your vanity unit or walls helps everything feel cohesive and thoughtfully designed, it's one of those finishing touches that quietly elevates the whole bathroom.
Heritage Bath Front Panel - 1700mm
Burlington Arundel 1700mm Bath Side Panel
Burlington Arundel Bath End Panel
Freestanding Baths
When we think of traditional bathrooms, a freestanding bath is often one of the first things that comes to mind, probably because it's the centrepiece of a traditional bathroom and it's easy to see why. There is something luxurious and timeless, whether its a roll-top or a more understated slipper style, freestanding baths are the ultimate upgrade for a more indulgent bathroom. Curved silhouettes and generous sized freestanding baths work best in traditional spaces, roll-top baths with painted exteriors add plenty character when paired with statement bath taps in finishes like brass or chrome. Slipper baths are another beautiful option, offering a slightly softer, more refined look while still keeping a heritage feel. Placement is key when it comes to freestanding baths, giving them space to breathe helps them feel like a true focal point, try positioning one in the centre of the room or framed by a window for the perfect aesthetic. A freestanding bath isn't just about how it looks, it's about creating a moment that invites you to slow down, unwind and enjoy a space that feels both classic and comforting.
Heritage Essex Freestanding Cast Iron Bath with Feet
Burlington Admiral Oval Freestanding Bath in Gloss White
Traditional Showers
Shower Heads & Valves
Despite showers seeming like a more modern invention, we'd never expect you to compromise on the convenience of a shower just to get that traditional look. Traditional shower heads tend to lean towards softer, rounded shapes rather than anything too sharp and modern. Think oversized fixed shower heads, elegant riser rails and beautifully finished valves that feel more like a design feature than a practical necessity. Exposed shower valves and pipework are a classic choice for traditional bathrooms, adding character and a sense of craftmanship. We would always recommend matching your valve to your showerhead for a calm and cohesive feel.
Booth & Co. Axbridge 3 Outlet, 3 Handle Concealed Thermostatic Shower Valve
Heritage Dawlish Exposed Thermostatic, 1 outlet, 2 Handle Shower Valve
Booth & Co. Axbridge Single Function Shower Handset with Hose and Bracket
Booth & Co. Axbridge Traditional 200mm (8") Shower Head and Arm
Shower Sets
We like to make things easy when it comes to designing your dream bathroom, that's why we have a range of complete shower sets available in traditional styles so you don't forget anything you need for a fully functional shower. It is one of those elements that instantly pulls the whole bathroom together, rather than feeling purely functional, it becomes part of the overall design, adding structure, balance and a touch of elegance. Whether it's a classic riser rail with a handheld shower or a more elaborate exposed setup, a well-chosen shower set can completely transform the space. With a range of finishes to choose from, it can play a big role in how everything ties together, think warm metals such as antique gold to add warmth or chrome and brushed nickel to keep things feeling classic and clean. Thoughtful detailing, quality materials and a design that stands the test of time all help to create a shower space that feels inviting and made to last.
Crosswater Belgravia Thermostatic Shower Kit with Fixed Shower Head and Handset
Booth & Co. Axbridge Exposed Shower Valve Set with Rigid Riser, Shower Head and Handset
Traditional Toilets
Toilets might not be the most glamorous part of a bathroom, but in a traditional space they can still feel thoughtful and well-designed rather than fading into the background. High-level and low-level cistern toilets are a signature choice for traditional bathrooms, bringing instant period charm with their exposed pipework and classic pull chains or levers. While practicality is key, a well-chosen traditional toilet proves that even the most functional elements can contribute to a bathroom that feels elegant and thoughtfully put together. If a whole toilet rip out and replace isn't ideal, opt for the simple swap of your toilet seat, wooden toilet seats are the best choice for a traditional style with a natural wood look or clean white, often featuring brass or chrome hinges to compliment.
Heritage Dorchester High Level Toilet with Fittings Pack
Burlington Regal Comfort Height Low Level Toilet
Heritage Dorchester Close Coupled Toilet
Heating
Heating is one of those practical details that can easily be overlooked, but in a traditional bathroom it plays a much bigger role than you might think. The right heating doesn't just keep the room and your towels warm, it adds to the overall look and feel of the room. Traditional towel rails are a classic choice, with beautiful detailing they add character while fitting effortlessly into a traditional scheme with curved bars or traditional valves available in chrome and antique brass finishes to match the rest of your bathroom fixtures and keep everything coordinated. Good heating is what makes a bathroom truly inviting, it's the difference between a space that simply looks beautiful and one that feels warm and ready to enjoy on slow and cosy mornings or evenings.
Eastbrook Isbourne Straight Vertical Traditional Radiator in Brushed Brass/Gloss White
Eastbrook Painswick Traditional Central Heating Radiator in Chrome - 778 x 686
Vogue Colonnade Straight Traditional Towel Radiator in Chrome
Bathroom Mirrors
Mirrors are those finishing touches that pull a traditional bathroom together and the right mirror adds practicality combined with elegance and balance to any space. A generously sized mirror above a vanity helps the space feel brighter and more open, it's one of those subtle details that makes a traditional bathroom feel complete, considered and effortlessly timeless. Mirrored cabinets are also available in traditional styles so you don't have to compromise on storage and you can still keep all your bathroom essentials neatly stored away out of sight.
Burlington Guild 650mm Mirrored Cabinet
Traditional Bathroom Inspiration
Bringing a traditional bathroom together is really about the details and how they are layered. Once the core pieces are in place, it's those finishing touches like patterned tiles, textured surfaces and thoughtful accessories that truly give your bathroom its personality. The beauty of traditional designs is it's flexibility, whether you're completing a full renovation or want a traditional bathroom on a budget, designing your bathroom isn't about following rules, its about creating a space that feels calm, characterful and designed to be enjoyed for years to come. We hope you love some of our top picks and explore some of the most popular traditional brands available for you such as Heritage, Burlington and Booth & Co. by Vado.