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Your bathroom or shower room needs to be functional and practical, but good design can also turn it into a haven where you can relax and unwind.
Read on for our tips on how to strike the right balance and find out the average cost of a new bathroom.
Whether your bathroom is spacious or bijoux, you'll want to get the best for your money. Our guide will give you all the guidance you will need during the planning process.
Visit our guide to the best bathroom companies to find out which scored highly for quality, durability and value for money. We've reviewed big bathroom brands including Bathstore, B&Q,, Roca, Victoria Plum and IKEA.
Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, as do the budgets to create them. Whether you're putting together an en suite from scratch, or revamping a wet room, first and foremost think about who will use the bathroom and how, as this will affect how you design it.
We asked Tom Reynolds, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, about the most important considerations for a consumer when planning a bathroom.
He told us: 'Choosing between a bath or a shower can often be the toughest decision in bathroom design as the shower or bath is the focal point of the whole room. We’re seeing wetrooms becoming increasingly popular, as property owners shower more and want facilities that will suit all generations. Showering is part of our daily routines, whereas baths are increasingly seen as a luxury, associated with relaxation and indulgence.
'When designing a new bathroom, most people want to create the illusion of space. Wall hung products with hidden pipework, additional storage and sleek design also create a minimalist, elegant look.'
Along with these suggestions from the BMA, below are some key things to think about, depending on your needs.
If you have an en suite bathroom, here are some ways you can make the most of a small space:
Visit our guide on small bathroom ideas for more tips on making the most of your space in small bathrooms.
Visit our page on bathroom furniture for more information on planning the storage in your bathroom and to discover how bathroom owners rate bathroom furniture from big-name brands such as Villeroy & Boch, Wickesand Homebase.
If your style is more modern, there are lots of contemporary bathroom ideas that will help you to create the look without it becoming clichéd.
If a classic look is more your thing, there are some simple and more extensive things you can do to bring a traditional feel to your bathroom.
If you’re planning on renovating your family bathroom there are multiple things you'll need to factor in:
Storage and layout
Cleaning
Safety
Bathrooms adaptions can help make life easier for anyone who is elderly, disabled or has reduced mobility, who will be using the bathroom. Read our bathroom adaptations guide for comprehensive coverage of the options available, such as walk-in baths, bath lifts and hoists, and shower controls. There is also advice on how to finance these adaptations. We also have further in-depth advice on bathroom safety regarding adaptations.
Tom Reynolds, CEO of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, explained that inclusive bathroom products are a key consideration for both consumers and manufacturers: 'At some time in our lives, chances are we'll need a little support in the bathroom:
'Conventional taps and shower controls can be replaced with lever-operated controls for ease of use, along with remotely operated thermostatic control to decrease the risk of scalding. For those with a visual impairment, shower controls with touch buttons, tactile coding or illuminated controls are available.
'We encourage manufacturers to create bathroom products that are beautiful and functional, ensuring the bathroom meets the needs of all the family, regardless of age or ability.'
Other bathroom adaptations to consider are body driers, long-handled washing aids and wall mounted soap dispensers. Our guide to additional bathing aids provides more information.
Flick through our gallery to see colour ideas for your bathroom, no matter what your style.
Don't assume that adding colour to a bathroom means buying a pot of paint. You can evoke the colour you want with furniture, tiles, the suite or any other material.
Colour also doesn't always have to mean punchy hues: greys, soft pastels and even black can be just as eye-catching. We love the inventive nature of the grey bathroom above, where concrete and a stainless steel bath create a grey pallet.
Tiles and vinyl flooring are an easy way to create a black and white bathroom. For an all-black look, a mixture of tiles and paint to add drama.
Rather than painting a wall in the typical way, you could play with effects:
Paint is a simple and cheap way to create the mood you want in your bathroom. But you'll need to make sure you get the right kind of paint.
First and foremost it needs to be moisture and steam resistant. Also useful is the ability for it to stop mould and mildew growth. Many paints claim to do this, but some list guarantees and the length of time this will last for – the longer the better.
It also needs to be durable and wipe clean, especially if you have children. If the paint is also said to be grease and stain proof, it should help minimise any lasting damage from wear and tear.
If you don't like the look of any anti-mould paints – or have been put off by the usually higher cost – a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint is a good alternative as these will still repel moisture and enable you to wipe away any mould that appears.
However, these paints tend to be more suited to small areas, such as window and door frames, as opposed to entire walls.
You could also try an acrylic eggshell or satin paint, but these are better suited to low-moisture bathrooms and should only be used in low-traffic areas.
Other things to watch out for are:
Just like your bathroom walls, tiles can also receive a make over with a pot of paint.
There are a few types of tile paint designed specifically for different areas, such as floors and showers, and different materials (including metal, glass and stone) so firstly choose the right type. Like bathroom paints, they should be water-resistant, tough and washable.
However, your colour choice can sometimes be limited, so you could consider using a high-quality, solvent-based primer and then washable latex, oil high-/semi-gloss paint, although these might not be as durable as a dedicated tile paint.
You may need to prepare the area before painting, removing any fungus, washing them with sugar soap and even possibly lightly sanding them. Most tile paints don't require primer first, but check the paint manufacturers instructions.
Tile paint is the perfect solution if you're updating a bathroom, as a way to freshen up the look. But if you're installing a new bathroom and don't want to spend big, you could consider buying cheap, white tiles and giving them a lick of paint to bring them to life, particularly if you'd like patterned or bold tiles.
However, keep in mind that tile paint can sometimes be expensive, and most likely won't be as durable as a the tile itself, so is best done areas where there won't be as much wear and tear or moisture.
Because heat rises, your bathroom ceiling is the greatest hotspot for mould in your bathroom, particularly if it is on the top floor and the ceiling isn't well insulated.
