If you’re at the initial planning stage of your bathroom renovation, you may feel a little lost, not knowing where to begin. We asked our friends at Ideal Standard, the UK’s No. 1 bathroom brand to provide you with some expert tips, pointing you in the right direction.
The planning phase can be an exciting time for a bathroom renovation, when you brainstorm ideas, look at endless magazines and scroll through Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration. But, apart from just the look and feel, there are so many other things to bear in mind. Juggling style and practicality can be tricky, especially if this is your first interiors project. To help, we’ve highlighted some key considerations which are often overlooked when planning the perfect bathroom. You can thank us later!
Looking to create a beautiful bathroom suite, like this one from the Ideal Standard Tesi collection? Better get your thinking cap on!
Space is key
Think hard when planning your new layout. There are several factors to consider—windows, doors and radiators to name just a few. They may not seem important, but an all-too-common mistake is when people measure for their bathroom without considering how much space an open door takes up. Likewise, if you’re thinking of moving large fixtures, it’s better to tread carefully as this can also mean you need to move pipework, leading to some hefty costs—especially if you need to move a soil pipe for your toilet. To be extra safe, it’s best to get the advice of a plumber, as they can estimate any additional costs and save you from an unexpectedly large bill.
If you’re working with a small space, it’s important to be savvy when selecting fixtures and fittings, to make the most of your bathroom. Picking a shower tray can be difficult in small bathrooms. Our Simplicity shower trays are a great solution, they come in an extensive range of pre-specified shapes and sizes, and feature a contemporary low profile for easy access. But if you want to install a bath as well, having a separate bath and enclosure may not be possible if you’re tight on space. Opting for a shower head above your bath saves so much room and gives you the best of both worlds.
Make effective use of every square inch with a space-saving shower bath suite, like this one from the Ideal Standard Studio Echo collection
Think ahead: plan long term
You may have the perfect plan in mind for your bathroom. But remember, it’s not just about what you want to create right now. What will your needs be in the future? You should make sure that your plans aren’t too restrictive for additions, amends or alterations at a later date, or that they won’t put off a potential buyer if you come to sell your property further down the line.
Here are some key things to have a think about:
Storage
Is there any space above the bath for additional shelving? Could the vanity or undersink space incorporate more built-in storage?
Lighting
As lots of bathrooms don’t have large windows to let in natural light, it’s a good idea to ask your electrician for some advice on the best lighting for your space.
Mirrors
You don’t want to have to stick to the same mirror for decades to come. Make sure there is ample space for mirrors of various shapes and dimensions. Remember, mirrors can also be used as concealed storage units if you’re tight on space.
Bathing and showering
Make sure you measure meticulously, especially if there are eaves in the space, as height is an important dimension for showers. If you have your heart set on installing a bath as a centrepiece, you may think that you don’t want a shower at all in the space. But, if you change your mind and haven’t considered height when measuring for the bath, you might not be able to install a shower head above.
Carefully measure your full bathroom dimensions to ensure you can fit everything you want in, like this shower enclosure suite from the Ideal Standard Concept Space collection
Who will be using the space?
Perhaps it’s just you and your partner at the moment but, if you’re planning to grow your family or sell your home, you should consider how child-friendly your bathroom will be. To baby-proof your bathroom, a bath will be essential, along with taps that come with a temperature limit function, like those from the Ideal Standard Tempo and Tesi ranges, helping to prevent accidental scalding. Similarly, soft closing toilet seats and drawers will help protect a child’s fingers.
If you have a young family, keep an eye out with taps and showers which have safety features, like the Ideal Standard Tempo basin mixer tap (above)
Not sure where to start? With so many details to bear in mind it can sometimes be overwhelming. If you’re unsure, the best way to plan your bathroom is to read plenty of expert bathroom planning advice, available online at Victoria Plum. And, if you want someone to do all the hard yards for you, why not enquire about the Victoria Plum Design and Installation service, where they’ll even provide you with a free no-obligation design and will be happy to discuss all aspects of your bathroom design and layout with you. Want to see how the Design and Installation service works? Check out this fabulous customer case study.
More bathroom inspiration
For more bathroom inspiration, why not browse our bathroom ideas blog? You’ll find beautiful customer case studies, useful tips and further informative articles, just like this one!
Shop Ideal Standard
If you like the products you’ve seen in this blog post, you’ll be happy to hear that we have one of the largest selections of Ideal Standard bathrooms in the UK. From the ultra-stylish Studio Echo collection to the space-saving Concept Space collection, you’re bound to find the perfect suite to suit your needs, from the UK’s No. 1 bathroom brand. Simply click on the image below to begin browsing.
