Beautiful Bathroom: Your Guide to Choosing Fixtures and Fittings

Designing or renovating a bathroom can be both an exciting and intimidating experience. Many decisions must be made, including choosing the right fixtures and fittings.

More than a practical necessity, fixtures and fittings offer a way to elevate a bathroom’s style, functionality and overall ambience. However, visit any bathroom supply store, and the variety of options is overwhelming. To make the process of selecting the right fixtures and fittings less confusing, here’s what you should consider to make an informed decision and design a bathroom that seamlessly integrates elegance and practicality.

Define Your Bathroom Style

Before you visit a bathroom supply store, take a minute to think about which style your bathroom will be. Are you going for a timeless classic design, a sleek modern look, or a natural, rustic feel? Deciding on a style will help ensure all the elements you choose for your bathroom complement each other.

Contemporary designs such as glass shower enclosures or sleek chrome taps are great choices for a modern aesthetic. For a more traditional feel, turn to classic styles like clawfoot tubs and copper faucets. The options are limitless, so make sure to explore all of them before deciding.

Decide on Materials and Finish

In addition to bringing a unique style to your bathroom, the material and finish you choose will also impact the durability and maintenance requirements of the fittings and fixtures.

Common finishes used in fixtures include:

Satin Nickel

If you value durability, satin nickel is the right option for you. This finish is achieved using a PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) technology, which adds a thin layer of nickel onto the fixture. This makes the fixture extremely robust and resistant to wear and tear, protecting it from scratches and corrosion and giving it a distinctive texture and gloss. Its brushed finish is attractive and helps conceal water marks and fingerprints making it a practical and long-lasting option for your bathroom fixtures.

Satin Brass

This is another durable finish to consider. The PVD technique for satin brass is similar to that for satin nickel, with a thin brass layer deposited on the fixture’s surface. This coating preserves your satin brass fixtures from tarnishing and damage, ensuring that they retain their elegant appearance over time.

Polished Chrome and Polished Nickel

For many years, these classic finishes have adorned bathrooms. Their manufacturing techniques are virtually the same, and their looks are similar. Electroplating is the method used to obtain both finishes. It involves passing an electric current through the fixture while submerging it in a solution containing nickel or chromium ions. The ions bond with the fixture’s surface as a result of this process, giving it a glossy, reflective sheen.

Polished chrome and polished nickel bathroom fixture finishes are quite durable, even if they are not PVD finishes like satin nickel. They are well known for their ability to resist corrosion and tarnishing and have endured the test of time. These finishes are perfect if you want a classic, refined look.

Matte Black

This finish’s clean, modern appearance has led to its huge popularity. However, it has certain drawbacks in terms of durability. The original powder-coated matte black finish is prone to peeling after prolonged use.

The fixture’s surface is coated with a dry powder using the powder-coating technique, which is then baked to give it a matte, long-lasting finish. Although it does not last as long as the other finishes for bathroom fixtures on this list, it can still look good with the right upkeep.

Consider Functionality

Aside from aesthetics, functionality should be taken seriously as well. Make sure that the fixtures and fittings you choose not only complement the bathroom style but are also durable and simple to use.

Consider the recommended weight ratings for showers or bathtubs and select showerheads or taps that accommodate them. For faucets, you might want to look for models with user-friendly handles and water-saving features. Showerheads with different spray settings allow for a customized experience.

Take Measurements

Make sure you measure your bathroom space precisely before you go shopping. This applies particularly to sinks, vanities and mirrors. In addition to fitting comfortably into the available space, your chosen fixtures should also allow for easy mobility and access.

Always Choose Quality

One of the most important things to consider when shopping for bathroom fixtures is quality. After all, you won’t want them to wear or damage quickly due to regular use. High-quality materials can withstand repeated use without losing functionality or aesthetic appeal. It’s also a good idea to look for products with an extended warranty, which ensures that the manufacturer will cover any necessary repairs or replacements.

Many believe the myth that a higher price equals a higher quality product. However, it’s possible to find options that are both low-cost and high-quality. Therefore, it is necessary to shop prudently.

Before making your final decisions, take some time to read reviews from customers. This is a great way to find useful information about the functionality, durability, and quality of bathroom fixtures and fittings. Speak with specialists as well; interior designers and contractors, for instance, can provide expert advice due to their experience. All of this will help you find a great deal.

3 Luxury Fittings to Transform Your Bathroom

Lighted Mirror

A lighted vanity mirror can be the perfect addition to transform your bathroom into a stylish retreat. Great for shaving and applying makeup, these mirrors feature built-in LED lights that provide improved illumination while also beautifying the space. Available in a range of sizes and shapes, some lighted mirrors allow USB connections, so you can quickly charge any of your gadgets. It will resemble your little beauty salon.

Freestanding Bathtub

A freestanding bathtub will take your bathroom to the next level. Available in a wide range of designs, these opulent tubs are the perfect focal point for any bathroom.

From sharp-lined pedestals to contemporary takes on traditional designs and even whirlpool models for those who appreciate special treatment, there is something for everyone.

Statement Sink and Basin

These bathroom fixtures, which range from elegant square designs to traditional rectangular basins, are a classy addition that will improve the overall appearance and feel of your bathroom. Choose designs with cross-handle taps for an old-world charm, or pair them with contemporary vessel faucets for a sleek, modern look.

Select from a variety of materials, including copper, stainless steel, glass, stone, and ceramic, and add your touches to create a remarkable interpretation of classic elegance.

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