The same rules apply as with bathroom wall paint, but we'd highly recommend opting for an anti-mould paint with fungicide in it as opposed to trying one of the other types of paint, such as satin or gloss.
Lastly, remember that, like all other areas of the bathroom, there's no reason why you can't get creative too and see your ceiling as another canvas to paint.
Most mould-resistant paints are brilliant white, but you can find off-whites or even shades of grey. You could also consider using a high-gloss coloured paint on top of a specialist one, although it would be best to go for a dark colour to more easily hide any mildew growth that appears.
Wallpaper in a bathroom might seem like a bonkers idea, but there is a huge range of bathroom wallpapers that will take your bathroom from standard to stunning.
In addition, wallpaper is a great way to cover up uneven surfaces or unsightly marks that paint would simply highlight. It's also often cheaper than tiles.
But you need to get the right wallpaper, one that will withstand the moisture in your bathroom. Don't even contemplate using a general wallpaper: it needs to be a bathroom-specific one, ideally with a thick vinyl coating. This will stop it from absorbing moisture and make it wipeable.
However, as good as bathroom wallpapers can be, don't use it anywhere it will get splashed regularly, such as around a sink or shower.
Instead, use it on a feature wall or on the upper part of the wall around the room. Again, if you're feeling brave, there is no reason why you can't go bold with the design you choose. Just remember that it's a small space, so some patterns might not work as they would in the average-sized room.
Bathroom wallpapers are usually around 50cm wide by 10 metres long. Before hanging it, make sure your bathroom has been aired fully and is dry, otherwise you may have problems with peeling from the get-go.
Otherwise, bathroom wallpapers can be hung in the same way as any other wallpaper using the right glue (it differs depending on what the wallpaper is made of), a brush, wallpaper table and good blade knife. Make sure you check how much glue to apply, as this varies too.
Bathroom wall panels or cladding can add a traditional feel to your bathroom. That is if you go for raised wooden mouldings, like in the image above.
But wall panels aren't limited to this style. You can have flat wall panels of almost anything: metal, stone, concrete or all types of wood.
They're a great alternative to tiles, wallpaper or paint and can add the wow-factor to your bathroom in a unique way. You can use them in a dedicated area, around the room on the lower part or across all walls, floor-to-ceiling.
Because of their size, they can also be cheaper than tiles – depending on the look you go for – as you'll need fewer, and make a small room look larger. You also won't have issues with grout discolouring.
Make sure you choose ones that are waterproof having been treated to withstand the conditions in your bathroom, and check where they'll be suitable – not all will be OK around your shower or sink, for example.
If you do favour traditional wood panelling but would like to update it, painting it in a up-to-date colour, matching it with contemporary furniture and suites and accessorising in the right way will bring them into the 21st century.
Choosing the right flooring and/or tiles for your bathroom can be one of the most important things to consider when planning a bathroom.
You can use pretty much anything for your bathroom floor as long as it’s waterproof and won’t get too slippery when wet.
These days, most people choose tiles (marble, stone or granite look good), sheeted or tiled vinyl (a sensible option if you’re on a budget), or wood-effect laminate.
For an ultra-modern and very practical effect, you could even use concrete.
It’s also possible to have a hardwood floor, but you’ll need to treat it and make sure you don’t leave it wet. Another popular alternative is wood-effect porcelain tiles.
Underfloor heating adds a really cosy touch – as well as helping to dry the bathroom, and prevent damp and mould from forming – if you have hard floors. If you're considering underfloor heating, visit our guide to get an idea of the costs involved.
Tiles on the walls around the shower or bath should be added after these fixtures are fitted. You can get the same tiles for your bathroom walls and floor if you want a streamlined look.
Options for wall-tile types include glass, ceramic or natural stone. There are matt or gloss tiles in all shapes and sizes; mosaic tiles can add a bit of glitz to small areas, while large tiles can make a space-limited bathroom feel larger.
Natural stone tiles are very expensive to install (on walls or floors) and can be difficult to look after. Porcelain tiles that imitate stone are less expensive.
Tiles can also be used to make a statement. Bold colours, different finishes and interesting shapes can have a big impact. You don't have to splash out on the whole room if statement tiles are pricey. Consider using them just around a shower, or in a strip running through cheaper plain white tiles, to keep costs down.
Tiling your bathroom, rather than leaving large areas painted, can make it easier to clean. Plus, tiles are less likely to develop mould or damp. Make sure you use an anti-damp tile grout.
If you're looking for your own installer to create the bathroom of your dreams, visit Which? Trusted Traders to find a recommended trader in your area. All of our endorsed traders have been put through our rigorous checks.
Don't shy away from bold colours and designs. Gold and black are a perfect combination for a glamorous and eye-popping look. For maximum impact, how about a coloured bath or suite?
Colour can evoke a desired feeling in your bathroom – blue tones, for example, can create a sense of calm. Use coloured tiles, paint or accessories to accentuate a feature or create zones.
Different woods can add texture and pattern to a minimal bathroom, creating the feeling of warmth. Consider using it on a variety of surfaces, from countertops to flooring, or even walls. Just make sure it's treated and suitable for a bathroom.
Combine patterns and shapes to create a striking look. Using one similar shape on a range of features will be particularly effective. A mirror in a different form will bring a focus to the idea and add another dimension.
Don't forget lighting – hanging pendant lights will take a bathroom from standard to stunning. They can also be a good way to create a focal point.
Plants can be calming and add a luscious feel to your bathroom. Teamed with textured walls and wooden furniture, your bathroom will echo the rustic outdoors. Consider adding a statement too with a black bath.
Find out which bathroom brands offer you the most value for your money according to their customers in our best and worst bathroom companies guide.