Remodeling your bathroom can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Updating fixtures is one of the most impactful ways to enhance the style and functionality of your bathroom. When starting a bathroom remodel, it's important to think through your goals, create a layout, select fixtures and finishes that match your vision, and work with qualified professionals. With careful planning and design choices, you can create your dream bathroom.
This guide will walk you through the key steps of choosing fixtures to create a bathroom you'll love. We'll cover setting your budget, picking fixtures like sinks, toilets and tubs, selecting finishes, lighting and accessories. With the right information and preparation, your bathroom remodel will be a success. The end result will be a beautiful, functional new bathroom you can't wait to spend time in. Let's get started planning your perfect bathroom fixtures.
Set Your Budget: The budget is one of the most important parts of any home renovation project. When remodeling a bathroom iyou'll want to set a realistic budget based on the scope of your project and current construction costs in your area.
When setting your budget, be sure to consider the following costs:
- Demolition and prep work
- Plumbing and electrical updates
- New flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops
- Bathroom fixtures like toilets, bathtubs, showers
- Lighting and hardware
- Paint, trim, and other finishing touches
Build in a 10-20% contingency fund for any unexpected issues or cost overruns during the project. It's always better to have extra funds available than to run out of money halfway through your remodel. Careful planning and setting a realistic budget will help ensure your bathroom refresh stays on-time and on-budget.
Create a Layout: The layout of your bathroom is crucial to maximize function and flow. Start by taking detailed measurements of the existing space. Be sure to measure the length and width of the room itself, as well as the locations of plumbing, windows, and doors. Pay attention to potential obstacles like radiators or vents that may impact your layout options.
Next, sketch out a few different layout options on graph paper. Consider where you want to place the sink, toilet, shower or tub, and any other fixtures. Play around with different configurations to optimize the workflow and available space. Think about how the door will open and traffic flow between fixtures. Try to avoid cramped spaces and uncomfortable distances between fixtures.
Aim to create a layout with clear zones and purposeful placement. Allow enough space around fixtures and traffic areas so multiple people can comfortably use the bathroom at once. Try placing plumbing on shared walls whenever possible to minimize construction costs. Keep accessibility needs in mind as well.
Once you have a layout you like, use your measurements to create a simple floor plan drawing. This will help visualize spacing and proportions. Refine as needed before finalizing the layout. Having a thoughtful floor plan will ensure your bathroom remodel has an efficient and functional design.
Pick Fixtures: When picking fixtures for your bathroom remodel, you have several options to consider for sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and faucets.
Sinks: For sinks, some popular choices include:
Vessel sink - A vessel sink sits on top of the vanity counter, rather than being installed into the counter. This creates a bold, modern look. Vessel sinks come in a variety of materials like glass, stone, or metal.
Undermount sink - An undermount sink is installed below the countertop, creating a sleek, seamless look. These are a popular choice for contemporary bathrooms.
Pedestal sink - A pedestal sink stands on a single central pedestal base, rather than having a vanity or cabinet. This is a space-saving option.
Wall-mounted sink - As the name implies, a wall-mounted sink attaches directly to the wall. This is great for small bathrooms.
Tubs: When selecting a bathtub, consider a soaking tub, alcove tub, drop-in tub, or freestanding tub. Look at the size and depth you need, as well as the installation type. Freestanding tubs make a dramatic style statement.
Showers: For showers, decide between a shower/tub combo, walk-in shower, or corner shower. Glass doors can give an open, airy aesthetic. Choose between tile, fiberglass, acrylic, or other waterproof shower materials.
Toilets: Toilets come in one-piece or two-piece options. Important features include the flushing system, bowl shape, and seat height. Look for water efficient models with a WaterSense label.
Faucets: With faucets, select your finish and style. Polished chrome and brushed nickel are popular modern finishes. Faucet styles include widespread, centerset, and wall-mounted. Consider convenience features like pull-down sprayers.
Choose Finishes: The finishes you select for your bathroom remodel will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Carefully consider your options when choosing finishes like tile, paint, cabinets, and countertops.
Tile: Tile can make a dramatic statement in a bathroom. Consider the size, shape, color, and pattern of tile. Smaller tiles like subway tile can give a classic look. Larger tiles create a more modern, seamless appearance. Mosaics made up of tiny tiles form beautiful patterns. Tile comes in so many colors, shapes, textures that your options are nearly endless. Be sure to pick a material that will stand up well to moisture.
Paint: Don't overlook the power of paint in a bathroom. Paint the walls, ceiling, vanity, or other elements to add pops of color. Softer, muted, natural tones are relaxing in a bathroom while bold, dramatic colors are energizing. Be sure to use high-quality bathroom paint that withstands humidity. Consider how paint colors will coordinate with your tile, countertops, and other finishes.
Cabinets: Cabinetry makes a major impact in your bathroom. White and light wood cabinets keep things airy and relaxed. Stained wood cabinets offer classic warmth. Painted cabinets allow you to integrate color. Choose cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls that match your style. Consider open shelving or glass cabinet doors to prevent a closed-in feel. Arrange cabinets to make the most of your storage space.
Countertops: Bathroom countertops need to stand up well to heavy use and moisture. Quartz, granite, solid surfacing, and laminate are popular options. Quartz resists stains, scratches, and heat. Granite is elegant and durable. Solid surfacing like Corian provides seamless installation. Laminate is affordable and comes in many colors and patterns.
Choose a countertop material that fits within your budget while also coordinating well with your cabinetry and other finishes.
Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial for any bathroom remodel. There are several types of lighting to consider:
Overhead Lighting: Overhead lighting illuminates the entire bathroom. Choose overhead fixtures that provide ample brightness for tasks like shaving and applying makeup. Opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs to reduce costs. Install dimmer switches to control the mood and ambiance.
