Bathroom Planning: 10 Common Design Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them
Five bathroom experts share their insider advice on how to avoid costly mistakes when revamping your bathroom
A revamped bathroom is a simple way to add value to your home, so it’s a common redesign project to take on. It’s also one that can go badly wrong if it’s not planned carefully. Start by understanding the basics: your budget, lifestyle, and the space and products available. Then consider what you want to achieve. ‘It’s really important to think about the home you have and the look you’re trying to create,’ advises Neil Curtis of Ripples. ‘Depending on the style of the building, you don’t necessarily want to be too trend-led. It’s vital to think about what works for your home and the style you want to achieve.’
Take a look at 10 bathrooms that get it just right – and discover the mistakes each example has swerved to result in beautiful as well as functional spaces.
Professional advice from: Neil Curtis of Ripple; James Bassant of Astro Lightin; Barbara Payne of Bisqu; Alice Dunbar of Harvey Mari; Nina Tarnowski of Graham & Brown
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Take a look at 10 bathrooms that get it just right – and discover the mistakes each example has swerved to result in beautiful as well as functional spaces.
Professional advice from: Neil Curtis of Ripple; James Bassant of Astro Lightin; Barbara Payne of Bisqu; Alice Dunbar of Harvey Mari; Nina Tarnowski of Graham & Brown
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Mistake 2: Not considering lifestyle
‘When I design a bathroom, I really need to understand the lifestyle of my customers. That’s why it’s important to visit their homes first,’ explains Curtis. ‘I ask my customers how they use their bathroom, who uses it and how long they spend in there. By asking these questions, I can start to build an understanding of their requirements.’
For example, if you have young children, Curtis suggests looking at low-line baths. If you’re future-proofing, he recommends easy-access shower enclosures (as shown), lower baths, baths with a small seating area inside, wet-room floors with level access and thermostatic showers.
Without careful thought about how you live, the bathroom will feel uncomfortable. ‘It won’t feel like a natural extension of your home and lifestyle,’ says Curtis. ‘There may be a lack of storage, it might be hard to clean and, most importantly, it might not be a relaxing area.’
Read reviews of bathroom designers and fitters in your area.
‘When I design a bathroom, I really need to understand the lifestyle of my customers. That’s why it’s important to visit their homes first,’ explains Curtis. ‘I ask my customers how they use their bathroom, who uses it and how long they spend in there. By asking these questions, I can start to build an understanding of their requirements.’
For example, if you have young children, Curtis suggests looking at low-line baths. If you’re future-proofing, he recommends easy-access shower enclosures (as shown), lower baths, baths with a small seating area inside, wet-room floors with level access and thermostatic showers.
Without careful thought about how you live, the bathroom will feel uncomfortable. ‘It won’t feel like a natural extension of your home and lifestyle,’ says Curtis. ‘There may be a lack of storage, it might be hard to clean and, most importantly, it might not be a relaxing area.’
Read reviews of bathroom designers and fitters in your area.
Mistake 3: Not preparing for painting
Most painting mistakes come down to poor preparation. ‘You need to ensure your walls are clean, dry and free from dust and debris before you begin painting,’ says Nina Tarnowski of Graham & Brown. ‘This will ensure your paint is not affected by any dirt on walls and that it has a clean, smooth finish.’
‘Another stage of preparation often overlooked is the use of painter’s tape. It might seem like a tedious task, but using tape to create clean, straight lines creates a professional finish. Nothing gives away an amateur painter more than paint on light fittings and door frames.’
To get a long-lasting finish, you need two things: good-quality paint and good-quality tools. Tarnowski advises using a moisture-resistant paint for a bathroom, as it helps prevent mildew. ‘Interior matt paints that you would normally use when decorating are not designed to withstand the heat and moisture found in bathrooms,’ she explains. ‘Over time, the paint may begin to peel and flake.’
Scrimping on tools is another common mistake. ‘Spending a little extra on your brushes and rollers really will get a good-quality finish,’ she adds. ‘Poor brushes lead to loose bristles being left behind and obvious brushstrokes visible in your paintwork.’
Most painting mistakes come down to poor preparation. ‘You need to ensure your walls are clean, dry and free from dust and debris before you begin painting,’ says Nina Tarnowski of Graham & Brown. ‘This will ensure your paint is not affected by any dirt on walls and that it has a clean, smooth finish.’
‘Another stage of preparation often overlooked is the use of painter’s tape. It might seem like a tedious task, but using tape to create clean, straight lines creates a professional finish. Nothing gives away an amateur painter more than paint on light fittings and door frames.’
To get a long-lasting finish, you need two things: good-quality paint and good-quality tools. Tarnowski advises using a moisture-resistant paint for a bathroom, as it helps prevent mildew. ‘Interior matt paints that you would normally use when decorating are not designed to withstand the heat and moisture found in bathrooms,’ she explains. ‘Over time, the paint may begin to peel and flake.’
Scrimping on tools is another common mistake. ‘Spending a little extra on your brushes and rollers really will get a good-quality finish,’ she adds. ‘Poor brushes lead to loose bristles being left behind and obvious brushstrokes visible in your paintwork.’
