10 Great Bathroom Accessories
Modern bathrooms serve not only as bathing areas but also as retreat areas for those who want to relax. To make your bathroom more comfortable and luxurious, you can go for matching accessories, decorative faucets and cabinets, big tubs, shower enclosures, and other various features.
If your bathroom has remained basically the same for the
last five years, it’s time you thought about remodeling. Bathrooms have come a
long way from the simple, utilitarian rooms we’ve known for decades. Today’s
bathrooms are larger, warmer, more stylish, and more luxurious. In fact, it’s
no longer just a bathroom anymore—it’s become a personal retreat for homeowners
who like to relax at the end of the day.
Needless to say, this new trend isn’t cheap. Remodeling your
bathroom can easily cost several thousand dollars, not including the labor
costs and the contractor’s fee. But remodeling isn’t always the only option. If
you want to give your bathroom a new look without breaking the bank, you can
always add a few key accessories. As long as you choose the right pieces, you
can get that modern look for half the cost. Here are ten bathroom accessories
that are worth a try.
1. Oversized tubs. An
oversized tub is the ultimate picture of luxury and relaxation. With all the
designs currently available, bulky doesn’t necessarily mean ugly—you can easily
find a stylish tub good enough for two people. Think beyond the usual steel or
built-in designs; look for round tubs, Jacuzzis, or freestanding tubs with attractive
vessels and stylized legs. If you have a small area, try placing a freestanding
tub at an angle from the corner to create an illusion of space.
2. Shower enclosures. Gone
are the days when your tub could double as your shower area. It’s now
fashionable to put your tub and shower in separate enclosures, both for better
privacy and wiser use of space. Shower enclosures now come in all shapes and
sizes, from simple corner screens to high-end mini-saunas. For maximum
relaxation, consider getting a steam bath enclosure. These little rooms pack
the ultimate pampering package: massage jets, temperature controls, scented
steam, and even waterproof speakers for listening to soothing music.
3. Vanity area. Self-pampering
isn’t complete without a good vanity table. From the simple pedestal sink and
mirror, bathrooms now sport a full-blown vanity with a chair, dresser, mirror,
and all the other trimmings. Design your vanity to match your bathroom theme,
but pay extra attention to the lighting—it should be simple and flattering, but
easily adjusted to suit the user’s skin tone. The best vanity lighting is a
column of lights on each side of the mirror, or a single large light about six
feet overhead.
4. Vessel sinks. Recessed
sinks are still in style, but vessel sinks are quickly taking over. Vessel
sinks are installed with the base on the same level as the countertop, so that
they appear informal and casual. They’re a great way to add color and dimension
to your bathroom, especially when the colors contrast with your countertop. Glass
vessel sinks are especially stylish, as they reflect the light and hold water
well. The only downside with vessels is that they only work for tall people—if
you have kids around, you may need to install a separate sink for them.
5. Recessed lighting. As
bathrooms get bigger, it’s become necessary to place dedicated lights in the
shower, bath, vanity, and other key areas. One of the best ways to do this is
recessed lighting. Recessed lights are installed in hollow openings in the
ceiling, creating the illusion of light shining down from an unseen source. It
gives a soft, sleek look to your bathroom and makes excellent task lighting for
small areas. Be sure to use warm tones and install a dimmer so you can adjust
the brightness to suit your moods.
6. Matching accessories. Whether
it’s a color theme or a simple monogram, matching accessories add a unified and
elegant look to your bathroom. Match your towels to your bathroom tiles, your
shower and bath enclosures, your sink and wall colors. Look for any two
elements that you can unite with a common theme. Don’t overdo it, though;
otherwise your bathroom will become too uniform and uninteresting. Try adding
little accents of bold color for contrast, such as red against white or orange
against green.
7. Glass and mirrors. Glass
and mirrors give your bathroom a light yet elegant feel. They also help reflect
the light that comes in, so that you can illuminate the entire area without
using strong ambient lighting. In the daytime, a large wall mirror can bounce back
sunlight and spread it across the room. This is a great way to save energy and lend
a warm, airy feel to your bathroom. Add little glass elements here and there,
such as a glass sink, a row of glass tiles, or even a glass tub.
8. Heated floors. Many
people think they’ve made their bathroom as comfortable as possible, until they
step in on a winter morning and get a shock from the frigid floors. Avoid this
problem by using heated tile flooring, wherein a thin electric mat is spread
under your ceramic tiles to keep them continuously warm. Don’t worry about energy
consumption—it only costs around 20c a day and as little as $500 for an average
bathroom.
9. Decorative faucets. Double
taps or “mixers” are becoming popular, although they’re a bit of an excess for a
household bathroom. Instead, you can get a decorative tap that matches your
sink and bathroom décor. They now come in a wide range of finishes, such as
chrome, satin chrome, stainless steel, brass, and pewter. Stainless steel is
the most durable, but brass and chrome have more luster and may look better with
modern bathroom themes.
10. Custom cabinetry. More
often than not, cabinets are the main decorative element in a bathroom. If you
want to add personality to your bathroom, make sure your cabinets reflect your
personal style. Store-bought cabinets tend to lack character, so have your
cabinets custom-made or altered to suit your preferences. If that seems a bit
too expensive, you can add your own personal touches such as hand-painted doors,
personalized handles, or decorative frames.