Create an Art Deco Bathroom

The smallest room in the house doesn’t have to be short on style! Bring on the glamour and give a nod to art deco, a trend that never really went out of fashion …

Art Deco was a distinctive style that summed up the roaring 1920s and 1930s. It — arguably —started in Paris and then hit the rest of Europe, North America and Australia. It was eclectic, modern and touched all aspects of life from film and fashion to the decorative arts. It was like nothing anyone had seen before. It was all about pleasure, fun and hedonism. Think Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, The Great Gatsby and the Charleston.

Bathrooms lend themselves well to the Art Deco style: geometric angular shapes, shiny
black lacquer, chrome, mirror tiles and abstract, geometric motifs. Just follow our tips and you can have yourself a to-die-for bathroom that captures the gilt edged glamour of days gone by.

Deco Tilework Lagrange Interiors

Deco Tilework Lagrange Interiors

Colour

Bathrooms were typically black, white and chrome set against an off-white, pale green, silver or blue background. Choose wall and tile colours carefully and keep them typically pale so as not to compete with the clean, modern lines of the bathroom furniture.

The basin

In the days of Deco, basins made a statement. Angular lines and long pedestals are typical of the Art Deco style. However, you can add a contemporary twist and choose a more up-to-date basin – just as long as it has the modern, sleek, angular lines of the times. The aim is to focus on the design of the furniture.

The bath

The bath was the centrepiece. If you have the space, a freestanding roll top can take centre stage and add that all important touch of glamour. If you are a Deco die-hard, then opt for a traditional freestanding bath with ornate ball and claw feet. If you want to add a modern twist, choose a simpler, more contemporary roll top bath – making sure the angular, sleek lines are there.

Bathroom fixtures

What really stands out in the Art Deco style is the materials that were used. Shiny, polished chrome taps and fittings added the finishing touch. Glass featured heavily, and this can be brought into play through an embellished glass shower door or a piece of furniture such as an ornate mirror. A good tip is to scour the reclamation shops or vintage boutiques and find yourself an original Deco mirror in a bold or geometric design. Sleek, geometric light fixtures were also the rage, both wall fitted or free standing. You could go for an extravagant lamp in true deco style for that chic, glamorous look or add some smart-looking chrome and glass wall lamps.

Above all … don’t clutter. The Art Deco look is all about chic minimalism and opulent fantasy, all the things the best bathrooms are made of. Keep an eye out for deals on deco-compatible baths, sinks and taps at Fowles Home Renovator Auction.