How to Design a Bathroom
Designing a bathroom can be an overwhelming task when starting from scratch. However, if you break it down into carefully thought-out steps and create a plan of action, it doesn’t seem like such a big task. That is of course, unless you’re tackling the bathroom renovation on your own, from start to finish. We won’t sugar coat it; this can be hard work but the satisfaction you get once the job is finished, will be worth it.
Keep reading to find the best ways to design a new bathroom and the items you need to consider.
How To Find Bathroom Inspiration Ideas
Finding inspiration for a new bathroom can be overwhelming, with so many different bathroom designs and products, not to mention your personal design preference. Keep reading to find out the best places to get some much-needed inspiration.
Social Media
Social media channels such as Instagram and Pinterest are a great way to get initial inspiration for your bathroom renovation. With the ability to see real-life bathroom renovations and not just glossy pictures of a high-end bathroom way out of your price range, social media channels can be one of the best places to start your research.
Magazines
Magazines can be a wonderful place to get inspiration and advice. With plenty of gorgeous images and product suggestions, you could even go old school and create a mood board to get those ideas flowing.
Online
Online research can be like magazine research. With the ability to search through a variety of interior websites this is another great way to get a mood board started.
One of the main benefits of online research is the ability to get a wide variety of knowledge in one place. You’ll also have the benefit of being able to order samples such as tiles, paint, and bathroom furniture swatches on some sites, too.
TV Shows
Popular home renovation shows can be one of the best places to start collecting bathroom design ideas, with some even showing where products were purchased and their costs. This can be particularly helpful if you don’t know where to start your purchase journey.
How to Design a Bathroom Layout
Designing a bathroom layout can be difficult, especially if you’re starting from scratch. There are, however, a few topics to consider, likely to get you off to a good start. From space and flow, to storage and functionality, there’s plenty to think about. Keep reading to find out more.
Space and flow
The space and flow of a bathroom, along with functionality, is probably one of the most important areas to consider. If you don’t get this right, it could end up with a bathroom not fit for purpose.
One of the main things to consider is the space when you enter a bathroom. The last thing you want is to feel cramped from the instant you walk in.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep plenty of space free on entering a bathroom. That means not overdoing it with bathroom furniture and storage. You don’t need to cram a storage cabinet into every spare inch of the bathroom. Instead, find one or two clever storage solutions that leave you plenty of space to comfortably move around your bathroom without bumping into things.
Functionality
When thinking about the functionality of a bathroom it’s a good idea to consider who’ll be using the space. For example, if this is going to be a main family bathroom it needs to be a safe space for children and not just somewhere for you to relax and unwind. Likewise, if the bathroom will be shared with the elderly or disabled, then manoeuvrable space and safety hazards should be considered.
Storage
Storage is particularly important in a bathroom, but can sometimes be overlooked, especially when your priorities are likely to be on the overall décor and design of the bathroom, and not the practicalities.
From spacious vanity units to slim-lined and compact mirror cabinets and shelving, there’s a storage solution for every need. If you’re looking for somewhere to store larger bathroom essentials, such as towels and toilet rolls, a vanity unit is a wonderful solution. However, a wall-hung mirror cabinet is a great idea if it’s facial creams and first aid items you’re looking to store safely. Mirror cabinets can also be a fantastic alternative to a vanity unit, in a small bathroom.
What Are the Different Types of Bathroom Suites by Room?
There are four main types of bathroom suites which we’ll discuss below. From cloakroom suites to shower rooms, we’ve got everything covered. Keep reading to find out more.
Ensuite
Ensuite bathroom suites are ideal for ensuites where you might be pushed for space. This type of bathroom suite also tends to include a shower enclosure and not a bath.
Main Bathroom Suite
A main bathroom suite typically features either a shower bath, or a separate bath and shower. Depending on your needs and the size of your bathroom you can choose from a wide variety of options, from colourful brushed brass or black suites to classic chrome.
Shower Room Suite
If you’re looking for a shower without a bath, a shower room suite with a single shower enclosure is a great choice. If you’re not a fan of a relaxing bubble bath and don’t have small children to bathe, then a shower room suite can save space and money. With no need for a bath, you could save hundreds of pounds.
Once you’ve decided on a shower room suite, now’s the time to think about the type of shower enclosure that best suits your needs. If you’re working with a small space, corner entry, frameless, or walk-in shower enclosures might be some of the best options.
However, if you’re not limited to space, as they say, the world is your oyster…. If you measure thoroughly for your enclosure before purchasing, then you’re likely to have your pick of a large variety of shower enclosure styles.
Cloakroom suite
A cloakroom suite is an ideal fit for a downstairs toilet or if you want a small ensuite without a shower or bath. Generally featuring a toilet and basin and in some cases a vanity unit too, there are plenty of cloakroom suite styles, from traditional to ultra-modern, allowing you to choose the best option for your interior design needs.
What Shower Enclosure Type Should I Include?
There are plenty of shower enclosure designs, even many suited to small bathrooms. From walk-in enclosures and wet rooms to classic quadrant and square enclosures, there are plenty of options available, no matter your needs or budget. Keep reading to find out about each type of shower enclosure.
Quadrant and Offset Quadrant Shower Enclosures
One of the most common shower enclosure types is the quadrant enclosure. Available in a standard quadrant style, as well as an offset quadrant, these styles are the most common choices for corner fitting enclosures, due to their practical curved design.
Square Shower Enclosures
Square shower enclosures are perfect for corner installation and allow for a variety of door types, such as sliding, pivot and bifold doors. Available in a range of colours as well as contemporary frameless options, you’re guaranteed to find a square enclosure perfect for your bathroom design.
