Wednesday 29 October 2008

How to Stand Up Your Towel

Towel stands are a quick and easy way to provide your bathroom with some extra storage space. And can be particularly advantageous in homes where you are unable to permanently attach hooks or racks to the wall, such as in a rented accommodation.

Towel stands come in a wide variety of different shapes and sizes, so you are bound to find something that you like. The most basic models will include one or two horizontally mounted bars attached to a metal frame.

These are great for hanging up your towels quickly, and because the stand is not attached to anything, it can easily be moved within the bathroom or outside the bathroom if it is getting in the way. When the weather is nice, these stands can even be used to provide extra drying space for your clothes outside.

Shelve Mounted Towel Stands

Other designs of towel stands can include more bars to hang your clothes or towels on, in addition to shelves mounted at the bottom of the unit. These shelves can be used to store various bathroom accessories, or folded up towels.

Shelve towel stands, as they are sometimes called, tend to be less portable than traditional stands as they are larger and therefore physically take up more space. However some models will come with wheels, so if the need arises, they can easily be moved to a new location. Although generally, shelve towel stands tend to be placed in one location and left there.

Heated Towel Stands

If you are willing to spend a bit more money then you can go for a top of the range heated towel stand. These tend to be more expensive than regular stands, however they do provide a lot more functional.

Apart from storing your towels, heated stands serve two additional roles. They can heat your towels so that they are warm when you use them on a cold morning, and they can also quickly dry your towels, thereby ensuring they are always dry when you use them.

Heated towel stands come in two varieties. The first are portable stands that require a power source for them to function, which may pose difficulties for some people if they do not have a power socket in their bathroom.

The second type are wall mounted heated towel stands, and are permanently attached to the wall and heated via the home central heating. In this case, these stands will also act as a radiator and heat the room.

Overall, whatever option you choose towel stands are an excellent alternative to hooks and racks, and can provide you with a quick and easy form of extra storage space.

To find out more out choosing the right towel hook or rack, please see my website:
Bathroom Towel Stands & Magnetic Towel Hooks

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_David_Peters

Tuesday 28 October 2008

Consider a Country Style Bathroom Vanity and Things You Should Look For Before You Purchase

Country style bathroom vanities can give your bathroom a look that is simple, yet elegant at the same time. These vanities are available in some very amazing designs and are beautiful pieces of craftsmanship. However, not all bathroom vanities are made with the same quality.


Different manufactures have different standards for their country style bathroom vanities. For this reason, it is important to know what to look for when thinking of purchasing one of these vanities. Listed here are four things that you should pay attention to before making a final decision.


When shopping for one of these country style bathroom vanities, the first thing that you want to have a look at is the type of wood that is used in its construction. Vanities that are made from particle board or veneer can have some not so great quality in its construction. The best type of wood to use is a wood that is solid through and through. This solid may cost slightly more, but will ensure that you are receiving a quality vanity.


The second thing that you want to look at is the grain of the wood. You want to make sure that the different pieces of wood that has been assembled to make your bathroom vanity tries its best to match the grain on each piece. One tip to think about is trying to avoid wood that has knots in it unless the vanity itself is made entirely of wood that is known for being knotty.


The third thing to consider is the drawers and cabinets that have been installed. When it comes to the drawers, you want to make sure that they do not squeak or vibrate when opening and closing.


It is also important for the drawer not to catch even when it has been shut securely. The doors of the cabinet should not creak or squeak upon opening them. The fourth thing that you want to pay close attention to when shopping for your vanity is the balance of the vanity. When shopping, you may want to give the vanity a little jostle to make sure that is does not wobble or shift in any way. A vanity that is off balance or wobbly can create future problems and these are better left alone.


By looking for these four things when shopping for a country style bathroom vanity, you can be assured that you will choose the one that is right for your bathroom. These vanities can bring a new life into your bathroom, but in order for it to be a good life, then the overall quality of the vanity must have a high standard. So next time you are shopping try these four steps and see the results for yourself.


Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to CreativeBathroom.com a website with information and resources for all your bathroom vanity needs.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daryl_Plaza

Saturday 25 October 2008

Bathroom Accessories Will Improve the Look and Feel of a Bathroom

A person who is looking to spruce up his or her bathroom does not need to do so by buying new wallpaper or painting the walls. The fact is that there are a number of bathroom accessories that can be purchased that can help give a different feel to the bathroom area.


Even if a person feels as if one of these accessories will not do the job, if he or she uses a number of accessories, that means that he or she will be able to make a big difference by making a few small differences at a time.