Mistake 4: Selecting a badly lit mirror
‘Most of us could do with a bit of flattery from the lighting department as we face ourselves in the bathroom mirror first thing. If the sole source of illumination is from the ceiling above the mirror, the effect is to create shadows on the face. These not only diminish our self-esteem, they make it difficult to apply make-up or shave,’ says James Bassant of Astro Lighting.
The bathroom mirror is the most commonly underlit or badly lit area. ‘Mirrors can only reflect light, not create it, so choose an illuminated mirror or splash-proof lights to go either side,’ Bassant continues. ‘If you want a really large mirror, there are surface-mounted lighting options. And remember, always have a light source either side of the face if at all possible.’
‘Most of us could do with a bit of flattery from the lighting department as we face ourselves in the bathroom mirror first thing. If the sole source of illumination is from the ceiling above the mirror, the effect is to create shadows on the face. These not only diminish our self-esteem, they make it difficult to apply make-up or shave,’ says James Bassant of Astro Lighting.
The bathroom mirror is the most commonly underlit or badly lit area. ‘Mirrors can only reflect light, not create it, so choose an illuminated mirror or splash-proof lights to go either side,’ Bassant continues. ‘If you want a really large mirror, there are surface-mounted lighting options. And remember, always have a light source either side of the face if at all possible.’
Mistake 5: Ignoring style when tiling
When it comes to tiling, the style of your bathroom will affect your options. ‘If you’re looking for a contemporary finish, then I’d suggest we look at rectified tiles,’ says Curtis. ‘A rectified tile has factory-cut edges, to give a 90-degree square edge. It allows you to place tiles closer together and get a closer grout pattern. The square edges create a clean, finished look, which is spot-on for a contemporary bathroom.
‘Alternatively, if you have a smaller bathroom, then I would suggest we look to use larger tiles to create a bigger feel.’ For a small bathroom, Curtis also advises lighter colours. Do also consider how grout colour will work with your chosen tiles.
Finally, think about the furniture finishes in the bathroom. Do you want to complement or contrast the furniture?
When it comes to tiling, the style of your bathroom will affect your options. ‘If you’re looking for a contemporary finish, then I’d suggest we look at rectified tiles,’ says Curtis. ‘A rectified tile has factory-cut edges, to give a 90-degree square edge. It allows you to place tiles closer together and get a closer grout pattern. The square edges create a clean, finished look, which is spot-on for a contemporary bathroom.
‘Alternatively, if you have a smaller bathroom, then I would suggest we look to use larger tiles to create a bigger feel.’ For a small bathroom, Curtis also advises lighter colours. Do also consider how grout colour will work with your chosen tiles.
Finally, think about the furniture finishes in the bathroom. Do you want to complement or contrast the furniture?
Mistake 6: Choosing an unsuitable radiator
Although traditional, ladder-style radiators remain popular, today’s market offers a wide range of models in interesting designs, shapes and sizes. ‘Chrome models are still most commonly found in bathrooms, but polished stainless steel towel rails are now often used due to their durability,’ explains Barbara Payne of Bisque. ‘High-quality versions will not rust, which makes them an excellent choice for areas with high levels of condensation.’
Painted options are becoming increasingly popular, as colours can be matched to tiles. ‘Opt for a premium finish, as cheaper options run the risk of flaking due to moisture in the air. An extractor fan will also help combat this issue,’ advises Payne.
Bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in the house, so avoid choosing an overly large radiator that will dominate the space. On the other hand, if you feel you won’t get enough use out of a radiator to justify having one, think about a dual-fuel option. ‘These can be connected to the central heating system through the winter when the heating is on,’ Payne explains, ‘then switched to electric through the summer to ensure you have dry towels all year round.’
Although traditional, ladder-style radiators remain popular, today’s market offers a wide range of models in interesting designs, shapes and sizes. ‘Chrome models are still most commonly found in bathrooms, but polished stainless steel towel rails are now often used due to their durability,’ explains Barbara Payne of Bisque. ‘High-quality versions will not rust, which makes them an excellent choice for areas with high levels of condensation.’
Painted options are becoming increasingly popular, as colours can be matched to tiles. ‘Opt for a premium finish, as cheaper options run the risk of flaking due to moisture in the air. An extractor fan will also help combat this issue,’ advises Payne.
Bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in the house, so avoid choosing an overly large radiator that will dominate the space. On the other hand, if you feel you won’t get enough use out of a radiator to justify having one, think about a dual-fuel option. ‘These can be connected to the central heating system through the winter when the heating is on,’ Payne explains, ‘then switched to electric through the summer to ensure you have dry towels all year round.’
Mistake 7: Neglecting finishing touches
‘I always suggest to my customers that they should retain a small amount of budget to allow for finishing touches,’ Curtis advises. ‘These will really help to perfect the bathroom once we finish designing it and it’s installed. It’s important to think about doors and door handles, lighting, window seals, blinds or shutters and paint, too. Sometimes, things like this can be overlooked and they make a huge difference.’