Rectangular Shower Enclosures
Rectangular shower enclosures tend to be an elongated version of a standard square enclosure, making them ideal for slightly larger bathrooms. When compared to a square or quadrant enclosure, a rectangular enclosure can provide slightly more space to shower.
Walk in Shower Enclosures and Wet Rooms
Walk-in shower enclosures and wet rooms have some big positives over standard shower enclosures. For example, due to their lack of fixings and fewer nooks and crannies, walk-in enclosures and shower screens can require less invasive cleaning than a quadrant or square enclosure, mainly due to their lack of doors and hinges.
Another wonderful benefit is their lack of doors, allowing you to enter the shower quickly and easily. This is also a great plus for the elderly and disabled, as walk-in enclosures and wet rooms tend to provide fewer hazards for trips and falls than standard shower enclosures with thicker shower trays and shower doors to navigate.
Frameless Shower Enclosures
Ideal for contemporary and minimalist bathrooms, frameless shower enclosures provide a shower enclosure with less of a frame than any standard shower enclosure. This helps to draw your attention away from a potentially dull and boring chrome frame and can even make your bathroom feel more spacious.
Designing Bathroom Walls and Floors
If you’re looking to get creative with colour and texture, then your bathroom walls and floors are one of the easiest ways to achieve this. However, if you’re looking for beautiful, muted tones and natural textures, it’s equally easy to add these to your bathroom walls and floors. Keep reading to find out more.
Patterned Tiles
Patterned tiles, whether they’re subtle or truly eye-catching can create a beautiful feature in a potentially plain and boring bathroom. After all, most bathroom ceramics are plain white. Not the most interesting of colours.
Geometric patterned tiles are perhaps one of the most sought-after styles in recent years, allowing you to tile either your bathroom walls, floors, or both, in a truly timeless pattern. A design sure to get your guests talking.
Half Tiled Walls
If you don’t want to cover all your bathroom walls with tiles, after all, it can be time-consuming and costly, why not consider a couple of half-tiled walls instead?
Half-tiled walls can even add a stylish statement to your bathroom when you choose patterned or bright-coloured tiles. So, if an eye-catching statement feature is what you’re going for then half-tiled walls are a fantastic idea.
Bathroom Wall Panels
If you’re thinking of adding patterns to your bathroom walls without the potentially long and tiring task of fitting wall tiles, bathroom wall panels are a great option.
Available in a wide range of sizes, colours, and styles, you’re guaranteed to find the best fit for your bathroom. From classic, whites, creams, and greys to more vibrant pink and blue options, as well as floral and geometric designs you really are spoilt for choice.
If you’re looking to add a touch of nature to your bathroom then why not choose a gorgeous waterproof, wooden wall panel? Not only do they look stunning, but they pair well with other natural tones and textures as well as house plants.
How To Design Bathroom Lighting
Bathroom lighting is perhaps one of the most important things to get right when designing the space. Getting the right lighting in the right place is essential. After all, you don’t want to be showering in the dark, or enjoying a relaxing bath in the full brightness of a main bathroom ceiling light.
It’s easy to get carried away with décor when designing a new bathroom but when it comes to lighting, practicality is key. For example, one main consideration you need to make when choosing bathroom lighting is the IP rating, allowing you to find the safest place for your lighting.
But worry not, as there are plenty of stylish bathroom lighting options, allowing you to tailor your lighting to the way you use the bathroom. Keep reading to find out more.
Mirror Cabinets with Lights
Mirror cabinets with lights are perhaps one of the most useful types of lighting you could install in a bathroom. Not only do they provide direct lighting, perfect for when you need to use the mirror, but they also provide plenty of space for your bathroom essentials such as make-up, toothpaste and first aid items.
Ceiling Lights
Bathroom ceiling lights come in a variety of different styles, from spotlights and downlights to full-blown glass chandeliers. Some of the main considerations when choosing bathroom ceiling lights are the type of light, how many lights you need and where you want them installed and directed.
If you want to go all out and install a beautiful chandelier you need to consider the positioning as this type of light fixture is only suitable in certain zones of the bathroom.
For more information on bathroom electrical zones and IP ratings take a look at the following post – What are Bathroom Electrical Zones?
Wall Lights
Bathroom wall lights can be both a practical and stylish lighting option and can look stunning when placed on either side of a statement mirror. This style of lighting won’t typically light up your whole bathroom, but it can provide wonderful atmospheric or directed light depending on the style of light you choose, and the brightness of the bulb.
If you’re looking to create a tranquil sanctuary, perfect for a relaxing bubble bath, a pair of warm white wall lights are sure to create the perfect atmosphere.
On the other hand, if you need direct light in a specific area, for example, next to your bathroom mirror, you could choose wall lights with a clear bright white light helping to provide as much direct light as possible. This type of lighting is perfect for tasks such as shaving and applying makeup.
What Are the Other Bathroom Design Considerations
There are plenty of other smaller bathroom design considerations to take into account, for example, heating, showers, taps and other smaller accessories. These can be one of the last things to consider but they should be part of the design process, no matter how small.
View Our Bathroom Suites
At Plumbworld, we stock a wide range of bathroom suites in both traditional and contemporary designs. Whether you’re looking for a full bathroom suite, a new shower room suite or something for an ensuite or cloakroom, we’ve got you covered. Available in a wide range of styles and suite sizes, you’re guaranteed to find something to fit both your design and size requirements.
If you found this post useful, you might also like - How to Design a Small Bathroom – Designing a Family Bathroom - Design Inspiration: Bathroom Storage Ideas.
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