Bathroom design tips

Are you redesigning or installing a new bathroom? If so, pick up some bathroom flooring, lighting, heating and design tips here.

Design your bathroom according to
its size and shape

Showers, baths and sinks

If you have a small bathroom it is worth installing a shower over the bath to save space, you can make this more attractive by inserting a stylish shower screen or curtain. If you have the luxury of a large bathroom then a separate bath and shower cubicle is ideal. Either way, pay attention to the details, choose matching or complimentary shower heads, taps and materials. For more lavish bathroom designs, corner baths and whirlpools work well; large double sinks are practical and look great too.

If you want a really glamorous shower, then think about installing a separate wet room. These need to be properly waterproofed and walls and floors covered in a durable material like non-slip stone or tiles. A waterproof layer like fibreglass can be used to ‘tank’ or seal the room completely.

Bathroom flooring

Bathroom flooring needs to look great and still be practical - non slip, hygienic and easy to clean. The main options are:

Stone flooring – when bonded, limestone, slate, marble and granite floors are waterproof, long lasting and easy to clean. Many people choose stone because it looks great and each individual piece is unique in colour and design. Stone can be both cold underfoot and slippery so think about underfloor heating and choosing a stone with some grip. Stone flooring is also a more expensive option for the bathroom but you can cut costs by using reclaimed stone.

Different bathroom materials,
from stone to porcelain and
linoleum are available

Wooden flooring – this may seem like an inappropriate flooring type for a wet area like the bathroom but choosing engineered wood can work well in a bathroom - providing a warm, stylish and durable finish. Laurence Warburton, from Wood Works Flooring in Kent says: “I would not advise using solid wood in bathrooms because it will warp, but engineered wood can work well.”

Porcelain flooring – this is a cheaper alternative to stone flooring and is easier to maintain as it does not require any kind of sealing. Porcelain is a popular bathroom material because it’s so easy to clean and hard wearing.

Linoleum flooring – the most popular brand of lino is Marmoleum, which comes in over 100 colours and designs and is perfect for the bathroom. Lino is easy to clean and install and is made of natural materials including wood flour and linseed oil. David Morley, from Authentic Natural Floors in Stockport says: “Lino has real health benefits as it is anti bacterial and does not retain dust or allergens.”

Heating your bathroom

There’s nothing worse than a freezing bathroom first thing in the morning, so keep yours cosy with either central heating or a separate electric system. Radiators are the traditional heating option and come in a range of shapes and styles to suit your bathroom design. Heated towel rails are also popular – they can warm up the whole room and make getting out the shower on a cold day a bit more bearable.

Underfloor heating is becoming more common in bathroom design, especially in new build properties and can even be powered by a heat pump. Mark O’Brien, from Terra Therma in Essex explains: “Underfloor heating is good in bathrooms because it dries the floor quickly and feels nice underfoot.” You can also save around 25-30% on your fuel bills with underfloor heating compared to radiators, suggests Mark.

Lighting solutions for bathrooms

Make sure to light and accessorise
your bathroom well

First maximise any natural light in the bathroom, then pay attention to areas which require additional lighting, such as around mirrors and vanity units. As well as normal spotlights, ceiling lights and down lights, why not consider some more unusual lighting solutions? Illuminated mirrors, cupboard doors and even taps which change the water colour are available. Whichever type of lighting you choose, consider remote controls and dimmers to add convenience and create ambience in the bathroom.

Installing lighting in a bathroom can be dangerous so you need to hire a qualified electrician to fit lights safely and in accordance with building regulations. These rules state that different zones must only use certain voltage appliances made to a specified standard, so check with a qualified electrician to be safe.

Bathroom storage and accessories

Storage is all important in the bathroom and can pull the whole design together. If you have a small bathroom, use the space cleverly and conceal storage under sinks of in corner cabinets. Built-in vanity units and wall hung cabinets come in different materials and styles to suit your tastes. Consider using freestanding cabinets and caddy’s for toiletries. To really personalise the room pay attention to the details; match blinds and shower curtains, find a stylish soap dish and accessorise with ornaments.

AB