Choosing a Replacement Bathroom Sink Faucet

Bathroom faucets can change the look of an entire bathroom, or be as understated as you would like. The wide variety of bathroom sink faucets available provides the freedom to choose a bathroom sink faucet that fits your taste and the style of your home. Installing a beautiful new bathroom faucet can be quite rewarding, and there is no need to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of choices out there. Every faucet will not work with every sink, so narrowing down the options to select the perfect faucet may be easier than you think.

First, determine how many holes your sink has and the distance between them. Some sinks have one hole, while others have two or three. For a single hole sink, you know that you will need a single hole faucet. If your sink has more than one hole, you will need to know the distance between the centers of the outer two holes, called the faucet spread, to ensure that you purchase a faucet that will fit. Similarly, a wall mount faucet should be replaced with a faucet of the same mount style.

Another measurement to consider is the distance from the faucet handles to the wall behind the sink. The handles should have enough room to be operated conveniently. If you have limited space between the faucet and the wall, that is a factor to consider when selecting your faucet. Once you have taken all of the necessary measurements, you can limit your faucet options to just those that work with your sink.

With the options narrowed to those that will fit your sink, it is time for the fun part of choosing the style. Bathroom faucet styles range from very simple to intricately detailed antique replicas, and everything in between. Choosing the right faucet style for your home is largely a matter of personal preference, but you may want to keep in mind other factors such as the other fixtures in the room and the style of your home. Coordinating your new faucet with existing fixtures will give the bathroom a cohesive look. If you are replacing all of the fixtures, shopping from a collection will ensure that all of the finishes and styles flow well together. If the rest of your home fits into a particular style, you may consider keeping the consistency by choosing a bathroom sink faucet that fits. There are no concrete rules about coordinating styles, but for instance, a modern faucet may best fit with a modern style home.

Tag : bathroom,bathroom sink,bathroom decor,bathroom accessories

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

Sliding Shower Doors: Minimalist Contemporary Bathroom Design

The current trend towards minimalist bathrooms has led to sliding shower door products growing increasingly popular. Contemporary bathroom design with a minimalist look offers a sanctuary away from the outside world. The bathroom is now a haven behind your sliding shower doors.


Yet in reality, the concept of bathroom design is a relatively new one, since only a few decades ago bathrooms were seen as functional rooms, but now they are increasingly seen as somewhere that people can relax in and wash away their troubles and stresses. BathroomTrade.co.uk stock a wide variety of bathroom suites and accessories, including all different types of shower doors, sliding shower doors included.


Many people are wary of becoming too entrenched in the whole minimalist design, in case it starts to look dated in a few years time, necessitating a change of bathroom furniture such as sliding shower doors. But this is the joy of a sliding shower door; they effortlessly transform a shower room into a minimalist haven, but due to the fact that sliding shower doors are classic in design and available with different finishes, e. g. gold or chrome etc, all available at BathroomTrade.co.uk, they are timeless. Sliding shower doors create a look that is sleek, angular and then your shower doors create the perfect finish to a modern and sophisticated bathroom.


Advantages of a Sliding Shower Door

A sliding shower door has to be fitted in a shower area that is slightly larger than many showers. This is due to sliding shower doors needing a wall to slide against. However, if you have the size available, then you will be able to fit sliding shower doors with no problems.


The beauty of the sliding shower door is that it slides against a shower wall, meaning that you don’t open the shower doors out into the bathroom. This means that floor space is maximised and more floor area can be given over to the shower as opposed to creating an opening area for outward opening shower doors.


Another major advantage of a sliding shower door, is that they contain more steam than one of the semi open shower doors, thereby reducing condensation within the bathroom.


The fact that the sliding shower doors also encapsulates the shower to a greater degree also means that if you are in the shower you feel completely alone, so you can switch on a shower radio and just forget about the rest of the world. The fact that it is encapsulated also enables someone else to pop into the bathroom and apply make up etc without causing a disturbance


So besides the fact that a sliding shower door adds grace, elegance and a really contemporary feel to any bathroom, there are also practical reasons for choosing these shower doors over a more traditional style of door, which is why BathroomTrade.co.uk is so glad to see that more and more people are choosing a sliding shower door. But once you have tried a sliding shower door you will probably find that you don’t ever want to go back to other shower doors or even the semi-enclosed showers that are increasingly becoming more and more old fashioned.


