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How To Choose A Bathtub in 7 Steps

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 3:08 am  
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kohler-villager-5ft-bathtubThe bathtub can truly be the centerpiece of your bathroom. Its size almost guarantees it will be a focal point and it does provide a central function. It is after all, the “bath” room. If you’re choosing a new bathtub, how do you make sure you pick the right one?

Here are seven steps to choosing the perfect bathtub.

1. Set your budget. Bathtubs come in a huge variety of styles, colors and functions. If you go shopping without setting a maximum budget, there is virtually no limit to what you might spend. While there’s no doubt that you’re worth it, your home might not be. In other words, don’t install such a super-duper bathtub that you’ll never get your money back when you move. Of course if you never intend to move, then spend what you like. But it would still be better to decide ahead of time how much that is.

2. Check the output of your hot water heater. Unless you enjoy cold baths, you need to make sure that your hot water heater can handle whichever bathtub you choose to install. So find out how many gallons of hot water your heater can produce. And if you have other family members who might be needing hot water also, find out how long it takes your hot water heater to recover after being emptied. This will all have an impact on the size of bathtub you choose and may indicate whether you need to replace your water heater or not.

3. Check your location. Make sure you know how much room you have for your new bathtub. If the perfect bathtub won’t fit in your bathroom, or there’s no way to get it inside the house, then it’s not really the perfect bathtub, is it?

4. Choose the size of your new bathtub. Will you be taking baths alone or with a partner? Bathtubs come in one-person and two-person versions. You may find this hard to believe, but there is such a thing as a bathtub that is too large. Apply the Goldilocks principle and make sure you choose a bathtub that’s “just right.”

5. Choose the functions you want. Are you looking for whirlpool action or do you just prefer a simple bath? There’s no point in buying something you’ll never use.

6. Choose a bathtub that’s easy to maintain. Bathtubs are available in different materials and finishes. Find out how good it is at repelling dirt and soap scum, and how easy it is to clean. A relaxing bath might not be very relaxing if you have to clean the tub every time.

7. Finally, choose a bathtub that will last a long time. The materials used to make your bathtub will also have a big impact on durability. With the time, effort and money you’ve put into the installation of a new bathtub, you want it to last as long as possible.

How To Select A Shower Stall Enclosure

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 3:03 am  
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With the wide range of shower stalls available bathroom design has never been easier. Shower stalls, shower heads, enclosures and bases can be purchased and delivered direct to your door.

Shower Enclosures are available today in a wide variety of styles, colors and shapes which will suit even the oddest shaped bathrooms.

Not only can you purchase corner entry showers, neo-angle, seated showers and curved shower enclosures but you can also purchase double sized showers which are luxurious for a larger bathroom. There are even stalls that have provision for a phone, radio and massage jets, talk about decadent luxury.

There are shower stalls available with a metallic trim finish that may include brass, polished chrome or a PVD material which can be in almost any color you can think of. This is great for those with an artistic flair for bathroom design and who are comfortable with mixing and matching colors.

It is important to consider the base size. Shower bases are often included in a shower kit, however often you will need to purchase this separately. Generally it pays to purchase the shower base that has been specifically made for the shower enclosure you have chosen.

The shower head is another essential item that can be purchased in a variety of formats including massage heads, body spray types and rain heads. Select a shower head that gives the degree of water force and flow that suits you first and then check if the is available in a style that suits your bathroom décor. With the wide range available online you are bound to find just what you are looking for.

Depending on the type of shower stall you have chosen or if your shower head is over your bathtub, you may require a shower curtain. Shower Curtains are available in a great range of styles to suit any bathroom design. Bold colors and abstract designs that blend well with bath tiles as well as character designs and bright colors for the kids are all available online.

How To Choose Bathroom Faucets

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 2:55 am  
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peerless-polished-chrome-bathroom-faucetFaucets come in a wide variety of compositions including enamel, chrome, brass, stainless steel and copper and your choice depends on your budget and aesthetic preference.

Your current bathroom fixtures will help in your decision making as you will want to ensure that any new fixtures that you purchase  suit the décor of your bathroom. Antique brass faucets, for instance will probably look out of place in a modern contemporary style bathroom.

The extensive range of styles in bathroom faucets available means that you can purchase beautifully crafted faucets from antique-style to the most modern up-to-date designs. There are bathroom faucets that perform an array of functions such as those containing sensors that control the water pressure or temperature which is a great safety feature.

