Get Inspired with a Prohibition-Era Bathroom Design

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The allure of the Prohibition era, with its clandestine speakeasies and stylish Art Deco influences, offers a unique and captivating inspiration for home design. Bringing the spirit of the 1920s into your bathroom can create a space that feels both timeless and intriguing. Here’s how you can incorporate Prohibition-era elements into your bathroom design, covering everything from flooring to lighting fixtures and more.

Use Rustic Flooring Materials

The Prohibition era featured natural materials that exuded both warmth and elegance, like wood, marble, and granite. Wood flooring is an excellent choice, especially if you go for darker stains or rich hues that evoke the period’s ambiance. Think reclaimed wood or distressed finishes that give the space a vintage feel. The texture and color of aged wood can add an authentic touch, making your bathroom feel like a step back in time. You will want to work with your bathroom remodeling contractor to seal the wood against moisture, but it can last for many years with proper upkeep.

If wood isn’t your preferred material, rustic stone or slate can equally capture a speakeasy feel. Stone floors, particularly those with a slightly uneven, hand-hewn appearance, add to the charm. Slate has natural variations in color and texture, and it can create a dramatic and sophisticated foundation. Use darker colors and a rustic finish if you want to capture the mystery of the prohibition era.

Add Glamor and Mystery To Your Lighting Choices

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of your Prohibition-era bathroom. During the 1920s, lighting fixtures were not just functional but also decorative, often featuring intricate designs and luxurious materials. Chandeliers, for instance, can add a touch of glamor. Choose chandeliers with crystal accents or wrought iron details to enhance the vintage appeal.

Wall sconces are another essential element, providing soft, ambient lighting that contributes to the room’s intimate atmosphere. Look for sconces with Art Deco influences, such as geometric patterns or sleek, metallic finishes. Brass, copper, and bronze are ideal materials for these fixtures, as they were popular during the era and add warmth and richness to the decor.

For a more subdued lighting option, consider vintage-style pendant lights. These can be hung over the sink or bathtub to create focal points within the room. Choose fixtures with frosted or tinted glass shades to diffuse the light and evoke the smoky, mysterious ambiance of a speakeasy.

Above all else, consider a gas-imitation lamp! These can be spectacular, and whether they are standing lamps or wall fixtures, they will add atmosphere to your bathroom.

The Sink and Countertop

The sink and countertop in a Prohibition-era bathroom should reflect the understated elegance of the time. Pedestal sinks are a perfect choice to pair with a vintage theme. A porcelain pedestal sink, with its clean lines and timeless appeal, can serve as a beautiful centerpiece for your bathroom.

If you prefer a more substantial countertop, consider using materials like marble or granite. Marble, with its luxurious and refined appearance, was a popular choice in the 1920s and can add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom. Granite, while equally elegant, offers a more robust and less formal feel. Pairing these countertops with vintage-style faucets in brass or nickel finishes will complete the look, providing both functionality and style. Your plumber in Alpharetta can help you find fixtures that fit with your current water line setup, and they may even have sources where you can buy discounted bathroom fixtures.

Install a Vintage Toilet

Toilets may not be the most glamorous aspect of bathroom design, but choosing the right one can significantly impact the overall aesthetic. Look for toilets with a high-tank design, where the tank is mounted on the wall above the bowl and connected by a long, exposed pipe. This style was common in the early 20th century and adds a distinctive vintage flair to the bathroom.

Alternatively, you can choose a more traditional toilet with a rounded bowl and decorative flush handle. Again, finishes in brass or bronze can tie the toilet into the overall design scheme, ensuring that even the most utilitarian elements contribute to the period ambiance.

Fill In The Gaps With Mirrors, Trim and Art

To truly capture the essence of a Prohibition-era bathroom, it’s important to incorporate additional details and accessories that reflect the spirit of the time. Consider adding vintage mirrors with ornate frames. An antique mirror can serve as a stunning focal point and enhance the room’s vintage feel.

Incorporate period-appropriate artwork or framed advertisements from the 1920s. These can add a personal touch and create visual interest on the walls. Vintage perfume bottles, apothecary jars, and decorative trays can be used to display toiletries, adding to the authenticity of the design.

For a final touch, consider incorporating a clawfoot bathtub. These freestanding tubs are synonymous with vintage bathrooms and can provide a luxurious soaking experience. Pair the tub with a vintage-style handheld showerhead and faucet to complete the look.

Make Your Bathroom Count

We spend a good bit of time in the bathroom, so why not make it special? It’s worth the investment of time and money for raw materials. You will love the impact a nice bathroom has on your home, and your guests will be in awe when they emerge from your bathroom. Consult with a skilled designer today to get your prohibition-era bathroom design underway.