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Original poster

To ask you to show me your bathrooms?

142 replies

ItsFineReally · 01/03/2025 16:29

I'm thinking of updating my bathroom but could so with some real life inspo rather than magazine images of bathrooms that are larger than my entire upstairs.

Would anyone oblige me by sharing some pictures of what they've had done recently?

And more importantly any pitfalls of current trends that you'd now advise against? My bathroom is now at least 15 years old so definitely behind the times.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
83
Leethos · 01/03/2025 21:59

Donesaidtheunicorn · 01/03/2025 19:36

I work for a bathroom company, so this is my specialist subject!

I am begging you not to buy your products online - please please go and speak with your local bathroom retailer! Yes, it may be slightly more expensive than buying online but you’re paying for their knowledge and expertise, plus any after sales support you may need. Avoid online only retailers at all costs as you will be replacing it again within the next 2 years.

Agree with Vado being a good product, also check out Armera. For your brassware, try and go for a PVD brushed finish, rather than a Powder Coated Matt finish. Powder coating will peel off over time, where as PVD is physically a part of the surface, so no chance of peeling!

I’ve been in the industry for years and if you live anywhere south of Birmingham I can point you towards some decent showrooms

As another bathroom specialist I could not agree with the advice you’ve been given here more.

AlleyRose · 01/03/2025 21:57

RoastDinnerSmellsNice · 01/03/2025 17:28

I'd also recommend steering clear of black in your new bathroom OP, as it's going to date very quickly. You're better off stick with white sanitary ware and chrome taps, etc. Also, if you don't want it to date quickly, be sure not to use any of the 'trendy' tiles etc. as they'll date much more quickly. We're about to have our ensuite done, and are going for white sanitary ware, chrome taps, etc. white brick effect tiles, with wood plank effect floor tiles, then I will add colour with paint/wallpaper, towels, blind, etc. That way when I get fed up with the colours, I can change things very inexpensively, whereas changing a shower screen with a black framework on for example, will be a lot more work and expense. Just my thoughts

This sounds exactly like my new bathroom which is being fitted next month 🙂

Holidaisy · 01/03/2025 21:45

AWafferthinmint · 01/03/2025 21:43

Ooh I love this, do you mind me asking what colour paint you have?

Show quote history

Thank you! It’s Lick Pink 01 on the walls and ceiling I really love it

AWafferthinmint · 01/03/2025 21:43

Holidaisy · 01/03/2025 20:58

Our bathroom is a small room and the bath was previously down one side which left no space for anything else. Moving the bath under the window was the best thing we did. I found lots of inspiration from posts on here. We’ve been impressed so far with Crosswater taps. We have no bath taps, the bath fills from the overflow and is controlled by the shower panel which I love as it means no bumped heads for children. Also an LED auto light under the vanity that comes on when you walk in, didn’t add hardly any extra cost but is amazing just enough low level light for a night time trip to the loo! After and before pics here.

Ooh I love this, do you mind me asking what colour paint you have?

harijes · 01/03/2025 21:42

Ok so that's interesting. It won't let me post the picture of the walls. 🫣but if you click on the ceiling one you get the idea

TammyJones · 01/03/2025 21:41

These are all lovely.

harijes · 01/03/2025 21:41

And walls

harijes · 01/03/2025 21:39

This is my holiday let. I've done it as clean and easy maintenance as possible with panels including ceiling

To ask you to show me your bathrooms?
SwedishEdith · 01/03/2025 21:34

Are panels made of plastic?

For anyone with a bath under the window, does the window sill not get wet from the over bath shower? Our bathroom is at the front of the house so couldn't have a shower there but the shower spray question has always bothered me.

IMustDoMoreExercise · 01/03/2025 21:33

Donesaidtheunicorn · 01/03/2025 20:53

it totally depends on the brand of panel - Nuance by Bushboard is the one I sell the most of. It’s completely waterproof. You use the dedicated adhesive and sealant to fit it and you’ll be good for years (I actually have it at home as well, so not just sales patter!).
A decent bathroom fitter should be able to fit as no specialist tools or products required.

Show quote history

Thanks, but how do you keep the sealant clean?

My shower cubicle is very small and the sealant just goes black even if I dry it and the tiles after my shower and keep the window open.

The grout isn't too bad.

AuraBora · 01/03/2025 21:32

Holidaisy · 01/03/2025 20:58

Our bathroom is a small room and the bath was previously down one side which left no space for anything else. Moving the bath under the window was the best thing we did. I found lots of inspiration from posts on here. We’ve been impressed so far with Crosswater taps. We have no bath taps, the bath fills from the overflow and is controlled by the shower panel which I love as it means no bumped heads for children. Also an LED auto light under the vanity that comes on when you walk in, didn’t add hardly any extra cost but is amazing just enough low level light for a night time trip to the loo! After and before pics here.

