AD | Paid partnership with Burlington Bathrooms
When choosing bathroom ceramics, many people default to white. White is clean and versatile, but if you want a neutral option with more warmth and character, consider ivory.
Burlington Bathrooms has introduced The Medici Collection — a line of classic bathroom ceramics finished in a warm ivory tone. The collection takes its name from the historic shade Ivoire de Medici, a refined bathroom colour first introduced in 1929 and inspired by the warm, sunlit tones produced by Italian potters under the Medici patronage in Florence.
While the crisp clarity of white appeals to many, it can sometimes feel cold or clinical. The original Ivoire de Medici was praised for bringing “the warmth of sunlight to bathroom décor,” and Burlington’s new Medici Collection follows that same idea, offering a softer, more inviting alternative to stark white.
Ivory adds warmth and depth in ways pure white cannot. Its subtle richness creates visual interest and a sense of heritage, making it especially appropriate for period properties. If you’re restoring an Edwardian or Victorian home and want to preserve or reintroduce authentic character, ivory ceramics can be an elegant and historically sympathetic choice.
The Medici Collection complements Burlington’s broader range of traditional designs updated with modern functionality. The brand reproduces historic forms faithfully, enabling you to design a bathroom that reflects a specific era — Victorian, Edwardian, Belle Époque — or to choose a timeless look that still feels contemporary.
One of ivory’s strengths is its versatility. It pairs well with a wide variety of finishes and palettes, so you can tailor the look to your space. For example, a classic monochrome scheme accented with black fittings and accessories creates a refined, high-contrast aesthetic that works beautifully with ivory ceramics.
If you prefer something livelier, ivory also responds well to contemporary colour combinations. Pairing ivory ceramics with pinks and greens or other playful hues creates a fresh, eclectic feel that blends retro charm with modern sensibilities.
To illustrate styling possibilities, I created two moodboards inspired by the Medici Collection. The first draws on Edwardian palm court glamour: botanical prints, arching foliage, art deco-style lighting and tiles, and a large mirror influenced by mid-century Italian modernism. Layering these elements over a backdrop of deep green paint highlights the warm ivory ceramics and evokes a luxurious, period-appropriate atmosphere that still feels current.
The second moodboard reworks some of those same elements but introduces copper-coloured accessories. Copper brings extra warmth and depth to the palette, amplifying the soft glow of ivory and elevating a classic monochrome base into something richer and more tactile. These small metal accents can make a notable difference to the overall mood without overwhelming the subtle charm of the ceramics.
Both looks show that you don’t have to accept the default of white to achieve a timeless bathroom. Coloured suites can feel fresh and distinctive; olive, pastel or bolder coloured ceramics each create very different effects. Ivory, however, strikes a balance: it’s neutral enough to remain classic and adaptable, yet warm and nuanced enough to feel individual and considered.
If you’re renovating or designing a bathroom, consider whether ivory ceramics might better suit the mood you want to create. They work across styles and eras, pair well with many materials, and can help bring a sense of warmth and personality that white sometimes lacks.
What do you think? Would you consider ivory for your bathroom, and how would you style it?
Images courtesy of Burlington Bathrooms.