Bathrooms

Lighten Up! Bathroom Lighting Ideas

Even though your bathroom is probably one of the smallest rooms in your house, it can be an incredibly beautiful and luxurious....... Read more

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Shower & Tub Faucet Guide
French Style Bathroom Ideas
4 Space-Saving Bathroom Tips
How To Fix A Running Toilet

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Luxurious Home Spa Bathroom	Shower & Tub Faucet Guide
he spa atmosphere evokes feelings of relaxation, peace and purity. It is carefully designed to create....... Read more	Shower and tub faucets are a small, helpful ornament to your unit. Although they often look like sink faucets....... Read more

All Topics In Bathrooms

Cape Cod Style Bathroom Ideas Great Bathroom Upgrades Under $100 How To Fix A Running Toilet Vintage Bathroom Design & Decorating Ideas Small Bathroom Design & Decorating Ideas Tips on How to Choose Bathroom Colors DIY Bathroom Drywall Installation 4 Space-Saving Bathroom Tips

Bathroom Tile Design Ideas & Tips French Style Bathroom Ideas Lighten Up! Bathroom Lighting Ideas Bathtub Buying & Information Guide Toilet Buying Guide: All You Need to Know Bathroom Design Ideas Sink Faucet Buying & Information Guide Shower Head Buying & Information Guide

See All Topics

Bathrooms

• How To Decorate Your Bathroom With Bright Colors
• Cape Cod Style Bathroom Ideas
• Great Bathroom Upgrades Under $100
• Luxurious Home Spa Bathroom Design,
• How To Fix A Running Toilet
• Vintage Bathroom Design & Decorating Ideas
• Small Bathroom Design & Decorating Ideas
• Tips on How to Choose Bathroom Colors
• DIY Bathroom Drywall Installation
• 4 Space-Saving Bathroom Tips
• How to Solve Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems
• Bathroom Tile Design Ideas & Tips
• Bathroom Flooring Options, Tips & Ideas for Your Home
• Bathroom Remodeling: Bathroom Wall Materials & Options
• Lighten Up! Bathroom Lighting Ideas
• Bathtub Buying & Information Guide
• Toilet Buying Guide: All You Need to Know
• How to Buy a Bathroom Sink: An Informative Guide
• Sink Faucet Buying & Information Guide
• Shower Head Buying & Information Guide
• Shower & Tub Faucet Guide
• How to Choose Bathroom Tile Colors
• Bathroom Design Ideas
• Rustic Lodge Bathroom Design & Decorations
• French Style Bathroom Ideas
• Modern Bathroom Design & Decorating Ideas
• Victorian Bathroom Design and Decorating Ideas
• 7 Tips for Sharing a Bathroom With a Roommate

How To Decorate Your Bathroom With Bright Colors

Colorful Bathroom Essentials

The basic components of your bathroom- the tub, shower, countertop, sink and toilet, play a huge role in creating the color scheme for your room. If you're looking to brighten your bathroom, you can either make a strong color statement with these fixtures themselves, or choose neutral shades that will complement your brightly colored accents. Depending on your budget you may want to try:

• Replacing: New sinks, countertops, toilets, tubs and showers come in an amazing array of colors and materials these days. Buy anything from sunny yellows to vibrant blues and greens for a bathroom that comes alive with color. Some manufacturers are even offering bold, patterned sinks and countertops that feature colors including tropical turquoise, rain forest greens and sunset oranges.
• Re-glazing: A more affordable way to get brightly colored fixtures is to change the color of your existing ones through re-glazing. Since many professionals offer custom colors, you can truly have a tub or sink in any color you love.
• New toilet seat: If you don't want to replace or re-glaze your toilet, you can give it a brighter look by simply changing the toilet seat to a brightly colored one.
• New shower curtain: The least expensive way to brighten your bathing area is with a lively new shower curtain.
• Lighted showerheads and faucets: For an interesting twist, "color" the water in your sink or shower with L.E.D. neon-lit showerheads and faucets. Your water will appear to glow in dramatic blue, green, lavender, red or yellow.

Using Your Walls To Brighten Your Bathroom

Walls are another great place to bring vibrant color to your bathroom with:

• Brightly painted walls, or dramatic trim on gently colored walls
• New tiles in a single bright color, geometric pattern, or mosaic
• Hanging mirrors with bright frames that fit your color scheme
• Framed art prints and posters with lively color

Bringing Floors to Life with Color

Set or compliment your color scheme using the bathroom floor area. Replacing your existing dull flooring with new bathroom tile brightens your whole bathroom. The available palette is extensive with colors such as kiwi green, pacific aqua or intense tomato red.
If your time and budget don't permit replacing your bathroom floor, you can still revitalize this area with washable throw rugs in just about any color, theme or pattern.