Vanity Lighting: Vanity lighting focuses light directly on the sink and mirror area. Look for fixtures like sconces or downlights. Make sure the bulbs are daylight temperature (5000K) to reduce shadows and emulate natural light. Place the fixtures about 30 inches apart to evenly light each side of the mirror.
Natural Light: Incorporate windows and skylights to allow sunshine into your bathroom. Natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day. Position windows high on the wall or use textured glass for privacy. Consider solar tubes to funnel sunlight from the roof. Just make sure not to create too much glare on the vanity mirror area.
Accessorize: Accessorizing your new bathroom with items like towels, mirrors, art, and plants can really help pull the whole new look together. When choosing bathroom accessories, keep the overall style of your remodel in mind. Here are some tips:
Towel Racks
Opt for towel racks that match the finish of your other fixtures like faucets and shower heads. A brushed nickel towel rack would look great with other brushed nickel hardware.
Consider getting towel racks that match the style of your vanity and mirrors. Modern rectangular racks for contemporary baths or ornate racks for traditional styles.
Install towel racks near sinks and showers for convenience. Wall-mounted racks free up space.
Pick the right size towel racks so towels don't drag on the floor. Measure your towels.
Warm towel racks add luxury. Heated options run on electricity or hydronic heating systems.
Mirrors
Choose a mirror style and frame that fits with your bathroom's overall aesthetic.
Illuminated mirrors provide great task lighting. Look for LED lighting around the mirror's edge.
Opt for a large mirror above the sinks to open up smaller spaces.
Defogging mirrors are useful for humid bathroom environments.
Mirrored medicine cabinets add storage and reflect more light.
Art
Waterproof canvas prints are ideal for bathroom art since they resist moisture.
Pick soothing spa-like scenes or abstract designs rather than jarring images.
Floating wall shelves nicely display decorative objects like shells, candles, or small plants.
Frames should match your design style and protect against humidity.
Plants
Opt for low-light houseplants or orchids which thrive in humid bathrooms.
Use planters and pots that coordinate with your space's colors and materials.
Place plants near windows or consider grow lights for indoor greenery.
Avoid plants with thorns around sinks and tubs. Succulents, ferns, or palms are safe choices.
Include trays under pots to protect floors from leaks. Self-watering pots help maintain plants.
By carefully selecting towels, mirrors, art, and plants that align with your new bathroom's look and layout, you can create a pulled-together space that feels cohesive, polished, and uniquely you.
Hire a Contractor
Finding qualified professionals is a crucial step for any bathroom remodel project. When hiring a contractor, here are some tips:
Ask friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues for referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations can help you find contractors with proven track records.
Research contractors online and read reviews. Look for contractors with consistently positive feedback for quality work. Be wary of reviews that seem overly glowing or angry.
Check credentials and licenses. Make sure any contractors you consider are properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask to see proof.
Interview at least three contractors in person. Ask about their experience with bathroom remodels, typical process, timelines, and payment schedules.
Request references and follow up with them. Speaking to past clients gives insight into contractors' workmanship and professionalism.
Get quotes from multiple contractors. Comparing bids apples-to-apples helps you find the best value. Beware unrealistically lowball bids.
Ask how long they’ve been in business and who will be working on your project. Look for contractors who have been around for several years and have a consistent team.
Get everything in writing. Before hiring, obtain a detailed contract covering project scope, timeline, warranty information, payment schedule, change order process, and other expectations.
Taking the time to carefully vet and hire the right contractor will pay off tremendously in the long run for your bathroom remodel. A little extra diligence goes a long way.
Create a Timeline: When remodeling your bathroom, creating a detailed timeline is crucial for keeping your project on track and avoiding unnecessary delays. Plan out the sequence of events from start to finish.
Ordering - Order all fixtures, materials, and supplies early, as some items can take weeks to arrive once ordered. Order the big items like tubs, showers, vanities, and flooring first. Don't wait until the last minute.
Demolition - Schedule demolition of the existing bathroom at the very start of the project. This involves removing old fixtures, flooring, walls, etc to get the bathroom down to the studs. Demolition typically takes 1-3 days.
Installation - With the bathroom gutted, the construction phase begins. Schedule each installation in order - plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall, tile, paint, fixtures, cabinets, countertops, etc. Leave a day or two between each step as buffer time. Installation can take 2-4 weeks.
Finish Work - The final step is finish work, including caulking, adding accessories, cleaning, and final inspection. Schedule 2-3 days for finishing touches.
Allow extra time for potential delays, problems, or re-dos. Don't schedule your contractor too tightly, as overlapping steps often slow down the process. Stay organized and proactive to keep your bathroom remodel on time.
Remodeling your bathroom can seem like a daunting task, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much more approachable. The key things to focus on are:
Set a realistic budget. Know how much you can spend so you don't go overboard on fixtures and finishes.
Plan out your layout. Optimize the space and allow room for the fixtures and features you want.
Select high-quality, durable fixtures that match your style. Focus on the big items like toilets, tubs, showers, vanities, and lighting.
Choose finishes that are water-resistant and easy to clean. Tile, stone, and glass are great options.
Don't forget about lighting. Proper illumination is essential in a bathroom.
Add personal touches with accessories and hardware to give your bathroom personality.
Hire a qualified, licensed contractor to handle the renovation work properly.
Create a project timeline and stick to it. Remodels take time so plan accordingly.
If you take the time to make informed decisions about these key elements, your bathroom remodel has a much greater chance of turning out just as you envisioned. The end result will be a beautiful, functional new bathroom you can enjoy for years to come.