Archive for February, 2009

Having an affordable bathroom

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

If you need to redecorate your bathroom, but do not have much to spend, then there are many affordable options to choose from. One is to have a look around the stores to see what bargains are on offer, as many often offer discounts on top quality bathroom items. Order items from your chosen store’s website rather than at the store’s showroom, as this may save you hundreds of pounds. Some companies offer up to 50% off when you order products online.

You can also find bargains when you shop at online stores such as Ebay. They offer both new and used items and it is an ideal solution for anyone looking for an affordable new bathroom. The site has everything from baths, showers and Jacuzzis, to towels, beach towels and bath mats. You can even search for other affordable products, such as bubble bath or aromatherapy products, which you can use to transform your bathroom into a spa.

Try to avoid top brand names, as their products are likely to be more expensive. Have a look around for affordable bathroom collections by other companies. The popular store, Ikea, offers a selection of bathroom collections at affordable prices, including the Molger series, which has bathroom accessories from as low as £1.99. They also offer larger products at affordable prices, including a selection of washbasins for around £75.00 and their bathroom lighting is also reasonably priced. If you want an affordable designer look for your bathroom, then Ikea offer a selection of spotlights and stylish wall lights for just £8.99.

Selecting the right shower for your bathroom

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Along with the bath, the shower is one of the most essential items in the bathroom, so it is important to choose one that is right for you. If you have a bathtub and wish to add a shower, but cannot afford to add a new shower area, then there are a variety of stylish showerheads available. Many stores offer luxurious ranges to suit spa style bathrooms. Handheld showers are a cheaper option and again there are many different types available. Some showerheads offer water saving features and come with a variety of settings giving you full control over the water pressure.

If you are looking to add a new shower area, the choice of shower enclosures is vast. Depending on the space you have available, you could have a shower enclosure than runs along a whole wall. If you have a small bathroom, then a corner shower enclosure may be the best option. Looking at different styles and shapes of enclosure will give you an idea of what will best suit your particular bathroom.

Clear glass looks good on most shower enclosures, but if you want to keep the area private, it may be better to opt for obscured glass. There are many different designs of patterned glass that look good in shower enclosures and also provide privacy. For those on a lower budget, a shower curtain or screen is the best option for combined bath and shower units. Screens look great in stylish bathrooms and shower curtains have many different patterns and pictures for those who are aiming for a more creative theme.

Useful accessories for the bathroom

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

In addition to accessories such as toilet roll holders and toothbrush holders, there are also a variety of other accessories that can prove to be very useful in the bathroom. Many people like to read a book or magazine whilst in the bathroom, so a magazine rack can come in handy. There are many styles of magazine racks available. Chrome plated magazine racks are great for making a bathroom look stylish. Miller Bond offers chrome plated magazine racks for around £45.00.

Another useful accessory for the bathroom is a rail or hooks for clothing such as night gowns or dressing gowns. Miller Bond offers single hooks, double hooks and rails, which are ideal for clothes and towels. Clothes hooks and rails not only make a bathroom look tidier, they also add more style. Towel rings also look attractive.

A tumbler is also another useful addition. There are a selection of stylish holders available for storing toothbrushes and tumblers, or if you already have a toothbrush holder, then Miller Bond offer a stylish chrome tumbler holder for around £20.00. Antique gold tumblers are a good option for those who are looking for Victorian style theme for their bathroom.

It is also useful to have some bathroom scales. These come in a variety of styles as well, including solar powered scales and digital scales. Many have a selection of settings that make them easy to use. Prices vary depending on the style, but a simple set of bathroom scales can cost under £5.00.

Making your bathroom as luxurious as possible

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

Since the bathroom is the best place for relaxation, you will want to make it as luxurious as possible. There is a variety of top quality bathroom furniture available to give your bathroom a touch of luxury. Large glass vanity cabinets, deep baths and large shower enclosures are all items that you can utilise.

Whirlpool baths are perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your bathroom. Bella Bathrooms, a bath store, offer luxury baths for under £80.00, which is ideal for anyone looking for a more affordable option. The store’s whirlpool baths are also reasonably priced and are much cheaper online than in the showrooms.

