How to Select a Bathroom Cabinet?

/in /by

Bathroom cabinets are important to both the function and the design aesthetic of a bathroom. Therefore, it is important to choose cabinets for your bathroom that meet your practical needs, fit well inside the space you have and appeal to your tastes. Follow these guidelines for how to select a bathroom cabinet.

Assess your needs. Cabinets in a bathroom may be used for decorative purposes, for storage or to house plumbing or utility features. Decide what, exactly, you want out of your bathroom cabinet design. For example, a typical bathroom cabinet may serve as a place to hang robes, store folded towels and display a perfume collection.

Establish a budget. Setting a cost limit before you shop can help you narrow down your options and settle on a cabinet that is well-suited for you. The more specific your budget is, the easier it will be to identify which cabinets you have to choose from. Measure your space. Also measure door and window openings, as well as existing fixtures.

Appeal_Bagno_Flo_Anice 016

Create a layout plan. Remember that bathroom cabinet units average from 18 inches (45.72 cm) to 48 inches (121.92 cm) wide. You will need ample wall space for the width and height of the cabinet you choose, plus enough space to open any cabinet doors and to allow for easy passage through the bathroom. Follow these instructions to create a to-scale floor plan:

Sketch the bathroom measurements on a piece of graph paper. Mark the doors, windows and bathroom fixtures on your sketch. Make to-scale templates for a variety of bathroom cabinet sizes and arrange the templates on the sketch until you are satisfied that you know which cabinet size will fit comfortably into the bathroom.

How Cleaning the surface of the tiles?

/in /by

Clean the tile surface with a recommended cleaning product. Scrub with an abrasive rag, or rig a nylon bristle drill attachment. Pay extra attention to the bottom section, because that is usually the area with the most mildew. Rinse well. Rake the joints. Cover the drain. Carefully rake each joint with a diamond carbide rake.

Be careful not to slip, or it will leave irreparable scratch marks. The surface should be wet during this part of the process. If the grout is too solid to rake, hot water usually helps. Remove caulking with a plastic scraper. Avoid using metal scrapers and steel wool, because they will scratch the enamel on the tub.

Rinse the surface, and towel dry. Mix the grout thoroughly until it comes to a creamy consistency. Using a rubber float, apply the grout in several directions. Work in small sections so that the grout remains pliable. Make sure that the grout is packed in well. Allow twenty minutes to an hour for the grout to dry completely.

Sponge the surface. Sponge the surface of the tiles until the joints are neat, and the tile surface is clean. Soak and rinse the sponge repeatedly to avoid dragging, and over saturation. Allow twenty minutes to an hour to dry. Rubber gloves should be worn for this.

Dry dust the surface. When the surface is dry, it should look hazy. Polish the tiles with a fine rag, or an old t-shirt. Be careful not to apply pressure on the joints. If there are any stubborn spots on the tiles, they can easily be scraped off with a plastic scraper. Gloves and a dust mask should be worn for this.

How Buying Your Bathroom Mirror?

/in /by

Stick to your budget. Mirrors can range widely in price, so take into account your desired size and style when determining a budget. Mirrors with more accessories, such as built-in lighting or technological features, will be more expensive than simpler models. You can also cut costs and create a unique piece by adding your own trim to a frameless mirror.

Head to the specialty mirror store if you want professional help. The staff can give you advice about style, sizing, and accessories if you need guidance. Make sure you bring in your measurement information to aid with selection. Purchase online if you’re confident in your decision. Buying online can be cheaper if you know exactly what you want. Be sure to read the labeling carefully and know the exact dimensions of the mirror before you buy, since you can’t see it in person.

Try the clearance section, but know the return policy first. Finding a cheap mirror on clearance can be great, but it can often look different on the wall than it did in the store. Make sure you can return it if necessary.

