Bathroom Suites From Home Interiors

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Bathroom Suites

Any bathroom suite has three basic elements - a toilet, a washbasin and a bath and/or shower unit. Overhauling a bathroom by adding a new suite can be even more complicated than fitting a new kitchen, so good forward planning is vital.

When you’re thinking about having a new bathroom suite, the first thing to consider is how much actually needs doing. Washbasins and toilets are likely to be made of vitreous china, which lasts for ages. If the china of both units is plain white, both can be given a whole new look simply by adding new fittings. A new set of taps can bring an old basin to life, and a new flush handle or seat will make a big difference to the appearance of a loo.

Bathroom Suite

A quick look around the web or visit to a DIY store will quickly reveal the huge range of fittings on offer. Taps, especially, come in a seemingly endless number of different types, some of which will last better than others. If you’re after durability, go for chromium-plated brass taps, which should last for years.

Likewise, old iron baths - which have a certain reliability and value - can be easily renewed with a new coat of enamel. Fresh enamel will make your bath look clean and new again, but it won’t last forever, especially if your bath sees a lot of use. Plan on re-enamelling every five years or so. It’s not a particularly pleasant or easy job, so you may find that a new suite is your best bet. If you do decide to throw out the old iron bathtub, don’t just chuck it on a skip. Many building and plumbing merchants will buy up vintage bathroom stock - and even if they’re not interested it may have some scrap value.

You may find yourself with a distinctly unstylish toilet and washbasin from the 1970s or 1980s, when coloured units were in style. If lilac, deep yellow or pea green suits the style of your home (maybe you like the retro look?) then fine. Otherwise you need to consider buying a whole new suite, including a bath/shower.

There are far more options available to suite buyers than there used to be, especially if you’re trying to fit a lot into a small space. You could, for example, make your bathroom appear a little more roomy by fitting a loo with a concealed cistern - although this can look unpleasantly functional if it’s not done with a sympathetic eye for the overall design of the space.

Likewise, don’t feel that you’re restricted to a traditional pedestal-style washbasin. Although pedestal basins have a classic look and can be rather attractive items of bathroom furniture in themselves - especially if they’re white, set against a background of coloured tiles - they do occupy floor space which could be better used. If space really is an issue, think about using a wall-mounted basin.

Again, the disadvantage here is that it can make things looks a bit functional, and you don’t want your bathroom to look like a public loo. Corner basins look better and are very efficient with space, though they tend to be a bit on the small side. If you have fitted units, basins can be recessed into the surfaces - white vitreous china set into a granite surface is hard wearing and has a very cool, classic look.

Baths don’t have to be long and narrow. Square, corner and free-standing bath units are now very easy to get hold of in a range of styles. Neither do they simply have to contain still water; whirlpool baths and spas are no longer the preserve of the rich.

Bathrooms tend to be small, so remember the secrets of success when installing a new suite: plan, think ahead and, unless you like changing your bathroom every ten years, think long-term.

Bathroom Suites

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