Choosing a bathroom suite is not simply about finding products that look good. The fittings need to work within the available space, suit the people using the room and provide enough practicality for everyday use.
Before choosing a toilet, basin, bath or shower, it is worth considering the layout, measurements and way the bathroom will be used. Taking these points into account from the beginning can help you avoid choosing fittings that are too large, difficult to access or unsuitable for the room.
Start With Your Bathroom Layout
Begin by measuring the bathroom and looking at how the existing space is arranged. The position of doors, windows, plumbing points and existing fittings can all influence where new products can be installed.
Pay particular attention to the space around each fitting. A toilet or basin may fit within a room on paper but still leave limited space for comfortable movement.
For smaller bathrooms, choosing compact fittings and making sensible use of corners or wall space can help create a more practical layout. Larger bathrooms provide more flexibility, but the available space should still be planned carefully.
Consider Who Will Use the Bathroom
The right suite will depend partly on how the bathroom is used.
A family bathroom may need a bath as well as a separate shower, while an en suite may work better with a compact shower enclosure and basin. A bathroom used mainly by adults may have different requirements from one shared by young children.
Before choosing individual products, consider:
- How many people will use the bathroom
- Whether a bath, shower or both are needed
- How much storage is required
- How much space is available around each fitting
- Whether accessibility needs to be considered
Thinking about these practical points first can make the product selection process much easier.
Choose the Right Toilet and Basin
Toilets and basins are central to most bathroom suites, but there are different styles and sizes to consider.
A close-coupled toilet may suit a traditional or contemporary bathroom, while wall-hung options can create a more open appearance and make the floor easier to clean. The available space and plumbing arrangement should be considered before choosing a particular model.
The same applies to basins. A compact basin may be suitable for a smaller room, whereas a larger vanity unit can provide additional storage where space allows.
The aim is to choose fittings that are correctly proportioned for the room rather than selecting individual products based on appearance alone.
Decide Between a Bath, Shower or Both
The choice between a bath, shower or combination of the two will depend on the available space and how the bathroom is used.
A shower enclosure can be a practical option where floor space is limited. If the room is large enough, a bath and separate shower can provide greater flexibility for a family bathroom.
There are also different bath shapes and sizes to consider. The position of the bath, the direction in which doors open and the space needed to move around the fitting should all be considered as part of the layout.
Think About Storage and Furniture
Bathroom furniture can provide useful storage for toiletries, towels and everyday items while helping keep the room organised.
Vanity units can combine a basin with cupboard or drawer storage, making them useful where floor space is limited. Tall units can also make use of vertical space without taking up as much floor area as wider furniture.
When choosing furniture, check that doors and drawers can open fully without obstructing other fittings.
Check Proportions and Available Space
A bathroom can quickly feel cramped when fittings are too large for the room.
Before choosing your bathroom products, check the measurements of each item and make sure they will fit comfortably together within the available space. Check the available clearance around the toilet, basin, bath and shower rather than looking at the dimensions of each fitting in isolation.
This is particularly important in smaller bathrooms, where a few centimetres can make a noticeable difference to how comfortably the room can be used.
Choose Products That Work Together
A bathroom suite should look like a considered design rather than a collection of unrelated fittings.
Think about the shape, finish and proportions of the products you are considering. The basin, toilet, bath, shower, furniture and accessories should work together visually while still meeting the practical requirements of the room.
Choosing complementary products can create a more consistent appearance without requiring every item to come from the same range.
Balance Style With Everyday Practicality
Style is naturally important when planning a new bathroom, but everyday use should remain a priority.
Consider how easy each fitting will be to clean, whether there is enough storage and whether the chosen layout will remain convenient as your needs change.
For example, a statement bath may look impressive in a large room but may not be the best choice if it restricts movement or leaves little space for other essential fittings.
The best bathroom design is one that looks right while also working well for the people who use it.
Visit a Bathroom Showroom
Online research can help you compare products, but seeing bathroom fittings in person can make the decision easier.
Visiting a showroom gives you the chance to compare different sizes, finishes and designs in person. It also makes it easier to judge the scale of each product and see how the different elements could work together in your bathroom.
At Evesham Bathrooms, customers can explore two floors of showroom displays featuring a range of bathroom products and accessories. Seeing different options together can help when narrowing down your choices.
Consider a 3D Bathroom Design
When several layout or product combinations are possible, a 3D design can help you visualise the proposed room before work begins.
Computerised designs can show how the fittings are positioned in relation to one another and make it easier to compare different arrangements. This can be particularly useful where space is limited or where plumbing and existing features affect the layout.
A design also gives you the opportunity to consider the complete room rather than making decisions about individual products separately.
Plan Professional Installation
Once the products and layout have been selected, installation needs to be considered carefully.
The existing plumbing, flooring, walls and electrical requirements may all affect the work involved. Professional installation can help ensure that the chosen fittings are installed correctly and that the finished bathroom works as intended.
Planning installation alongside product selection can also help identify potential issues before work begins.
Create a Bathroom That Suits Your Home
Choosing the right bathroom suite involves more than selecting a particular style. The products need to fit the available space, suit the way the room will be used and work together as part of a practical layout.
Taking time to consider measurements, storage, bathing and showering requirements, product proportions and installation can make the planning process much easier.
With the right combination of products and a carefully considered design, you can create a bathroom that makes good use of the space while remaining comfortable and practical for everyday use.