Windows: Color with a Breath of Fresh Air

Windows invite bright color to bathrooms by framing a living picture of vibrant blue sky, warm green earth and friendly sunshine. To enhance the effect, or if your bathroom view isn't quite so idyllic, you can try:

• Bright new curtains,blinds or shades
• Stained glass panels
• Sun catchers

Brightening Vanities And Cabinets

Like your walls, vanities and cabinets can be painted in bright color for a bold look, or in mild color with bright accents for a more subtle effect. The easiest way to add a splash of color to this area is by replacing your cabinet and drawer pulls. Some pull materials that might work for you include:

• Faceted sparkling colored glass and plastic
• Smooth colored transparent or translucent glass or plastic
• Intense opaque colored plastic
• Painted wood or ceramics

To compliment your specific bathroom theme, you might like pulls that are shaped like seashells or sea life, flowers or plants and just about any animal.

Bathroom Seating

If you have room for additional bathroom seating, this presents another chance to make your room more colorful. Try a brightly colored chair, couch or bench, or perhaps accent dark or neutral seats with bright throw pillows.

Accessories to Liven up Your Bathroom

The quickest and least expensive way to decorate with bright colors is with new bathroom accessories. Here are a few colorful accessories you may want to have in your bathroom:

• Towels: Choose bright, bold bath towels, hand towels and washcloths in either a single shade or colors that complement each other.
• Tissue box: Turn your tissue box into a decoration with a solid colored or patterned tissue box cover.
• Garbage pail: You may be surprised at the variety of attractive bright, colorful garbage pails for sale.
• Sink area: Even brushing your teeth can be colorful with the right toothbrush holder, bathroom cup and soap dispenser.
• Fresh flowers: A vase of delicate flowers introduces some of the most beautiful colors designed by nature to your bathroom.
• Shelving: Install or paint brightly colored shelving, and display attractive, colorful items.

A Room You'll Want To Visit

Whether you want to make a few small changes or do a major renovation, decorating your bathroom bright color will transform your bathroom into a happy retreat.

Cape Cod Style Bathroom Ideas

The traditional Cape Cod bathroom design has roots that trace back as far as some of America's first settlers in New England. This historical and American tradition has been an appealing home addition since architect Royal Barry Wills opened his office in Boston in 1925. Royal Barry Wills's contribution to modern residential design was based upon the early New England fishermen's homes built by colonial settlers.

Cape Cod Design Elements

When designing or considering a Cape Cod bathroom, keep in mind south facing windows give more light and heat. Another insulation factor and a Cape Cod design element is the addition of wainscoting.

• The invention of wainscoting, a signature Cape Cod home design, is a purposeful wall element for moisture protection in a room, especially a bathroom.
• Wainscoting not only acts as design decor , but its insulation can protect any room. It adds a classic appeal and lift to any bathroom especially when finished with a baseboard.
• Traditional white is a Cape Cod design for a bathroom, although accent colors can be used on baseboards. Wainscoting is the quintessential design element in creating a Cape Cod bathroom.

In addition, shutters are another common element in Cape Cod design, which are more of an aesthetic addition than traditional  protection against wind and cold. Note that homes with dormer windows offer some restrictions for window shutters.
Other bathroom design elements to consider for the Cape Cod look include crown molding, baseboards, door framing, window frames and windowsills. A traditional Cape Cod bathroom is dominated by the color white-a simple but clean color-for tiling and wall paint. However, wall colors, wallpaper and other decorative design elements, such as boarders, are a homeowner and dweller's preference.

Cape Cod Colors

In keeping with tradition, accent colors such as blue, beige and red have been included in a Cape Cod bathroom design to evoke a sense of the ocean and the sunset. These colors can be added through a number of decor elements such as:

• Towels
• Mats
• Switch plates
• Light fixtures
• Wall decorations
• Candles
• Containers
• Bath salts
• Soaps

Cape Cod Bathroom Appliances & Lighting

Lighting fixtures have several opportunities in a Cape Cod bath. These include overhead lights as well as sconce lighting on either side of a mirror, above a vanity or pedestal sink. Framed mirrors are also a traditional look but small bathrooms can benefit from a mounted medicine chest mirror or vanity unit. In addition, a Cape Cod bathroom can also be constructed with a stall shower or shower and bathtub.
When deciding upon tubs, showers and sinks, a Cape Cod bathroom can be made traditional with a single standing claw-foot tub and pedestal sink. Keep in mind fixtures such as showerheads, faucets and towel racks should be simple and stainless steel. Tradition would dictate white tubs, showers, sinks and toilets. Also, a backsplash for a vanity can be white tile, but blue or light green would work well also.
Depending upon the size of the bathroom, several elements can be included to make a Cape Cod bathroom a modern, luxurious escape. Adding a ceiling fan to eliminate moisture, shelving for organization and a linen closet for all towels and bath necessities will present form and function to your bathroom. A Cape Cod bathroom can include a linen closet with shutter doors to match the window treatments. Try repurposing shutters throughout the bathroom for a chic, cohesive look.

