There are so many styles in bathrooms that many people forget that the space available to them is not more than 50 sq. feet. It is always good to be systematic and organized before starting on a major renovation project.
What to do:
Before tearing out tile and buying supplies like tiles and grout, do the following.
- Measure the space: Measure out space well and put it down on paper. Make sure you have the width available to install a shower cubicle and also the height of the walls. Mark the spaces where the toilet stall will be located as well as the sinks and cabinets.
- Figure out how wide the shower door will swing. This is important as it can interfere with the toilet or even the sink/vanity cabinets. If the floor is likely to get wet just outside the shower, make sure to put in slip resistant tiles.
- Spacing is important – make sure to have at least 15 inches from the outer edge of the toilet to the shower wall. This is necessary to keep the space from feeling too cramped.
- Depending on the style of the shower fixtures, it may be possible to leave out the shower door altogether. Consider heated floors as they will also keep the floors dry. If the shower door is not included in a bathroom, it is best not to use handheld shower fixtures.
- Shopping for fixtures: This is the fun part of remodeling a bathroom. Look for specials and possible combinations. Mixing and matching fixtures from different brands is a possibility.
- Lighting is another important factor. Depending on the size of the shower and the shape, two or four lights may be enough to make space look good. Do the lighting first before laying ties as this can highlight every flaw in tile installations.
- Keep in mind that if you want extras like benches, niches for shampoo and soap as well as windows, waterproofing materials have to be installed all over and well. This is especially important around windows.
Picking the right shower cubicle:
The shower area is the first thing that you will notice when you step into the bathroom – picking the right cubicle style is very important. With new materials, lots of options are now available to you as a homeowner. Choose wisely and have a stylish and functional bathroom.
- Frameless enclosure: A very popular choice with people as it is flexible and offers clean lines. It looks elegant and works with any décor. Glass is also easy to clean and maintain. Best of all, it makes any space look expensive.
- Aluminum and glass: Glass panels are inset in an aluminum frame and can be painted in any color. This look works with any style and can be done in an eclectic style as well. This combination of materials is also easy to maintain and clean up.
- Glass blocks: Glass blocks work wonderfully well to light up space and also offer privacy. Available in a variety of textures and patterns, they make space look clean and cool. You can choose the style you want in any color and even thickness.
- Sliding doors: If the available space is small, then the best choice would be a sliding door. This is practical and a big space saver as well. There are several fine expensive options.
- Enclosing the tub: If a bathroom has a tub, it is easy enough to install doors. Choose tempered, frosted glass to enclose the area and keep water off the floor.
- Multiple entrances: Shower areas needn’t have just one entrance – find practical ways to add one or more doors or entrances.
- Tile and glass: A frameless door and tiled walls can make any bathroom look open and airy. Add proper lighting and make the room look even better. Depending on the location of the bathroom, make sure to add windows to bring in natural light.
Use these ideas as pointers to get a bathroom that suits your budget and needs. Don’t be afraid to mix fixtures and materials – get surprised with the results.