6 Things to Consider When Renovating Your Bathroom
The bathroom is an important part of any living space. No matter how big or small, it’ll be used multiple times a day by all members of the household as well as guests. As one of the most heavily used areas of the house, the bathroom is more prone to wear and tear. You may need to fix the plumbing from time to time, for example, or give the walls a fresh coat of paint. There are other reasons to renovate a bathroom, too. Perhaps you want to expand the space or make adjustments to better accommodate aging loved ones. Maybe you simply want to refresh your space for a much-needed change. No matter your reasons, it can seem like a big and daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the most important things to consider before you start your project. Read on to discover what to focus on to enjoy an efficient and affordable renovation.
Size
One of the most important things to consider when renovating your bathroom is the size of the space. Is it big enough to comfortably accommodate everyone who uses it? If not, you may want to enlarge it. There are different ways to do this, depending on your budget and needs. You could expand a half bath, for example, by adding a shower or tub. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to physically enlarge your bathroom. In that case, you can use built-in fixtures, like cabinets or shelving units to add additional space. Color is also an easy way to expand your bathroom visually. Painting or tiling the walls and ceiling in a light color, for example, can help it look and feel a lot bigger. You can also use mirrors to a similar effect.
Ventilation
When renovating your bathroom, you should also consider the air flow. Without proper ventilation, you risk the growth of mold and mildew. Every bathroom should have at least one window or an exhaust fan to keep the air fresh and healthy. Good ventilation also helps to get rid of unwanted odors more quickly. Depending on your space, your renovation may include adding a window or increasing the capacity of the exhaust fan. Switching to a more efficient exhaust fan will save money on your energy bill. You could also install a ceiling fan or dehumidifier to help improve the air flow in your bathroom.
Lighting
High-quality lighting is essential for the bathroom since the space is primarily used for grooming. When applying makeup or shaving, it’s important to be able to see your skin and hair clearly. Consider adding to or improving the lighting as part of your bathroom renovation. If you have just one overhead light, for example, the area around your vanity may be quite dark. Adding wall sconces just above the mirror will help to illuminate this space. Swapping out the light bulbs is another easy way to improve the lighting. Soft-white and cool white bulbs will add brightness without being unflattering. For the most versatility, install a dimmer for your bathroom lights. This way, you can easily adjust the lighting level to suit your different needs.
Flooring
The damp environment of a bathroom makes the flooring prone to mold and mildew. General wear and tear may also cause other problems, like leaking and loose, cracked tiles. To avoid issues like this down the line, consider updating the flooring of your bathroom during renovation. While wooden flooring can be incredibly charming, for example, it’s also prone to rot. You may want to replace it with something more durable and easier to clean, like ceramic or porcelain tile. Vinyl flooring is also a great choice for the bathroom as it’s both sturdy and water-resistant. Regardless of the material you go for, be mindful that the floor may be slippery when wet. Be sure to invest in a couple of bath rugs and mats to help prevent any accidents.
Storage
Another consideration for your renovation is whether or not your bathroom has enough storage space. This is especially important if your bathroom is small or shared by many people. Left unorganized, toiletries and linens can pile up and create unnecessary clutter. Luckily, there are plenty of simple and affordable ways to add storage space to your bathroom. You could install a double-sided hook over the door, for example. This allows you to hang your towels on one side and your bathrobes on the other. Another idea is to put a small shelf over the sink for small toiletries and accessories. Inside your cabinets and cupboards, you can use storage baskets and bins to neatly organize and store various items.
Décor
Décor is another thing that shouldn’t be overlooked in your bathroom renovation. It’s important to create a soothing and inviting atmosphere in this space. After all, it’s where you start and end every day. Choose a color or theme that feels calming and relaxing and use it to inform the aesthetics. Plants are an easy way to bring color into your bathroom. Thanks to the damp environment, they’re also likely to thrive! Arrange candles around the tub to create a cozy space, or add a splash of color with a patterned shower curtain. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with different decorations and designs.
Whether you plan on a complete overhaul or just replacing the washcloths, your bathroom deserves the refresh. It’s one of the most-used rooms in the house, so it needs the extra maintenance and care. Use our list to help you identify which tasks you need to tackle most. Then enjoy a streamlined process as you work to create your ideal space.