Bathroom Renovation buying guide
Bathroom fixtures are the ultimate combination of form and function. These necessary components are like jewelry for the bathroom; they offer a great opportunity to add a little style and panache to an otherwise utilitarian room. To help you update your space with a fresh new look and Walmart s Every Day Low Prices, we rounded up some of our top tips to help you choose the best bathroom fixture for your room. Let us help you consider the type of fixture you need, the style you want, the finish you prefer and the size that'll work best in your bathroom before you start shopping.
Types of bathroom fixtures: The term "bathroom fixture" refers to a relatively large group of items that go into your bathroom. Popular options include:
- Vanities: Unlike pedestal sinks that have a simple porcelain column, vanities include some form of cabinets, drawers and/or shelving for added storage.
- Sinks: Choose from single bowls, double bowls, vessel sinks that sit on top of the counter or undermount sinks that nearly seamlessly match the counter.
- Showers and tubs: Available in a variety of sizes and styles, these fixtures are essential for most full baths.
- Hardware: Faucets and showerheads add a little bling to the bathroom in a variety of sizes, styles and finishes.
- Toilets: Consider the height, bowl shape and water flow when you re choosing a new toilet.
- Mirrors: One large mirror, two mid-size mirrors or a smaller mirror on a medicine cabinet, these are all the options to consider.
- Lighting: The importance of bathroom lighting is often overlooked, but homeowners should try to include a combination of overhead lighting, focused task lighting for shaving and applying makeup, ambient lighting to add to the appeal of the space and accent lighting to highlight any included artwork or to add light to a recessed shower.
Style of bathroom fixtures: When it comes to bathroom fixtures, the style and design of each piece is what ultimately creates the look of your room. Whether you prefer sleek, modern aesthetics, something more whimsical or a traditional look, there are fixtures to match. Tips for choosing your style include the following:
- Vanities: bathroom vanities range in style from ornately carved romantic cabinetry to simple traditional vanities to sleek, contemporary ones.
- Sinks: Match a contemporary vanity with a vessel, square or rectangular sink to keep the lines straight and sleek. Look for rounded or oval sinks for a more traditional look. Hand painting and other ornate touches add an air of romance.
- Showers and tubs: Today s modern bathrooms are all about the oversized shower and a separate tub, but that s not the only choice. For a smaller bathroom, a standalone shower might be all you need, or you could opt for a combination tub and shower unit. Clawfoot tubs are the ultimate in vintage design options.
- Hardware: Straight and sleek faucets or oversized industrial bathroom fixtures are often hallmarks of modern bathroom design while curved fixtures fit well in more traditional designs.
- Toilets: Elongated toilets typically feature a bowl that's 18 5/8 inches long or longer. The additional space adds comfort, but it takes up a lot of room. Round-front toilets measure lengths of 16 3/4 inches or less, making them a good alternative for smaller bathrooms. Square toilets are less common, and they add a distinctly modern touch to the room.
- Lighting: Like the rest of the hardware, light fixtures come in a variety of styles. Stick with straight and sleek for modern bathrooms and more ornate designs for traditional decor. Consider adding an opulent touch with a chandelier for a luxurious spa-like effect.
Finish of bathroom fixtures
The finish of bathroom fixtures is all too often overlooked, and it s one of the most important design features. Shiny chrome faucets add a far different touch than oil-rubbed bronze faucets do. Likewise, the color and material of other bathroom fixtures, including cabinetry, sinks, tubs, showers, toilets and other hardware all contribute to the overall look of the room. As important as paint color, your finish choices ultimately set the tone for the room. For a cohesive, pulled together look, consider choosing all of your bathroom fixtures with a similar or the same finish. For example, if you choose a brushed nickel faucet, the metal accents on your light fixtures, shower head and other fixtures should all be the same. Alternatively, you could add an edgy look by taking advantage of the mixed material trend and choosing different finishes for your hardware, faucets and other fixtures.
Sizing your bathroom fixtures
Once you have a strong vision for the design of your bathroom, you need to also consider how much room you have available for all of the bathroom fixtures you re considering. For example, an oversized double vanity won t work well in a small space, but a sleek pedestal sink could make a small space feel more spacious. Measure the area for your intended fixture, and consider the height, width and depth of large items such as vanities, tubs, showers and toilets. Likewise, if you re just replacing a faucet, make sure you note the faucet drillings on the sink or counter. Popular faucet options include:
- Centerset: Used on basins with three holes; handles are spaced 4 inches apart.
- Single-Hole: These faucets can have one or two handles.
- Vessel: These faucets are taller than standard options to complement the height of a vessel sink.
- Wall-Mounted: These faucets work with above counter and free standing basins and they provide extra reach.
- Widespread: This faucet works on a basin with three holes. The handles are typically spaced 6 to 16 inches apart.
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