Latest Designer Bathroom Ideas and How To Guides for your Home

Fabric shower curtains look great and add a touch of luxury to any bathroom. They are available in a far wider range of materials than the traditional plastic or vinyl and are far more flexible. Being able to tie back a fabric shower curtain opens up the bathroom and gives it a light and airy feel. However, depending on which type of fabric you choose, a few simple steps should be followed.

First, of course, is the question of whether or not to fit a shower curtain liner. If you choose a curtain, which is easy to wash, such as hemp or cotton, the answer is probably no. However, if you choose a brocade or even velvet, you should definitely consider investing in one to combat mould.

Another question to ask yourself is how often do I use the shower? Fabric, of whatever material, takes time to dry. Roughly speaking, if you shower on a daily basis, then a liner is probably your safest bet.

Most manufacturers recommend washing your shower curtain on a least a weekly basis. This is because spores rapidly build up and spread throughout the bathroom area. To avoid this problem, a curtain liner of vinyl can be rinsed down after every shower and often needs only to be machine washed once a month.

Remember that any fabric shower curtain needs to be fitted to a rail. Removing the curtain for washing can be a tedious business. Similarly, so can replacing the hooks or shower curtain rings if they break.

Buying anew house or flat is probably the largest investment we will ever make. And, if statistics are to be believed, overhauling the bathroom and renovating the kitchen are the top priorities for the new property owner.

Bathrooms come in all manner of shapes and sizes. No two are ever exactly alike. So, when deciding on new fixtures, design, even colour schemes, it is vital to plan properly and consider exactly what you have in mind.

Perhaps most importantly is to determine precisely which products you really need. Assess who is going to use the bathroom. Measure the space and produce a scale version floor plan. Plotting where each individual product is to be placed is crucial and do not forget to make the optimum amount of space around each fixture – nobody likes being cramped.

Next is to ascertain plumbing requirements. In particular, remember your water supply and waste disposal requirements.

Plan for storage, heating, lighting and ventilation. Get a number of quotes including the cost of products, installation fees, and extras such as tiling and flooring.

Take care to appoint an accredited installer, but never remove the old fittings until the new ones have been checked for damage.

Add mirrors, towel rails, bathmats and hooks last. By doing this, you will have a better overall picture of what to buy.

And finally, remember that the bathroom is an area to enjoy – a place where you are able to enjoy a few minutes of calm after a hectic day.

Most people have experienced the discomfort of a damp towel at some point. Besides being unpleasant to the touch, wet towels are also a haven for bacteria. Heated towel rails provide a luxurious as well as practical addition to any bathroom.

Current towel rails range from traditional ball joint rail designs to contemporary and minimalist styles, with the majority being available to suit any heating system whether it be hot water or connected via the mains to an electric point.

Alternatively, an element can be supplied to rails fitted to a hot water heating system. This allows the rail to be used independently of the central heating system.

Ball joints and period-style cross head valves are classic elements of a traditional, Victorian design. Towel warmers are available in various sizes and fittings, including wall and floor mounted for maximum flexibility. Many are hand-crafted and available with a choice of up to three heat outputs.

Ladder-style towel rails are the ultimate in contemporary chic and will instantly add a cutting-edge designer look to any bathroom.

Many designs have a sharp, minimalist style with protruding rails at either end to give an added design appeal.

And be sure to check out columnar towels rails. These are freestanding and floor mounted, often consisting of as many as 10 chrome columns that not only dry the towels but keep the bathroom warm at the same time.

Also have a look at the variety of fuel options. These include a dual fuel function that enables you to warm your towels without switching on the main hot water supply, a useful function during the summer months.

No matter what style you are trying to achieve in your modern bathroom there will be a wealth of choice when it comes to the bath taps. As well as other bathroom accessories and fittings, such as towel rails and soap holders, it is often bath and sink taps that will define the style of your suite.

Sleek and minimal design is the latest trend for modern bathrooms and you will find that the majority of choices will come in a chrome finish, with brass usually the second most common choice. Single taps (also known as single-bloc mixers) are easily the most sought after when it comes to bath taps as they save the hassle of mixing hot and cold water from different taps. However, if you are hoping to add one of these to an older-style bath, you may run into the problems if the taps were originally separate.

Of course, one way to overcome this is to purchase a split single-hole mixer – where the hot and cold pipes enter from where the original  taps were placed – but also well worth considering, especially if you want to go for the most modern look, is to install wall-mounted bath taps. Not only will it give a stylish finish to your bathroom, but there will also be less cleaning involved around the base of the tap.

If you want to add a showerhead to your bath taps, there will still be a wide range available to complement any style, and these can also come wall-mounted.

Choosing the right bathroom furniture is what will be the deciding factor when it comes to the style of your bathroom. Of course, as much of the bathroom furniture around today was non-existent during the time period from which traditional bathrooms have been designed, the range of options may seem quite limited when compared to modern styles.

However, there still will be an attractive range of styles to choose from that will complement any old-style bathroom. There is some luxurious and extravagantly designed bathroom furniture, such as the many beech and oak basin cupboards that are available.

Out of all the wood finishes on the market, a dark shade of oak has proven to be the most popular choice. If you are looking to recreate a Victorian bathroom, this will be the most recommended option and it will also work well with Edwardian styles, especially when it comes to matching other accessories and fittings such as toilet seat covers.

But even if the cost of some of the bathroom furniture on the market is a little above budget, creating your own traditional look will be easier than you think. It is well worth looking out for older furniture in antique shops and car boot sales that could be fitted into your bathroom. As long as it is in good condition, is properly treated and suits the style you are going for, this will easily be the most cost effective choice. However, installing basins around existing furniture can be quite tricky and it is always best to seek help from a professional.

