Renovating a bathroom can be a daunting task, considering it's one of the most frequently used spaces in any home. With so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.
When embarking on a bathroom remodel, one of the first steps is to focus on selecting the right sanitary fittings. These essential items, including sinks, toilets, and taps, form the backbone of your bathroom's functionality and style.
In addition to the basic fixtures, choosing the right accessories can greatly enhance the usability and aesthetics of your bathroom. From towel racks to soap dispensers, each accessory plays a crucial role in making your bathroom more functional and easy to maintain, while also contributing to its overall tranquility.
Consider the shower fixtures, for example. While an overhead rain shower may offer a luxurious water rush, a hand shower provides greater flexibility and control over the water flow. Similarly, when selecting taps, the choice between a traditional round knob and a modern flat lever can impact both the style and usability of your bathroom.
Ultimately, it's essential to prioritize comfort and convenience when selecting bathroom fixtures and accessories. Pay attention to the details that matter most to you and align with your lifestyle to create a bathroom that suits your needs perfectly.
Here's how!
Shower sets: Overhead shower vs handheld shower head
Shower sets typically come in two popular configurations: the overhead shower, often referred to as a rainshower, and the handheld shower head.
These two types of shower sets offer distinct showering experiences, each with its own unique advantages and appeal.
Overhead shower
The overhead shower, often referred to as a rain shower, comes in various shapes such as round or square, and it provides a luxurious experience reminiscent of standing in a gentle rainfall.
A rain shower head adds a sleek and modern touch to your bathroom decor. Its aesthetic appeal remains intact even on those days when you're too fatigued to engage in strenuous activities. Simply standing beneath the showerhead allows you to bask in the soothing sensation of raindrops cascading down.
Compared to traditional handheld showers, rain showers offer a wider coverage area, ensuring a quicker and more thorough soaking experience.
However, it's worth noting that rain showers tend to be pricier than handheld options, and they may lack the flexibility needed for tasks like hair washing, where precision and control are essential.
Handheld shower head
The handheld shower head provides greater freedom of movement and flexibility, allowing you to control the direction and flow of water according to your preference. Unlike a rain shower head, a handheld option offers more control over keeping your hair dry while showering.
With certain handheld shower models, you have the ability to adjust the spray settings to customize the water pressure to your liking, providing a personalized showering experience.
If you're undecided between a rain shower and a handheld option, consider the versatility and convenience offered by a handheld shower head, which allows you to enjoy the benefits of both types of showers.
Shower mixers
Once you've chosen your preferred shower system, the next step is to consider shower mixers. These essential components regulate the temperature of your shower by blending hot and cold water streams.
Shower mixers play a crucial role in ensuring that you can achieve your desired shower temperature with precision and consistency. By controlling the ratio of hot and cold water, they provide a comfortable and enjoyable showering experience.
There are many mixers on the market.
Manual shower mixer
A manual shower mixer or pressure-balancing valve stands out for its user-friendly design and straightforward installation process.
With a single tap, you have complete control over both the water flow and temperature. Adjusting the valve to your preferred temperature ensures that you can enjoy the perfect shower experience every time.
Mixer for showers that is thermostatic
A thermostatic shower mixer offers precise control over water temperature, ensuring a consistent and comfortable shower experience.
With this type of mixer, the water temperature remains constant regardless of other water usage in the household. You can preset the desired temperature before starting the shower, thanks to separate controls for water flow and heat adjustment.
Digital shower mixer
A digital shower mixer provides advanced temperature control with the convenience of a single button operation. With this innovative technology, you can easily adjust and maintain the water temperature at your desired level.
Featuring intuitive digital displays and controls, digital shower mixers offer precise precision for a tailored shower experience.
Smart shower mixer
A smart shower mixer offers remote control capabilities and seamless integration with smart home devices and smartphones, allowing for convenient operation and customization of your shower experience.
Although the price of the smart shower system may seem high, priced at $30,000, it could be considered a worthwhile investment, especially considering Singapore's climate and humidity conditions.
