How to choose the right design for your bathroom
Bathroom decor ideas
1. To achieve a luxurious ambiance in your bathroom, consider installing a freestanding bathtub with storage for candles and reading materials within reach.
2. For those who prefer showers, a separate super-sized shower cubicle is a great option. There are also multiple-option showers and shower heads available in the market.
3. If you share your bathroom with a partner, adding a double basin can be a practical and stylish choice.
4. When adding a seating area or chaise lounge, it's important to consider the practicality of the fabrics and materials you choose.
5. High-end tiles for the walls, floor, and splashbacks can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Consider featuring small collections of tiles in certain areas instead of covering the entire room to keep costs down.
6. Accessories such as gold-toned mirrors, soap dishes, or taps can instantly elevate a plain or basic bathroom to a luxurious one.
Family bathrooms
If you are considering renovating your family bathroom, there are several factors you should take into account:
Storage and layout
1. Consider how you intend to use your bathroom. Think about the tasks you will need to perform, such as drying or changing your child. This will help determine the most suitable layout.
2. Ample storage space is crucial for keeping the bathroom tidy and organized. What items will you need to store? Toys, kids' toiletries, changing mats? Consider how frequently you will need each item and plan their storage locations accordingly for easy access.
3. If your children require steps to reach the sink, bath, or toilet, consider the available space for storing these when they are not in use. The same applies to potty and toilet-training equipment.
Cleaning
4. It's inevitable that children will make a mess. Opting for materials that are easy to clean will make your life easier. Avoid an all-white bathroom and incorporate patterns and deeper colors.
5. If you are painting the bathroom, choose paint that can be easily wiped clean and is suitable for bathroom environments. The same applies to tiles; certain textures can make cleaning more challenging.
Safety
6. Prioritize safety by selecting non-slip flooring and using mats. Consider designs with curved edges instead of sharp corners and ensure there is enough space for safe movement.
7. If you have blinds, ensure they are child-friendly, as pull cords can pose a danger to small children.
8. Keep electrical shaver power points out of reach of young children.
9. Consider installing a pull-cord light switch to prevent wet fingers from touching regular light switches. Also, think about the length of the pull cord – would you like your child to be able to independently turn the light on and off when they are old enough to use the bathroom alone?
10. Pay attention to the placement of other items, such as mirrors, to ensure that children can reach what they need while preventing access to anything they shouldn't have.
Bathroom flooring and tiles
When planning your bathroom, it's crucial to carefully consider the type of flooring and tiles you want to use. The options are endless, but it's important to choose materials that are waterproof and slip-resistant when wet. Some popular choices include marble, stone, granite, sheeted or tiled vinyl, wood-effect laminate, and even concrete. Hardwood floors and wood-effect porcelain tiles are also great alternatives, but require special treatment and care. Additionally, underfloor heating can add a cozy touch and help prevent damp and mold from forming. If you're interested in this option, be sure to check out our guide for an idea of the costs involved.
Bathroom tile ideas
After installing the fixtures, it is recommended to add tiles on the walls surrounding the shower or bath. For a cohesive appearance, you can choose the same tiles for both the walls and the floor of your bathroom.
When it comes to wall-tile options, you have a variety to choose from including glass, ceramic, or natural stone. These tiles come in different shapes, sizes, and finishes such as matt or gloss. Mosaic tiles can add a touch of glamour to small areas, while larger tiles can create an illusion of a more spacious bathroom in limited spaces.
However, it is important to note that natural stone tiles can be quite expensive to install on both walls and floors, and they require special care. A more cost-effective alternative is porcelain tiles that mimic the appearance of natural stone.
Tiles can also be used to make a statement in your bathroom. You can opt for bold colors, unique finishes, or interesting shapes to create a striking visual impact.
If you find statement tiles to be expensive, you don't have to use them throughout the entire room. Consider using them selectively around the shower or in a strip alongside cheaper plain white tiles to keep costs down.