Tag : bathroom,bathroom design,shower door,bathroom cabinet


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/sliding-shower-doors-minimalist-contemporary-bathroom-design-1066384.html

How to Design and Build a Steam Shower

Nothing beats a shower when you want to "get clean and get on with life". If you want your shower to do more, you can equip it to provide a steam bath or a water massage. Whether or not, it doubles as a mini-spa, a shower must be solidly constructed and should be absolutely waterproof.

In a steam shower, a small yet powerful electric generator heats water from a dedicated supply line and then sends plumes of stream into the shower stall through one or more nozzles near the floor. The stall should be completely sealed with tightly fitting floor-to-ceiling glass door so that steam can't escape. A steam shower must also have a separate fan.

Installing a steam shower is not so hard. You just need some some electrical and plumbing skills. The key part to keep in mind is that steam is a form of water and can penetrate into ceilings, walls and floors and may create a rot effect. Different steam units take different time to build steam in the room. Due to different internal designs, some steam shower make steam more faster than other units. Also the sizing of steam generation unit should be take care of. It should depend upon the type of wall surface and cubic feet of area.

Though the steam generator is no larger than a carry-on suitcase, it requires additional space and a point of access for repairs. Typically, the generator is installed in a closet that abuts the shower area, in the basement, "but the closer the better".

The cost of the generator is based on the size of the shower enclosure. Outfitting an average-size shower can cost up to $4,000, and a shower lined with natural stone instead of ceramic tile will absorb steam more quickly and require a larger generator. For $ 1,600 to $6,000, you can buy a prefabricated steam-shower unit with the generator built into fiberglass stall. A steam generator requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, which can cost another $300 to $600. If your electrical panel won't accommodate the addition, the price will go up by $800 or more. However, in most areas, the electricity to run a steam shower for 15 minutes costs less than 30 cents.

Tag : bathroom,shower,bathroom design,bathroom vanities

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

Bathroom Vanity Stools - Matchmaking 101

Finding the perfect bathroom stools can be as easy as choosing the first one you see but there are a few small obstacles. We'll look at choosing the right stool, what goes into it and how to make sure you do not have to return the choice you make.

Adding a new stool might not seem like much of a bathroom renovation project, but this can be the small piece that completes the overall affect you are looking for and the final piece in the puzzle.

Bathroom vanity stools come in many different shapes and sizes and it's those shapes and sizes that can be the reason for retuning the one you bought. Let's start with measuring the space you have. Many people make a choice without considering the size they need. One great question to ask your self is will I need to move the stool close to the vanity, for example to put on makeup?

If the answer is yes, then it is important to choose a model that will allow you to go get close enough to see in the mirror, reach things on the vanity etc. The second question is, will you be storing the stool underneath the opening in the vanity or will you be keeping it outside the opening? As you can imagine, if you do not have much space it will be important that the stool you choose can slide underneath the vanity for storage.

Now let's move on to fabric. If you are looking at bathroom vanity stools that have a fabric cover this can add a little bit of a challenge to make sure it matches with the rest of the bathroom. There are a couple of ways you can do this.

If you are lucky enough to have the same fabric that the wallpaper is made from then you can recover the stool you are buying for a perfect match. More than likely you will not be this fortunate so try and choose a color that appears in the wallpaper or shower curtain, preferably a solid and use that color to cover your stool. It can make for a great look.

I also suggest looking at what others have done as well. You can find examples at friends' homes, in model homes and also in magazines. It never hurts to borrow ideas from the professionals when you are trying to get the perfect look . . .

Tag : bathroom,bathroom vanities,bathroom design

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

Vessel Sinks as the Main Bathroom Attraction

There are different ways that a sink can be installed in the bathroom. It can be self-rimmed or molded into the counter. There are also ones that come with their own pedestal and ones that are made to be on top of a console which saves a lot of space. The latest one is called a vessel sink that looks more like a basin on top of the counter.

Vessel sinks are becoming more and more popular as part of the bathroom accessories in the household because of how it dresses the bathroom up. Contrary to what other people may think, these vessel sinks would have a lot of varieties suitable to different decorating styles that a bathroom may have. The basin on top can take any shape that makes people have more creativity in the décor of their bathroom. The designs also greatly vary that there is no reason why people should worry about finding one that would go with the existing theme they have in mind. There would be vessel sinks perfect for art deco, art nouveau, Tuscan-inspired, rustic, country, primitive and even modern style. What is more important is fitting the right accessories with the type of vessel sink so that the bathroom can have a unified theme.

