Decorating a Bathroom
Planning and Design

Useful planning and design information to make your bathroom design work.

Decorating your bathroom is not a job to be tackled lightly.

A bathroom project can be costly and time consuming if you are considering a full re-design. You may even need to call the plumbing professionals in.

Or, you may just want to go for a quick and easy option, and update your current bathroom, without actually changing your bathroom suite.

Make sure you fully consider these points before you start decorating a bathroom:

• Consider your layout carefully.
  • For information on how to draw your own layout plan, click here.
  • If you would like to know the standard measurements of bathroom fixtures, click here.
  • For ideal spacing measurements to use in your bathroom design, click here.


• If you want to completely re-design your bathroom, is your current layout the best one for you and your room?


• Changing your layout may well turn into a big plumbing project. It's best to check your ideas with a plumber first, to see if it's possible, and how much it will cost.


• If you keep your layout the same, the plumbing will be much more straightforward. If you are a reasonably competent DIY-er, you may even be able to do the plumbing yourself.


• If you are considering a free-standing (roll-top) bath in cast-iron, are you sure that the floor is strong enough to take the weight? Check with a structural engineer if you aren't sure, or choose a lighter modern reproduction.


• Free-standing baths are often cleverly photographed for brochures and magazines so that the plumbing and pipes underneath don't show. Will your bath be positioned so that the pipes are hidden, in your bathroom? Consider adding 'skirts' to the bottom of the bath, if it is an appropriate style (usually a more modern style).


• Do you want any jets or whirlpool features in your bath?


• Some companies coat their bathroom suites in a special coating which repels water, dirt and lime scale. The coating may come as standard, or you may be able to add it on, for a little extra cost.


• Consider whether a separate shower, or combined shower/bath is right for you. Do you have the ceiling height for the shower unit you want?


• Do you want a shower instead of a bath?
  • Decorating a bathroom without a bath may reduce the value of your home, particularly if it is the only bathroom, or a family bathroom.
  • If it is an en-suite bathroom, or a bathroom in a small apartment, a shower is perfectly acceptable.
  • Before you remove your bath and install a shower instead, consider a small half-bath, or compact bath, with a shower over.


• Check your water pressure and central heating system to make sure that they are suitable for your chosen shower system. If you have any doubts at all, consult a plumber for advice, or ask in store.


• Do you want one basin, or double his 'n' hers basins, so that two of you can wash at once?


• Consider a 'wet room' instead of a bathroom.
  • Does it fit with the style of your house? A modern wet room may look odd in a traditional or period style home.
  • Wet rooms are heavy, as they are completely tiled - will the floor bear the weight? Check with a structural engineer first.
  • Wet rooms involve a lot of structural and construction work - floors need to be leveled, and walls and floors need to be completely waterproofed. This all makes it into a costly project.
  • Wet tiles are slippery - so a wet room may be dangerous if used by the elderly, infirm or young children.


• Consider eco-friendly bathroom purchases, that will save water
  • dual flush WC's
  • showers with water-saving options
  • automatic taps which switch on and off as you pass your hand in front of them


• Consider your budget carefully. Don't get carried away looking at luxury fixtures in showrooms and brochures. You don't need to spend a lot of money on a white bathroom suite, to make your bathroom look good. Make sure you plan your budget well, and stick to it.


• Decorating a bathroom in basic neutrals, and adding quality towels and accessories is a great way to get the luxury look, at minimum cost.


• Before you make your bathroom purchases, check expected delivery times, and the terms of any guarantee.

Get some great ideas for decorating a bathroom by watching these short video clips. I am sure they will give you some great ideas for your own bathroom...

Just click on the picture, to start the video player... and enjoy!

I hope these tips on planning and decorating a bathroom will help you with your bathroom designs.

Next, look at some practical bathroom decorating tips on heating and ventilation, storage and flooring.

Consider style and design when decorating your bathroom - helpful hints and advice on choosing fixtures, fittings and style.

Are you decorating a small bathroom? Get some ideas, hints and advice on decorating small bathrooms here.

Look at hints and ideas for decorating your bathroom on a budget?

Read ideas and advice for decorating kids bathrooms.

Return to the main decorating bathrooms page.



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