Using tiles in your bathroom instead of leaving large areas painted can make cleaning easier and reduce the chances of mold or dampness. It is advisable to use an anti-damp tile grout for added protection.
If you are in search of a professional installer to bring your dream bathroom to life, you can visit Which? Trusted Traders to find a recommended trader in your area. All of our endorsed traders undergo thorough checks to ensure they deliver excellent customer service and high-quality workmanship.
Discover how to create a bathroom that is both practical and stylish, no matter the size or budget. Our expert guide offers tips on how to strike the right balance, keep costs down, and navigate the planning process with ease.
When it comes to bathroom decor, consider who will be using the space and how. This will help you design a bathroom that meets your needs. According to Tom Reynolds, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), choosing between a bath or shower can be a tough decision. Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular as they cater to all generations and offer a luxurious showering experience.
To create the illusion of space, consider wall-hung products with hidden pipework, additional storage, and sleek designs. If you have a small en suite bathroom, shower enclosures come in a range of sizes, or you could opt for a wet room if space is limited.
If you have an en suite bathroom, there are several ways to optimize the limited space:
1. If a bathtub would take up too much room, consider installing a shower enclosure that comes in various sizes. If even that is not feasible, a wet room could be a suitable alternative.
2. Storage is crucial in a small en suite, as maximizing every inch of space is essential. A vanity unit that wraps around the sink and toilet can effectively utilize otherwise unused areas.
3. Utilize wall space for storage by incorporating shelves with baskets, or installing rails and hooks.
4. Adequate lighting is key in a smaller and potentially dimmer space. Consider placing lights around a mirror or incorporating multiple wall or ceiling lights.
5. Proper ventilation is important, especially since en suites directly connect to bedrooms, to prevent dampness. If there are windows, ensure regular ventilation by opening them frequently. Additionally, consider installing an extractor fan or window vent.
Large and luxury bathrooms
1. To achieve a luxurious ambiance in your bathroom, consider installing a freestanding bathtub with storage for candles and reading materials within reach.
2. For those who prefer showers, a separate super-sized shower cubicle is a great option. There are also multiple-option showers and shower heads available in the market.
3. If you share your bathroom with a partner, adding a double basin can be a practical and stylish choice.
4. When adding a seating area or chaise lounge, it's important to consider the practicality of the fabrics and materials you choose.
5. High-end tiles for the walls, floor, and splashbacks can add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Consider featuring small collections of tiles in certain areas instead of covering the entire room to keep costs down.
6. Accessories such as gold-toned mirrors, soap dishes, or taps can instantly elevate a plain or basic bathroom to a luxurious one.
Modern bathrooms
If you prefer a more contemporary style, there are numerous modern bathroom ideas available that can help you achieve the desired look without it becoming cliched.
1. Opt for a combination of white and light greys, which are commonly associated with modern bathrooms. However, consider using different shades of both colors to prevent the space from appearing clinical or stereotypically modern. You'll be surprised at the variety of whites available.
2. Choose fixtures with distinctive designs that will stand out. For instance, select a radiator that doubles as a piece of art, adding a unique touch to the space.
3. Incorporate a mix of different materials, such as metals, woods, and concrete, to create visual interest and prevent any element from overpowering the overall design.
4. To avoid a cold atmosphere, incorporate textures like exposed brick and rugs or bath mats. These will add warmth and coziness to the bathroom.
5. Remember that modern doesn't necessarily mean sticking to a muted color palette. Dark colors and deep shades can create a luxurious feel, while pops of bright colors can add impact. Don't be afraid to paint the entire room or choose specific areas, such as the wall behind the bath, to draw attention.
6. A bold and clean floor pattern will give your bathroom a contemporary edge. Consider opting for a crisp design that stands out.
7. Install stand-out taps to add a wow factor. For example, a waterfall tap for your sink or taps with different finishes can create a distinctive look and enhance the overall aesthetic of the bathroom.