Modern vs Traditional Bathroom Suites: Which One is Right for You?
Style can be everything. From expressing your personality to reflecting your taste, your go-to design defines you. And when it comes to your bathroom, it’s just as important. Choosing the right style can make or break a room. But before you run off panicking, let’s ponder a simple starting point: should you choose a modern or traditional bathroom suite?
While both offer unique visual appeal, the ‘right’ choice ultimately depends on your taste, lifestyle, and the overall character of your home. Still unsure? That’s where we come in.
In this guide, we will compare the key features of both traditional and modern bathroom design, explore their pros and cons, and delve into bathroom design ideas to help you find the perfect fit for your bathroom suite.
What Is a Modern Bathroom Suite?
A modern bathroom suite embodies the present. These rooms often boast clean lines, clever functionality, and minimalist design. We don’t mean a bare room, but rather something that defines the current times.
Key features of modern bathroom suites:
- Wall-hung fixtures such as toilets and floating vanity units for a sleek, airy look
- Walk-in shower enclosures or frameless glass doors
- Smart technology, including sensor taps, LED bathroom mirrors with lights, and digital showers
- Concealed pipework and storage solutions to minimise clutter
Materials and finishes commonly used in modern bathrooms:
- Polished concrete, stone, and glass
- Chrome, brushed steel, or black bathroom taps
- High-gloss or handleless furniture for a seamless effect
Perfect for:
- Contemporary homes
- New builds
- City flats
What Is a Traditional Bathroom Suite?
Elegance, sophistication, and charm. This truly optimises a traditional bathroom suite. Inspired by historical design, typically Edwardian, Victorian, or early 20th-century styles, these suites bring a sense of timeless elegance, character, and exquisite craftsmanship to any home.
Key features of traditional bathroom suites:
- Clawfoot or freestanding baths
- Console or full pedestal basins with ornate detailing
- High-level or close-coupled toilets with beautiful ceramic levers
- Period-style taps, often boasting intricate crosshead levers
Materials and styles often found in traditional bathrooms:
- Rich woods, classic ceramics, and brass fittings
- Decorative tiling or wood panelling
- Soft, neutral colours or heritage tones like sage green or navy blue
Perfect for:
- Period properties
- Charming cottages
Pros and Cons of Modern vs Traditional Bathroom Suites
Which Style Suits Your Needs Best?
When deciding between a modern and traditional bathroom design, it can help to cast aside the aesthetic elements and focus more on practical matters. Let’s delve into some of the key areas that may be a dealbreaker:
Functionality & Technology
Contemporary bathroom suites often feature smart technology, such as smart showers and smart heating. Space-saving furniture and innovative designs like wall-hung toilets are also incredibly practical. On the other hand, traditional suites typically focus on elegance over innovation, with simpler fixtures such as traditional mixer showers with ornate detailing for a timeless feel.
Cleaning & Maintenance
With fewer grooves to worry about and more streamlined finishes, modern suites are generally easier to clean and maintain. Traditional suites, while beautiful, tend to include complex finishes that require a bit more attention to keep pristine.
Cost & Installation
Modern bathroom suites tend to be more cost-effective, especially at the entry level, and are often quicker to install. Vintage bathroom suites may carry a higher price tag due to premium materials and the complexity of fitting more elaborate pieces.
Space Usage
If you're working with small bathroom suites, modern designs tend to be more space-efficient. Traditional suites usually need a bit more room, especially if you're incorporating a freestanding bath or pedestal basin, but they can still work in smaller spaces like cloakroom suites.
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Suite for You
Make the Right Choice Based on Lifestyle & Home
Still not sure which is best for you? Then let’s dig deeper and unearth some additional key elements between these opposing styles:
1. Your Home’s Architecture
Match your suite to your home’s overall style. A sleek modern suite may feel out of place in a 19th-century townhouse, while a period-style bathroom might clash in a minimalist new build house or flat.
2. Who Will Use the Bathroom?
Consider who the space is for. A busy family bathroom may benefit from the easy maintenance and practical layout of a modern suite. For guest bathrooms or luxury ensuites, a traditional suite can create the perfect wow factor.
3. Your Budget & Renovation Scope
Modern suites typically offer more affordable options and simpler installation. Traditional suites, by contrast, can cost more due to intricate designs and the need for specialist fittings, but they may also add more value to period properties, boasting a lucrative investment.
4. Longevity and Future-Proofing
While modern designs may be more adaptable to smart home technology and future trends, traditional bathrooms offer timeless appeal that will never go out of fashion.
Plumbworld Tip: Mix and Match Thoughtfully
Who says you have to choose? If your heart is set on both styles, it’s entirely possible to create a transitional or hybrid bathroom! Think outside the box and allow the blend of modernism and traditional to shine by:
- Pairing a freestanding roll top bath with sleek, modern brassware
- Combining a modern vanity unit with vintage floor tiles
- Use contemporary lighting alongside classic panelled walls
This approach lets you enjoy the best of both worlds, just be sure to stick to a consistent colour palette and tone to avoid any clashing!
Modern or Traditional - Which Fits Your Home Best?
Both modern and traditional bathroom suites have their strengths. Whether you prefer the clean, minimalist appeal of contemporary design or the timeless beauty of a classic setup, the key is choosing a suite that fits your space, lifestyle, and taste.
Before you commit, we recommend:
- Browsing online catalogues for inspiration
- Visiting a local bathroom showroom or online to see both styles
- Speaking with a bathroom designer or installer if you’re unsure about layout or compatibility
Transform Your Bathroom Today at Plumbworld
Whether you lean towards the sleek minimalism of a modern bathroom suite or the timeless elegance of a traditional finish, choosing the right bathroom suite is key to creating a space you’ll love.
Explore our wide range of modern and traditional bathroom suites today and find the perfect match for your home.
If you're looking for further inspiration, take a look at the following posts - How to Create a Vintage Bathroom in a Modern Home - Traditional Bathroom Design Ideas - Country & Cottage Style Bathrooms.