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Victorian Bathroom Tile Ideas – 9 ways to add a splash of splendour to your home

One of the most lavish and striking tile types, Victorian tiles were inspired by early medieval encaustic tiles. During the Gothic revival, the passion for all things medieval, including intricate details, pointed arches and beautifully tiled floors was ignited.

Herbert Minton, a porcelain manufacturer, revived the art of encaustic tile making and the first Victorian tiles were supplied to a church in 1842.  As the trend for tiled floors in churches and public buildings grew, more and more people began tiling pathways and floors in their own homes. No longer a design reserved for the rich, beautifully tiled hallways began appearing in houses all over the country.

Victorian tiles are known for their characteristic geometric patterns which range from simple to complex. Adding classic style to any room, they will make a timeless and elegant addition to your home.

Keep reading to discover more about these traditional-style tiles and discover some inspiring bathroom tile ideas.

Recommended Pattern: St Andrews Victorian Floor

What are Victorian tiles?

Usually consisting of a range of geometric shapes, Victorian tiles are used to create beautifully patterned, hardwearing floors. Traditional, plain Victorian tiles are made from clay, the more expensive, patterned encaustic tiles are created using two or more different colours of clay.

More modern Victorian tiles can be made from vitrified ceramic (a combination of silica and clay), porcelain or cement. In contrast to the smaller, unusually unglazed mosaic floor tiles, Victorian wall tiles are often highly glazed, plainer and finished with ornate dado tiles.

Victorian mosaic floor patterns are usually made up of square, triangular, octagonal and diamond shapes and are laid in attractive repeating patterns. You can choose from a wide range of traditional patterns or go for more contemporary designs.

Although traditional Victorian mosaic tiles typically consist of more subdued colours, you can now choose from a rainbow of colours to create a modern twist, including pale blue, pastel yellow and even pink.

Victorian bathroom tile ideas

From the grandest statement tiled floors to dramatic bathroom walls, we’ve put together some of the most incredible Victorian bathroom tile ideas to help you choose the perfect tiles for your space:

Combine a patterned floor with dark walls

There is so much choice when it comes to choosing the right Victorian tiles for your home. You might prefer to pick a patterned floor, install bold wall tiles, or do both!

Victorian floor tiles usually consist of a repeating pattern, edged with more decorative border tiles.  Pick out a favourite floor tile colour and continue it onto the walls with classy gloss, metro tiles. Edge wall tiles with beautifully ornate dado tiles for the most authentic Victorian style.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Edge traditional metro tiles with dado border tiles

Originating in underground railway stations, metro tiles have become a style classic. Still one of the most popular tile styles, these tiles look fantastic in any setting. For a more traditional look, choose tiles in deep green, blue or purple and edge them with decorative dado tiles.

Dado rails and mouldings feature in many Victorian homes and adding them is an effective way to achieve an authentic period look.

Image credit: @victorian_number_15

Recommended Tile: Dorset Smooth Slate Grey

Choose classic checkerboard floor tiles

Although this elegant black and white floor design is often seen in Victorian homes, the checkerboard floor was favoured by the Ancient Egyptians and Romans. This timeless classic is guaranteed to add a period feel to your bathroom.

Opt for smaller mosaic tiles inside an elegant border, or fit larger squares for a completely different look. Fitting the tiles diagonally can help to create the illusion of more space and is a clever way to enlarge even the smallest of bathrooms.

Keep it traditional with dark floor and wall tiles

Traditional Victorian tiles were darker than their more modern equivalents and there’s no better way to add period drama to your bathroom than by choosing tiles in the deepest shades.

Deep green, blue, purple and black tiles will all help you to create a traditionally-themed bathroom. Mix it up with different-shaped floor tiles and add a classic dado border to finish the look.

Recommended Wall Tiles: Emilia Avocado/Kesha Bottiglia

Recommended Floor Tiles: Ava Negro

Make a statement with black and white tiles

Amongst the most popular Victorian tile colour combinations, black and white has never gone out of style. It goes with all interiors, from traditional to more modern and it’s one of the most timeless colour choices you can make.

Mix a marble checkerboard floor with classic white metro tiles for an understated but seriously chic look. Add traditional fixtures and fittings to complete the Victorian vibe.

Image credit: @nomoremagnoli_a

Recreate this look: Dorset Bevelled White wall tile with contrasting Charcoal Weber Grout, floor tile Cambridge Pattern

Create zones with beautiful border tiles

Victorian floors are usually edged with border tiles, creating a more elegant and formal look. Try something different and use border tiles to mark out a shower area in the bathroom.

Borders like this need to be planned out in advance before fitting to ensure that the tiles slot together perfectly. Using larger, plain tiles at the bottom of the pattern is a clever way to do this as they can be carefully cut to size.

Image credit: @theohomegroup

Add drama with vivid colour and pattern

There’s nothing to say that Victorian style can’t be vibrant! Combine jewel bright emerald green tiles with a timeless checkerboard floor to create a look that’s traditional and fun.

Add finishing touches with Victorian-style sanitary ware and salvaged accessories. You can also breathe life into a room by using bold wallpapers.

Recommended tile: Emilia Avocado

Fit an authentic Victorian mosaic floor

Add the wow factor to your bathroom with a traditional Victorian mosaic tiled floor. Often seen in hallways and pathways of period homes, these are one of the most beautiful ways to use tiles.

There is a wide range of traditional patterns to choose from, or, if you’re feeling creative, you can design your own. The more intricate the better, add a border, or two to create a floor that will last a lifetime.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Recommended Pattern: Richmond

Opt for a classic octagon and dot patterned floor

One of the most popular Victorian floor tile designs, the octagon and dot floor pattern has never gone out of style. Choose elegant black and white, go for warmer shades, or have fun by adding multicoloured square riles into the mix. Whatever colour scheme you choose, this classic floor pattern will add a retro look to your bathroom.

Image credit: @chateausonoma

Victorian tile-style tips

  • It’s all in the details, whether you’ve chosen a grand mosaic floor or plainer wall tiles, add decorative borders and moulded dado tiles to create the typically ornate Victorian style.
  • More is definitely more! The Victorians didn’t really do subtle, the more detail and decoration they could squeeze in the better. Combine bold colours and patterns to create a striking look and top it off with feature wallpaper, elegant fittings and opulent accessories.
  • Laying Victorian floor tiles isn’t for the faint-hearted! You’ll need to measure and lay the pattern out before you begin to ensure the design fits perfectly; We strongly recommend hiring a professional tiler.
  • You can easily add a modern twist to the more traditional designs by opting for contemporary colour schemes and patterns.

Atlas Ceramics stocks a wide range of Victorian tiles, including one of the leading Victorian tile suppliers, Original Style.  From geometric mosaics to a wide range of metro tiles and elegant border tiles, we can help you to achieve the Victorian look in your home. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for advice.