Bathroom accessories will often be the deciding factor when it comes to the class and style of your traditional bathroom. Fortunately there are a wide range of different accessories – as well as different styles – to choose from, but what’s most important is that they match the design and time period of the rest of your bathroom furniture and components.

Traditional clothes hooks are a popular choice, even in more modern bathrooms, and are a cheap way of adding a finishing touch your room. There will be a variety of different finishes to choose from, such as gold-coloured, white ceramic, beech and oak that will all look good, depending on what else is in your bathroom.

For more old-style bathrooms, such as the Edwardian and Victorian designed suites, towel rings will not be a popular choice, but single-bar towel rails will look good with any style. Soap dishes and toilet roll holders will be another great option for adding a touch of period elegance to your bathroom without breaking the budget, and can come in a range of finishes, such as steel, wood and white ceramic. Toothbrush and tumbler holders are also widely available, but are not really distinguishing features of a Victorian or Edwardian bathroom. 

Finding the right bathroom accessories won’t be hard, but it will be well worth looking around for the best deal, as prices can vary dramatically, especially in comparison to fittings for modern bathrooms. It is also highly recommended to choose bathroom accessories from the same manufacturer, in order to ensure there is a consistent theme.

It may seem like a simple task, but knowing where and how to hang your bathroom mirror will be vital in ensuring you get the most out of it and the most out of your bathroom.

If you are lucky enough to have plenty of natural light in your bathroom, it is recommended to get the mirror as close to the window as you can. It is a well known fact that fluorescent bulbs and other indoor lighting devices don’t give off the right strength of light and when you are applying make-up, or the mirror is being used for shaving, you will need a good light source.

Of course, the majority of bathroom mirrors will hang over the basin, but if you do find that there is not enough natural light in that area, it is worthwhile hanging a second mirror closer to the window. Also highly recommended for any small bathroom is to fit a second larger mirror, which will be a great way to give the perception of extra space.

Although hanging a bathroom mirror seems fairly straightforward, not doing it correctly can result in a small catastrophe. No matter what the size of your mirror it is always best to use strong wall plugs that will allow fixing screws to be fitted into the wall as securely as possible.

If you are faced with a larger mirror that you want to hang on a hollow stud-work wall, it will be necessary to use specially designed plugs that will open up on the inside of the wall to allow secure fixing.

Bathroom accessories will give that finishing touch to your room and can be as varied as the many bath and basin taps that are on offer. Towel rings are perhaps the most common accessories to find and they come in a range of styles to match either modern or traditional bathrooms.

Other popular wall-mounted accessories include soap dishes, towel rails, clothes hooks and, of course, a bathroom mirror. Glass shelves are always a popular choice for modern bathrooms, but if you are going for a more traditional setting, hanging storage baskets will add an authentic touch and are also easy to come by.

If your bathroom does not have a shower cubicle, there is a wide range of sleek and attractive shower curtains available for over the bath showers that will also match any design. And if you have a flat-rim bath, another option worth considering is a glass screen that will look a lot more appealing. These are simple to install and will be also be easy to keep clean.

Perhaps not as necessary as the items above, but still offering plenty of style, are glass tumbler holders which sit above the basin. As many designer makes can be bought for as little as £10, this can be a cost-effective way of adding a real touch of class to your bathroom. Some versions come with two glass-holders in one, with space for holding toothbrushes and toothpaste, and will look a lot more appealing than a regular toothbrush holder standing on the basin.

A good range from Imperial Bathrooms is now available to consumers. They provide you with all the facilities you need. They will not just meet your hygienic needs but also provide you with peace and relaxation.

Imperial Bathrooms maintain the aesthetic value of all their products. They are created in different styles, shapes, and colours. The products include toilets, baths, basins, shower enclosures, and radiators. They supply almost all your needs for your bathroom. Their look and designs are impressive. You can even choose a product that can blend with the design and colour of your home. The miscellany of products gives you enough options to meet your needs. You may as well think of the needs of your family when purchasing products from Imperial Bathrooms. You can also choose from among these products based on your taste and style. The products are made of highly quality and durable materials. The life-long service is guaranteed. You can compare what you want against the other available products on the market and find none better.

Imperial Bathrooms will give you enjoyment and a feel of luxury. If you move to a new location and need to sell your house, its price can increase because of the Imperial Bathrooms products that you have. The bathroom products do not only increase the value of your house but also beautifies it too.

You have added luxurious products in your house but can still be economical. Products from Imperial Bathrooms come at affordable prices. With them you can have a multifunctional bathroom that can serve you and your family for a lifetime.

The colour of a bathroom plays a strong role in setting the mood. The majority of people prefer a relaxing ambience in the bathroom, and choosing a neutral or pastel colour is one way of achieving this. Having the walls, bathroom fixtures, furnishings, and accessories being all one colour, however, can be downright boring! Let’s say you choose a cream coloured sink, bath, and toilet. Display olive green towels with a gold design on the towel bars, and try to get accessories, such as a soap holder, tissue box, and cup, to match the colours of the towels. In general, complementary colours add interest, whereas those from the same family are more soothing.

If you want your bathroom to have a seaside theme to it, you’ll use colours that suggest the sea, the sand, and driftwood (blues, light gold, tan, and grey). Some shells in a transparent container and towels with a seaside motif will add to the relaxing mood.

A forest theme would have the colours green and brown, but don’t overdo it. Strong or dark colours in the bathroom not only make the room look smaller, but you’ll tire of them a lot faster.

Although you might want to add plants to the bathroom, if you really don’t have enough space, don’t clutter up the bathroom with such unnecessary items. Examples of other un-needed items are lit candles, which are a fire hazard, or fragile vases, which are just waiting to get knocked over and smashed on the tiled floor.