Choose a vanity cabinet with a mirrored front for more storage. You can save space by having your mirror also serve as a medicine cabinet. You can choose a mounted cabinet, which stands out from the wall, or a recessed one, which is set into the wall so the mirror is flush with the surface of the wall.

Choose a mirror with built-in lighting if your bathroom is poorly-lit. This can save you the hassle of buying lights or sconces separately. For those looking to achieve a sleek, modern look, mirrors with backlit LED light borders are an elegant, futuristic-looking choice.

How Deciding Bathroom Mirror on Style?

/in /by

Buy a frameless mirror if you want a contemporary look. Frameless mirrors create a sleek, “floating” effect that suits a modern bathroom. Frameless mirrors will usually need to be glued onto the wall to avoid the appearance of bulky hooks. You can also use picture wire or mirror mounting clips to seamlessly mount or hang a frameless mirror.

Choose a framed mirror for easier hanging. Make sure to choose a frame that matches the décor in your bathroom. For example, choose a cherry wood frame if your bathroom cabinets or vanity are done in cherry, or choose a tiled frame to match your bathroom tiles.

The mirror in your bathroom can also be a fun statement piece. Consider a mirror with a brightly colored or mosaic-style frame, or try a mirror with a unique shape (like a crescent moon or heart) to add flair and style. Narrow frames are best for smaller mirrors and create a sleek, modern look for the space. Thicker frames tend to be richer and more ornate.

Buy a custom-cut mirror and frame for an unusually-sized space. Though it’s typically more expensive and less convenient to buy a custom-made mirror and frame, they can create a unique effect. If you’re framing your mirror separately, ask for frame samples from a framing website or frame/mirror store to decide whether a frame is the right look for your mirror and bathroom.

Create a template for the shape of the mirror. Cut a piece of paper or poster board in your desired shape and hang it on the wall using tape to get an idea of how a style will look in your bathroom. This will save you time and money if you decide the style isn’t what you’re looking for. Making a template can also help you determine if the mirror you have in mind will be the right size for your space.

How to Buy a Bathroom Mirror?

/in /by

Bathroom mirrors combine both style and function, and can have a big impact on the small but important space of the bathroom. Deciding on an approximate size, style and placement of the mirror, and taking into account your budget and existing bathroom decor, will make your trip to the mirror store easy and efficient.

Consider both the height of the wall and the height of the people who will be using the bathroom most often. For example, a bathroom used only by adults will probably have a taller mirror than one used frequently by children. Make sure your mirror is tall enough to accommodate people at least of average height (5’5” or 165 cm for women, 5’10” or 178 cm for men) and slightly taller and shorter.

Install sconces alongside the mirror or lights above it for a bathroom with no window. Make sure the lighting source will provide enough light to see your reflection clearly but won’t create a glare on the mirror. Sconces vary widely in size, but in the bathroom you should go with a smaller model, about 8-10 in. (20-25cm), or thin and elongated. Your sconces should be about 1/3-2/3rds the length of the mirror.

Buy 2 of the same model and place them at least 4 in (10 cm) away from the mirror on either side. Factor their size and distance from the mirror into your measurements. Take care not to place the sconces too high or too low. Line them up with the center of the mirror.

Place the mirror a few inches (several cm) above the sink to lessen backsplash. If your sink is prone to splashing water out, place your mirror high enough above the vanity so that it won’t get hit. Remember to factor this into your measurements for the height of your mirror.

Accommodate accessories and/or electrical outlets. If you plan to install sconces or have electrical outlets around your mirror, factor them into your mirror’s size and placement. Make sure to leave a few inches or several centimeters of space between the mirror and electrical outlets to avoid cluttering the space. If you plan to put décor or practical objects on your countertop, make sure to place them so they won’t collide with your mirror.

Choosing a Size and Location

/in /by

Decide on a general placement for your mirror. Knowing where you want your mirror is the first step. This will help you take the correct measurements of your space and accurately consider aesthetic questions before going into the store. Most bathroom mirrors are placed above the sink. It’s not a requirement, although hanging your mirror elsewhere, such as to the side or behind your vanity and sink, might take some getting used to.