There are many different materials used for the vessel sinks. Because people know how much impact it has in the transformation of the bathroom space, a lot of people consider it. For those who want a cheaper alternative, there are brass vessel sinks that they can count on. A vessel sink needs to have a mounting ring to be attached to the counter. Aside from that, it is a matter of importance to choose the type of faucet to go with it. brass vessel sinks should be paired with a faucet according to its height. The faucet can be attached in the same counter or in the wall directly above the sink. Just like the vessel sink, homeowners can get creative with the faucet style.

Homeowners should ponder on the type of faucet that would go with their brass vessel sinks especially that it would be quite inconvenient to pair it with something that does not go with it. Not choosing the right kind would result to not being able to maximize the entirety of the sink. There is also the problem of regularly sprinkling water on the other parts of the faucet and the counter. If these areas are always wet, it would result to early decay of the wood or developing waterspot stains in the counter, the wall and the faucet itself.

The size of brass vessel sinks would be dependent on the size of the counter where it would be placed. The size of the counter on the other hand is also dependent on the size of the bathroom. round vessel sinks would take up more space than the others so those who are planning to save some space should stick with other shapes for their vessel sinks.

Tag : bathroom,sinks,modern bathroom,bathroom cabinet

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/vessel-sinks-as-the-main-bathroom-attraction-1040479.html

Bathroom Plumbing Basics - Practical Planning Before You Begin

When most people think of plumbing they think messy and difficult. For example, have you ever gone down to your basement and looked at the tangle of pipes running up through your floor boards and thought to yourself can I really renovate my bathroom without flooding the whole house? Before you reach for that phone book you need to consider what actually has to be done in your bathroom.

If you think about it, most of the plumbing done when remodeling your bathroom is going to be "new work" so you may not even have to deal with the old pipes or at most minimum interaction with them, unless you plan on overhauling your whole entire bathroom. And of course the added bonus is that by doing it yourself you'll save a bundle that you'd be paying out to a plumber or subcontractor to do the renovation work for you.

Ok, now the reality check. Yes it's true that even if you have never attempted home improvements before you can learn how to replace your bathroom fixtures whether it is your tub or toilet. But the bottom line is you must get a firm grasp on the basic techniques of plumbing systems. This includes pipes, fittings and what are the best practices to work with them. If you have the time and patience, with practical learning and following step by step instructions, these plumbing techniques can be brought within the reach of the weekend do-it-yourselfer.

It is important to note here that any new plumbing must abide to stringent plumbing codes and if renovated by you, your bathroom plumbing must be inspected by your local building authority. So to facilitate the process consult your local building authority before you start any work, as you will more than likely have to fill out a building permit, arrange for your premises to be inspected and file your plans with them.

Yes, I know it has been drilled into us over and over again and there is good reason for this, planning is the key to your success. Plan your time and make sure there is another bathroom to use or make some type of contingency plan with your neighbors or nearby family members in case your bathroom renovation runs longer than expected. Work safety is not an option. Make sure water and any power running to your bathroom is turned off. If you're working with power tools then run an extension cord from another room.

And because you're probably going to be working in cramped tight spaces, its always good to take frequent breaks to relieve your tight sore muscles. Keep a bucket and some rags nearby and you can use an old pillow or purchase some knee pads to kneel on. And lest we forget, as mentioned before, we are going to be working in confined spaces where lighting will be at a premium so do have a flashlight handy. The important thing to take away here is to remember that you must have a basic understanding of plumbing principles before tackling your bathroom renovation project but above all you must understand your own plumbing system and how these principles apply to your situation.

Tag : bathroom,plumbing,bathroom design,bathroom accessories

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

A New Bathroom Sink - Not As Unobtainable As You May Think

Let's face it, a bathroom sink is not something you change every year to keep up with the trends, so when new styles come out, they are quite often only taken up by those that are due for a new sink, or by people who are fitting out new homes, or have just added a bathroom to their house. In fact, many of you may not have even looked at what's happening in the world of bathroom sinks, and if you are getting a bit tired of the same old look, you may be surprised at just how little you would have to spend to get an update to your sink.

There a countless types of sinks that you can choose from, and even more styles within each type. Vessel sinks have been one style of sink that seems to fall in and out of favour quite a bit. Their popularity is on the rise again of late, and if you have a modern style bathroom, a glass vessel sink can be a really great addition. The only downside to these is that they need to be constantly kept clean. Soapy residue, fingerprints and toothpaste will show up really easily on these types of sinks, so if you have kids, this may not be the option for you.