Shower mixer valves: Concealed vs. exposed
When it comes to shower mixer valves, you have the option of choosing between concealed and exposed installations, each with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Opting for an exposed shower mixer valve maintains the traditional aesthetic, with the pipe and valve visible on the wall. This type of installation is relatively easy to install and offers simpler access for maintenance or replacement down the line.
On the other hand, a concealed shower mixer valve provides a sleeker, more streamlined appearance by concealing the inner workings behind the wall. This design not only saves space but also enhances the overall visual appeal of the bathroom, giving it a neater look.
However, it's worth noting that concealed mixer valves tend to be pricier compared to their exposed counterparts.
Regardless of your choice, it's crucial to ensure that the installation complies with sanitary regulations. Consulting with your contractor or interior designer can help confirm that your chosen setup meets all necessary safety standards.
Accessory for the shower
No shower set is truly complete without the addition of essential accessories. These accessories play a pivotal role in enhancing the functionality and convenience of your bathroom space. Among the must-have accessories are a towel ring, towel holder, toilet paper dispenser, soap dish with holder, and toilet paper holder. These items not only add practicality to your shower area but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your bathroom.
For households with individuals with disabilities or elderly members, it's crucial to consider installing grip bars as an additional accessory. These bars provide essential support and stability, offering added safety and peace of mind during showering.
When undertaking a bathroom remodeling project, it's imperative to take into account the needs of all household members. By carefully selecting and installing the right accessories, you can ensure that your bathroom meets the requirements of everyone, promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the space.
Toilet suites
Toilet suites come in various styles, with the two main options being wall-mounted and floor-mounted bowls. Your decision between the two is typically influenced by the type of trap or piping system in your bathroom.
When it comes to trap options, there are primarily two types: the P-trap, which connects to the wall, and the S-trap, which connects to the floor. However, some designs allow for flexibility in installation, accommodating both configurations.
It's important to note that wall-mounted toilet bowls may require additional cleaning efforts, especially for the area beneath them. In contrast, floor-mounted bowls are often preferred for their ease of maintenance.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the flushing system. For instance, American Standard's Hygiene Clean system utilizes innovative double vortex flushing technology. This unique feature ensures thorough cleaning by washing the entire circumference of the bowl, effectively removing stains and residue.
Moreover, toilets equipped with a rimless design and multiple water ejection holes, such as the one mentioned, offer efficient flushing while minimizing water consumption. Although these advanced features come at a higher price point compared to standard toilets, their superior performance and water-saving capabilities justify the investment.
Taps and washbasins
Moving on to one of the most crucial elements in any bathroom remodel: the washbasin. With the heightened emphasis on hand hygiene in the wake of the pandemic, a functional and aesthetically pleasing washbasin earns high praise.
The market offers a plethora of basin types to suit various preferences and needs. From wall-mounted to semi-recessed, countertop to sit-in basins, there's a wide array of options to choose from. When making your selection, it's essential to ensure that the chosen basin aligns seamlessly with the overall theme and style of your bathroom renovation project.
Countertop basins are particularly in vogue nowadays, often serving as the focal point of the room if selected thoughtfully. However, it's crucial to consider the availability of ample counter space to accommodate this type of basin effectively. Additionally, factors such as the intended users and the location of connections should be taken into account during the decision-making process.
For households with children or elderly members, opting for a wall-mounted or semi-recessed basin may prove to be more practical. These designs offer enhanced accessibility for users of all ages and reduce the need for extensive cleaning, thanks to their streamlined edges and corners.
When it comes to wash taps, the options are plentiful, ranging from traditional lever taps to innovative motion sensor ones. Drawing inspiration from establishments like Singaporean hotels and malls, where motion sensor taps are commonly found, can help you find the perfect match for your basin in terms of color, look, texture, and style.
The blog "A Comprehensive Guide to Basin Taps: Understanding the Different Types and Styles" delves deeply into the various types and styles of basin taps available in the market. It provides valuable insights into the functionality, design, and installation considerations associated with different types of basin taps.
This comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to upgrade or install basin taps in their bathroom. It covers a wide range of topics, including traditional vs. modern designs, different materials used, and factors to consider when selecting the right basin taps for your bathroom .