The bathroom isn’t just somewhere we go when it’s needed. We also use it for grooming, makeup application and for a quiet oasis. People often unwind in a warm shower or bath. Others find the bathroom to be the perfect place to brainstorm new ideas. It’s a room that’s essential, and depending on where it’s located, everyone uses it (including guests), so it’s no wonder why you want this room to sparkle.
Since we know a lot can be involved in a bathroom remodel or renovation, we want to help you with a few considerations.
Selecting your shower and/or tub
You have to consider what exactly you’re looking for. Do you want the option to soak in a warm bath? If you’re not short in stature, then you may want to choose a deep soaking tub, since many shower/tub combos are not designed for an average-sized person to be able to soak comfortably. However, keep in mind, shower/tub combos can often run on the affordable side.
On the other hand, if you don’t see yourself ever using a tub, you may want to opt for a walk-in shower. It can be roomier and there’s no tub sides to step over.
If you want the best of both worlds and have a large bathroom, you could have a walk-in shower along with a freestanding tub. On the flip side, if you have a small space to renovate, you may choose to go with a corner shower that will take up less space but still allow you to create a full bath instead of a half bath.
Choosing your vanity
When it comes to your vanity, consider carefully how many people will be using the vanity on a daily basis. Also, think about whether you’ll be sharing the bathroom at the same time or using it alone. This can help you determine what size vanity you’ll need and whether more than one sink is needed or not. Consider the space you may require for your toiletries, too. You’ll also need to figure out how much space you have to work with and whether you’ll need additional storage underneath.
Choosing your toilet
If you’re new to shopping for toilets, you may not have realized they come in various heights. This can be a dilemma if you’re tall and order a short one or vice versa. There are also toilets that are made ADA-compliant for those in wheelchairs. So, you’ll need to carefully consider what height you want.
There are also other features you may want to consider such as high-performing choices that may require less plunging and eco-friendly options. If you’d like help shopping for the right one, Good Housekeeping has eight recommendations.
Picking lighting
When choosing lighting for your bathroom, it’s a good idea to layer with more than one option. Windows and daylight bulbs can offer bright natural lighting to help you when it comes to brushing your hair, shaving and makeup application. However, ambient lighting is nicer for night-time showers and midnight bathroom runs.
Determining what flooring to use
There are various flooring types that can work well in the bathroom. You’ll want something that can handle moisture well. Flooring choices such as tile, vinyl, stone, cork or concrete can work well in this space. Engineered hardwood is an option too since it holds up better to moisture than solid planks. However, keep in mind, it isn’t waterproof.
When choosing which flooring you want, you’ll want to dig deeper. You’ll, of course, want to consider the appearance and what type of space you want to create. But you’ll also want to learn about the maintenance requirements and consider whether you want a slip-resistant option. You can also opt for bath mats or area rugs to help protect you from slipping and your floors from getting too wet. Another thing to consider is the durability and the hardness of the flooring. For example, while tile and concrete will be very durable, they’re also going to be harder flooring choices.
When you’re trying to decide on the right flooring for your bathroom, we recommend checking out our website or coming to see us. If you view our site, you can learn more about luxury vinyl planking, tile and engineered hardwood. We go into the specifics of the maintenance needs and provide some of the benefits of choosing each type of flooring option. We also have a section on area rugs, if you’re considering adding one to your bathroom.
Selecting your color scheme
When it comes to your color scheme, you have a variety of options available. You can go with something warm and bright like yellow or something more calming such as baby blue. You can choose patterned wallpaper or tile to be displayed on your walls. It can have neuterals with a pop of color or it can be clad in color. To help you get started, Homes & Gardens has 28 ideas in this article.
Choosing hardware and fixtures
When choosing things such as faucets, showerheads and cabinet handles, you’ll want to take your overall color scheme into consideration. Fixtures and hardware can come in various colors and materials. Consider how you’ll tie all of this together into your final look. Also, think about whether you want knobs or handles. And what type of showerhead you want, since there are a wide variety of options. Need a starting point? Check out CNET’s article, “Best Showerhead for 2022.”
Beyond appearance, also consider whether you want to tie in some eco-friendly upgrades. You may want to go with a low-flow shower head or faucet to reduce how much water you use.
Think about storage space
Don’t forget to consider what storage space you’ll need for your bathroom. You’ll want somewhere to store medicine, first aid supplies, towels, toiletries and more. Consider shelving, a linen closet, the storage space under your vanity and more. There are several ways you can incorporate plenty of storage space into your bathroom, even a small one. Since we know small bathrooms can be the most difficult to plan storage space for, we included this link for Better Homes & Gardens, “14 Small-bathroom storage hacks to make the most of your tiny space.“
While we may not be able to help you put all of this together, we hope that it helped you consider your next steps. When it comes time for you to look at flooring or window coverings for your bathroom (or any room) please come see us at CarpetsAmerica.