The Best Ways To Pick The Right Bathroom Faucets

By Kelvin Malone

Bathroom faucets are obviously one of the important parts of any bathroom. Without these, there is no sink, shower, or tub. While all bathroom faucets are meant to serve the very basic purpose of carrying water, they now also come in a wide array of shapes and styles. Finding the right design can be difficult, but it's well worth the effort of the search.

Before buying bathroom faucets, there are several things you will want to think about. First and foremost, you will want to consider which type of design is appropriate and what type of design you want. What kind of handle do you want for your faucet? Do you want a bathroom faucet with a large round knob that you can adjust either way for increased hot or cold water, or do you want a pull handle? Even beyond that, do you want one handle, or two (one for each temperature of water)?

A second serious consideration with bathroom faucets is finding a style and a finish that you want. A good style and finish can add a certain respectable elegance to your bathroom, but you want to make sure they don't clash with the rest of the bathroom, otherwise any positive effect will be lost by its seeming completely out of place. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of choices, and whatever style you decide to choose, you will want to make sure to consider if they fit into your bathroom, will function at maximum capacity, and also how easy they are to use. If they look nice that's all good and well, but if they're really hard to use, is it really worth it?

Also, a very important consideration with bathroom faucets is expense. Obviously you may find a bathroom faucet you love, but if it is three times the cost of your budget, then that's not going to work. There are some very basic bathroom faucets, and then there are very elegant, expensive bathroom faucets. Don't overspend--you can find plenty of good functional faucets that are also aesthetically pleasing for a reasonable price.

For more information about improving your bathroom, head to DesignMyOwnBathroom.com Find all you need on bathroom fixtures, repair, lighting, and much more. DesignMyOwnBathroom.com

Bathroom Sinks or Basins

By Illa Maden

Bathroom sinks or basins come in many forms these days, and have a variety of installation applications. In addition to all of those options, the materials from which bathroom sinks or basins are made are also very diverse.

Types of bathroom sinks or basins

1. Freestanding sinks-Freestanding sinks can either be mounted on the wall or they can be mounted in a base that is not attached to the wall.

Wall mounted sinks come in choices as well. There are single sinks, double sinks, and those that can be mounted in a corner to save space.

The base mounted versions can be fancy or utilitarian, vintage looking or contemporary and everything in between. Some come with flat tops, some have backsplashes that although they are not mounted to the wall, they meet the wall.

There are also base mounted sinks where the sink drops into a frame on legs. Some of these are found in wrought iron, some stainless steel and other materials as well.

All of the above are attractive and unique, the drawback is that they offer little storage, and in some cases no surface space for grooming supplies.

2. Vanity mounted bathroom sinks-Vanity mounted sinks came into being when the overall size of housing shrank, and bathrooms in particular became smaller.

Vanity mounted sinks can be self rimming. This is a sink where the rim is on top of the counter.

The rimmed sink sits flat with the countertop and has a metal rim that seals it to the countertop.

The under-mounted sink is installed from below and requires the countertop to withstand water.

3. Integrated bathroom sinks-feature a one piece unit. The sink is a part of the countertop and molded in. This application often has indentations for holding a soap bar and usually also a built in backsplash.

The advantage to the one piece integrated bathroom sink is there are no seams to gather dirt and grime, making them easy to keep clean.

Which application of bathroom sink you choose depends on the bathroom, and on personal choice.

Discover more of Illa's expert tips about vanities and sinks, as well as advice on bathroom flooring.

Bathroom Design - A Guide To Modern Bathroom Ideas

By Penny Day

From sleek wall-hung bathroom furniture and spa baths to colour therapy lighting and sound systems, there's more choice than ever before when designing a bathroom. For this reason, it's a good idea to involve the professionals. If you're planning a bathroom from scratch, or you are going to reconfigure the plumbing and drainage of the existing room, then it's best to employ a designer as there will be structural and practical considerations, especially if you want a wet room. Specialist bathroom showrooms, such as Original Bathrooms, Ripples and CP Hart, provide designers and can organise installation too.