If you are tired of your boring bathroom, but cannot afford a new tub or shower, then there is a selection of products that will add a hint of luxury, such as massage oils, soap, bath products and scented candles. Showerheads can be used to add an element of luxury to your bathroom and are reasonably priced.

Spotlights or low lights can also give a luxurious feel and installing a dimmer will allow you to control the degree of light, so that you can create an ambience that is comfortable and relaxing. Darker colours, such as red also create a more luxuriant feeling.

Having extra heat in your bathroom improves the level of comfort. Install heated flooring or use heated towel rails to make your bathroom cosier when it comes to stepping out of the bath or shower. Fluffy towels are also perfect for adding a little luxury.

Using bathroom accessories to make your bathroom look stylish

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009

Every bathroom looks better with accessories, even with something as simple as a toilet roll holder or a mirror. There are many styles available that can make your bathroom more luxurious. By choosing the right accessories and style, you can give your bathroom a more creative look, making it much more than just a place for basic needs.

If you are creative, then you may wish to choose accessories that are different colours to give your bathroom a mix and match type of appearance. If you prefer a more designer look, then it is good idea to choose accessories that are the same colour, so that you can match them up to give your bathroom a set theme. One easy way to match accessories is to purchase items with the same brand name. There are many top brands to choose from, many of which offer accessory packs at reasonable prices. Bristan Group, for example, are a top UK bathroom supply company who offer accessory packs for around £30.97, which is a suitable price for those who are looking for affordable and attractive accessories.

Different companies offer different styles of accessories, so it is a good idea to look around and see which accessories would best suit your bathroom. For example, Bristan do free standing toilet roll holders that would be ideal for those wishing to achieve a designer look for their bathroom. Bristan also provide products for those who wish to have an art deco style for their bathroom. Their art deco wire soap and sponge basket is priced at just £52.97 and would make a great addition to any bathroom.

If you are wishing to achieve a look that will impress any visitors to your home, then choosing luxury accessories such as soap dispensers is a good idea. Miller Fine Bathroom Interiors has a selection of soap dispensers and lotion bottles with pumps for reasonable prices. For a designer look, try selecting clear glass soap dispensers or soap dispensers with a frosted glass finish.

Having more than one bathroom

Monday, February 16th, 2009

If you have more than one bathroom in your home that needs decorating then this gives you the chance to experiment with different styles for each bathroom. If you have a large family, then decorate one bathroom to their liking and one to your liking. If you have children, then give one bathroom a theme that they will like, such as bright colours or an aquatic theme.

Having more than one bathroom to decorate will cost more money, but there are a variety of affordable items to choose from. If one bathroom tends to get used more than the other, then focus on making that bathroom the most stylish and simply swap a few old accessories for new ones for the bathroom that is not used as much.

Having matching themes for both bathrooms will be quicker and easier, but you may wish to vary the themes so that your bathrooms do not look too boring. If one bathroom is much larger than the other, then you can make the larger bathroom more luxurious as you will have more space to play with. Make the smaller bathroom as interesting as possible and fill it with accessories so that it becomes much more than just a place for basic needs.

Having two bathrooms gives you more storage, so you can organise your items better. If you have children, then place medicine cabinets in the bathroom that they do not use as much. If one of your toilets is downstairs and you have an elderly or disabled person in your family, then focus on installing the right equipment for them in this bathroom so that they feel at ease and do not have to make their way upstairs. 

Transforming a dingy bathroom

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

A dingy bathroom is likely to be uncomfortable, so adding a few items here and there to brighten up the room is a good idea. If you do not have much money to spare, then there are a variety of affordable interesting accessories that can make your bathroom look much better.

Going for light colours, such as white, can make a dingy bathroom look much brighter and more modern. Paint is the best option, as it is easy to apply and a quick way of brightening up your bathroom. There are many types of paint that have a film that is mould and mildew resistant to protect your bathroom walls.

If your bathroom has a cracked bath, toilet or sink, then it will need repairing as soon as possible to prevent leaks. Cracked items can make a bathroom look dingy, and there are some types of surfaces, such as porcelain, which can be repainted, leaving your bathroom free of cracks and looking much brighter and appealing.

Mould and mildew can also make a bathroom look dingy. There are a variety of cleaning products that easily remove mould and mildew to make your bathroom look much cleaner and make it a safer environment you, your family and any visitors.

