Bathroom furniture, the five top tips from Natalie Bird, Brand Manager, Roca
Bathrooms are often the place where clutter collects. With everything from toiletries to towels and toys to toilet rolls jostling for space, most bathrooms aren’t equipped to house it all. The result is a chaotic room that is stressful to spend time in rather than relaxing.
Taking some time to think about the type of storage you need now – and how this might change as your family grows – will save time and tempers later on. Natalie Bird, brand manager for Roca, has compiled a list of five things to consider before you buy new bathroom furniture.
What doesn’t work in your current bathroom?
Start by assessing what doesn’t work in your current bathroom. Are there toothbrushes and toiletries all around the edge of the basin because there’s nowhere else to put them? Could the dead space below the basin be better used for storage? Would you benefit from a mirror cabinet rather than just a mirror? It might sound negative but starting with the things that irritate you most will show you what needs to change.
Consider different types of bathroom furniture
Look beyond the standard options when exploring storage. For example, many vanity units now have drawers rather than a cupboard, meaning you can incorporate storage into the space underneath the basin. Tall, slim cabinets are great for tucking into areas where a full-width cabinet might not fit – such as alongside a window or next to a radiator – and make excellent use of otherwise wasted space.
Floor or wall?
You may not have considered wall-hung furniture if you’ve never had it before, but it has several advantages. To begin with, it keeps the floor clear. This not only makes cleaning easier but also can help a smaller bathroom to feel bigger – because you can see all the way to the wall.
Check for usability
When planning a bathroom, you need to allow sufficient clearance to use the space effectively. So, as well as ensuring you have enough drying room when you step out of the shower, think about being able to open your furniture fully.
Also, don’t forget to think about how your vanity unit is organised. For instance, drawers with compartments built in will help keep the contents organised and stop things sliding around when they’re opened and closed.
Don’t forget the details
When it comes to the look of the furniture, choose a finish that will stand the test of time. For example, a neutral shade or wood veneer will still work if you decide to change the paint colour or tiles in the future. If you are feeling a shade braver, go for a bolder colour such as a beautiful dark green – just make sure you can live with it long term. And finally, furniture with distinctive handles is more likely to date than handleless doors or drawers, so bear this in mind when making your final decision.
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