Victorian Bathrooms: The Evolution of the Victorian Bath

Baths through the ages have evolved from public bathhouses and elite spa-like retreats for the wealthy to a haven of hygiene luxury in our own homes. The Victorian bath is one such fixture that in many ways, has stood the test of time. It’s an icon of personal hygiene and the ultimate in luxurious living. Let’s take a look at its evolution through the years…

The early baths

The earliest known bathtub was found in Greece, in the Palace of Knossos, in Crete. This dates from 1700 B.C. Excavations of Greek cities turned up alabaster and ceramic tubs, as well as sophisticated hot and cold water systems providing indoor plumbing to the bathers. However, many of us are more familiar with ancient Roman baths, where bathing took on great societal and public importance.

In fact, bathing was not only about hygiene and cleansing but it quickly became a social gathering where friends could meet, play games, converse and bathe in public bathhouses.

Once household bathing became more of the norm, until the mid to 19th Century, baths were then typically mobile and made out of copper. For many, only the wealthy would indulge in this daily practice, sometimes up to three times per day in their own homes. This copper tub could also be moved around – from the kitchen to bedroom or dressing room as needed. The less wealthy were forced to pump water from public taps which was then heated on a fire for their own bathtime rituals. The bath was filled and emptied with buckets, adding more hot water as each member of the home took their turn to bathe.

By the late 1880s, indoor plumbing and accessibility to water tanks made bathing easier. Gas heaters were more widely used and many middle-class homes were then equipped with cast iron full-length baths. Victorian baths were usually regarded as furniture and tended to be boxed in.

Throughout histories and cultures, herbs, flowers, salts and scented oils were used to make baths more fragrant, and help clean the body. Soap was in use by the Romans, the Gauls, and the Celts, but took a hiatus for several centuries, and did not appear in Europe again until the Middle Ages, centering in Marseilles, then Genoa and Venice.

Modern baths

Today we are all accustomed to the modern bathroom and the modern bathtub. However, many designs are decades old and serve as both a functional concept and a statement of style. One of the most iconic images of the Victorian-era powder rooms has to be ‘ball-and-claw’ freestanding baths. This same style with a modern twist still prevails today!

Many of the baths available from Victorian Bathrooms pay homage to this original concept of a Victorian bath. The brand has been in the industry for over four decades and they continue to produce a classic twist to the traditional bath.

The Bateau Bath in Age Brass Skirt is a striking tub from Victorian Bathrooms. Here you can customise your bath by selecting from a choice of unique, one-of-a-kind, metal exterior finishes. Due to the rigidity of the brass metal, the skirt has straight lines with the absence of mouldings. These baths are beautifully hand-crafted, and therefore no two baths are ever identical.

Another worthy consideration for your modern classic bathroom is the Manhattan Bath. Manufactured from Cian, a mineral and resin composite, this bath is extremely durable and can be supplied in 8 colours, the colour going right through the construction. The straight, simple design of this bath makes it ideally suitable for both modern and classic interiors.

When it comes to comfort, the Chaise bath on Art Deco Feet provides the perfect seat for soaking. A superbly comfortable bath where one end is raised and sloped creating a cosy lounging position. The Chaise bath is available with a choice of two styles of feet – Victorian or Art Deco. It is available in a 1500mm or 1700mm length. If space is limited in your bathroom, the 1500mm Petite Chaise is perfect to make the most of your room.

Today bathrooms are not only functional places of cleanliness in our homes. These spaces can also add a sense of tranquility and calm to our everyday lives. Victorian Bathrooms understand this need to bring balance and peace into the modern bathroom. For your daily inspiration visit Victorian Bathroom Instagram page or shop the look at Victorian Bathrooms and create your own personal haven at home