First, measure the space you have for a mirror so you can choose one that will fit. Decide what style and shape you want — round, rectangular, oblong, etc. That will narrow down your search. You also want to be sure it is a mirror that can be mounted on a wall.

will determine the width of your mirror. Your mirror can be as wide as your vanity or smaller, but is usually not larger than your vanity. A typical rule of thumb is to keep your mirror at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) smaller on both sides than the width of the vanity.

If you have or are planning to install lights alongside the mirror, factor their width into your measurements. If you are installing a round mirror, you don’t need to worry as much about matching the width of your vanity. If you have 2 sinks, consider installing a mirror above each sink instead of just 1 big mirror above both sinks. This will give the space a more designer look.

Measure the area above the vanity or sink. This will help to determine the desired height of your mirror. Bathroom mirrors are typically placed at least 4-6 inches (10-15cm) from the ceiling and are not usually taller than the vanity.

How to Plan a Bathroom Renovation?

/in /by

Choose bright ceiling and vanity lights. Well-lit bathrooms seem larger and they make it easier to do day-to-day things, such as applying makeup or shaving. Include multiple lights in your design, such as ceiling grid lights as well as a fixture above the vanity. Make sure your lighting matches the rest of your room’s decor. If you can’t add new lights to your room, try using fixtures that hold multiple bulbs.

Leave room for storage in your bathroom. Leave any closets in your bathroom so you have the built-in storage spaces. If you need more storage, get a cabinet or vanity underneath your sink or hang shelves on your wall. Try using baskets or crates to hold toiletries or towels to give your bathroom an open and inviting look. If you don’t need a full tub, try replacing it with shower stall if you can so you have the space to make storage shelves or a closet.

Pick a flooring that’s water-resistant. Common flooring options for bathrooms include tile or vinyl since they’re easy to install and prevent water from getting into your subfloor. Pick a color and design that matches the rest of your bathroom so your space looks cohesive. Look for tiles online or at a local home renovation store to get ideas of what’s available.

Try differently shaped tiles, such as hexagonal or octagonal, to make your floor more unique. If you don’t want to step on cold floors when you get out of the shower or bath, consider installing heated floors to stay warm. Get a ventilation fan that’s large enough for your space. Bathrooms need to have airflow or else mold could develop. Find the area of your bathroom, and get a vent with a CFM (cubic feet per minute) output that is equal to or greater than the area.

For example, if your bathroom is 8 ft × 10 ft (2.4 m × 3.0 m), then you need a fan with 80 CFM. If your bathroom doesn’t have ventilation, have a professional install it for you. Even if you have a window in your bathroom, it’s still recommended to have a fan to prevent mold and mildew.

How Designing the Bathroom Layout?

/in /by

Measure the area of your bathroom with a tape measure. Find the lengths and widths of your bathroom walls so you know how much area you have to work with. Check the size of your vanity and bathtub as well so you know what sizes to look for while you’re shopping. If you don’t plan on expanding your bathroom, make sure you look for fixtures that are close to the same size as your existing ones.

Draw plans on a piece of graph paper to get ideas for what to do with the space. Have 1 square on the graph paper equal 1 sq ft (0.093 m2) so you can draw your bathroom to scale. Draw in any fixtures you want to add or replace so you can see how they would fit in your room. Make multiple copies so you can try out different designs so you know what you like best.

Consider what you’ll need in your bathroom in the future. For example, if you plan on raising a family within the next 5-10 years, you may want to have a bathtub instead of just a shower stall. Tip: Look online for free software for interior design, such as SketchUp or RoomSketcher, so you can design on your computer.