Some of the things a person can do with accessories include:


• New lights - Lights can make such a big difference in a bathroom that it sometimes appears that something more drastic has been done. The brighter the lights in a bathroom, the better it is for most people. Not only do bright lights allow people at vanities and sinks see the mirror better, but a bright light can make a bathroom appear bigger.


If a person is trying to decorate around a theme, white fluorescent lights do not necessarily have to be used. Some people choose to use lights with blue hues in them to help give the bathroom more of an underwater feel.


• New shower curtains - A shower curtain can often be even more noticeable than wallpaper and it is certainly much cheaper. One of the things that some people choose to do is buy a certain type of shower curtains and then decorate around the style of the curtain. For example, a person who buys a shower curtain with dolphins on it can then move to other parts of the bathroom with the idea of decorating with dolphins in mind.


This means that other bathroom accessories that have dolphins on them - like toothbrush holders, mirror frames, cups and toilet seat covers - can be used in other areas of the bathroom to create a different feel in the bathroom.


• Towels - The towels hanging in a bathroom should be carefully chosen to show that they are able to mix well with the other items in the bathroom. This means that if the color burgundy has prominently been used in the bathroom area to decorate, a great way to accentuate this decoration is to buy and hang towels that are of the same color.


• Shelves and cabinets - Doing something like changing out the shelves and cabinets in a bathroom is a great way to do something fairly simple and inexpensive, but still make a somewhat significant change to the overall feel of the room. For example, if a person has had white shelves and cabinets in her bathroom for years, and then decides to install black cabinets and shelves instead, there will certainly be a different feel in the bathroom, even if only a couple of cabinets gave been replaced.


Again, doing only one of these things may not make as big of a splash as a person might want, but if a person chooses to do a few different things to change up the bathroom accessories in a home, he or she will likely see that a few small changes can equal up to one significant change.


Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, biking, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes running, yoga, and tattoos. For more of her useful information on bathroom accessories, visit Bathroom Fixtures.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke

Tuesday 21 October 2008

A Guide For Buying Bathroom Shower Fixtures

A great shower can either wake you up or get you moving in the morning, or help you to relax and unwind after a particularly hard day. To have the best shower experience possible, why not invest in bathroom shower fixtures that could also change the look and feel of your bathroom?


There is a wide range of modern bathroom shower fixtures that can make the bathroom a perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation. The contemporary shower designs can spruce up the decor of a bathroom, while the elegantly designed shower heads and designer fixtures impart a classy touch to any bathroom.


To improve the look and quality of your bathroom, you should find the perfect faucet, handles, soap holders and showerheads that will complement the style and design of your bathroom.


Some homeowners select a shower set because of their functionality, taking into consideration such characteristics as adjustable spray settings and water pressure. Others prefer sets with a variety of features such as shower heads that have bendable and movable arms, height settings that are adjustable, or valves that are pressure balanced. There are also those who are simply attracted to a particular style and finish, for example brushed nickel, bronze, copper, brass, gold, chrome and more.


While style and finish will definitely influence your final buying decision, the following factors should be considered when selecting a bathroom shower set: adjustability, water pressure, ease of use, water hardness and water temperature.


As you explore your options, take notes and compare the different materials, key features, durability and costs associated with each bathroom shower fixture. Do not be afraid to experiment. There is nothing wrong with mixing and matching bathroom finishes. With a multitude of bathroom shower fixtures, you'll surely find a look and style that will meet your needs.


Aikaz Run - Bathroom Design Advisor


For more information on how to design your bathroom to be amazing look, visit our Bathroom Design and Remodeling resources at http://www.bathroom-share.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aikaz_Run

Thursday 16 October 2008

Bathroom Design Ideas For Remodeling and Designing of Your Bathroom

The bathroom design ideas, which you use for remodeling your existing bathroom or making a new one, can leave a dramatic impact upon the functionality and the appearance of your lavatory. Bathroom is that personal space frequented often in a day so this portion must be usable, comfortable, safe and appealing. It is a place that signifies your health & hygiene by assuring the cleanliness you maintain.


When it comes to the overall décor, style, fixing and fixture of your bathroom, there are certain bathroom design ideas, which are important to consider. They include:


Include a mirror

Hanging a mirror over the walls of bathroom will give the looks of windowpane being there, extend the space and will imitate light. The mirrors can make a sense of openness, making any bathroom look bigger than it actually is. Include a medicine cabinet with mirror in your bathroom in order to store toiletries, store grooming supplies or medicines.