The DIY stores, such as B&Q and Wickes, can offer in-store planning, but advice is generally limited to the layout of basic elements, rather than providing solutions to problems. When buying for your bathroom, take along a plan of the room, with the existing fittings marked, and make sure you know the location and type of water-heating system you have, so that the shop can help you choose the most appropriate fittings.

Basins
The latest basins are wide, shallow designs, sometimes even irregular in shape. These can be inserted into a slab-type work surface, wall-mounted with shelves and towel storage below, or installed as part of a basin unit. Conversely, deeper, rounder shapes set into slab worktops are also popular. Teamed with dark wood or lacquered white cabinets, shiny chrome taps and matching accessories, they can add a witty touch to an otherwise understated bathroom.

Baths
Baths are usually the focal point of a bathroom, and there is a huge choice. Modern roll-top styles, often mounted in a cradle or on blocks, are designed to sit in the centre of a large room, while non-freestanding designs will need to be set into a surround finished with tiles or timber. New materials for baths include stone, cast-stone composites and even wood. For a larger bath, check that your hot-water system has the extra capacity needed. You should think carefully before opting for a shower instead of a bath, as it may decrease the re-sale value of your property.

Furniture
Modern fitted bathroom furniture is often in dark wood, such as ebony, mahogany or wenge, which contrast well with white sanitaryware and chrome or stainless-steel bathroom fittings.

Walls
Where walls and flooring are concerned, there's still a strong trend for tiles, with limestone or porcelain lookalike tiles very popular. To avoid a bland look you can add bands of colour to break up plain tiles. Fully tiled walls tend to suffer from condensation unless the room is well heated. To solve the problem make sure your room has adequate ventilation; a heated towel rail and underfloor heating will also help. You can update your bathroom simply by swapping an outdated pedestal basin for a chic modern one with an integral stand.

Brassware
If your bath and basin are understated, then bold, angular brassware will create several focal points. Many ranges have satin and matt finishes, sometimes in nickel, which will provide a softer look. The trend is for taps to be arched and graceful and showerheads as large as possible, especially in a wet room, to give you a good drenching. Remember that hard water causes shiny brassware to mark and dull quite badly, and be prepared to dry and buff the taps regularly. Take advice when choosing brassware, too, as products vary in suitability for high- or low-pressure water heating systems.

Wet Rooms and Steam Cabinets
The most desirable types of showers around at the moment are wet rooms. If you wish to use the whole bathroom, then it has to be lined with a waterproof membrane, which usually costs at least £2,000. Do take professional advice, as there are many points to consider, from the capacity of the drainage system to the rate of water flow and recovery. You could opt for a semi-wet room, or a walk-in shower; this will be spacious but with fewer technical considerations. Semi-wet rooms still involve extensive waterproofing of part of the room, while glass panels are used to screen off the rest of the room and contain the spray. Walk-in shower enclosures consist of a tray and side/front panels, but are without a fully closing door %u2013 the walk-in area serves as a drying-off space. The latest have frameless glass panels and recessed trays to create a wet-room look.

If a wet room is not for you, and you have the budget and the space, you could create a spa-like bathroom with a steam cabinet. Fully enclosed with a roof, these contain a steam generator and usually a seat. Chromatherapy (colour therapy) is also included in some models. If the bathroom doesn't have the space for a separate shower, look at the range of over-bath showers/steam cabinets from Jacuzzi %u2013 some models offer whirlpool bath options as well.

Ceiling-mounted shower fittings, along with body jets, are de rigueur in a wet room. If you want to install a new shower into an existing enclosure, or over the bath, consider a shower panel, such as one from Triton, which includes a fixed showerhead plus a hand-held spray and various body jets. Aqualisa offers remote-controlled showers, which can be switched on before entering the enclosure; the Grohe Wireless shower can be switched on or off from any room in the house.

You can find more information on bathroom design and bathroom design ideas at http://www.housetohome.co.uk, helping you create a look you'll love

Small Bathroom Design With A Small Bathtub

By Steve Gee

What to do if a conventional bathtub won't fit into your small bathroom

If you are remodeling a very small bathroom that isn't big enough to fit a full sized bath or if you want to add a shower cubicle to your already cramped bathroom then there are a few options that you might want to consider.

