From morning showers until brushing and flossing before bed, we spend quite a lot of time in the bathroom throughout the day. This room sees just as much, if not more, foot traffic as the kitchen. For this reason, it’s important to build it to last so that it not just serves its purpose efficiently, but also stylishly and comfortably. Here are 15 simple ways you can improve the quality of your bathroom’s functionality and value.
Install a shower door:If you’re still using shower curtains to prevent splashback on your bathroom floor, you may not be getting all of it and this can lead to mildew and mold. While a glass-panel shower door may require light cleaning, it’s much more effective at keeping the water in the shower area and also adds a cleaner aesthetic to the bathroom. Make sure the door edges are lined with rubber scrapers and that the tiling/ceramic has been properly sealed with a caulking gun.
Install porcelain tiling: Tiling in the bathroom is a match made in heaven because the porcelain squares are resistant to water, easy to clean, and look great when arranged in diagonals or in mosaics. Installing larger tiles rather than smaller ones are easier to work with and limit the amount of sealing needed between individual tiles; try using 18x18 in tiles for the floor and 12x12in tiles on the wall of your shower. It’s best to have your tiling installed by a professional to make sure each piece is cut and fitted precisely to be seamless so that water does not seep into your flooring or walls.
Hide the toilet:Keeping this much needed amenity tucked away is great for privacy and aesthetics to a passer by of the room. If you have money to spend, you can install a half wall to cover the toilet, or simply place bathroom furniture on the side that faces the door. If you are able, place the toilet itself in its own enclosed “room-within-the-room” for extra privacy.
Replace sink with a more durable model: While a basic porcelain sink is a classic for any bathroom, it is prone to cracking and chipping from years of wear and tear. Some durable types of sinks include stainless steel, enamel-on-steel, and solid surface. Your sink takes a beating over time, so make sure yours will still look shiny and smooth after years of use.
Install granite or quartz countertops: These heavy and durable stone slabs aren’t just good for your kitchen or a fancy restaurant’s restroom; they also look great in your own bathroom. Counter space is valuable, particularly in the morning when you’re getting ready, so making sure your countertop will stand up to your daily activities while looking pretty is paramount.
Expand the shower stall:If you don’t always use the bathtub, consider extending your shower space to 4x6 or even 5x7 ft (a standard shower stall measures 3x3 ft). An expanded shower can provide you with more maneuverability in the shower. Installing a steaming unit can also turn your shower into a sauna.
Install low-flow water devices: Just like Energy STAR has certified certain appliances to be more energy-efficient, the EPA has also certified certain water devices through its own program WaterSense. If a showerhead, faucet, or toilet has the WaterSense label, that means the device is at least 20 percent more efficient in its water use than standard models:
● Showerheads - 2.5 gallons per minute
● Faucets - models with aerators reduce their water usage by 30%
● Toilets - 1.28 gallons per flush
Have just one sink:Having his and hers sinks was a trend years ago, but probably not anymore. These 3 C’s clearly define the benefits of having just one sink in the bathroom: cost, cleaning, and counter space.
Install a bathroom moisture fan: You know how your bathroom gets very steamy after you take a warm shower? If that moisture stays for too long, it turns to mildew and mold. The venting system that sucks the moisture out of the room should be able to accommodate at least 50 cubic feet per minute, but bathrooms that are 100 sq ft or larger and/or have a shower steamer installed will need a venting system twice as powerful.
Install LED lighting for every amenity: Though overhead lighting in the bathroom will prevent you from potentially running into something, it may not be enough light for the rest of your evening routines. For better visibility, arrange your cap lights to be above your shower and toilet while also placing lighting fixtures around your vanity.
Invest in useful bathroom tech: If you have extra money to spend, why not bring your bathroom into the future by adding a weighing scale that records your BMI as well as your weight, digital shower controls that can instantly adjust temperature and flow, and perhaps even toilets that flush themselves using less water. While many bathroom devices might seem frivolous, they will undoubtedly become more commonplace in the homes of the near future.
Organize your bathroom items and toiletries in dedicated drawers: Have you ever been in a rush in the morning and just cannot find that one thing you need to get ready? By having things in dedicated places, it’ll be much easier to keep track of what you need when you need it.
Install a medicine cabinet: These haven’t gone out of style just yet; they can still give you extra storage space for your toiletries while doubling as your vanity. They can also be quite aesthetically pleasing if you manage to score one with a nice design.
Put up hanging racks:Not just for hanging, these racks can provide you with the much-needed extra shelf space for towels and other items. Bathrooms are known for having limited storage space so installing new places to hang or stack things is always a good thing.
Repurpose old furniture or containers for organized storage: Have an old nightstand or small cabinet that you don’t know what to do with? Use it in the bathroom to store your extra items, especially if you opted for a pedestal sink with no storage underneath. Reusing wooden crates or woven baskets can add an interesting accent to your bathroom space while also storing your stuff.
Remember that you only have limited space in the bathroom so whatever improvements you make, make sure it’s not overbearing and doesn’t obstruct traffic flow . Smooth waterproof surfaces, good lighting, sufficient storage, and efficient use of water are the four pillars you should base your bathroom design around to have a bathroom that has form and function.
About the Author:
Based in Los Angeles, Jonathan Dean has been writing professionally since 2009. He writes for JustRentToOwn.com and his professional interests include housing trends, personal finance, and new urban development.