If you are considering a new sink, one of the first things you need to think about is the space that you have available in your bathroom. As nice as it would be to have a long vanity to store all of your bathroom things in, for may the size of the room is the deciding factor. If you have a really small bathroom, a corner sink can be a great way to utilise space that is otherwise not used in the room. A corner sink can also be found for a small amount, and they are very easy to fit.

Regardless of which bathroom sink is the right one for you, you need to give a lot of thought to how you are going to install it. If you are a bit of a handyperson, you may be able to do it yourself. By doing so, you may be able to get some bathroom sink faucets to finish the look. If not, you will need to get a few quotes from plumbers in your area to get an idea of what extra outlay is involved.

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

Upgrading Your Bathroom

Bathroom renovations can be a great way to add beauty and value to your home. However, there are a few things to consider before upgrading your bathroom. You should have a general idea as to what you are willing to spend, the overall look that you are trying to achieve, and whether or not you can obtain this on that particular budget. Often, improvising is necessary to avoid going over budget. Luckily, cutting costs does not mean sacrificing quality and there are several things that the home owner may be able to do.

Upgrading the bathroom doesn't have to entail a complete makeover. Sometimes, the little things can make all the difference. Replacing light fixtures, changing the color scheme, or putting in a new discount bathroom vanity are just a few of the ways you may be able to forgo a total overhaul. It's literally changing the look, for less.

Other things that you must consider is whether or not you want or need to hire a professional. While certain projects may not require a lot of know how, some will. Hiring someone to come in may cost more, but may become necessary. While replacing a bathroom vanity may be fairly simple, electrical wiring and other similar tasks should be left to someone trained to do so.

Fixing up your bathroom does not have to be a daunting task. With a common sense approach and planning, it may be simple to create the style of your choosing. Just remember, sometimes more is less.

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

Space Saving Ideas For Small Bathrooms

A small bathroom remodeling might prove to be complicated, specifically if you wish to put up an impression of ample space. You have to ponder what you wish before planning for a bathroom remodeling. To fit all the accessories and avoid clutter, you need to plan cautiously if what you intended is an extensive remodeling. Small bathroom designs will depend on whether it is utilized by all family members and visitors, like a main bath or a master bath or just for a particular age bracket. What applies to a bathroom utilized typically by kids might be diverse from a bathroom devised specifically for grown-ups. Although you fancy your main bathroom to be nice-looking and appealing, you might want to furnish your master bath with genuine tinge of indulgence by enhancing unique items or facilities that suits best for a couple such as a soaking bath tub for two.

Flooring and Walls

Your choices of color are crucial when choosing bathroom flooring and walls. The appropriate colors will expand the room while inappropriate shades converges the space and make you feel restricted. For your flooring, large tiles are better options to enlarge your bathroom area. Moving certain fixtures around may not be a good idea if there is only one area where a full-sized bath tub can be accommodated. In numerous cases, a small bathroom restoration maybe limited to a change of color and floor designs without carrying out any change in structure to expand floor space. Modernized furniture can oftentimes offer the facade that a renovation has been imposed even though the floor area has not been expanded. It is much better to use lighter colors for walls and floors and window coverings found in the room which offers a manifestation of larger space than what it really is

Utilize Corner Space

Depending on the outline of your bathroom, one great idea to save space is corner fixtures. In certain situations, exploiting your corner space is a choice. There are corner vanities, bathtubs, pedestal sinks and toilets. Once your remodeling job is finished and you love its outcome, you must keep it neat and orderly since smaller rooms are more of a challenge to keep up.

Saving Space

Conserve space in bathrooms by installing sliding doors instead of hinged ones. A sliding door that slide in in-wall hollow space may look cool. Set up a wash-basin with shelves beneath where you can store your soaps, toothpastes, makeup and other cosmetics. Cupboards and tall cabinets along bare walls may provide lots of space for storage. These can store basic articles and patterned objects that can liven up your bathroom. A bath tub may consume space, so instead of a tub, set up shower cubicle with arched sides as this conserves space. When renovating your small bathroom, always bear in mind that you can only offer a semblance of added space unless you want to break down walls. Be sensible to relocate all those unnecessary items if they messed up your bathroom space. A de-cluttered bathroom space appears bigger as well as neater.

Bathrooms are places where most of us relieve ourselves and relax after our hectic days from work. It is the area where we can sing out loud and do whatever we want in utmost privacy. We can honestly say that bathrooms make us stay within; offering protection and security which help unwind ourselves.

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