Wow what a transformation!
Love the lighting, quite jealous
Our bathroom is awful - completely.tiled, dated and horrid LED light fitting that collects insects and is so bright.. no storage so everything out and messym
We really need to change it all but don't have the £££...

WhichLevis · 01/03/2025 21:25

Those with panels can I see a pic? I’m really tempted by them in our new bathroom but yet to see real life examples.

wafflesmgee · 01/03/2025 21:25

Two tips:
if buying a wall hung bathroom cabinet buy as large as possible as you always need more storage

buy as big a rail as possible if buying a heated towel rail, most are not big enough

Survivingnotthriving24 · 01/03/2025 21:24

PineappleCoconut · 01/03/2025 21:16

Have you seen some of the newer panels?

We've been to some 5* holiday cottages and hotels that had them installed
They can look really good & are extremely low maintenance. No manky grout. No limescale.No cracked tiles where a towel ring was installed badly or a guest dropped a heavy shampoo bottle.

I always used to think tiles were preferable, and still if I do have tiles choose larger and darker grout over smaller tiles or white grout. But I've been really impressed with some of the panels I've seen.

Show quote history

Yes, they have their place for people who struggle to keep their bathrooms clean/mould free (easier to clean suits hotels and holiday lets of course) but you'll still be hard pressed to find a high end interior designer that uses them for residential properties, and regardless of quality they'll never look as good as tiles.

AfricanGreen · 01/03/2025 21:23

It's an ensuite with walk-in shower

To ask you to show me your bathrooms?
Giraffe888 · 01/03/2025 21:22

We’ve got black waterfall tap and no problem with it at all!

we did our bathroom just before Christmas and love it

To ask you to show me your bathrooms?
To ask you to show me your bathrooms?
To ask you to show me your bathrooms?
MrTiddlesTheCat · 01/03/2025 21:20

Moanyoldcow · 01/03/2025 17:54

NC as mine is quite distinctive

Your bathroom is beautiful. I'm very jealous.

wafflesmgee · 01/03/2025 21:19

We put in panels and our house sold within a week with multiple bidders for over the asking price. I would always install large tiles or panels now and most people I know who’ve paid more for pretty small tiles in a herringbone pattern a few years ago now have regrets as it is a pain to keep on top of.

windycottage · 01/03/2025 21:17

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

PineappleCoconut · 01/03/2025 21:16

Survivingnotthriving24 · 01/03/2025 21:07

Please please avoid the panels, they're cheap and tacky looking no matter how expensive you go and it would massively put many buyers off if you're hoping to move. Large aspect tiles if you want to avoid too much grout to clean.

Have you seen some of the newer panels?

We've been to some 5* holiday cottages and hotels that had them installed
They can look really good & are extremely low maintenance. No manky grout. No limescale.No cracked tiles where a towel ring was installed badly or a guest dropped a heavy shampoo bottle.

I always used to think tiles were preferable, and still if I do have tiles choose larger and darker grout over smaller tiles or white grout. But I've been really impressed with some of the panels I've seen.

Moanyoldcow · 01/03/2025 21:10

Thank you @tobee

I have an internal fight every time I decorate as I love bright and bold decor but also crave calm and neutral - my brain is annoying.

Survivingnotthriving24 · 01/03/2025 21:07

Please please avoid the panels, they're cheap and tacky looking no matter how expensive you go and it would massively put many buyers off if you're hoping to move. Large aspect tiles if you want to avoid too much grout to clean.

Smokesandeats · 01/03/2025 21:04

I’m just choosing my new bathroom but something I’m happy about is that tiling grout doesn’t have to be in white!

Darkclothes · 01/03/2025 21:03

We've just renovated what had been a derelict property and had multiple bathrooms/en-suites to do. I'm far from any design guru BTW and have had to learn an awful lot along the way! I'll add pics tomorrow. My tips:

-Get a water softener if in a hard water area! I was previously without in another property and the pop up sink plugs furred up within a year and were un-usable.
-I agree with another poster by going to a local, independent tile/bathroom shop. They provided advice, let us take tiles home to check against different lighting and were invaluable for combos which would work better.
-Our tiler said that tiles from say topps tiles/B&Q etc are often not square and also no flat! He said that they often don't cut square and are more likely to shatter and end up with more wastage than the ones we bought from the independent supplier.

-We started 3yrs ago and even then, metro tiles were on the way out. I'm therefore surprised to see them still recommended. Its obviously a personal choice. Despite my initial thoughts, larger tiles make a room look larger, plus there is far less grout to clean.
-Get comfort height toilet seats. Only a few cm's taller, but makes it so much nicer/easier to sit on and get up from
-Rimless toilets and back to wall are much easier to clean
-Get drawers for the under sink cupboards

tobee · 01/03/2025 21:02

Moanyoldcow · 01/03/2025 17:54

NC as mine is quite distinctive

Really love this one @Moanyoldcow