Locate where your water lines and electrical outlets are. Note on your design plans where your current plumbing and wiring lead. To avoid spending more money, keep the wires and pipes where they are and make your design around them. If you need to redirect any electricity or water, you will need to hire a professional to work during your renovation. Hiring an electrician or plumber can cost around $200-$300 USD an hour.

Pick a fixture to use as the focal point to design around. Choose at least 1 fixture that you know you want in your bathroom, such as a pedestal sink, handcrafted vanity, or claw-foot tub. When you choose the rest of your fixtures, make sure they match the color and style of the first piece so your room looks cohesive. Don’t pick multiple fixtures with different designs or your bathroom may feel cluttered and eclectic.

How to Plan a Bathroom Renovation?

/in /by

If your bathroom is out of date, taking the time to renovate it can help increase the value of your home. Before you start ripping out fixtures from the bathroom, it’s best to set up a plan and budget for the renovation. Take time to go over designs and buy the supplies you need so you’re completely prepared. By the time you start, you can either do the renovation yourself or hire contractors to do it for you. With a good plan, you’ll have a great new space in your home!

Traditional bathrooms usually feature a full bath and shower combination. Modern bathrooms look sleek and contemporary, but most tend to only have a shower stall instead of a bath. Craftsman-style bathrooms usually have handcrafted wood cabinets or vanities, but these will be more costly. Rustic bathrooms use raw finishes, such as wood walls, for a simple and homey look.

Choose a color scheme for your bathroom. Pick the paint or tile colors you want for your bathroom so you can base the rest of your design around it. Settle on at least 3 colors so you have a primary, secondary, and accent shade. Try using light colors, such as white, cream, or yellow, to make your space feel larger and more inviting.

Make sure your decor and accessories match the color scheme for your bathroom, or else you’ll need to buy new decorations. Tip: Follow the 60-30-10 rule when choosing colors for your bathroom. Your primary color for the room should take up 60%, a secondary color should be 30%, and accent colors should cover 10%. For example, you may have white walls and cabinets as your main color, black floors and countertops for your secondary, and blue accessories as your accent.

Avoid laying metal in your sink. One of the toughest stains to get out of a sink, especially porcelain bathroom sinks, are rust stains. As a result, don’t lay any metal in your sink. Because of the presence of moisture, metal will quickly rust and leave a stain. If you have a rust stain, take an old eraser and wipe it against the stain. If the rust stain won’t come out with baking soda or an eraser, you may need to use an abrasive cleaner like Comet cleaning powder. However, make sure whatever product you use is safe on the material your sink is made of.

How Choosing a Style and Budget?

/in /by

Set a budget of around $10,000 USD for a full bathroom renovation. The average cost of a full renovation for a medium-sized bathroom is about $10,000 USD. For a large master bathroom, aim to save about $15,000 USD to cover any additional tile or plumbing you need to complete. When you set your budget, make sure you stick to it closely so you don’t accidentally overspend.

The $10,000 estimate is if you plan on replacing your fixtures, tiling, cabinets, and countertops. You may spend more or less depending on the size of your bathroom and the amount of work you do. Try to save an extra 10% of your total budget in case you need to make any emergency repairs. If you’re working on a half-bathroom, plan on saving about $5,000-$7,000 USD.

Plan for a partial renovation if you want to save money. A different paint color or a new vanity might be enough to make your space feel like new. If you already like the layout of your bathroom, consider replacing only one aspect of it to save money and work time. However, if you need to make major adjustments, it will be easier to renovate everything at once so you don’t need to do it again in a few years.

Try changing the accessories in your bathroom first to see if that’s all you need. When making a budget for a partial renovation, look for the costs of the components you want to replace and save about 10% more than the cost.

Look up inspiration for your bathroom online or in magazines. Look through home improvement and renovation magazines to see common trends and styles you could use. Cut out and save pictures of styles that you’d want in your bathroom. If you want to search online, try looking on home improvement sites or on Pinterest for ideas and inspiration. Save pictures you like or bookmark them to look at later.