Create sufficient bathroom storage

Having extra storage space in bathroom is bit impossible. So, utilize wall space with built in cabinets or shelves, cabinets or vanities above the commode. The corner shelves are fine bathroom design ideas choices, in case you have restricted space. Install the corners shelves for displaying shampoos, ceramics, bath oils, candles and soaps.


Utilize Wicker Baskets

Load the wicker basket with sponges, soaps, loofahs, candles, and bubble baths. In addition, you can roll up your colorful towels and put them in beautifully designed wicker baskets in the bathroom.


Cautiously pick the floor material

Apart from other accessorial units, the bathroom floor must be taken care of. It must not be too slippery lest there would be chances of tripping over an get injured. Ceramic tile, rubber flooring, linoleum and vinyl floors are excellent picks as these bathroom floor materials are safe to step on, watertight and easy to clean.


If you want to use terra cotta ceramic tile or natural stone on your bathroom floor, select the kind that comes with a non-slip finish. Be careful using the rugs, which can slide over the natural stone floor or tiled floor. Use rugs with a rubber backing or attach rubber backing strips on the rugs.


Select the lighting carefully

Bathroom design ideas and all-purpose lighting can include ceiling lights, track lighting or wall fixtures. Having adequate all-purpose light means that there is ample of brightness for someone to stride safely via the bathroom. The general light will disperse itself all over the bathroom and the near space. The general lighting, however, is not enough for the grooming functions.


On the other hand, the task light offers light to a particular area where wearing make up, shaving and other forms of grooming takes place. The task lighting must be adjustable via using controls or dimmers. It is feasible to place this kind of lighting at a specific angle in order to avoid shadows or hot spots.


Natural light can also be used in your bathroom through a window, roof skylight or a wall skylight. Having skylight, which can be opened is simply great since it lessens moisture buildup.


Besides, the bathroom design ideas also includes plan for odors and humidity in the bathroom. A nice ventilation system can be used for taking out the air and lingering moisture from the bathroom.


If you are bored from the conventional look of your bathroom, you can also add contemporary bathroom fittings and fixings to give an ultra modish touch. Redesigning your lavatory is all an affair of finding what actually fits in and what not. Great yet affordable bathroom design ideas can allow you to avail the desired look of your bathroom yet maintaining its functionality.



Monday 13 October 2008

Bathroom Wall Papers- A Great Option To Give Your Bathroom A Makeover

Bathroom wallpapers are a very simple yet complete way to give your bathroom an absolutely new makeover. Bathroom wallpapers are easy to fix and also easy to remove. These wallpapers come in wide ranges with attractive prints and catchy colors which could brighten any bathroom. Bathroom wall papers have a strange and pleasant effect on your eyes. They always have an appealing look in the place of a dull and lifeless canvas. Bathroom wallpapers would be an excellent choice for the one who prefers to redesign the bathroom at a relatively low cost. Bathroom wall papers are much easier to change. But there are several factors to be considered before making a choice of the wallpaper.


Before buying wallpapers it is always necessary to measure the dimensions of the wall where it has to be pasted. Any cracks and holes in the wall should be repaired before the wallpaper is hung. It would be better to consider the sanding of wall before pasting the wallpaper. The best choice would be washable wallpaper. Washable wallpaper would be a preferable choice as it would help one to remove minor dirt and stains on the paper. Bathroom wallpapers are vinyl coated so they are mostly damp resistant.


Some of the factors that have to be taken care before sticking a bathroom wall paper are as follows. It is necessary to remove the existing wallpaper before fixing a new one. It could be removed by wetting the wallpaper and then gently scrapping it. If the existing paper cannot be removed then it is always better to use a sealer before fixing the new paper. It is also necessary to have a vinyl coating before sticking the new one. Proper care should be taken to measure the dimensions of the wall where it is to be hung and the paper has to be cut accordingly. If you are on a tight budget and don’t want to hire a professional wallpaper artist you can always do it by yourself. It is an easy job to do.


Bathroom wallpapers would be an excellent choice for smaller bathrooms as they do have less space for decoration. Powder rooms get a classy look with the right choice of wallpapers. The huge number of designs ranging from colored themes to terrace gardens and mirage would be a feast to the eyes in the room where one frequents. Bathroom wallpapers that resist mold and mildew would be preferable for those bathrooms which don’t have proper ventilation facilities. The wall borders along with wallpapers would be excellent for smaller bathrooms. Children’s bathrooms could be decorated with these colorful wallpapers which brighten the bathrooms.


