Renovation Ideas Archives

How to Choose a Bathroom Mirror

jerdon-wall-mirrorThe  mirror is the centerpiece of any bathroom. You will want a mirror that’s stylish, easy to clean and functional. Some other features you might be interested in are magnification and an anti fog surface.

How to choose a bathroom mirror is pretty simple when you know what to look for.

  • Size: Choose a mirror that balances the bathroom. You don’t want to have to bob your head like a chicken just to see different parts of your face.  Look for a mirror that is roughly the same length as the bathroom counter top.
  • Style: Find a mirror that fits your bathroom style. If you have an ultra modern décor look for a chrome frame possibly with lighting built into the sides.  For a wood paneled bathroom choose a frame with a more neutral tone frame.
  • Ease of cleaning: You’re going to get spots of soap and water droplets on the mirror. Look for a mirror that has a high quality finish that shines up streak free. You can spend hours trying to clean a lower quality mirror.
  • Magnification: If you have the space in the bathroom it’s a good idea to install a makeup or shaving mirror. These typically will screw into the wall next to the sink. The magnifying mirror is typically on a telescoping arm that you can pull out from the wall. This lets you get a close up look at where you’re shaving or applying lipstick, mascara etc.
  • Anti-fog: If you’re bathroom doesn’t have the greatest ventilation you might want to consider an anti-fog surfaced mirror. It gets old constantly wiping a mirror down with a towel and then hurrying to get everything accomplished before the mirror fogs up again.

How to choose a bathroom mirror doesn’t have to be hard. Just know what features you want in a bathroom mirror, write them down, so that you get exactly what you need when you shop.


Tips and Hints for Choosing Bathroom Tiles

bathroom-tilesWhether you have a new home or are just redoing the bathroom in your existing home, you may be thinking about  the what bathroom tiles you should use.

Updating the tiles will really give your bathroom a lift and totally modernize it if it is tired looking and outdated.  But before you start shopping for tiles, there are some things you need to consider to ensure you get the right tiles for you.

Material

Vinyl Tiles –If you are looking for purely economical tile options, you may want to look at vinyl as it is much more affordable than other tile types.

Ceramic Bathroom Tiles – The most common tile you are going to find in the bathroom is ceramic. With a glazed finish this can come in a number of colors and styles and will last  for years to come.

Glass Bathroom Tiles – In the designer arena are glass tiles that are usually used as decorative accent pieces to your bathroom as they can be very pricey.

Mirror TilesThese can be used to give the appearance of space in a small bathroom.

Style

Simple – If you want to let your bathroom décor do the talking and not the tile, you may decide to choose a simple tile design that is just a solid color. Then no matter what accents you add to the bathroom they will be coordinate with the tile base.

Edge Design – Add  flair to a simple bathroom tile base by using solid color tile with an edge design. This literally means the edge pieces of the tile work will have a decorative accent.

Overall Design – If you know just what you want in your bathroom tile, you may want to go with an overall design. This is tile that is usually hand painted or that the pieces will go together to create a mosaic or decorative design that is just as much a part of the bathroom décor as it is a wall covering.

Random Pattern Tiles – Use an occasional patterned tile every so often to break up a solid tile base. These pattern tiles can be placed randomly or at standard intervals.

Once you choose the type of  bathroom tile that suits your decor and budget, you you can even jazz it up a little more by adding colored grout to complete the look.

delta-water-amplifying-adjustable-shower-head

Whether you are looking for a shower head that can help you save  water and energy in your home or one that just has more oomph if your current water pressure is a little on the light side,  then the Delta Water Amplifying Adjustable Showerhead with H2OKINETIC Technology may be just the thing for you.

When you first hear that this showerhead only puts through 1.8 – 2.5 gallons of water per minute, you may think it can’t possiblly stand up to the other shower heads  that put out 3, 4 or more gallons of water every minute.

But surprisingly, the Amplifying Adjustable Showerhead has been specifically designed to use less water and combine it with air to give  you a result that compares more than favorably with other showerheads.

This showerhead can save you in a number of ways:

Saving Water – The first feature is that it will help you save water usage. This is vital in a world where many of us are trying to reduce our carbon footprint.

Saving Electricity – Using a water saving showerhead also saves energy. The less water that has to be pushed through the shower head, the less water your hot water heater has to warm up for those hot showers.

What We Like:

  • This has a great flow and pressure to it if you like a real shower with some decent water impact.
  • It helps conserve water (only 1.8 – 2.5 gallons per minute) while still feeling like a shower that is pushing through more water.
  • It helps save energy, as there is less water to be heated.
  • It was very easy to install.
  • It is a great value for the price.

CLICK HERE to buy the Delta Water Amplifying Adjustable Shower head with H2OKINETIC Technology and start enjoying hot showers while saving water and energy.


If making a change to the look of your bathroom is a part of your plans this year, there may be an easier way to do it than you think.

Many people think redoing a bathroom means you have to break out all of the tiles and replace them with new tiles to create a whole new look. The truth is that you may be able to paint your current bathroom tiles and make them look new again.