Shower above the bathtub

If you have room for a full sized bathtub then the option that many people take is to put a shower over the bathtub. While this is an easy option I don't personally like it very much because it's difficult to make it look good and it always feels like a compromise that I didn't want to make.

Showers are for washing efficiently but bathtubs are for soaking and relaxing

After my small bathroom remodel I now have a shower cubicle as well as a bathtub, which I think is the ideal situation. Now that I have both I've been surprised to find that I use the shower far more often than I use the bathtub. Why is this? Well it's because a shower is far more efficient than bathing. I can shower in 5 minutes but when I take a bath I like to make it last for an hour or more. So for me the shower is for washing and the bathtub is for relaxing.

Trade the length of your bathtub for depth

Your bathtub is for soaking and relaxing in and for that you need to be immersed in water and you need to be comfortable. It's no good installing a short, shallow bathtub just to make it fit into your little bathroom because it won’t be any good for soaking in and it won't be comfortable either.

A better idea is to trade length of your tub for depth. This simple concept makes it possible to fit a bathtub that requires a modest floor area but still allows you to immerse yourself in water and relax.

Soaking bathtubs

The Japanese have a long tradition of using bathtubs for soaking and relaxation. They also often have to manage in very small accommodations so you can get a lot of ideas from looking at the way they live. The most interesting soaking tub that I've come across was nothing more than a wooden barrel with a stool fixed to the bottom. Yes it was crude but it worked. It fitted into a tiny little bathroom, it immersed you in water and it was very relaxing.

Walk in bathtubs

A sophisticated version of the wooden barrel bathtub is the modern walk-in bathtub. The principles are the same but they have built in seats and a door to allow easy access. A walk-in bathtub takes up much less space than a conventional bathtub but still allows you to take a very relaxing bath.

The walk-in bathtub door can be a two edged sword however. It allows easy access on the one hand, which is great if you have difficulty stepping up into the bath. The problem is that the door has a potential to leak at some point and require maintenance. Also you can't use the door unless the bathtub is empty of water, which means that you have to be inside when filling and emptying with water.

Short and deep bathtubs for very small bathrooms

So if you are remodeling a small bathroom remember that you can choose a shorter bathtub but make sure that it's deep enough to give you a long relaxing soak.

More bathroom remodeling ideas: Idea for remodeling a small bathroom at http://www.bathroomsremodeling.this-info.com Steve Gee

Bathroom Designs Idea - Can I Design My Own Bathroom?

By David Buster

A bathroom designs idea -- can I really design my own bathroom? Why not! Today, the bathroom is much more than just a room for grooming and a place to read. Bathrooms can be a good place for home exercise equipment and a good music system or TV, for example. What better way to unwind from the day than a soothing shower or warm soak in the tub with candles and relaxing music. So start a notebook. When you get a bathroom designs idea, write it down. Soon you'll have defined the bathroom that's just right for you.

Design my own bathroom? You bet you can! When designing your own bathroom, some of the questions you should ask (and answer) include:

1. How big will the bathroom be? Bathroom sizes include:

• Master bathroom or luxury bathroom - includes toilet, bidet, two sinks, separate tub and shower, whirpool or spa and perhaps more, depending on your budget. Some master bathrooms are large enough to have exercise equipment, and they are subdivided into smaller compartments for privacy depending on what is needed.
• Full bathroom - includes toilet, sink, and combination tub/shower plumbed along one wall. Typical dimensions are 5x7 or 5x8 feet.
• Half bathroom - includes sink and toilet only. It can be placed on the main floor of your home to reduce the morning rush, and the family doesn't have to go upstairs to use the toilet. Common dimensions are between 3x6 and 4x5 feet, about the size of a smaller closet.
• Small bathroom - includes corner shower stall, toilet and sink and typical dimensions are 6x6 feet.
• Childrens bathroom - can be a three-quarter bathroom or full bathroom depending on the size of your home and how many children you have. Children's bathrooms should have plenty of storage and cubbies that are safe and colorful. If several kids will use the same bathroom, a wall or half wall between the toilet and the rest of the bathroom may be a good idea.
• Guest bathroom - can be a three-quarter bathroom or a full bathroom.

