Bathroom Must-Haves: A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Accessories

basin tap

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house even though we don’t realise it. It’s the first room we go to in the morning and the last one we visit before going to bed. That’s why is important to have a well-arranged, accessorised bathroom made of high-quality materials. It should have everything we need, from the right toilet to matching hangers and towels.

Spending a couple of extra dollars will be one of the best investments you’ve ever made.

Choose the Right Basin Tap

basin tap
Source: facebook.com/highgrovebathrooms/

Taps are one of the main elements of the bathroom. They need to be both functional and visually appealing at the same time. But there are hundreds of options on the market, and it can get overwhelming when you need to choose. By knowing what you’re looking for, you’ll avoid any pitfalls and make sure you choose the right basin taps.

The first important factor you should consider is your water pressure or water flow. You have low pressure if your system is gravity-fed, and you have medium to high pressure if you have a combination boiler system. A single-lever mixer works well with high water pressure. For low-pressure flows to function properly, you’ll need taps with 2 handles or pillar taps. Remember that a low-pressure tap can work with high-pressure water flow, but not vice versa.

The number of holes in your sink will influence your tap choice. There can be 1, 2 or 3 holes and each of them accommodates different taps. Bathtubs usually come without tap holes. This means that your installer has to drill them. But if you buy stone resin, cast iron or steel bathtubs they won’t be able to do it, so you’ll be stuck with the predrilled holes from the manufacturer.

A carefully chosen tap can be a focal point of the bathroom and have a big impact on the overall look. The style you choose should match and complement the overall design. Even if you don’t want to renovate the whole bathroom, you can change the taps and give the bathroom a makeover. Traditional-style taps have nice detailing and classic features. This look never appears out of date, on the contrary, it’s timeless.

Choose modern taps with minimalist style, clean lines, and geometric styling for a more edgy appearance. Modern features like waterfall spouts and touch-sensitive control are just some of the few modern features these taps have.

High-quality taps need to stand to the test of time and the two most solid materials that will contribute to this are solid brass and ceramic discs. They’re both corrosion-resistant and durable. But the outside of the tap is also important. It can be made from:

  • Chrome – popular, corrosion resistant, scratch resistant, easy to clean;
  • Gold – popular, robust, nice colours;
  • Nickel – strong, durable, and on the expensive side

What to do With the Mirror?

mirror for bath
Source: facebook.com/highgrovebathrooms/

Many people don’t give their bathroom mirrors much thought. They serve as an ornamental element, and it’s easily forgotten. But considering that you look at it every day many times, you should give it a little bit of thought. The mirror helps us in our daily grooming, plus it adds personality and style to the whole bathroom.

When it comes to size, you should determine it according to the size of the vanity. Typically, mirrors are 5-10cm narrower, but it all depends on you. You can hand a mirror across the whole wall length or choose a narrow one that stands just above the basin. Take a good measure of the vanity, this will give you a nice starting point. You should also think about if your mirror will double as a medicine cabinet. If so, your options will be limited. The mirror ought to be big enough to accommodate your needs.

You have a lot of creative freedom in the type of mirror you choose because they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes. The most common and traditional choice is circular or rectangular with a design that matches the rest of the decor.

If your style is modern, a minimal simple mirror will do the trick. A lot of these mirrors feature amenities like built-in lights or screens that show the temperature and time. You should also consider if you like a framed or a frameless mirror. You can choose a frame that complements the basin taps, or one that fits with the bathroom shower head.

What About Mats and Rugs?

rugs for bathroom
Source: facebook.com/highgrovebathrooms/

Bath rugs and mats are a practical yet fashionable addition to any bathroom, but choosing one from the many available designs, colours, and materials takes some thought. If you put them in front of the bathtub, they will help in removing water from your body and will keep extra moisture off the floor, otherwise, the tiles will be dangerous and slippery. When it comes to material, there are a few options you can choose from. The most important thing is for the material not to be slippery.

  • Cotton – very common, holds a lot of moisture, easy to clean, soft;
  • Nylon – dries quickly, durable, cleaned less frequently, can slip;
  • Plastic mats – stylish, don’t absorb water, won’t slip, easy to clean;
  • Natural fibres – absorb water well, add luxury, hard to keep clean.

You can use the mats and rugs to add a pop of colour to the bathroom. If you want to keep it neutral and relaxing with the rugs, you should go for pale greens, browns, blues and beiges. Mats look like towels, and it can be a good idea to match them in terms of colour. Sometimes you can find identical ones at the store, if not choose a mat with the dominant towel colour.

Score With the Right Waste Bin

Choosing the right waste bin can be tricky, especially if you have a small bathroom. There are many options on the market in different shapes, sizes, materials and designs. The first thing to consider is its odour resistance. It’s natural for things to get smelly after a couple of days in a plastic bag, so make sure the bin has good odour resistance. Plastic and metal are the best materials to aid in this because they’re easy to clean and are germ resistant.

Size is something you should choose carefully. If the bathroom is small, go for a smaller bin and vice versa. Depending on the available space between the toilet, bathtub and walls, you can find the proper width, length and height. Never go smaller and bigger than you need to, the bin should be in optimal size. You can match the bin material and style with the bathroom basin taps, or the towel holders.

It should also be easily accessible. No one wants to struggle to throw a piece of paper. Check the smoothness of the lid or check the pedals or the buttons to open it. If it gives you a hard time, don’t even think about buying it. Check if it’s easy to put in and take out the plastic bag. Consider all of these things and you’ll make the right choice.