Preparing to Paint Your Ceramic Bathroom Tiles

There is a lot of preparation work that has to be done before you can paint your bathroom tiles:

Clean – The first thing you need to realize is that if the tiles are dirty they will not hold paint well. It will chip and peel where the dirt was. So, make sure you thoroughly clean the tiles before you begin painting.

Grout – Make sure you also clean the grout around the tiles as well as replacing any that needs to be fixed. If you do this make sure to give it time to dry before moving forward.

Priming – This may seem like something you don’t want to do, but if you want the paint to hold on to the ceramic tiles you should use a sander or sandpaper to break down the shiny and smooth coating over the tile. This will help paint stick more easily.

Dust – Once you have sanded make sure to clean up all that dust so it doesn’t get caught in your paint job.

Painting Your Bathroom Tiles

Whether you are doing one color, texture or a design on your tiles, you should always begin with a good base coat that will give you a smooth canvas to work with. You will want to use paint with an oil base that will hold up best in this wet space.

You can put on as many coats as you would like, but you need to make sure to let each coat thoroughly dry before adding the next.

Homeowners can really spruce up their home by renovating their bathrooms. Whether your bathroom renovation is on a large scale or very simple, it will make you feel good about your home as well as increase its value. Many bathroom renovations don’t have to be expensive to make a difference, and they can take just a few days if you are a do-it-yourselfer.

Replacing your bathtub or shower
One of the big things that you may want to consider in a bathroom renovation is replacing your bathtub or shower.

The tub or shower is usually the centerpiece of a bathroom, and when you replace your existing one it can change the feel of the whole room. You can replace the existing tub or shower with something really simple, it will upgrade the look of the room. You’ll find a wide range of showers and bathtubs at your local home center or from our online merchants, where you can choose from modern styles to old-fashioned claw foot tubs.

A nice Jacuzzi bathtub will definitely increase the value of your home and not only that, they are fun to use!

Add a new sink or vanity
Another uplifting addition to your bathroom renovation is a new bathroom sink and vanity. In many bathrooms the vanity appears outdated, and this really takes away from the overall look and feel of the room. Investing in a new vanity and sink will make your whole bathroom look new! You can also just order new hardware for the sink if you do not want to replace the whole unit. If your vanity is made of wood, why not stain or paint it another color to give it a lift.

New flooring can breath new life
Consider new flooring when you are considering a bathroom renovation. Bathroom floors really take a lot of wear. Replacing the flooring can breathe new life into your bathroom, as well as tie together an updated tub and vanity. Flooring for the bathroom area is generally inexpensive, since they are typically not big rooms. Keep the flooring light to give the bathroom a bright, clean feeling.

Simple changes can make the difference
In addition to these things, paint, colorful rugs, thick patterned towels, candles, and some simple prints can enhance the look of your bathroom. As insignificant as most people believe their bathrooms are, it sure does feel good when they have been renovated.

If your bathroom is becoming a little outdated you can create a major change to the atmosphere of your room by updating your bathroom fixtures.

Bathroom fixtures are available today in a huge variety of colors and styles, and a new look can be achieved on nearly any budget. Think carefully about the style of fixtures such as faucets, lighting, mirrors, vanities, shower stalls, soap dispensers and towel rails so that everything blends together to add to the appeal of your bathroom.

Here are some ideas to spice up a boring bathroom:

Replace Your Shower or Bathtub
Your shower and bathtub are two of the most important fixtures in your home. An uncomfortable tub or a too-weak shower can make bathing the exact opposite of the luxurious experience that you deserve. By installing a new tub or shower, you can completely change the look of your entire room while increasing your enjoyment of the room. Bathtubs are available in a variety of colors and styles and bathroom accessories can be purchased to tone in with the bathtub or as a contrasting feature Even if your major bathroom fixtures are perfectly serviceable and comfortable, you may just need a few new items to enhance the décor. A new shower curtain or door on your existing bathroom can change your bathroom’s style without the cost of a full replacement.

Update the Look of Your Toilet
Toilets might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to stylish fixtures, but you will be surprised by the array of possibilities you have today. Not only can you spruce up the look of your bathroom with a new color or style of toilet, but you can also save money by purchasing a water-efficient model. If you do not want replace the entire toilet, then consider buying a new toilet seat in a color or design that enhances your ideal bathroom style.

Install a Stylish New Sink

Sinks are a relatively easy way to transform the look of your standard bathroom. A pedestal sink will make your bathroom look larger, and a marble vanity adds elegance. Sinks are among the most flexible of fixtures, giving you a huge amount of choice in style and function.

New Looks from New Faucets

Faucets are the easiest and most affordable bathroom accessories to replace. Faucets come in a wide range of colors and styles from shabby chic to elegant antique. Even the oldest bathroom fixtures can get a whole new lease on life with updated faucets. Remember to match your tub and showerheads at the same time as your sink faucets for a blended look.

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