2. Are you planning to have convenient storage in the bathroom? A design my own bathroom person will always include bathroom storage. You can find a combination sink/vanity for extra storage. A great bathroom designs idea is you can never have too much bathroom storage! Use the wall space wisely with shelves or cabinets over the commode or almost anywhere in the bathroom. Consider using corner shelves, and hang towel bars above one another. Add a medicine cabinet with mirror to your bathroom to store grooming supplies, medicine or toiletries. Traditionally, the medicine cabinet was always located above the vanity or sink, but nowadays you can place it elsewhere in the bathroom. Add a shower caddy to your corner shower for extra storage.

3. Do you have enough lighting planned for your bathroom? Natural light is an important element in bathrooms. A window, a wall or roof skylight will bring in natural light, a view or a dramatic skyscape. Having a skylight that opens is great because moisture build-up is reduced. Artificial lighting is also vital and often overlooked in a bathroom. Without good lighting, the decor and the personality of your bathroom can not be developed properly. Lighting for your bathroom can be natural and manufactured. Lighting should be used to brighten and define the space since both can affect your mood and how you feel inside your home.

4. Another bathroom designs idea - what about ventilation? If you live in climates prone to mold and mildew, you should install an exhaust fan in your bathroom. Ventilating fans are sized by the number of cubic feet of air they move each minute (cfm). A design my own bathroom person will have a good ventilation system that can move the air from the bathroom to the outdoors about eight times per hour or once every 7 or 8 minutes. Bathrooms generate humidity and moisture that can penetrate ceilings, floors and countertops. Remove odors and humidity from a bathroom by installing a power ventilator large enough to do the job. You do not want your walls to break into a sweat every time someone showers.

Design my own bathroom? Go for it! A design my own bathroom person will read as much as possible, thinking through what is wanted and needed in this important room. A bathroom designs idea will range from materials used to the bathroom layout to the finished colors. Having a successful bathroom project is about making informed decisions while planning and while building. Continue the process of learning as much as you can before building begins. How much can you spend, what style will the bathroom be, what size ventilation should you have and so on. Your answer to each bathroom designs idea question is what will guide you so you'll have the best bathroom ever.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - learn more bathroom design ideas for layout, lighting, storage, bathroom vanities, small bathrooms, childrens bathrooms and more.

Planning Your Bathroom Tile Design, Pattern & Installation

By Manuel Kupka

If you are planning to tile a bathroom by yourself, this article will help you plan your bathroom tiling installation in the best and cost effective way as well as giving you some tile design ideas. We will guide through your new bathroom tile design and installation planning step by step.

Attention - Note that planning your tiling installation properly is the most important step for smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Remember a DIY bathroom tiling installation isn't a quick job, so don't miss the point and plan it right. All the time spent planning your tiling installation will save you money and headaches.

You have to plan your bathroom-tiling project carefully; choose the tile design and tile patterns, what materials you need and which tools you require.

Choose your Bathroom Tile design & Tile patterns

The tile patterns that you can create with different tiles are limited only by your own Tile design ideas. A large variety of standard tile designs, ideas and tile patterns are available. Some tile manufacturers may make special custom tile designs for you.

Choosing the tile design is obviously the first thing you need to do, with out deciding this you can not start planning your bathroom tile installation.

You can find a few basic bathroom tile design ideas & tile patterns, check it out.

For some Inspiration you can check Google pictures for some Bathroom Tile design ideas, there are over a million bathroom pictures here.

Tile suitability - Tiles are made in porous and non-porous varieties. When planning a bathroom tile installation, you should choose the non-porous ceramic tiles.

If your bathroom is small and the tiles have designs on them, you may have to go for smaller sized tiles as they have smaller designs. Too large tile designs may not suit small bathrooms so choose a smaller tile design for smaller bathrooms.

