Why are antique bathroom fixtures preferable to new?

By comparison to anything available today, an antique basin will be unique. You buy antiques for the story they tell, the quality of the craftsmanship or manufacture and the patination. All antique and reclaimed bathroom pieces are full of history, beautifully made and have a look that cannot be replicated by anything made new. They are also green. By choosing a reclaimed bathroom you are doing a little bit to save carbon emissions created by the manufacture and transport of the new equivalent.

What should be considered when designing and sourcing a reclaimed bathroom?

Most antique and reclaimed pieces can be incorporated into a modern home. However, items may come from different periods and countries, so it’s a good idea to choose a style and period and use similar-aged items together. Think about space and start with the bath. These come in all shapes and sizes. If you take a bath to relax with an aperitif, then the tub you require will be different to one that’s comfortable to sit up in and read your favourite magazine. WC pans with high-level cisterns are not only elegant in any bathroom but can also save space. Basins with stands or pedestals are useful if you don’t have solid walls.

What kind of reclaimed fixtures are available?

Antique sanitaryware will date from the 1880s, but items from the 1930s to the 1950s will be the most commonly found at salvage yards and specialist dealers. Be aware that the older an item is the more expensive it is likely to be. There’s a huge range of items to choose from in terms of colour, decoration and material. Slipper, bateau or double-ended baths are mainly from Europe and may be harder to find than baths with tap holes at the end. Decorated Victorian items are available but hard to find in good condition. Taps and other fittings are readily available, but shower fittings are hard to find.

Will they need to be restored?

Condition is key. Bathrooms and cloakrooms need to be practical spaces and so it’s important that any reclaimed pieces are functional. A specialist dealer will restore items prior to sale. However, if you buy unrestored items, they will need some restoration. Ensure that all taps and other brass is removed prior to any work being carried out and that any resurfacing is done by a specialist prior to installation.

What needs to be considered in terms of plumbing in older items?

The Victorians invented modern plumbing and exported it around the world. The vast majority of pieces will conform to modern standard sizes as these have never changed. Plumbers will often suggest that you cannot get parts for old cisterns, taps and so on, but this is not true. It’s possible to get most parts for most items, or an alternative. There are some items which will not conform to modern sizes and will require a specialist to adapt them. Most antique water supplies were gravity fed and ran at a lower pressure to our modern domestic water supply; an antique tap may not cope with this without an overhaul, but most can be made to be functional.

What about aftercare?

Limescale build-up is the worst thing for resurfaced baths and taps, so it’s important to replace washers in dripping taps and dry resurfaced baths after use. In areas of hard water, I’d recommend fitting a water softener. Most modern bathroom cleaners are non-abrasive and can be used for most surfaces, but check the label.

glasgowarchitecturalsalvage.co.uk

lassco.co.uk

acereclamation.com

The post Practical tips on creating a bathroom using vintage sanitaryware appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.

What’s special about reclaimed items?

The reason something has survived through time is normally because it’s either well made, was valuable or it held a special place in someone’s heart. One or more of these is reason enough for it to be part of your story. Through the continued use of reclaimed pieces, we can hope to take some of the pressure off the decline of our environment and nature, while bringing a warm glow to our lives.

What should be considered first?

Decide what part the salvage will play. Is there a theme and is the salvage being used as an accent or feature? Will certain pieces need to appeal from multiple angles and will the changing seasons offer a different perspective? If you are looking for pieces to create one or more focal points, decide on the height and scale required. To install large or heavy items consider access and, if the ground is soft, if you will need boards and rollers to move items into position.

How will reclaimed pieces add style to a garden?

Perennial favourites include metal and stone troughs overflowing with blooms, vintage park benches to enjoy the view and staddle stones for a hint of rural heritage. Be bold and add a sculptured or transformational item or two – either among the flora or as a riotous explosion that dares to be ignored. Part of the fun of reclaim and salvage is in the contradiction between an item’s former function and current purpose. In addition, decide whether pieces are to blend, complement or contrast with their surroundings. A vintage aluminium milk churn, tipped at an angle, could create a novel water feature as water flows from it over river-worn pebbles. While in keeping with a rural-themed courtyard garden, it could conversely be an avant-garde statement in a contemporary minimalist setting. It’s all about context.

What outdoor space will they work in?

You can either follow the rules or break them! Imagine a tiny walled garden in the city. There’s nothing to stop you installing a huge antique gothic chapel door on one wall, overgrown with trailing plants and ivy, to create a ‘secret doorway’. A large country garden doesn’t always need large statement pieces – perhaps a selection of stained-glass panels between the timber uprights of a pergola or rose walk for a fabulous effect in both sunshine and moonlight.

What should buyers check for?

Know what you’re buying. Reputable salvage yards will happily identify whether something is antique, period, vintage or simply used. Check that the items you buy are legally sourced. Talk directly to those with sound knowledge and experience of salvage and reclaim and, lastly, do haggle! You may or may not achieve a saving – but rest assured no seasoned salvage dealer will ever be offended. Dealers who are members of SALVO are strictly governed by a code of practice that protects and helps the customer.

How can garden salvage be maintained?

Avoid placing wood or metal items directly on wet soil; raise them slightly on bricks, tiles or gravel where the air can pass underneath and stop them rotting. Consider oils and waxes rather than varnish or coatings; the latter can break down allowing moisture to become trapped which can accelerate decay. If something has a delicate finish or surface, place it away from direct sunlight and cover it or take it inside during the winter months. Remember that everything reclaimed was once new – the lovely patina you see now may change further over time.

The post How to source and style garden salvage appeared first on Reclaim Magazine.