Nail the Trend: Art Deco Bathrooms

The Art Deco movement of the early 20th century is still hugely popular in home interiors today. Art Deco is all about luxury and opulence, so it’s perfect if you want a traditional bathroom that looks more high-end. It is also a timeless trend, so it will endure for years to come without looking outdated.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Art Deco is and how you can achieve the trend in your bathroom.

What is Art Deco?

The Art Deco movement emerged in the inter-war years of the 1920s and 30s. It is associated with bold, rich colours, geometric shapes, metallic accents, and decadent detail work. There are many ways to nail this look in your bathroom – read on to find out more!

Art deco furniture

Art Deco furniture is defined by geometric detailing and shapes, shiny metal accents, lacquer, and symmetrical or angular lines. For that reason, we recommend the Chevron Range of vanity units by Scudo for an Art Deco bathroom.

These vanity units make an elegant showpiece for your space. With chevron detailing, they are a subtle nod to the Art Deco movement, combined with a sleek modern silhouette. The units are available in a wall-mounted or floor standing design, so there is something for bathrooms of all sizes.

The unit comes in pink or blue, both bold colours associated with Art Deco style. Handles are sold separately – we recommend choosing a black or brass handle, as these are more Art Deco than chrome. Just make sure you add a tap in a matching colour for a cohesive look. There is even an option to fit a black or brass frame under the unit which adds extra height, storage, and style!

Black, white, gold

Black is a must-have colour for an Art Deco bathroom, with the monochrome colours of black and white proving a popular choice. If you’re on a strict budget, opt for an all-white bathroom with black features such as taps and accessories.

If you have a bigger budget, design a complete monochrome bathroom and warm it up with shiny gold accents. Black and gold is a classic Art Deco combo – think Great Gatsby!

• Tile your bathroom with classic black and white metro tiles. This is a budget-friendly way to add geometric pattern to your bathroom, another essential element of Art Deco style which we will cover more later. Use the white metro tile as your main tile with dark grout, and use the black tile as a border or to highlight certain areas such as the basin, bath, or shower.
• To capture the Art Deco era, you really can't go wrong with a traditional roll-top bath. A black roll-top bath will help complement a monochrome palette, so go for our Black Richmond Free Standing Roll Top Bath. This tub also has claw and ball feet for a stunning vintage look.
• Finish your monochrome bathroom with gold detail, such as traditional gold taps. If you are doing a complete bathroom renovation, we recommend a pedestal washstand basin with a vintage gold frame from our Heritage Blenheim Range. If you have the space, you could place two of these together for that classic double washstand look. Add a high or low-level toilet with gold pipework, and you will truly feel like you are stepping into the 1920s!

Geometric patterns

Geometric designs and bold patterns are at the heart of Art Deco style, and the best way to add these elements to your bathroom is with tiles.

You can’t get more Art Deco than the Palm Striped Hex Tile Range. Their shape and pattern make them the perfect accent tile for a feature wall or floor. We recommend the monochrome, pink or blue tiles in this range, as these are all classic Art Deco colours.

With its monochrome colour palette and blocky pattern, the Antic Circle Decorative Pattern Tile puts a contemporary twist on Art Deco style. It also has an anti-slip surface for added safety.

If you’re a fan of mosaics, we recommend the Tokyo White Mosaic Sheet. The bold black and white pattern of this designer tile makes it the ideal feature piece for any Art Deco bathroom. Use it as a feature tile on your wall or floor and contrast it with a plain large format tile to make it stand out.

Go green

Green is another colour that’s often found in an Art Deco colour palette. We suggest a rich green like the Metro Verde Bottle Green Tile, as this will create a bold statement and a luxurious feel in your bathroom. Position these tiles horizontally for a classic look, or lay them in a Chevron pattern if you are feeling bold. Complete your Art Deco bathroom with traditional gold features (pictured).

If green is not to your taste, you could choose a navy tile such as our Aqua Flat Navy Metro Tile. Navy also works in an Art Deco colour scheme and will add invigorating, regal colour to your bathroom without being overpowering.

Lighting

One of the easiest and most eye-catching ways to bring Art Deco into your bathroom is with light fixtures. Lamps made of shiny metals such as steel and chrome and white glass were common during this period. The Josef Martin Addislade Over Mirror Light follows this aesthetic. It also has the modern advantage of LED lights, which are energy efficient and provide excellent task lighting. If you prefer to hang wall lights on either side of your mirror, go for the Josef Martin Coquet LED Wall Light.

For some old-style glamour, why not swap out your old ceiling light for a chandelier? Our Forum Spa Chandelier is elegant and functional, with a stepped design that was common during the Art Deco era.

From taps to tiles, lighting to furniture, there are many ways to design an Art Deco bathroom. It is also important to choose the right colours and accents for an authentic look. To create the sumptuous Art Deco bathroom of your dreams, shop our product ranges online. You can also visit one of our showrooms to view a wide range of products up close, with the help of our experienced team.