If you go for a plain color, the size isn't that important, however try to follow the rule above anyway.

A good tile design idea is to choose contrasting colors for the floor tiles and wall tiles. Then have a skirting line the same color as the floor tile.

Another tile design idea is changing color at chest level, which will change the look of your bathroom.

Try to choose bathroom accessories that compliment the color of the walls.

Materials - How much will you need? - To calculate the quantity of materials that you need, you must take precise measurements of the total area that you wish to tile.

From the total area and the size of each tile, you can calculate the number of tiles required (you must know the size of the tiles you have chosen).

You must also remember to take into account the gaps between tiles when calculating the number of tiles needed, so make sure you include spacers appropriate to the tile size chosen.

If this equation becomes a little complicated, you can always use the table "Calculating your Tile needs" (link here) on this page.

When calculating consider more than half a tile as a full tile and less than a half tile as a half tile. If you have chosen a multicolored bathroom, calculate each color separately and note down the tile requirements.

Ordering tiles - Order the tiles on the basis of the measurements taken. Note that tiles are packed in boxes and the supplier is unlikely to sell tiles individually.

Remember to order extra tiles as you can be sure that some tiles will break during installation (even the best professional breaks tiles). In addition some of these extra tiles could be used in the future if any tiles need replacing. This is not only good but an advisable practice.

Always order additional tiles since the tiles you have ordered may not be available in future, and if you require replacement tiles, you will have difficulty finding a match.

Best tools for a good job - Make sure you choose the right tool for the job. It'll make the job easier and safer too. You probably have a basic toolbox however for tiling installation you need special tiling tools.

Some of them are expensive but don't waste your money buying professional tools that you won't use enough to pay for themselves. Instead hire them. For some $$ you can have the best tools for a few days. And if you've done your planning properly you'll only need them for a few hours.

Remember, that planning your tiling installation properly is the most important step for smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

I hope it's been useful, happy tiling!

The best Tiling Video & DVD and Tiling books reviews at Tiling Tips.Get our FREE report "27 Insider Tiling Tips you want to know" and more by visiting us NOW at http://www.tiling-tips.com

Add Luxury In Your Bathroom With The Curved Shower Curtain Rods

By Adam Peters

The innovative curved shower curtain rods expand the shower space by at least 25% to 35%. The simple installation of the shower rods instantly increase the width of your bathroom by at least 6” and make your bathroom look much more spacious than normal size. The curved shower curtain rods are very easy to install and comes in package with at least four wood screws, four tile anchors, four sheetrock anchors and two setscrews and an Allen wrench.

Benefits of curved shower curtain rods

The curved shower rods simply promise advantages and benefits to you. They are effective, efficient and inexpensive rods that easily increase the shower space, and provide a completely different look to the entire bathroom. The shower curtains have 3” curve-in at the corners, which prevents water leakage and allows the curtains to remain inside the bathtubs and does not allow it to blow over you. It is because of the curved shower rods that you can easily get extra elbowroom without renovating the bathroom in a new way. With the help of this rod, you can get some additional space for soaping, scrubbing and bathing in the bathrooms.

Other specialties of curved shower curtain rods

The curved shower curtain rods are suitable for both rectangular and oval shaped tubs. The different types of shower rods include rolling shower curtain rods, 5” and 6” shower rods with brushed nickel finishes. The rolling shower rods have ball bearings that help in the opening and closing of the curtains with a slight tug. All of these shower rods create the feel of open spaces in your bathroom.

The brackets used in the curved shower curtain rods allow adjusting of the rods of different lengths between the end walls. However, if you want a shorter or longer than the normal sizes, the curtain rods can even be cut down on site for shorter or longer installation purposes. Completely compatible with standard shower curtains, these curved shower curtain rods are truly durable thereby fitting and adjusting to all standard bathtubs.

Read further information on shower curtains and rods at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/
curtains/curved-shower-curtain-rods.html

Adam Peters contributes adding content continuously to http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com, a free online magazine for interior design and decorating ideas.