Inspiration - Bathrooms from the Turn of the Last Century

Above is a parsonage from the 1860s where a small toilet has been completely renovated in a classic style. A beautiful green tile floor from Winckelmans and half-tiled walls with beveled half-tile, the rest of the walls adorned with wallpaper from William Morris. Photo: @emeliesvackra

Bathrooms Around the Turn of the Century

For those who could afford it, a small washroom called a toilet with a washbasin and toilet table was initially set up in the home. By the end of the 19th century, some of the most elegant apartments were also equipped with their own bathtubs. It wasn't until the early 20th century that some newly built apartments began to have their own bathrooms. In the newly built apartments and villas of the 1910s, private washrooms equipped with washbasins, toilet tables, and bathtubs became increasingly common. However, it took until the 1920s before toilets became common in households, due to technical limitations with the water drainage systems in cities. Bathtubs were often freestanding, made of cast iron, and had feet shaped like lion's paws or bird claws. The rooms were often decorated with ceramic tiles, limestone, or marble on the floor, with walls of beadboard or tile.

Design of Bathrooms from the 1920s

In the 1920s, apartments and villas began to be designed with bathrooms and water closets, although these were often placed separately. It took a long time before having a bathroom became standard in Swedish homes. The bathrooms of the 1920s were often equipped with freestanding bathtubs, which increasingly adopted a simpler design. Walls and floors were typically covered with tiles to protect against water. Popular choices included white tiles as well as colored tiles in dark red, dark blue, or green.

In this attic apartment from 1886, the bathroom has been renovated to be bright and stylish with Victorian-style tiles and classic tiles with beveled edges in the typical brick pattern. A beautiful cast iron bathtub with lion's feet adds a luxurious touch, complemented by a chrome bathtub and shower faucet set. Photo: @ovreslottsgatan

In this classic guest toilet, different types of tile moldings have been used in combination with tiles in a staggered pattern to create a sophisticated impression. A half-tiled bathroom is perfect for adding personality and life. Color and pattern can be added to the wall above the tiles either through paint or wallpaper. The washstand cabinet from Burlington is perfect for smaller bathrooms. On the floor, Victorian tiles have been laid along with a beautiful tile border. The bathroom lamp in patterned glass and the black porcelain light switch tie the style together.

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