Gone are the days when bathrooms were purely functional and you only visited to spend a penny. Now, whether you’re showering, shaving, brushing your teeth or bathing, research suggests that the average person spends 416 days of their life in the bathroom. That’s almost 10,000 hours in what is often one of the smallest rooms in your home. With that in mind, maybe it’s time to fit a new bathroom or add a little wow factor to the one you already own — a new look doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are ten great new bathroom ideas.
Seek layout advice
If you’re planning an overhaul and feeling excited about new bathroom ideas, your first port of call should be to consult an expert in bathroom design and installation. Getting layout advice before you embark on a renovation project makes good sense, especially as switching sanitaryware around can be expensive if that involves moving waste and water pipes. An experienced designer or plumber will also help you make the most of your available space, whether you’re updating a small cloakroom, en-suite, wet room or large family bathroom.
Size up your shower
When it comes to showers, there’s a fantastic amount of choice, from supersize walk-in enclosures and compact corner cubicles to no-door open showers and curved shower baths. Your room dimensions will probably dictate your options, but again, seek advice from a bathroom expert who will also explain more about the types of showers that will be suitable for your home — it’ll depend on your boiler type and water pressure. Shower heads can make all the difference too. Choosing a rainfall shower head transforms your bathroom into a spa.
Control the heat
While on the subject of showers and new bathroom designs, if you love owning the latest technology, why not splash out on a digital shower? This luxurious option works similarly to a mixer shower, but you get to select your preferred temperature by simply operating a touchscreen display — some Bluetooth models can even be operated remotely. Never again will you need to stand shivering, waiting for water to warm up or fiddle with a shower dial that shifts from freezing cold to scalding hot. Luxury indeed.
Sort out storage
Even if you own some luxurious bubble bath that you’ll happily display, other personal toiletries such as deodorant and dental floss (and spare toilet roll) need storage. If modernising your home and thinking about new bathroom ideas, consider incorporating an alcove into a stud wall in your shower area or beside the bath to give you easy access to shampoo and soap. In an en-suite, a vanity unit around a sink could be the answer to storage, along with some door hooks to hang towels or decorative toilet bags.
Be clever with colour
While few folks long for the return of avocado suites, the trend for injecting some colour into our bathrooms is upping the pace. Opt for traditional tones for a classical look, pastel shades create a sense of calm and tranquil blue hues will transport you to the sea. Remember too, that colour isn’t just for walls and tiles. Matt black fittings are becoming an increasingly popular and stylish alternative to chrome — though note you’ll need to keep on top of limescale. Adding gold or copper taps are another contemporary bathroom idea.
Dare to dream big
Always thought a freestanding roll-top bath would be the ultimate indulgence? Or would getting ready for work in the morning be quicker if you had double basins? Don’t dismiss big dreams because you don’t think you have the space. Traditional bathtubs come in different lengths — and single-ended roll-top baths can measure just 130cm — while the smallest double vanity unit may only be 35cm more than the largest single. Beautiful bespoke bathrooms can be a reality for everyone.
Treat your toes
No one wants to spend precious pamper time in a cold bathroom and, fortunately, you’ll be spoilt for choice if choosing a radiator. From chrome towel rails to colourful vertical designs, some modern radiators can almost double up as a piece of art. However, there is also another cosy option — underfloor heating. After the initial outlay costs, underfloor heating is economical to run, and both electric and water systems can be fitted in most homes. What’s more, once a room is warm, less energy is used to maintain that temperature, so underfloor heating is also environmentally friendly.
Make a style statement
From an opulent pink velvet chaise lounge to a few quirky yellow ducks, it’s easy to add your unique style to a bathroom simply by adding an accessory or two. Lay a slogan bathmat on the floor, fix an inspirational framed print on the wall or fill a shelf with scented candles — you’re sure to have a never-ending list of new bathroom ideas. If you like plants, but don’t have green fingers to look after a fern or aloe vera, invest in leafy artificial alternatives and let them cascade off cabinets and windowsills.
Don’t dismiss damp
There’s nothing quite like a hot shower, but if it gets steamy in the bathroom, you’ll need to think about proper ventilation to avoid damp. Open any windows or install an extractor fan to help remove moisture. And when decorating, use an emulsion that is both moisture and steam resistant. The paint shouldn’t then flake or peel, and you won’t need to worry about mould or mildew. If you’d prefer wallpaper — which can create a stunning look — ideally choose one with a thick vinyl coating that will also make it wipeable.
Light up the room
Not all bathrooms have natural light, and some may have no window at all, so the right lighting is crucial. However, as well as thinking practically — put good lighting above a mirror so it’s easy to apply make-up, perhaps add soft low-level lighting so you don’t abruptly wake up on visits during the night — you also need to check Ingress Protection (IP) ratings. Ensure any bathroom light fixture has an IP44 rating, which means it offers protection against a spray of water. If a light is above a bath, an IP65 rating is recommended.
Best-selling bathroom radiators
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling bathroom radiators.
- All radiators come with manufacturer-leading 15 year guarantee.
- Traditional style, fit any kinds of interior design.
- Dimensions: (H x W)600mm x 425mm - Double; BTU Rating:1402-1774
- Height: 1000mm / Width: 450mm / Depth: 30mm / BTU: 1602
- Includes: Wall brackets and fittings / Excludes: Radiator Valves / Style: Flat
- Accreditations & Testing: Tested to BS EN442 standards / Complies with ISO9001:2008 regulations / Compatible for use on all UK heating systems (tank fed or combi systems) / 6 layered European Standard...
- Heilmetz Bathroom Radiator Towel Rail: Compatible with UK Central Heating Systems. 1600 x 500 mm designed heated towel rail freestanding with 30 bars. Suitable for room size: 8m²
- Heat Output: 2230 BTU. Heated Towel rails radiate heat from hot water. Ideal for heating bathrooms, rooms and also drying towels, clothes etc.
- Premium Low Carbon Steel: Manufactured from premium mild steel to ensure efficiency and durability.Faster heating and more energy efficient.
- FLAT PANEL TOWEL RADIATOR: Size 1200x500mm, Applicable area: 6㎡. With a heat output of up to 610W/2080BTU, EMKE heated towel rail heats up quickly to meet the heating needs of the space it belongs...
- DURABLE AND STYLISH: The towel radiator is made of SPCC corrosion-resistant stainless steel and complies with BSEN442 standard, which is ideal for use in wet bathrooms, with stronger welds, balanced...
- HEALTHY AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT: Serving as both a towel rail and a drying heater, this bathroom radiator ensures you wrap yourself in warm and dry towels after a bath, enhancing your overall...
- Durable high quality anthracite finish
- Size:700 x 400mm;Number of bar:4+10
- Stylish round rail ladder style towel radiator
- Dimensions(HxW): 1700x600 mm; Pipe center: 550mm; Number of bars: 6+8+8+14; Cross tubes diameter: 22mm; Water connection: DN15(1/2'')
- Durable high quality White finish;
- Wall brackets, wall fixing screws and plugs, blanking plug and air vent are all included;
- Low carbon steel, high quality anthracite finish
- Dimensions: 1800 x 300mm
- BTU Rating: 2000-2500
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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