How To Choose The Right Bathroom Fixtures
If you want the bathroom to look great, you’ll need to pick the fixtures that fit the size, layout, style, water use and budget of your bathroom. The most suitable bathroom fixtures are the ones that are functional, sturdy, convenient to clean and have a regular function. Before purchasing, think about the size, set-up, water conservation, materials, and the functionality of each item within the room. The best option will be a selection that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional, ensuring that you’re able to have a bathroom that is both comfortable, functional, and easy to maintain for years to come.
Understand Your Bathroom Layout And Space
Do consider the room you will have before you select bathroom fixtures. What might work great in a show home could be a poor choice for a smaller or nonstandard-sized bathroom.
The first thing you need to do is measure the room. Record the floor area, wall dimensions, door locations, windows, plumbing points and electrical outlets. This information may impact on the type of fixtures you can install.
For instance, a freestanding bath and shower combination can be appealing, but can make a small bathroom feel cramped. If space is limited, a wall-mounted toilet or compact vanity might be more appropriate.
Consider the way people will be moving in the room. Toilet, sink, shower and other fixtures should have sufficient space around them. Doors and drawers should also open without bumping into or rubbing against a fixture.
The design of your bathroom should facilitate normal daily activities. Consider privacy and access if more than one person uses the bathroom at the same time.
Before you go to the store just make a simple list of your measurements. This can help you to prevent the purchase of fixtures for which it is hard or impossible to install.
Choose Fixtures Based On Your Needs
After you’ve figured out the space, think about the uses of the bathroom. Not all households are alike, and therefore, there is no one right or wrong fixture for every bathroom.
An easy to clean, durable material may be more important than decorative qualities when considering materials for a family bathroom. Even though a guest bathroom might not have as many fixtures, it can still be designed to be clean and inviting. A bathroom is a must and may need extra storage, a bigger shower or a bathtub.
Think about those that will be using the area. Easier and safer fixtures may be required for children, older people and those with mobility issues.
When determining what you need, think about:
- Bathroom dimensions: Smaller bathrooms will allow for smaller fixtures that may make the most of the space available.
- Number of users: If you need shared bathrooms, then the layout and fittings will need to be practical and durable.
- Daily routines: Make use of the shower, bathtub or sink according to your actual usage.
- Easiness to clean – smooth surfaces and simple designs are often easier to clean.
- Accessible: To consider grab bars, walk-in showers, appropriate fixture heights, and slip resistance (if applicable).
- Storage: a vanity or medicine cabinet can be used for good storage space that will not waste too much space.
- Future needs: consider the continued use of your bathroom should the needs of your household change over time.
The intent of the goal is not to overstuff the bathroom with features. It’s about selecting fixtures to solve actual challenges.
Compare Bathroom Fixture Materials And Quality
The quality of the materials is significant in the appearance and performance of bathroom fixtures over time. The materials must be appropriate for use in bathrooms, where moisture, heat, cleaning products and frequent use are all factors.
Ceramic and porcelain are popular options for sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Cleaning them is fairly easy, and they can produce a lasting surface if properly maintained.
Brass, stainless steel or other metal alloys are used for making faucets and shower fittings. The quality of the inside parts is as important as the outside. Even if a faucet looks attractive, it can leak if the components are of low quality.
When checking fixtures, look for:
- The buildings and their material are of good quality.
- Warranty coverage
- Replacement parts availability
- Ease of cleaning
- Resistance of wearing and corrosion
- The quality of the valves, cartridges and other internal parts.
- Manufacturer reputation
Don’t choose just because it looks good. Two faucets may appear the same, but perform and last very differently.
Long-term maintenance is also a consideration. Parts that are slightly more expensive but less likely to fail, may be a better value than parts that are cheap but prone to failure.
Consider Water Efficiency And Long-Term Costs
Another major consideration in selecting bathroom fixtures is how much water they use. The amount of water your household consumes each day can be impacted by toilets, faucets and showers.
Water-efficient fixtures are engineered to deliver the performance benefits needed while limiting water usage. Installing a low-flow faucet, using an efficient showerhead or a water-saving toilet can help save water in the long run.
