Did you know that the two most important rooms in a house are the kitchen and the master bathroom? You can never go wrong with an upgraded bathroom with the latest lights, faucets, mirrors, and showers. But when it comes to choosing these fixtures, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel to increase your property’s sale price, or to boost the functionality as your family grows, here are ten tips to guide your choices.
1. Always Start With a Checklist
Some bathroom fixtures are easy to forget, yet they make all the difference in your bathroom design and budget. Create a checklist with:
- The large, prominent elements (toilet, bathtub, sinks)
- The easy-to-miss fixtures (bathtub overflow, towel bar or ring, toilet paper holder, exhaust fan)
- The opportunities for luxury fixtures (vanity, recessed lighting, sconces)
Get a bathroom renovation expert to run over your list too. This will give you a clear idea of the bathroom’s functionality and overall budget from start to finish.
2. Consider Who Will Use the Finished Bathroom
The size, shape, and type of bathroom fixtures should be accessible for everyone, including kids, elderly folks, and people with disabilities.
For example, include a handrail beside the bathtub, shower, and toilet. Check the toilet height, too: go a few inches shorter than the standard size to accommodate a young family, or consider an accessory like a step stool for toddlers.
3. Mix and Match Your Shower Fixtures
There are different shower fixtures available today, and a combination may just be the right value and function for your bathroom. A standard wall-mounted showerhead is the most basic and practical fixture, but you can choose a hand-held shower head for extra flexibility.
A hand-held showerhead can be set at any angle on the wall holder and give a gentle spray for bathing kids or pets. At the same time, you can install a body spray system with sidebars mounted onto your walls for a full-body, hands-free rinse.
4. Variety Is Timeless
Design a curated look in your bathroom fixtures by choosing different materials, colors, and styles. One style can get dated really fast, so consider mix-and-matching for a unique bathroom.
For example, use one color and material for your toilet, sink, and tub, but add some contrast with your water fixtures like faucets and showerheads. Choose a complimentary style and finish for the mirrors and light fixtures. This way, your bathroom remodel will never go out of style.
5. Save Space with Your Sinks
A vessel sink can sit right on top of a cabinet if you need extra storage space, while a pedestal sink fits perfectly in a corner. A transparent tempered glass sink can create the illusion of space, just like a mirror.
The idea is that you don’t have to settle for a tiny sink when there are other options available for small bathrooms. Scale is necessary too: small faucets make a large sink look out of proportion (and vice versa) and lead to needless splashing and wastage.
Consider wall-mounted toothbrushes and soap holders as well to save on precious counter space around your sink.
6. Go For Eco-Friendly Faucets
There’s a lot more to your bathroom faucet than you think. A leaky faucet will add to your water bill and require more repairs than necessary. Always check that your faucets meet industry standards.
Choose a lead-free faucet and certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and WaterSense. These certifications guarantee safe drinking water and more efficient water use. Avoid unregulated cheaper imported faucets and cost you more in the end.
7. Choose an Easy-To-Clean Toilet
When choosing a toilet for your bathroom renovation, always plan ahead, especially how to clean and maintain it. For example, quick-release toilet seat hinges are a small but important feature.
These make it easy to remove the toilet seat for a thorough cleaning, plus they’re easy to replace in case they break. Soft-closing toilet hinges are also a lovely addition, just so that the lid won’t clatter down onto the seat. You can also choose a concealed toilet cistern installed into your wall cavity for a clean, seamless look in your bathroom.
8. Choose Your Materials Wisely
There are many materials available for bathroom renovations, particularly for metal finishes.
Brass is a great option for an antique look, while polished stainless steel works for a contemporary bathroom design. Even plastic features can get a shine with a glossy chrome finish. Always go for materials that resist mold, corrosion, stains, and scratches.
9. Triple-Check Your Bathroom Measurements
Keep an eye on your bathroom layout as you shop for fixtures. This works for both large and small bathrooms to achieve the correct scale. Also, account for pipes, drains, countertops, entryways, and storage spaces.
Something as simple as which way your bathroom door opens can determine the entire room’s design. A bathroom renovation expert can use CAD software with your bathroom’s actual size and fixture dimensions from manufacturers. This will help you visualize your finished bathroom renovation.
10. Your Budget Says It All
It’s wonderful to brainstorm on your bathroom remodel, but at the end of the day, your budget determines what you’ll end up with. Your budget is a great elimination tool. It’s much easier to take out a fixture or finish that’s outside of your range and it can guide your bargain choices too.
Remember that a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee better fixtures. Instead, look at the construction quality for each bathroom fixture. Choose the most durable and efficient bathroom fixtures, rather than brand names or prices.
Conclusion
Take as much time as you need to plan your bathroom renovation. Visit a plumbing showroom to get a feel of the bathroom fixtures you’d like, from basic universal options to luxury and the latest technology—yes, smart bathrooms are here to stay.
Finally, don’t be afraid to make a statement with your bathroom fixtures. Even a simple bathroom design with high-quality fixtures speaks volumes about your style. Keep these tips in mind to make your bathroom remodel fun, easy, and affordable.