Bathroom is a secret world where one frequents. The time you spend in your bathroom should be relaxed. Bathroom wallpapers can make your each visit relaxed and for kids it can be fun too. The best thing about bathroom wallpapers is that you can change one without too much trouble and you can do it anytime at a cost which is not heavy on your pockets.

By: Faizan Inayat Khuhro

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Wednesday 8 October 2008

Tips For Replacing Your Bathroom Caulking

Replacing the caulking in your tub or shower can brighten up your bathroom at a very affordable cost. Inspect the caulking around your shower or tub and determine if the caulking has began to turn dark with mildew. If it has it is time to replace the old caulking with fresh, new caulking. The main purpose of caulking is to protect your walls from water damage but it will also greatly enhance the appearance of your bathroom.


Choose a caulking that is formulated for a bathroom and is mildew resistant. Don't purchase caulking that is made for use on exterior surfaces since it will not hold up well when used in a bathroom. Whenever you buy your caulking don't buy the cheapest caulk that you can find. A quality caulking will have a good moisture barrier and will last much longer. It will also resist mold and mildew better.


To complete this project you will need a caulking gun if you do not have one already. You can purchase a caulking gun cheaply at any paint or hardware store. You will also require a utility knife, a putty knife and some old rags to clean up.


Begin by removing all of the old caulking. Using a utility knife cut along the edge of the caulking away from the surface. Usually after you began cutting the caulking, you can pull it off in large sections. Use a putty knife to remove any stubborn caulking which still remains.


Thoroughly scrub the areas where the caulking has been removed using bleach. This will kill all mildew that may still remain. Let the area dry completely before you begin to apply caulking.


Next, fill your tub with water. Water weighs eight pounds per gallon. Once your tub is full of the eight pound gallons of water in addition to your own weight, the tub will flex which will drop down and away from the wall which will cause the caulked joint to open. It is important to caulk the joint when it is as wide open as it possibly can be so that the new caulking will last much longer. After you have filled the tub with water, cut the tip off of your tube of caulking and apply a fresh bead of caulking directly to the joint where the old caulking was removed. Once you have applied a bead of caulking to the entire area, use your finger and run it along the fresh caulking in order to even it out. You may wish to wet your finger first as this helps to keep the caulking smooth.


Allow the new caulking dry for a minimum twenty four hours before you use your tub or shower so that the new caulking can cure. If you need to clean up any excess caulk you can use a wet rag.


You need to inspect the caulking around your tub or shower and also around the sink on a regular basis. Water can cause a great deal of damage when the caulking is not replaced after it has began to deteriorate.


Re-caulking your tub or shower will require a little time and hard work but it is worth the effort.


Copyright (c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting


The author is a licensed contractor and is the owner of Smoky Mountain Painting which is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. For more information visit http://www.smokymountainpainting.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Evans

Sunday 5 October 2008

Bathroom Showers 101 - Choosing the Right Shower For the Bathroom

Are you looking for a replacement for your outdated bathroom showers? Here are 7 bathroom shower options along with a brief explanation of their features to make choosing your showers for the bathroom an easier task.


1. Manual shower valves

Manual shower valves are the most basic of all bathroom showers. Usually, they only have one lever control to manage the flow of water and water temperature. They are fairly simple to use and are inexpensive.


2. Thermostatic shower valves

One advantage of having a thermostatic shower valve is that it provides a constant, even temperature and can easily cope with fluctuations in the flow and temperature of the cold and hot water feeds.


Most of this kind of bathroom showers sport extra anti-scald safety features. Most also cut off the flow of water ever tapping into the cold water supply seem near-impossible.


3. Concealed and exposed valves

Concealed or exposed valves are those shower valves mounted on the wall. While a concealed shower valve may be mounted on the wall like the exposed valves, they usually only have the control levers visible so that the entire mechanism is unexposed. Many valves of bathroom showers that can be mounted on the bathroom walls are either exposed or unexposed.


4. Twin shower valves

A twin shower valve has two levers compared to that of the simple manual and single-levered basic shower valves. One control is designed to manage the rate of the flow of water while the other control is for the purpose of controlling water temperature.


5. Triple shower valves

As the name suggests, a triple shower valve has three control levers. One control lever is for the water flow while another is for the water temperature. The third lever, however, is usually a diverter. A diverter is useful if you're using two-headed showers.


6. Sequential shower valves

Sequential showers have only one lever. Rotating the lever at one time can already increase or decrease the water pressure and increase or decrease the water temperature.


7. Shower panels

Shower panels are very much like the triple shower valves in that they have three control levers: one for the water pressure, the other for the temperature and finally, a diverter. The only difference is that the levers are arranged resembling that of panel controls.