If your bathroom does not have much natural light, then this will make it look dingy. Be sure to keep your curtains open to let in more light. Privacy windows will allow you to let in lots of light whilst keeping your bathroom private. If you have blinds, pull them up to let in more light. Open your windows to let in more air and install an extractor fan to keep your bathroom well ventilated.

Selecting the right mirrors for your bathroom

Friday, February 13th, 2009

Mirrors are a great addition to any bathroom, not just for checking your reflection, but also for making your bathroom look stylish and reflecting light to make your bathroom appear much brighter. There are many different types of mirrors to choose from.

Mirrors usually look good when placed above a sink or a set of vanity cabinets. If you do not have much space, then you could opt for a cabinet that has a mirror for its door. Some mirrors tend to distort your reflection, so be sure to choose a mirror that has distortion-free glass.

If you have a lot of space in your bathroom, then a full-length mirror may look good. Not only does this allow you to see more of your reflection, it also provides your bathroom with more light. There are a variety of styles to choose from, so have a look around to see what would suit your bathroom.

The amount of steam in the bathroom can cause mist on any mirrors that you have in the room, so it is a good idea to choose mist free mirrors. Wiping the steam away can leave marks and make the mirrors harder to clean, so having a mist free mirror or plenty of ventilation will help you solve this problem.

To give yourself more light when using your mirrors, you can purchase mirrors that have built in lights, which you can control with a pull switch. Spotlights above a mirror look good and can give your bathroom a more luxurious feel. 

Having a luxurious bathing experience

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

There are a wide variety of products you can use to make your bath or shower a more relaxing experience. For a luxurious shower experience, there is a selection of shower gels to choose from. Original Source, a UK company who specialises in bath products, offers a wide selection of shower gels, with flavours such as lemon, tea tree, lavender, vanilla milk, cocoa and much more. They also offer shower pouches in a variety of flavours, including watermint and lemongrass.

Bath bombs, bath crystals, bath balls and salts are ideal for those who are looking for a luxurious bathing experience. The Bubble Store, a UK store, offers a wide variety of these types of products. Their bath bombs are just £0.75 each and come in a variety of flavours, including tropical fruits, lemon and lime, lavender and peppermint and more. You can also buy these bath bombs as part of a lucky dip that the store offers at a discounted price.

The Bubble Store also offers lots of other great items for the bathroom, such as oil soap, fragrance soap, body butter, lip balm, bath foam and much more. These items are sold separately as well as in gift packs for around £14.99. Their bath crystals come in a selection of flavours and are priced at £1.20.

If you have children, a bubble bath can make their bathing experience more fun. Bath toys such as rubber ducks can help make your bathroom more suitable for children. Bubble baths are offered in a variety of interesting flavours, and some may be more suitable for children than others, so have a look around and see what kind your children would like.

Different styles of cloakroom suites

Sunday, February 8th, 2009

There are many different styles of cloakroom suites to choose from. Plumbworld offers a wide range of cloakroom suites at affordable prices. Their Halcyon bathroom suite comes as a four piece and includes a white toilet seat, a basin, period basin taps and a full height pedestal. This suite is suitable for a traditional theme and is priced at £192.97.

Plumbworld also offer a Ceremica Lyndhurst bathroom suite, which comes with a full height pedestal, a lever-operated cistern and a wide basin, and is available in white. This suite is priced at £149.97 and does not include a toilet seat or taps.

Plumbworld’s designer suites are a little more expensive, but are perfect for making a bathroom look good. Their Tavistock Venus four piece bathroom suite comes with a dual flush cistern, a full height pedestal, a wide basin and a toilet seat, and is available in white. This suite is priced at £357.98.

For those looking for a more affordable option, Plumbworld offers a Ceremica Milan contemporary cloakroom suite for just £79.97. This comes with a dual flush cistern, a toilet seat, a full height pedestal and a wide basin, and is available in white.

There are many stores that offer discounts on cloakroom suites, so have a look around to see what suits you. The internet is the best place to look, as this usually has lots of online stores that offer discounts and customer reviews to help you make the right choice.  Sites such as Amazon and eBay also have some great offers.