The key to good bathroom investment is to buy the best you can afford for the key fixtures & fittings. So think about what you use most often, do you shower more than you take a bath? If so then spend more on a good quality shower & enclosure or screen & vice versa if a bath is your       preference. 
Do you dream of an amazing double vanity unit with large mirror & lots of storage for all your lotions & potions? Then put more of your budget there.

Key points to bear in mind:

   • Decide on a suite colour.
   • Decide on a style - modern or traditional bathroom furniture.
   • Brass, chrome or coloured taps?
   • Wall mounted or free standing bathroom furniture.
   • Bathroom furniture for small bathrooms.
   • Tiles or aqua boards?
   • What flooring should you have?
   • Accurately measure the space.
   • What colour paint should you choose?
   • Figure out your storage requirements & choose an appropriate storage solution for the size of your bathroom.
   • Think of yourself in there day-to-day. So what would make life easier? What would give you the most enjoyment, what functions will you get           the most benefit from?

1 – Shower

The first factor you need to consider when buying a shower is the size & layout of your bathroom & where the shower will go. Even a small change in your existing plumbing can prove to be expensive & time-consuming.

   - If you intend to install a shower bath, shower enclosure or shower tray, you need to be meticulous with all the measurements. 

     Dimensions: Measure the space available for the shower unit carefully. Showers come in an assortment of shapes & sizes so you need to                    determine if the dimensions match the type of shower you intend to purchase.
     Style: Bathrooms are possibly the busiest room in your home, so ensure the shower fits seamlessly into the functionality of your bathroom. 

   - The type of water pressure in your home makes it easier for you to decide the type of shower you’ll need to buy. For instance if there’s a combi         boiler in your home the water pressure will be high & a mixer shower would work well.
   - If the low water pressure is a concern in your home, then an electric shower is the perfect choice for a low-pressure system. Another key benefit      of this shower is immediate & consistent hot water availability.

   - As the water is heated only when needed, this system is energy efficient & you’ll never need to wait for the water to warm up. An electric                shower provides hot water for a long duration regardless of how many people need to use the shower. This shower is flexible as it can provide 
     a cold-water feed as well.

You have two options for the shower valve, a pressure balance valve & a thermostatic shower valve. 
- A pressure-balance valve has a single handle that controls both the volume of water & the water temperature. 
- A thermostatic valve has two handles - 1 handle controls the amount of water, & the other one controls the water temperature.
   This valve enables you to change the flow volume while maintaining the same temperature. If you don’t want any fluctuation in the water                 temperature (if children and elderly people also use this bathroom), a thermostatic shower valve is the better option.

2 - Shower screen

Shower enclosures are available in a good range of sizes & can be useful for tricky spaces. 
   - For example quadrant (or curved front) designs that fit neatly into a corner - glass panels & enclosures are widely available in 4, 6, 8, & 10mm           thicknesses & are often pre-coated with protection for easy cleaning & to reduce limescale build-up. 
   - Simple glazed panels paired with flush-fitted trays or wetroom systems create the most minimalist look - they also boost the sense of space as           their transparent finish allows natural light to flow through the room.

 3 - Showerhead

The product you select must be compatible with your water system. Generally the higher the water pressure, the better the shower performance. 
It can vary from about 0.1 bar (low pressure) to high rates of 3 to 5 bar. - if you’re uncertain about the water pressure in your home, a plumber will advise & a bathroom retailer can suggest products to suit.
   - Choose from overhead, wall-mounted, & hand shower designs - many of these offer several spray patterns. 
   - Exposed systems with the pipework visible tend to create a more traditional look. 
   - Concealed systems where all the mechanics are hidden behind the wall offer a sleeker, more minimalist style. 

4 - Bath

A bath can be a great dose of self care & relaxation & we’re all seeking ways to relax & unwind after 
tackling busy schedules, & a bath that is separate to the shower space is sought after!
   - There are so many styles, colours, shapes & materials to choose from so there’s ample opportunity to create a focal point such as a freestanding         bath. 
   - Alternatively you can fit one into a more compact space or even update an old design with a new one. 
   - Choose from contemporary or traditional freestanding designs, both of which can make striking features. 
   - Opt for an inset design if space is tighter. 
A standard bath typically measures 1700mm x 700mm, but they can be smaller (as short as about 1400mm). 

5 - Bathroom furniture

If you have lots of bottles, soaps, towels, cosmetics & cleaning products to hide away then plenty of 
storage is essential to create a relaxing, clutter-free look in a bathroom, so bear this in mind when 
buying a bathroom.
   - Wall-mounted units will keep the floor clear making the room appear less busy. 
   - A tall slimline cabinet makes good use of the height of the room. 
   - Toiletries in vanity unit drawers tend to be easier to access than cupboards below waist height - you don’t have to bend down to see all their             contents but can do so in one glance. 
   - Mirror cabinets serve double duty - they hide storage in the form of shelving behind mirrors for putting on make up or shaving.

