If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom in the near future, consider aesthetic design as much as functionality. Modern bathroom fixtures come in a dizzying array of design options, finishes, and additional features. Some of the most important decisions you’ll need to make revolve around the fixtures you’ll put into your new bathroom.
Bath Tubs and Drains
Are you envisioning a seamless, modern design for your bathtub, or do you prefer the traditional elegance of a claw-footed tub? Think about the aesthetics as well as functionality when it comes to the tub itself as well as its drainage system. You will also need to decide whether you prefer a tub/shower combination or separate places for each in your bathroom.
Tub Filler
Standard tub fillers typically extend from the wall next to your tub, but many other styles are available today. You could install a standing tub filling fixture that extends out of the floor next to your tub for a unique design well-suited to standing tub units. For a modern look, a wall-mounted tub filler can provide seamless visual appeal and reliable functionality.
Showerheads
Showerheads are easily replaceable, but the one you install with your new bathroom should meet your needs and last for several years. Showerheads come in a variety of styles, from fixed units with adjustable flow settings to fixtures with multiple showerheads or moveable handheld units. A rainfall-style showerhead can be a luxurious experience, but consider various remodeling considerations like the engine placement and pressurization. You can also combine different types of showerheads for multiple options in a single shower unit.
Shower Systems (Pressure-Balanced vs. Thermostatic)
Pressure-balanced shower systems control the ratio of hot water to cold water, and thermostatic systems control the actual water temperature. Each system has benefits and drawbacks depending on your needs, so think carefully about which type of shower system would fit your lifestyle better.
Body Jets
An interesting new trend in many American homes is the installation of body jets; devices that attach to the sides of your shower with minimal disruption to the shower’s construction that spray water horizontally into the shower unit, similar to the jets you see at a carwash. Body jet installation won’t damage your shower tiling, so you can easily change or remove them later if you desire.
Lavatory Sinks
Bathroom sinks come in a variety of styles, from vessel sinks that rest above the countertop to traditional recessed sinks. Vessel sinks can easily become a focal point of your new bathroom, and recessed sinks are timeless, functional, and easier to clean.
Lavatory Faucets
Think about the water fixture for your bathroom sink. You can have a single knob for rotation-based water temperature control or separate knobs for hot and cold water. You should also carefully consider your finishing options. Brushed metals, bronze, and copper are a few popular choices that all work well in various bathroom designs.
Lavatory Drains
Choose lavatory drains that are visually appealing as well as functional. Typical pull-stopper drains can make it easy to fill your sink for grooming and face washing purposes, but these devices can easily become stopped up with hair, potentially leading to clogs. It’s also possible to install drains with clog-resisting features like built-in hair traps.
P-Traps
The P-traps under your water fixtures allow wastewater to flow out of your bathroom while preventing sewer gasses from entering the bathroom through the pipes. These are behind-the-scenes fixtures you may not see regularly unless you opt for a modern open construction for your new bathroom, but it’s important to choose high-quality P-traps that will offer consistently reliable performance.
Toilets
Traditional floor-mounted toilets are easy to maintain and replace, but wall-mounted toilets have become increasingly popular while saving additional space thanks to their tanks remaining hidden inside a wall.
Download Your Bathroom Remodeling Checklist
Kitchen Expressions has an intuitive checklist to help you track everything you’ll need for your new bathroom. Download the Kitchen Expression Checklist on Bathroom Remodeling to start keeping track of all the fixtures for your bathroom remodeling project.
