An old and worn bathroom can leave you feeling less fresh after a wash. If you’ve been thinking of giving your bathroom a makeover, here are a few of the refurbishment ideas that you may want to consider whether you’re trying to up the value of your home or simply trying to make it more cosy and practical to live in.
Think waterproof
Bathrooms get very wet, so make sure your bathroom is as waterproof as possible. Protect that plaster by opting for tiles. You can tile the whole room if you like – even the area not directly near a bath or shower can get wet due to moisture in the air, leading to mould. When looking for brassware, opt for high quality brass that can be rubbed clean easily to defend against limescale build up. You should also take measures to protect your floor. Wood should be a no-no unless thoroughly laminated, and carpets in bathrooms are a crime.
Buy a new bath
If your tub is looking a little worse for wear, it may be time to get a new one. Baths aren’t as expensive as you may think – they may be one of the least costly renovations you make unless you’re going high end and buying something made of marble. There are also a lot of combo shower/baths for those that think showers are the best. Always measure up both your bathroom space and the access route to get there (you may need to take it up stairs) before buying a new tub.
Try tech
The bathroom doesn’t have to be a tech free zone. Waterproof televisions and hi-fi systems are becoming more popular, as are power showers and multi-flush toilets. In some cases, this may require fitting some more electrics. You should aim to go as cable free as possible and extension cords should be avoided at all costs.
Conceal pipes
Piping can look ugly. Concealing it can make the room feel cleaner and less cluttered. If you’re in a budget and can’t afford the plumbing costs of concealing it in a wall or under the floor, you can choose to box it in. This approach can also make it easier to access in a plumbing emergency as opposed to piping in a wall or under a floor. Those that are a dab hand at carpentry may even be able to build and fit it themselves.
Create the illusion of space
If your bathroom feels poky you may be able to add features to create the illusion of more space. For increasing floor space, opt for a free-standing bath or one on legs. Large mirrors meanwhile can give more space to the walls by making the room feel bigger. Mirrors can also reflect light and make a bathroom feel brighter, which could be useful if you’ve only got a small window. Try to avoid clutter where you can, especially if it’s taking up floor space.