Specifications of shower panels vary widely but they most of the time sport the three control levers. The only drawback with shower panels is that there may be a need to regulate water pressure by installing a shower pump.


Bathroom showers are aplenty in the market and each may have added features different from that of another.


For more information on bathroom showers and bathroom lighting fixtures visit http://www.lightingbathroomfixtures.com for helpful insight.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Madison

Bathroom Themes For Stunning Bathrooms

While some households may have simple and design or style-free bathrooms for practicality and for its primary uses to the members and household guests, many overlook the advantages, appeal, look and feel of a stylish, classy and comfortable bathroom. Here is where a bathroom theme may come in handy.


Bathroom theme ideas are in this for the purpose of a guide to many who are new to designing their bathroom for style, class, mood, and comfort.


In looking for a theme for your bathroom, you can coordinate the bathroom theme you chose with the theme the whole house is in or you can come up with a more unique bathroom style, separate from the home's theme.


Do keep in mind that it is important to keep your floors, walls and countertops neutral no matter what bathroom design is in your mind and accentuate the theme with accessories instead. This way, it would be easier to redo your bathroom annually, if you tire of the old theme.


1. The futuristic bathroom

Many people who are fond of gadgets opt for this bathroom theme. Modernity of the society can be mirrored easily by the bathroom with the right innovative accents and accessories. This theme may easily be achieved by utilizing tech-savvy products such as automatic baths, nifty shower heads, and a smart toilet.


Smart toilets are said to save many marriages as this gadget is really clever in that it automatically shuts the seat and cleans itself after use. It has many automatic features that traditional toilets do not have.


2. Calm oasis

To produce a simple bathroom that elicits feelings of calmness and peace from the users, you can opt for the oasis of calm bathroom theme that uses light colors (light or baby blue, light or baby yellow among others). Light colors make the room appear larger and spacey. To add to the calming effect the bathroom gives off with the light colors it sports, you can add sweet-smelling and calming accessories such as lavender incense or sweet-smelling potpourri.


3. Kids' bathrooms

Bathroom for the kids can be made interesting by adopting a sea theme or a princess theme or a fairytale theme. It is best to ask your children how they want their bathroom styled before decorating the room.


With imagination and a tiny bit of research, a contemporary, stylish and classy but comfortable bathroom that fit personal preference can easily be achieved. It would be nice to consider the bathroom theme ideas mentioned in this article to achieve that dreamy, classy and comfortable bathroom you want your home to sport. It could be fun to include the kids in the bathroom decorating ordeal.


For more information on bathroom themes and bathroom lighting fixtures visit http://www.lightingbathroomfixtures.com for helpful insight.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=R._Madison

Wednesday 1 October 2008

A Tile Shower Pan is the Great Mystery of Home Repair

A tile shower pan is one of the great mysteries of home repair or construction. Anything to do with tile showers is left to the pros. But actually many handy people install showers themselves once they see the mysteries revealed.


See the real trick to a tile shower is hidden below the floor. You can't actually see the tricky part from the top of the shower or from underneath for that matter. Not too long ago my tile shower started leaking. I finally saw the cracked grout down near the floor, but I thought there was a shower pan under the shower so why was it leaking?


Here's the scoop.

Tile floors are not waterproof. Water seeps right through tile showers, mostly through the grout. Grout is porous masonry so water slowly goes through grout. So the shower pan is actually a waterproof liner below the surface of the floor that catches the water.


But then where does the water go?

Ah, another trick. A tile shower has a special drain with two layers of drain holes. The bottom layer is actually below the floor, and that's the one the waterproof layer sends the water to. So the shower pan is built in three layers so all the water is captured and routed down the drain?


Three layers?

The bottom layer is a sloped layer of masonry built on the subfloor or concrete. It's sloped to help send the water toward the drain. The bottom layer is flush with the bottom drain holes. The second layer is the waterproof liner which is a tough vinyl sheet that's glued to the drain base to make a waterproof pool to catch all the water that seeps through the floor. The top layer is another masonry layer that's poured and sloped above the liner. This is the base for the shower floor.


That's the trick to a shower - the sloped layers and liner route the water to two layers of drain holes.


Now you have other choices when building a shower. Several materials can be used for bases, but the traditional construction is hard to beat for price and performance. Plus you can learn to do it yourself if you want to.


Get more tricks to building or repairing a tile shower pan at our site.


Al Bullington invites you to visit http://www.InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your tile questions.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Bullington