Thinking about buying some antique bathroom pieces?
Whether you’re looking to find a statement piece or a subtle basin, we have dozens of reclaimed sinks, toilets and bath tubs to choose from that can compliment an array of architectural antique bathrooms designs.
We’ve carefully created an antique buying guide that will give you all the tips and tricks you need so you find the perfect piece for your project. There are some basics that should be considered before you decide to buy and we want to be able to help you as much as possible.
Types of Toilets
There were three main types of water closets when they first began to emerge in the Victorian era.
The Pan closet: An unsanitary basin with a pan at the bottom in order to collect waste. This was a design that proved to be extremely unhygienic with its interior becoming fouled and withheld a lingering odour.
The Wash-out: The precursor of the modern closet, this design left the water in an S-strap after each flush. This design superseded all other types after names including Twyford began manufacturing them.
The Pedestal: Here, the S-bend curves up behind the pan which then supports the seat. This made cleaning a much more able activity than it had been previously with the use of wooden casing.
Style
If you’re designing a home with a certain style in mind, it’s important that you find antique products that match the bathroom you have chosen. You may be interested to learn the period it was created. Is it Victorian or Edwardian? Is it more modern or does it have a certain style attributed to it? These are all major considerations that will help you on your hunt to find the right piece.
Size
Determining a size is important when it comes to bathrooms. If you are wanting a larger, bolder sink to compliment your bathroom, then a Butler model is the ideal candidate. If it is something more subtle, elegant and quaint then perhaps a smaller Victorian pedestal sink would work well. No matter which you prefer, the size of both sink and toilet are crucial to ensure that the other components will fit comfortably.
Repairs and upgrades
In order to smarten up antique bathroom fixtures, applying cream cleaner for 24 hours can prove helpful. Other alternatives include household bleach and limescale remover which effectively tackles surface grime. If the enamel in a bath for instance is too far gone to repair, re-enamelling is relatively cheap and easy. Paint can work wonders on the exteriors of bathroom items. However, this being said it is important to check that the product was designed to be painted, if not the paint will chip and end up looking much worse than when you started!
Top Tips for Toilets
- Check to see if the waste system is P trap, S trap or Q tap before purchasing!
- Ensure to consider the different systems of toilet when looking for seats, which ones they work with and those they could find difficulty with
Top Tips for Sinks
- Ensure to look at our description with regards to the taps! Descriptions will often state that the taps move freely, however they have not been tested and may need restoration
- If you’re looking to buy a refurbishing kit, be aware that every brand has specific application instructions that you must follow to achieve the best results for your sink
- check carefully for cracks in basins, this is important if the basin has been stored outside as frost can cause severe damage to porcelain
And that’s it. You’re ready to choose your antique bathroom!
OK, so our guide is complete and you are now ready to choose your perfect antique bathroom products.
At UK Heritage, we specialise in the unique, rare and unusual. You’re guaranteed to find a piece with a good history behind it! Our current stock includes big names such as Shanks & Co., George Jennings as well as Morrison Ingram and Co. George Jennings had his sinks and bathroom accessories featured in the Great Exhibition of 1851, making a name for himself as a renowned British designer and plumbing manufacturer.
All of our sinks and toilets are beautifully designed with individual styles and we are confident we house one that is exactly what you’re looking for!
See if we can help you find your perfect antique bathroom design. Use our new search tools to find the right style for your project.