small bathroom . I need to get a tub and toilet and vanity on an 81 inch wall in a room 81 inch x 60 inch
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Comment By Charlotte 14 May 2012
Hello Annietott
Thanks for your question. Don't worry, that is certainly do-able.
Your best bet is to look out for smaller size basin and a slimline toilet.
Also have a think if the layout is the best it can be. You may want to consult with your plumber on this, too, as quite often the layout will be decided by any existing pipes and plumbing (any changes to existing plumbing may prove to be more expensive than the benefit you'll gain.)
Using corners wisely can give you more space - perhaps a corner toilet, or a small corner basin will suit your space.
There are lots of tips for designing your small bathroom, and a link for how to create your own layout plan (it's easy) on my page on decorating small bathrooms.
So, do take a look and if you have any more specific questions, do come back and let me know, providing more details of your room, and the specific problems you are experiencing, and I'll do my best to help.
Can I tile over an existing smooth bathroom countertop?
Reply:
Hello
Yes, you can retile over an existing countertop. The tiling procedure is just like any other, but you should make sure your countertop is properly prepared.
How to tile Bathroom or Kitchen Countertops
As the countertop is very smooth, you should lightly sand the surface, to allow the adhesive some 'grip'.
If your countertop has rounded edges, you may also need to cut these, and flatten off, or look to see if you can find some suitable edging in your local DIY store to deal with the edges.
Watch these short video clips for more tips and techniques for how to tile a kitchen countertop (the same applies to bathrooms, of course).
Just click on the images to start the video clips...
What floor colour should I choose for a bathroom that is all white walls and skirting?
Reply:
Hi Spike
Do you have any other colors in your bathroom? White or colored suite? Or colored tiles? Do you already have a color theme with towels? shower curtain? accessories etc?
If you don't already have color constraints in your bathroom (or only white?) then your color choice is much larger.
What you might want to consider, though, is flooring in the rest of the house.
Can you get a flooring that looks good next to the flooring you already have in adjoining rooms?
Try and choose one that compliments in color, style and texture - for example, if you have a traditional or period style smooth flooring in the rest of the house/adjoining room, a traditionally styled, smooth floor would suit best here as well.
Having said this, in bathrooms I think you can get away with a drastic style change if you want, as the bathroom is normally kept more 'shut off' from the rest of the house.
Carpets are never advisable for bathrooms, it tends to look somewhat old fashioned, can collect damp and stains, and always has the suspicion of being unhygienic, even if its nothing of the sort.
Choose waterproof flooring for a bathroom, that means vinyl, tiles, waterproof laminate or treated wood, cork or bamboo. Look on the packets for which room in the house the flooring is suitable for, if you are buying your own.
Pale floors can make your room feel larger, but may be difficult to keep clean - dark floors can make your room feel smaller, but can add a nice touch of color and interest to an all white room, and while they won't show dirt so much, they may show dust and/or pet hairs.
So there are lots of options to go for - why not have a look round a large DIY store, and get some ideas for what takes your fancy.
You are the first entry on my favorite places. Beautiful work, well (very well) written.
Know where I might find smaller bathroom tubs?
Thanks
Shirley
Charlotte's Reply: (Sep 13 2008)
Try This...
Hello Shirley
Thanks very much for your kind comments about my site.
I do not live in the U.S.A. so it is a little difficult to know what is in the stores where you live...
...I am familiar with this internet store though, and have used their 'tub finder' tool to see that they have a couple of tubs that are of smaller size - around 48" (if that is suitable).
They do have a traditional style and a more simple, modern style, so hopefully you will be able to find one that suits!
Is laminate flooring waterproof? I want to use it in the bathroom.
Please can you advise if it is suitable for a bathroom. It won't be wet all the time, but it will likely get splashed quite a lot, as I have kids.
Thanks very much.
PS Like the site by the way.
Charlotte's Reply: (Mar 13 2008)
Splashproof!!!
Hi Sally
Thanks for your kind comments about my site :)
The answer is 'yes and no' - some laminate flooring is waterproof, some is not.
