Great Bathroom Ideas

Archive for December, 2009

Believe it or not the average UK bathroom is only 2 x 2.5 metres, so if you are looking for a small bathroom suite you will not be the only one. In these times of maximising living space modern bathrooms are considerably smaller than bathrooms of old, so manufacturers have developed a large range of small bathrooms to suit demand.

Prior to jumping in the car or getting online to source the first suite you come to that fits your allowed dimensions just bear in mind current plumbing and water inlets.

Moving a soil pipe, for instance, could cost several hundred pounds by the time you’ve forked out for materials and professional plumbing. However you might also find that moving an awkwardly placed toilet will completely transform the renovation possibilities for your bathroom.

If, like many families, you have room for either a bath or a shower but not both you might run into problem. Some people can’t do without their daily shower, whereas others can’t imagine life without the occasional long, hot soak. Can you please all the people all of the time?

In this case you may want to consider a showerbath. These bath units have a curved section at one end that allows plenty of space for showering, these bath units normally have a curved shower screen to prevent water going everywhere. The showerbath makes it possible to please all members of the household.

Bathroom suites and in particular baths come in some many different dimensions that you will be spoilt for choice you are sure to find one that fits your requirements. Some of the smaller compact baths feature a tapered shaped that reduces the amount of floor space taken up and although these sound more expensive often they are not.

Alternatively, you could go for a complete space saving bathroom suite. These maximise space by clever use of built in cabinets and corner fitted sanitary ware. You might find that a corner sink or a corner fitting toilet completely alleviates the problems that come with having limited space.

If you are lucky enough to have space for both a bath and shower cubicle then the bathroom manufacturers have realized that they need to expand their range of space saving designs. The corner shower is a popular option taking less space and if you use this in conjunction with a shower curtain or sliding shower door then the overall space required for the shower unit will be minimal.

If you are in the market for a small bathroom suite you will not be the only one. The average British bathroom is a compact 2 x 2.5 metres which is why bathroom manufacturers have stepped up to the mark and developed ranges of bathroom suites for the smaller bathroom.

Prior to jumping in the car or getting online to source the first suite you come to that fits your allowed dimensions just bear in mind current plumbing and water inlets.

Moving a soil pipe, for instance, could cost several hundred pounds by the time you’ve forked out for materials and professional plumbing. However you might also find that moving an awkwardly placed toilet will completely transform the renovation possibilities for your bathroom.

Many modern homes don’t have the space for both a bath and shower. Sometimes this causes an issue in the household. Some need their long relaxing soaks in the bath to ease the stress of the day and others just hanker for a massaging shower.

In this case you may want to consider a showerbath. These bath units have a curved section at one end that allows plenty of space for showering, these bath units normally have a curved shower screen to prevent water going everywhere. The showerbath makes it possible to please all members of the household.

Baths are now available in so many combinations of shape and size that you are almost guaranteed to find one that will fit you specifications. Some space-saving baths, for example, have a gently narrowed shape that doesn’t eat up so much floor space. One advantage is that these aren’t tremendously expensive either.

If the whole suite space is an issue then you will probably need to choose a specifically designed suite that uses the corners for basins and toilets. These suites will definitely make the most of the space you have available particularly if you add in clever storage as well.

If you are lucky enough to have space for both a bath and shower cubicle then the bathroom manufacturers have realized that they need to expand their range of space saving designs. The corner shower is a popular option taking less space and if you use this in conjunction with a shower curtain or sliding shower door then the overall space required for the shower unit will be minimal.

Whether you are installing a new cloakroom into your house, or simply replacing an old, worn out cloakroom suite, the sheer choice of sanitary ware available out there can make choosing a new cloakroom suite a confusing project. Hopefully, the following points will help you in that choice.

How can it be so confusing, you ask, when all you’re really looking for is a washbasin and toilet? You just wait and see! Also, don’t forget that, if you have enough space, you can add to the value of your property by installing a shower and some storage facilities to the cloakroom too.

Let’s get back to the basics, though, and think in terms of the essentials first.

There are two major considerations that cannot be overlooked – the budget you have available and the space you have to fill. And don’t forget to factor in installation! If you have a fair command of DIY techniques, it might be that you can install the new cloakroom suite, thereby saving money or increasing the cost of what you can afford in terms of sanitary fittings and dcor.

When it comes to style it really is a case of each to their own – whether you are a traditionalist or a lover of sleek, contemporary looks you are bound to find a suite to suit. Here’s a quick guide:

If you’re a traditionalist, you will be drawn to bathroom furniture with curves and rounded edges. Toilets and basins will be supported by pedestals and white or cream will probably be the order of the day.

If, however, your personal style is more contemporary, you should be thinking more in terms of wall hung basins and toilets – with no old-fashioned pedestals. Modern lines are angular and sleek; taps are wall-mounted or lever-operated and cisterns and toilet pans are seemingly unconnected! Some washbasins are simply mounted on existing pieces of furniture. The beauty of modernity is that it fits into smaller spaces, which is possibly why contemporary cloakroom suites are so popular.

Whatever your style-choice, choose the very best you can afford within your budget, always remembering that you are aiming for function as well as beauty.