This should not be at the cost of useful performance, however. Before purchasing, review the specifications of the product and select fixtures to achieve the desired flow or flushing.
Consider more than the cost of the item. The true cost of a bathroom fixture can include:
- Wall and floor tiles
- Vanity and cabinet finish
- Countertop
- Mirror
- Lighting
- Shower enclosure
- Hardware and accessories
A less expensive fixture might not be more economical over a number of years. Similarly, a high-priced fixture is not a good fixture. Consider initial investment, performance, efficiency and durability.
Check local plumbing needs and water efficiency standards prior to purchase is also important. Standards may differ from place to place and some products may not be appropriate for all plumbing systems.
Match Style Without Sacrificing Function
A bathroom fixture’s impact is very visible as it’s one of the more noticeable components of the space. Style should be subordinate to function, however.
First, pick an overall design direction. Traditional bathrooms may have more elaborate designs, while modern bathrooms tend to have clean lines and simple shapes. Elements from both can be used together in transitional styles.
Not all fixtures have to be from the same collection. Rather, prioritize uniformity in shape, finish and overall style.
If you are going to select a brushed metal faucet, for instance, you should find out how the other exposed hardware will complement the finish. While the handles on the doors and shower fittings, towel bars, and cabinet hardware don’t have to be exactly the same, they should appear purposeful in that way.
Think about how the fixtures will look with the bathroom’s other surfaces. Consider the:
- Wall and floor tiles
- Vanity and cabinet finish
- Countertop
- Mirror
- Lighting
- Shower enclosure
- Hardware and accessories
Don’t select fixtures because they are in fashion. A simple design that might still appeal to you a few years down the road may be a better value when it comes to bathroom renovations, as it won’t be as time consuming or expensive.
Meanwhile, the bathroom doesn’t have to look entirely boring. A unique faucet, basin, mirror or other element can personalize a room without overcomplicating the room’s coordination.
Check Installation, Compatibility, And Maintenance
One of the items that people often overlook when selecting bathroom fixtures is to make sure they work for the bathroom that they already have.
Ensure the needed plumbing connections, fixture sizes, mounting needs, and water supply connections before purchasing. When replacing an existing fixture, make sure to compare the new fixture with the old installation points.
It is particularly important in toilets, faucets, sinks, showers and bathtubs. A fixture can be physically installed, but require plumbing changes that add to the installation cost.
In the case of complex plumbing installation, it can be worth hiring a professional. If not installed properly, it can cause leaks, inadequate drainage, water damage or other issues.
Your maintenance should also be a factor. Bathroom fixtures should be cleaned regularly, and some finishes will develop water spots, fingerprints or mineral deposits more quickly than others.
Ask yourself:
Can the fixture be easily cleaned?
Check the surfaces and shapes for unnecessary areas for dirt and buildup.
Is there a spares programme?
It can be more convenient to repair a fixture than to replace it when a minor part fails.
Is it easy for a plumber to provide service on?
Having a fixture that has parts that can be easily reached will make future repairs easier.
Is the warrant worthwhile?
Take the time to read the warranty terms and not just the manufacturer’s headline.
These measures taken prior to the installation can help avoid many of the issues that arise in bathroom renovations.
Related reading: walk-in shower vs tub and how to improve bathroom storage.
Final Thoughts
When selecting bathroom fixtures, it isn’t simply about picking products that look great. Ideally, they offer functionality, an appropriate size, durable materials, water conservation, hassle-free maintenance and aesthetics that match the rest of the bathroom.
Begin with the space and daily requirements. Shop with care and verify if it is compatible with existing plumbing. Then make comparisons of materials and features, efficiency, warranties, and long-term maintenance costs.
Also remember that the lowest priced fixture may not be the best fixture. Having a solid product that is easier to repair and lasts longer will save money and frustration in the long run.
For large bathroom renovations, start with the big bathroom items first. After the toilet is picked, then the sink, shower, bathtub, and vanity are chosen, the rest of the details can be synchronized, like hardware, mirrors, etc. and accessories.
Most importantly, select fixtures that reflect your lifestyle. A bathroom should be easy and comfortable to use, day in, day out. Function and design go hand in hand and can produce a space that not only looks good, but will function properly and be practical for years.