6 - Bathroom lighting

Good lighting can totally transform a bathroom, drawing attention to features & providing bright 
lights for tasks or a softer solution to create a relaxing mood. 
   - You can use most light fittings in your bathroom as long as they are located more than 60cm away from a water source.
   - If you want to install a light in your shower or anywhere close to a water outlet, it must be protected against the ingress of water, which is               indicated by an IP rating – Ingress Protection rating.
   - Choose fittings with the correct rating for where they will be used – if you’re unsure, opt for a lamp that has a rating of at least IP45, which             means it is protected against splashes. 
   - Always make sure a qualified electrician installs any bathroom lighting!
   - Lit mirrors are a practical way of introducing task lighting over the basin area, as well as mood illumination for a softer atmosphere. 

7 - Basin taps

Try to purchase your bathroom basin & tap at the same time, so you know they will work together. 
The most important part is to check the spout reaches far enough over the basin, but not too far!
   - Many basins & baths come with pre-drilled holes, so check that the tap fits. 
   - Choose from monobloc mixers (one hole), traditional pillar hot & cold taps (two holes), or a mixer spout & two controls (three holes). 
   - Deck-mounted & floor-mounted taps are also available & useful for freestanding baths as well as floor standing & countertop basins
   - Wall-mounted designs are useful if space is limited. 

8 - Bathroom basin

Wash basins come in a wide variety of styles, so many options give you the chance to create a really 
personal look in your space. 
   - From countertop standalone centrepieces to double designs with ample space which work well for families & couples alike. 
   - Compact basins are useful for small bathrooms & cloakrooms, as are wall-hung designs which appear to float, freeing up floor space. 
   - Basins on vanity units can be sit-on, inset, & under-counter designs so there is plenty of choice to suit your scheme. 

9 – Toilet

Choosing the right toilet for your bathroom involves several considerations. Let’s explore some key 
factors to help you make an informed decision:
- Toilet style & design:
   - Consider the style that suits your bathroom, ensuite, or cloakroom. There are contemporary and traditional designs available.
   - One popular option is the close-coupled toilet, where the cistern and pan are coupled closely together in one unit. The visible cistern sits flush         against the wall, and the pan sits on the floor.
   - Back-to-wall toilets with the cistern concealed in the wall can be either floorstanding or wall-hung & are increasingly popular thanks to their           minimal style, while high & low-level cisterns create a traditional look.
- Toilet system & flush mechanism:
   - A toilet system consists of a toilet pan, a seat, and a cistern with a flush mechanism.
   - Flush mechanisms can vary, from traditional levers to modern push buttons. Push button flushes often have a dual flush option, allowing you to       choose between a full flush and a reduced flush (which uses less water).
   - Hygienically, push-button flushes are easier to clean and quick to fit.
- Measurement:
   - Measure the distance from the wall to the pipe & ensure the new toilet matches the existing plumbing or the intended position.
   - If moving the toilet, consider rerouting soil and cistern filling pipes.
- Toilet height:
   - Choose a comfortable height - standard toilets are around 15 inches high, but taller options (known as “comfort height” or “tall toilets”) are               available for added comfort, especially for those with mobility issues.
- Water efficiency:
   - Opt for a toilet that helps save water. Dual-flush toilets allow you to conserve water by using a reduced flush for liquid waste and a full flush for       solid waste.
   - Water-efficient toilets contribute to lower water bills and environmental conservation.
- Bowl shape & size:
   - Toilet bowls come in different shapes (round or elongated) and sizes. Choose based on your preference & available space. Elongated bowls               provide more seating area and are often considered more comfortable.
- Installation & maintenance:
   - Consider ease of installation. Some toilets are straightforward to fit, while others may require professional installation.
   - Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance. Look for easy-to-clean designs.
- Aesthetics & bathroom design:
   - Match the toilet to your overall bathroom design. Consider colour, material, & visual appeal.

10 - Tiles, surfaces, flooring & wall coverings

Alongside new materials such as sintered stones as well as classic marbles, tiles are an ever-popular choice for bathroom floors & walls thanks to the huge variety of colours, materials, & price points they offer.
   - Large-format porcelain designs require minimal grout lines – which can make a room feel bigger & are water-resistant & hard-wearing & now         come in realistic stone & wood effects.
   - Smaller tiles will also pack a decorative punch.
   - Aquaboards are designed for use in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and shower rooms & are water-resistant                           plasterboards specifically manufactured to withstand moisture. 
      Easy installation as they can be cut easily using a score and snap method, making the installation process faster and cleaner compared to                   traditional cement boards.
      They have an antimicrobial protection which effectively combats mould, fungi, and bacteria.
   - Vinyl makes for an easy-to-clean, water-resistant, & cost-effective bathroom flooring solution & now comes in plenty of statement styles.
   - Ceramic tiles are an excellent choice for bathroom floors due to their numerous benefits such as water resistance, durability, low maintenance,       affordability & design versatility.

We hope we have given you some ideas for your new bathroom!

Please check out our website for more ideas on our wide range of products, or call us on 01344 456534 with any queries.

Our showroom is open Monday to Saturday so why not pop in to discuss your requirements?