You can purchase faucets that include single or dual control. Single-handed faucets are center-based and control both the hot and cold water by the one lever through the one spout. Dual-control faucets use a single base unit where the spout and valves are combined on a single unit with dual handles. Another type  known as a widespread faucet, is where the hot water valve, the cold water valve and the spout are all mounted separately.


How to Choose Bathroom Vanities

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 2:37 am  
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Bathrooms that are starting to look a bit old, drab and tired can be updated dramatically by installing new bathroom vanities.

Bathrooms don’t need to be plain and boring with the great range of vanities available on the market today and a bathroom vanity that is chosen with thought and care can make a big difference to your bathroom decor. Vanities these days come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and styles. You can purchase them in hardwood with marble, granite or glass tops. You can also purchase antique style vanities to match a claw foot bathtub. These are just a few of the options available.

It is important that you take into account your bathroom lighting when installing a vanity. Without adequate lighting you will create a shadow and you may not be able to see yourself clearly in your mirror. If you are replacing an existing vanity then this will probably not be a problem but if you are moving it to a new position just keep this in mind.

Bathroom vanities can be purchased with or without cupboard space. This is particularly useful for those in wheelchairs who need the space under the sink. Otherwise, if you are purchasing the more traditional vanity consider the amount of storage space your family needs. Large bathrooms with plenty of space may allow for a double-sized vanity which will provide lots of the extra storage space and space for a double bathroom sink if required.

How To Choose a Bathroom Medicine Cabinet

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 2:33 am  
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Your medicine cabinet is an important item in your bathroom. Not only is it where you store those essential cosmetic and health related items, but it is often the last mirror you look in to ensure that you are looking just right before you head out into the world for the day.

Although it isn’t a hard and fast rule, having your medicine cabinet match your bathroom vanity makes for good bathroom design.

In general, there are two types of medicine cabinet. The first is the type that you attach to a wall as you would a picture. Almost anyone can install one and it can be done in minutes.

If you are going to install one yourself ensure that you determine exactly where you want the cabinet to be placed. Placing your medicine cabinet over the bathroom vanity is generally the most convenient spot, but consider all members of the household before choosing the height that it will be placed at.

The second type of medicine cabinet is the recessed type. This type is placed into a cavity within the wall and can be placed flush to the wall or slightly recessed depending on your preference and style of cabinet. Having the cabinet set into the wall not only saves space but also allows good access to the bathroom vanity below.

There is a huge choice of medicine cabinets, in a variety of styles and colors, available on the market and it is generally best to select a style that matches your bathroom vanity. You can purchase your medicine cabinet in a variety of materials including aluminium, steel or a hardwood such as oak. And as always the choice of material is really a personal one.

How To Make The Most of Your Bathroom Space With Bathroom Mirrors

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 2:26 am  
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Using mirrors in your bathroom is not only a great way to decorate; it is an outstanding way to make the room look bigger. Because bathrooms are usually small and often lack space and lighting, bathroom mirrors can help accentuate the positive features of the room and detract from the lack of space.

Mirrors are common enough in bathrooms, but there are some great ways to use them that you may not have thought of before.

Lighted mirrors are a great way to bring light, texture, and color to your bathroom. Not only do these mirrors draw the eye to the mirror area, they help to accentuate the colors of the walls and make the room look big and bright. Lighted mirrors are usually placed over a sink or vanity area, which make them functional and beautiful.

Many small bathrooms do not have natural light which makes them appear even smaller. Adding a mirror to the largest walls will help to make the room feel less cramped and give a more airy feeling to the room. If there is a window in the room, putting a mirror on the wall opposite the window will help reflect the light and make the room appear much bigger than it actually is.

Mirrored tiles have always been quite popular in bathrooms because they give a unique decorating style that cannot be achieved any other way. Mirrored tiles can be used on complete walls, or just a few times on tiled or even a dry walled wall. This mirroring of the wall is a great idea if you have a large vanity and desire an attractive and unique backsplash for it and the sink.

In small bathrooms you can group candles and mirrors to achieve a lighted, spacious, and tranquil setting in what would otherwise be a claustrophobic room! Most home stores carry ranges of hanging mirrors that also hold candles. This can help add an element of decoration as well as the perception of more space, which is exactly what you want to achieve when you are putting a mirror in a bathroom.

Not only do mirrors help to make a room look bigger, they are also functional and decorative. Mirrors come in all shapes, sizes, and a variety of styles, meaning everyone can find a great mirror to decorate and expand the look and feel of their bathroom. Bathrooms are often overlooked as far as decorating goes, but a well-decorated and mirrored bathroom is always appreciated.

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