Replacing Bathroom Fixtures

The days of staid, dull and boring bathrooms are over - fancy fixtures, luxury showers, shower cubicles and contemporary faucets and sinks are here to stay! Replacing old and worn out bathroom fixtures can go a long way in making your bathroom look more appealing. Select your bathroom fixtures to complement the overall decorating style. You can go in for classic, contemporary, modern or antique styles. Since the market is flooded with products of all ranges and styles, it is essential to set up a design scheme and budget at the onset.

Planning Bathroom Fixtures

Plan out the bathroom space according to your needs. Assess your storage and other needs. Is there sufficient ventilation and light? Are the plumbing and electrical connections in need of a facelift? What are the additional fixtures that you wish to install - shower cubicle, bidet, bathroom cabinets and the like. Some of the bathroom fixtures that you can consider replacing are:

• Toilet seat and ring
  
  
• Soap dish/ dispenser
  
  
• Vanity lights
  
  
• Towel racks
  
  
• Sink faucet
  
  
• Chrome mirrors
  
  
• Glass shower doors
  

Adequate storage cabinets can ensure that your personal care items find a place and don't remain scattered. Replacing sink faucets with newer ones can give your bathroom a facelift. You can consider installing a wall phone in the bathroom for convenience.

Selecting Bathroom Fixtures

Buying branded fixtures allows you the advantage of better service for maintenance and repairs. Some of the common bathroom replacements include fixtures such as tub and shower faucets, cabinets and shelves, shower stall, electrical receptacles and toilets. You can choose from a fascinating range of colors and styles to suit the overall décor of the bathroom.

Sink: One of the easiest bathroom fixtures to replace is the sink. You can choose to install a pedestal sink since it creates more space - an ideal choice if the bathroom is very small. But on the other hand, it doesn't allow for much storage or countertop space. A new sink can put you back by around $200 to $400. You can choose a marble countertop sink that rests on the countertop or a pedestal one that lends an old-world charm.

Faucets: Faucets come in an interesting range of colors and cost around $75 to $200, depending on the material and workmanship. Widespread faucets have a spout with handles for hot and cold water. Single lever faucets have a single mixing handle and need one hole drill installation. Wall mounted faucets can be used above the counter and for freestanding basins. Motion activated faucets allow interchangeable temperature control handles. All you need to do is adjust the temperature and place your hands under the spout to activate the flow of water.

Bathtubs: Bathtubs come in many varieties ranging from the basic model to whirlpool tubs. Bathtubs come in acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, cultured marble and composite. They are available in a multitude of sizes, colors and styles.

Toilets: Old toilets can be replaced with modern ones that offer 'pressure flush' as opposed to 'gravity flush' toilets. Pressure flushes are popular since they are quick and inject pressurized water into the bowl. But they consume nearly 50% more water than traditional gravity flushes. Wall mounted or low profile commodes are used in modern bathrooms while the antique-style pieces provide a traditional look.

Light Fixtures: An important yet commonly ignored aspect of bathroom fixtures is suitable lighting. Elegant bathroom light fixtures can add to the décor and style. You can choose from fancy vanity light fixtures in brass, nickel, wrought iron and chrome.

Light fixtures come in a wide range - anywhere from $14 to $400. You can opt for CFLs (Compact Florescent bulbs), as they give you more light than conventional incandescent light bulbs and are energy efficient. But there is a caveat: - if the lighting fixture is above fittings which emit steam, the life of CFL bulbs will be short. You would be better off with LED lights. You save considerable power with LED lights and as an added bonus, they come in slimmer versions. They may cost more, but they last longer.

You can use wall sconces, skylights, recessed lighting to best advantage. Good mirror light fixtures in the bathroom can make it easier to shave and shampoo. Recessed lighting fixtures can be used near showers and bath tubs.

Bathroom fixtures must be chosen with an eye on quality, cost and style. Towel bars, toothbrush holders, toilet paper holders and shower faucets can all be coordinated to suit the overall design scheme. You can choose from matte or glossy or brushed metal textures.

Modern bathroom fixtures are more contemporary and angular. Shower doors can be just plain glass or you can go in for exotic frosted or stained glass. Turn your bathroom into a comfortable and elegant space where you can relax and unwind. Liven it up with adequate lighting and modern fixtures.