The Art Deco movement of the early 20th century certainly has enduring appeal when it comes to home interiors. As we celebrate The Great British Bathroom, read on to discover the very latest in Art Deco bathroom ideas.
With the much-anticipated Downton Abbey film set to hit the big screen next month, we anticipate a resurgence in Art Deco design. With its luxurious appeal and sumptuous nature, which hints at a bygone age of opulence, Art Deco is a timeless look which we keep coming back to.
In this style guide, we’ll explain what Art Deco is and how you can achieve a stunning Art Deco bathroom.
What is Art Deco?
A form of design that came to prominence during the inter-war years of the 1920s and 30s, Art Deco is best known for its use of bold colours and geometric shapes. One of the great things about this style is, despite being from the early 20th Century, it can be made to feel as modern or retro as you like.
If you want to find out more about Art Deco as a style, why not take a look at our handy, bite-size infographic?
How to create an Art Deco bathroom
Art Deco works superbly when it comes to bathroom design, with the monochrome colours of black and white proving a popular choice. However, you don’t need to be restricted to just these—any combination of bold colours such as red and silver, dark blue and white or green and gold, all work well. You could even add colour accents through accessories such as towels or furnishings.
If you’re looking to replace your whole bathroom suite, look out for basins with a more angular shape, whilst traditional toilets are certainly the order of the day.
Pay attention to the style of taps you choose too—look for taps that come with geometric black handles, which add a glam, luxury feel.
To capture this golden era of interior design perfectly, you certainly can’t go wrong with a traditional roll top bath. A black surround will help complement a monochrome palette.
At the heart of the Art Deco style are geometric designs and bold patterns and both of these are widely available and ideal for tiles, walls and flooring. Classic black and white tiles, used either on the floor or wall, can be simple and relatively inexpensive. Sticking to wall tiles in essential areas, such as around the basin, bath or shower, is an economical way of adding tiled finishes to your bathroom. For a bit of glitz, add some metallic accessories. With a small budget in mind, paint the remaining walls.
If you love geometric designs, look out for bathroom wallpapers. There are lots of gorgeous geometric wallpapers available. Just remember to pick a design suitable for use in a bathroom. For a stunning feature, paper one wall only.
Bring your Art Deco bathroom together by adding finishing touches in the form of bathroom accessories. A wall mirror or two are essential in a bathroom and can help add light to a small room, or a bathroom without natural light. Look for bevelled mirrors with a luxury, glitzy finish, or a simple angular mirror.
In terms of materials, items including frosted glass and chrome were popular in the Art Deco period. Choose chrome or frosted glass accessories, such as a toothbrush, soap holder, towel hook or robe hook.
Get the Art Deco look in a small bathroom
Don't forget, the Art Deco look can be achieved in even the smallest of bathrooms. Don't believe us? Take a look at this compact family bathroom.
And, if you simply wish to welcome your guests with an Art Deco cloakroom, check out this inspirational downstairs toilet.
Best colours
Monochrome and subtle colour palettes are best to use here:
- Bold black and white
- Soft greens and oyster creams
- Pastels including pink, blue, green and yellow
Key features
Art Deco can be as traditional or modern as you like it, but some of the basic elements of the style are:
- Geometric and angular patterns combined with bold curves
- Exotic materials and linear decoration
- No fussiness or romance
- Black and white tiling
- Chrome fittings, silver-framed mirrors and gold-accented accessories
Art Deco inspiration
For further inspiration, take a look at the following articles and resources:
- Art Deco bathroom mood board
- Create an art deco bathroom on a budget
- Art Deco infographic
- Style special: Art Deco inspiration
- How to create a Hollywood Regency style bathroom
Get the Look
Trying to achieve a specific look? We’ve got loads of expert style guides, created by our in-house style team, to help you on your way. Simply click on the image below to “Get the Look”.
The Great British Bathroom
This year, we’re celebrating everything that’s great about British bathrooms. Each week, we’re serving up a fresh batch of inspiration for the nation and you can find all our incredible bathroom ideas by clicking on the image below.