Bathroom fixtures can make or break the look and feel of your new bathroom remodel, just as much as your color scheme and tile selections, and they are critical to how your new bathroom design will function. There are many options when it comes to fixtures, so it’s important to research the products you plan to install to get the most out of your purchase. To help you select the right fixtures for your bathroom renovation, we’ve provided an overview of the four main bathroom fixtures – showerheads, faucets, sinks, and toilets – as well as some general tips and guidelines:
Showerheads
Like most product selections for a bathroom renovation, there are a plethora of options to choose from for showerheads, ranging from a basic fix for a guest bathroom to a relaxing hydrotherapy experience in your master bath.
There are four basic types of showerheads, with options spanning a wide price range to suit any budget like the bathroom design in East Lansing below left.
Wall-Mount Showerheads
Wall-mounted showerheads are the simplest option, and work well with existing, standard plumbing. These are great if you’re on a budget or need to do a simple update.
Hand-held Showerheads
Hand-held showerheads come attached to a three- to six-foot hose, which makes it easy to bathe children, wash the dog, rinse your hair, or clean hard to reach corners. You can get a basic model or one packed with extras like turbo massage jets or various spray patterns.
Top-Mount or Rainfall Showerheads
Top-mounted showerheads are installed on the shower ceiling, so the water falls directly on the bather’s head, simulating an enjoyable rainfall downpour. Installation may require an upgrade to existing plumbing, so installations works best when the bathroom is undergoing a major renovation.
Body Sprays
If you’re looking to bring the spa to your home, consider adding a body or multi-spray shower panels to your bathroom design. They’re typically installed in vertical rows on opposite or adjacent walls, which allows the water to crisscross over your body, providing a nice massage. Like top-mounted showerheads, body sprays also require additional plumbing work.
Sinks
Bathroom sinks come in all sizes, shapes, styles, and materials, allowing you to choose one that best suits your style and needs:
Top-Mount Sinks
Designed to sit on top of the counter, they fit any type of countertop material, including wood and laminate. Top-mount sinks are easy to install and less expensive than other options, making it ideal for people on a budget.
Undermount Sinks
If you’re looking to create a modern bathroom design, an undermount sink may be perfect for you! The sink itself sits underneath the counter, with the rim fixed to the underside. It is easy to clean too, as water can be wiped directly into the sink.
Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks are a bold choice and will create a statement in your bathroom. These bowl-shaped sinks sit on top of the countertop and come in an array of shapes and styles. Careful planning when it comes to the height of the countertop is essential when installing vessel sinks, as well as the style and size of the bathroom faucet.
Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks make great additions to powder rooms or guest bathrooms – places that require less storage. These sinks are very sleek, and can make a small bathroom look larger.
Faucets
The right faucet can enhance your bathroom design. There’s a lot to consider when selecting a faucet, but be sure to choose one that meets your style, needs, and budget.
Mounting
Not all faucets will work with just any sink. With that in mind, it’s always best to choose your faucets after you’ve chosen the sink. Ask your bathroom design expert if you have questions about compatibility.
Color/Finish
Faucets come in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing for easy coordination with other bathroom fixtures. Choices include: black, brass, bronze, chrome, copper, gold, iron, nickel, and stainless steel.
Control Options
The means of controlling water flow from the faucet varies and can impact both the function and style of the faucet. The main options include cross handles, knobs, levers, and motion activated faucets.
Toilets
Choosing a toilet sounds pretty simple, but it can be an overwhelming shopping trip. If you think the tough design choices are limited to faucets and showerheads, wait until you go shopping for a toilet! Here are some of the options and features to ponder when selecting a toilet:
- Consider the height of your toilet. The standard toilet is 14- to 15- inches off the ground, but taller toilets (16- to 18- inches) are often more comfortable for homeowners. A taller toilet is also easier for a person with limited mobility to use.
- Don’t forget your bathroom design There are toilets for every design style – traditional, transitional or modern.
- Research innovative products. Maybe cleaning the toilet is your idea of a nightmare. They really do make self-cleaning toilets! Other options include heated toilets seats or toilets that play music or light up. No, really!
- Remember the environment. High efficiency toilets (HETs) can save nearly 20-percent more water than their counterparts. Remember that HETs can also help save you money on your monthly water bill.
If you’re looking to improve your bathroom design or begin a bathroom renovation, contact McDaniel’s Kitchens and Bath or stop by our extensive Lansing showroom.