‘I always suggest to my customers that they should retain a small amount of budget to allow for finishing touches,’ Curtis advises. ‘These will really help to perfect the bathroom once we finish designing it and it’s installed. It’s important to think about doors and door handles, lighting, window seals, blinds or shutters and paint, too. Sometimes, things like this can be overlooked and they make a huge difference.’
Mistake 8: Not spending enough
As in all aspects of life, you generally get what you pay for. ‘Cutting costs will inevitably have an impact in the longer term,’ Curtis says. ‘If you spend more on a product, you will usually find it’s more innovative and design-led and, most importantly, better quality.’
Spending money on installation should also be a high priority. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a reliable installer. ‘Talk to design companies, and seek recommendations online and from friends and family,’ suggests Curtis. You should also look at portfolios, get a sense of how design-savvy an installer is, and ask about the mix of bathrooms they’ve worked on – for example, do they have experience of creating something comparable to the style you’re after, or working with sanitaryware and finishes that fall within your budget bracket?
As in all aspects of life, you generally get what you pay for. ‘Cutting costs will inevitably have an impact in the longer term,’ Curtis says. ‘If you spend more on a product, you will usually find it’s more innovative and design-led and, most importantly, better quality.’
Spending money on installation should also be a high priority. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a reliable installer. ‘Talk to design companies, and seek recommendations online and from friends and family,’ suggests Curtis. You should also look at portfolios, get a sense of how design-savvy an installer is, and ask about the mix of bathrooms they’ve worked on – for example, do they have experience of creating something comparable to the style you’re after, or working with sanitaryware and finishes that fall within your budget bracket?
Mistake 9: Not planning lighting in layers
Bathrooms, like all other rooms in the house, benefit from lighting in layers. These keep the room responsive to your changing needs.
‘An illuminated mirror or lights either side of the mirror are perfect examples of task lighting,’ says James Bassant. ‘Recessed floor uplights are great for setting the mood, and if you have the space for a Grecian urn or any decorative feature, then throw some light on it to bring it to life,’ he suggests.
‘The combination of lighting options with separate switching enables you to create the right setting for a wake-me-up morning routine or a relaxing soak in the evening. This flexibility can have a dramatic impact on the pleasure a bathroom can give.’
Bathrooms, like all other rooms in the house, benefit from lighting in layers. These keep the room responsive to your changing needs.
‘An illuminated mirror or lights either side of the mirror are perfect examples of task lighting,’ says James Bassant. ‘Recessed floor uplights are great for setting the mood, and if you have the space for a Grecian urn or any decorative feature, then throw some light on it to bring it to life,’ he suggests.
‘The combination of lighting options with separate switching enables you to create the right setting for a wake-me-up morning routine or a relaxing soak in the evening. This flexibility can have a dramatic impact on the pleasure a bathroom can give.’
Mistake 10: Choosing cheap vinyl flooring
Extremely easy to clean and maintain, good-quality vinyl flooring is both highly durable and much more hygienic than many other materials. Unlike ceramic tiles, vinyl feels soft and warm underfoot as well as being much less slippery. Vinyl also offers an array of colours and designs to help you create a space that matches your home.
‘The flexibility of a vinyl floor is often an immediate indication of its quality,’ explains Alice Dunbar of Harvey Maria. ‘The more flexible the floor, the more likely it is that it will rip and tear over time. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) are too rigid to roll up, meaning they are far more durable and long-lasting than many products available on a roll.
‘A lower-quality design will be less detailed and you may find the colour is less precise or prone to fading over time,’ she continues. ‘This could easily throw off the scheme of your entire bathroom.’
Tell us…
Did you make any mistakes when designing your bathroom? Or any decisions that turned out to be winners? Share your experiences in the Comments section.
Extremely easy to clean and maintain, good-quality vinyl flooring is both highly durable and much more hygienic than many other materials. Unlike ceramic tiles, vinyl feels soft and warm underfoot as well as being much less slippery. Vinyl also offers an array of colours and designs to help you create a space that matches your home.
‘The flexibility of a vinyl floor is often an immediate indication of its quality,’ explains Alice Dunbar of Harvey Maria. ‘The more flexible the floor, the more likely it is that it will rip and tear over time. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) are too rigid to roll up, meaning they are far more durable and long-lasting than many products available on a roll.
‘A lower-quality design will be less detailed and you may find the colour is less precise or prone to fading over time,’ she continues. ‘This could easily throw off the scheme of your entire bathroom.’
Tell us…
Did you make any mistakes when designing your bathroom? Or any decisions that turned out to be winners? Share your experiences in the Comments section.
Learn about the space you’re working with before you look at products: this way you’ll avoid falling in love with something that’s incompatible with your home. Neil Curtis, a senior designer at Ripples, suggests looking at your water pressure and how water is supplied to your bathroom. This way you’ll make sure you choose items such as taps and a shower that will work with – and maximise – what you already have.
The construction of your home will also affect the products you can use. ‘If we’re looking to wall-hang a product, then it’s important you ensure it can be secured to your walls properly,’ says Curtis. ‘Some homes may not be able to withstand the weight of a product, so it’s absolutely essential that this is considered.’
Access to the building is also important. ‘We always ask about access to a building,’ adds Curtis. ‘It’s vital I understand exactly how someone will get products into their bathroom.’