If you check the packaging, it should tell you whether or not the flooring you choose is suitable for bathrooms and kitchens - sometimes called 'splash proof' or 'water resistant'. If it doesn't particularly mention that it is suitable for these areas, then take it that it isn't.
The joins are usually made with a special rubber seal, so that a splash of water won't damage the flooring.
The floors that are designed for kitchens and bathrooms, although they may be water resistant or splash proof, are still not intended to cope with puddles of standing water, so be prepared to wipe any major spillages up (reasonably) quickly. Or the laminate flooring will buckle and ruin.
As an alternative, you can actually get wood laminate effect, self-adhesive vinyl planking - it actually looks quite good, (I have used it myself quite a few times!) and it is definitely waterproof (again, not for standing water). It is quite inexpensive too, and these days you can get quite a lot of different types of wood effect.
by Distressed over shower fixtures
(Vanouver, BC, Canada)
Hello, I am hoping someone can help me with a product dilemma.
We are upgrading two bathrooms in a modern style.
I have fallen in love with the Hans Grohe Axor line of shower fixtures. They are pure heaven, clean lines, and modern gleaming chrome.
Unfortunately the costs are out of this world and our budget. We live in Vancouver Canada and we were quoted the equivalent of the price of a mid-sized car for the shower fixtures alone.
Does anybody have any suggestions for modern shower fixtures without the high cost?
Thank you for your suggestions.
Charlotte's Reply: (Jan 6 2011)
Browsing for the best bargains...
Hi
They do look lovely - but try and put them out of your mind for now - and concentrate on finding something beautiful for a more realistic price!
There are beautiful, modern, and shiny chrome shower fittings out there that don't cost a fortune - you just have to seek them out...
I found some nice looking ones on Amazon - so you could have a browse here - Shower Fixtures on Amazon
Have a browse and look for some nice unusual and modern shower fixtures that just take your fancy.
Lots of bathroom and DIY stores (certainly here in the UK) have very nice and reasonably priced shower fixtures too - so you could spend some time browsing in stores too.
Hope these ideas help - and hope you can soon create a stunning shower at a reasonable cost!
Good luck
Charlotte
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The price to you is always the same, but I will earn a small commission.
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If a bathroom doesn't have a bathtub how can it be made beautiful. give some tips pls
Reply: By Charlotte 11 May 2011
Hello Sarika
I'm certain that a bathroom can look good without containing a bathtub. Do you mean that you only have a shower in there? ...plus basin and toilet?
Making a bathroom look attractive has far more to it than just choosing an attractive bathtub - so there is lots you can do to make your bathroom look attractive...
Do you have the option to change or fit new sanitary ware? If so, look out for smart new fittings - perhaps a contemporary shower, and stylish basin?
Or perhaps you could consider fitting new taps and plugs to existing sanitary ware? This can make a huge difference, and really modernise your look.
If your home is more traditional, you can, of course, choose more classic looking fixtures and fittings, to suit your home.
What about tiles? Does your bathroom already have tiles? Can you choose new ones? Or brighten up ones you already have?
Perhaps a coat of specialist tile paint? Or some tile transfers or stickers to add a bit of interest.
It can be quite attractive and interesting to create a 'focal wall' effect with tiles - perhaps a wall of tiles a different color? Mosaic tiles? Or a stripe of attractive, complementary tiles, to liven up a plain wall?
We have lovely glittery, lime green mosaic tiles in the kitchen - I think something like that (in your choice of color, of course) could make a shower room seem very special.
You can liven up a dull bathroom or shower room quite quickly and cheaply with perhaps just a coat of paint, and some new accessories.
A new set of towels can do a lot to make your bathroom look beautiful - choose the color to go with your scheme - either to blend beautifully, or stand out as a bold feature - your choice!
I hope these ideas help get you started on your own bathroom decorating project...
Take a look at my bathroom section for some more hints and ideas...
Also take a look at my how to design section which should help you to come up with some great interior design ideas for your bathroom.
Hope it helps, and good luck with your bathroom project - do let us know how you get on.
