Remodeling your bathroom can help make it more functional and better suited to your family’s needs. It also adds to resale value and can be done in many styles.
Be sure to have a clear plan and schedule before you start. This will save time and prevent mistakes that can be expensive to correct.
When planning your bathroom layout, consider how the space will be used. For example, do you plan on a tub and shower or just a vanity and toilet? This will determine the type of room you need, ranging from a simple three-piece to an expansive master bath.
Often, homeowners choose to go with a tub and shower layout because it’s a great way to save space and money. This layout has all of the plumbing fixtures lined up against one wall so it’s a good choice for smaller bathrooms.
If you want to keep your costs low, opt for a shower/tub combo and a single sink. The vanity should sit at least 36 inches from the tub, so there’s enough room for a comfortable space to wash your hands and take care of your morning routine. This is a great option for an occupied family bathroom where the same person uses it every day, or even a guest bathroom.
A more spacious layout is ideal for a master bath, especially if you’re looking to create a spa-like environment. This design from Pure Salt Interiors allows for two separate vanities, a huge soaking tub, and a large walk-in shower.
This bathroom layout also features a long vanity and countertop, which makes it possible to have double sinks. For a more custom look, consider a furniture-style vanity or a modern floating vanity instead of an off-the-shelf cabinet. This will allow you to personalize the look and add extra storage.
Putting your tub in front of the window is an easy way to make the room feel larger and open. It’s also a good way to bring in natural light, which can be very helpful when getting ready for the day or relaxing before bed.
Another option for larger spaces is to use a partition to create a private space for the toilet. Using a pocket door eliminates the need to account for a swing and reclaims valuable floor space.
While there are many advantages to this layout, it’s best to avoid it in a shared bathroom that may be used by multiple people at the same time. A visible toilet isn’t the most welcoming sight when you enter a bathroom, and it can be awkward to share. If you must use this layout, consider incorporating decorative elements like a stunning shower curtain or a bold paint color to disguise the toilet area.
Lighting
There are a lot of design decisions to make when remodeling your bathroom. There are paint color choices, tile selections, showers & tubs, vanities, mirrors, and more. While these are all important, there is one area that often gets overlooked: the lighting.
Adding new lighting to your bathroom is the best way to increase functionality while upgrading its visual appeal. Carefully positioned light will banish unflattering shadows and illuminate areas where you need to do work like grooming, shaving, or applying makeup.
While there are many styles to choose from, when selecting your bath lights it’s helpful to consider your overall design. Some of our most popular looks are sleek and modern with a minimalist vibe, while others incorporate a more traditional feel or even a touch of glamour. If you have a limited space, our flush mounts and vanity lights are a great option for illuminating the room with minimal use of floor or wall real estate.
Other options include recessed or can lights for general lighting, sconces for more focused illumination on a particular wall or surface, or bath bars with multiple lights that can be aimed to highlight different features of the room. For those looking for something a little more distinctive, our chandeliers and Hollywood strip lights can add a contemporary or glamorous touch.
When choosing your bathroom light bulbs, it’s also important to consider the color temperature and lumen rating. The color temperature, measured in kelvins, is an indication of how accurately the bulb renders colors and can help reduce the bluish cast that can happen in some fixtures. The lumen rating, found on most packaging, is an indication of how bright the bulb is and should be used to help guide your light fixture choice.
If you want to save money in the long run, LED bath fixtures are a smart choice. The energy-efficient bulbs offer a long lifespan and can be easily swapped out. Additionally, many of our bath lights can be upgraded to LED with the addition of an LED bulb. Just be sure to consult the product’s maximum wattage and bulb fitting details, available in its description, before making a switch.
Storage
Whether your bathroom style leans toward rough industrial or the trendy modern aesthetic, there are countless ways to add stylish storage. For example, if your renovation involves opening up the wall behind a shower, consider adding bricks for a sleek and subtle visual element. Brick walls are also a great way to hide unsightly pipes and electrical boxes.
For small bathrooms, a wall-mounted shelving unit can help free up space on the vanity. Choose a style that’s easy to clean and can hold heavy items like jars of soap and lotion. Floating shelves are another option, and they work well in narrow spaces because the units don’t extend out from the wall.
If you have a little more space, consider installing a sliding cabinet. These types of cabinets are a great choice for the kitchen but are equally practical in a bathroom. They keep everyday items neatly out of sight and can be used to store towels, rugs or cleaning products.
A shallow shelving unit above the toilet can be a great spot to store towels, beauty products and other essentials that you don’t want taking up valuable floor space in your room. For a more custom look, use decorative brackets to anchor the shelf.
If your vanity has shallow drawers, install dividers and labels to organize and categorize the contents. This will save you time on rushed mornings because you won’t have to scour the entire drawer to find what you need. Stackable trays are another clever storage solution. These can be used to hold everything from nail polishes and cotton swabs to tweezers and hair tools.
Having ample storage in your bathroom makes it easier to keep surfaces clean and clutter-free, which will ultimately give the room a more streamlined look. You can also create a layered effect by choosing decorative baskets and vases to nestle into open shelving units.
Accessories
The right bathroom accessories can elevate the look and feel of your bathroom. They can also be functional, improving organization and boosting storage capacity. Bathroom vanity items, for example, can provide designated spaces to store items like toothbrushes and soap dispensers, while toilet paper holders, towel racks, and shower curtain rods add a modern look that’s easy to clean.
Decorative items, such as rugs and wall art, can also serve to create the perfect vibe for your bathroom. Go bold and modern with a colorful bathroom rug, or opt for something warmer and inviting with woven items like baskets and trays.
Many people confuse bathroom hardware and bathroom accessories, but there are some key differences. Bathroom hardware is more hands-off accessories that hold items, such as towel bars, bathroom hooks and toilet paper holders. On the other hand, bathroom accessories are more personal and largely used to decorate and accessorize your space.
A few simple bathroom accessories can make a big difference in your daily routine. For example, a wastebasket can help keep your countertops tidy by keeping dirty trash out of sight and out of mind. Or, a mirror frame can serve as a place to store makeup brushes and other cosmetic items, making it easier to find what you need when getting ready.
Similarly, a toothbrush holder can keep your favorite scented or unscented toothpaste within arm’s reach. You can also upgrade your sink with chic vanity accessories, including a stylish soap pump and a wastebasket in a modern material like matte black or marble. Plus, a catchall tray is a great place to store jewelry and other odds and ends.
If your bathroom is in need of an update, consider upgrading the lighting as well. New, energy-efficient light fixtures not only look sleek and modern, but they can also save you money on electricity costs in the long run.
In the end, your bathroom is a space where you can relax and unwind. So make sure it’s equipped with all the necessary bath essentials to ensure that you can enjoy a soothing experience after a long day.