Cape Cod Flooring

A traditional element to the early designs of a Cape Cod bathrooms was to use pine and oak hardwoods for flooring. Today, faux wood or tile is a more popular choice, as it withstands water and humidity much better than wood. Look into laminate flooring designed to mimic the look of wood if you had your heart set on it.
Even though early ideas of Cape Cod bathrooms were small, today a bathroom can be any size and express all the luxuries of modern living in a clean, simple style.

Great Bathroom Upgrades Under $100

You want your bathroom to reflect your family's current lifestyle, as well as look attractive and welcoming to guests. Luckily, the bathroom is one of the easiest rooms in your home to upgrade inexpensively. As a small room with no major furniture, even little touches can make a big difference in giving you a brand-new appearance. There's no need to start your day in a bathroom with outdated decor, threadbare towels, worn fixtures, or tired cabinets.

For less than $100 each, you can make small but significant improvements that will restore your bathroom's appearance, make you proud to let guests use the facilities, and start your day with a smile.

Paint

One of the most significant improvements you can make for under $100 is a fresh coat of paint. Bathrooms are small enough to make them an easy DIY paint job, and home improvement centers are full of gadgets and tools to make painting easier than ever. With a few hours of preparation and painting time, you can have a bathroom that looks brand-new.

• Choose a bright color of semi-gloss paint to cheer up the bathroom, and give a fresh look that will wipe clean easily. White trim is always appropriate, and provides a crisp contrast to colored walls.

Towels

Donate those old, threadbare towels and bathroom rugs to a good cause. Animal shelters and homeless shelters frequently need towels, making your quick update beneficial for you and your community. Then, head to the nearest bed & bath store, or any discount department store, and choose new towels in colors that make you feel good, and set off your decorating theme. Whether you prefer brights or pastels, or even plain white, new towels give a fresh look, and feel good when you use them. While you are shopping, pick out a new bathroom rug or mat to complement your new towels.

Shower Curtain

Your shower curtain is usually the focal point of the bathroom. There are almost endless choices available, so go with a curtain that best suits your decorating style. You might want to liven up your bathroom with a bright, cheerful print, or go feminine with a floral design or lace fabric. Give an eco or green feel with a botanical print, or stick with a solid color for a traditional appearance. A plastic inner liner will help keep your shower curtain from becoming mildewed or discolored.

Accessories

No need to leave your toothbrush lying on the countertop. A new toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, tissue holder and bathroom trash container will coordinate your look, and give your bathroom a finished appearance. Whether you prefer plain, solid colors, quirky designs, sleek metal, wicker, or fancy stone with gold trim, you can purchase an entire bathroom accessory set for well under $100.

Mirror

If you face your reflection every morning in a bathroom mirror that is discolored, scratched or chipped, it's time to replace it with something new. You can find mirrors in oval, square or rectangular shapes, with or without frames, or with extra touches such as edging or chrome trim at any home improvement center. Select a mirror a few inches smaller than the width of your bathroom vanity for a balanced look.

Furnishings

If you choose a new medicine chest the same size as the old, you can replace your rusty, stained cabinet yourself. It is a simple procedure to unscrew and remove the old cabinet, then screw the new cabinet into place. Placing your toiletries on clean, undamaged shelves in a shiny new medicine chest will brighten your morning.
Your bathroom might be overflowing with cosmetics, hair care products, rolls of toilet paper and magazines, but it doesn't have to be that way. For $100 or less, you can find a space saver organizer that will fit right over your toilet, and provide shelves for holding the many grooming and hygiene products that seem to clutter up most bathrooms.
Another option is a small floor cabinet. If you have the space, you can purchase a cabinet that will hold clutter, and immediately give your bathroom an organized appearance.

Fixtures

A new showerhead will start your morning off right without rust, discoloration, leaks or clogged outlets. Choose a showerhead with massager options, or a large, rainfall-style head. A hand-held showerhead provides convenience and is an excellent choice if a family member has limited mobility. Home improvement centers have a wide selection of showerheads for whichever option you prefer.
While you are selecting your new showerhead, take a look at a new bathroom sink faucet. A clean, shiny new faucet can really make a difference in improving your bathroom's appearance, and if you are handy, you can change the faucet yourself. Towel bars and toilet paper holders can also benefit from an upgrade. Sleek chrome, wood, burnished metal finishes, all add a touch of style to your bathroom.

• Styles range from single-handle, modern fixtures, to old-fashioned cross-handled faucets to traditional plastic handled fixtures.

You spent time and money developing your style through the rest of your home. There's no reason for your bathroom to be left behind. Whether you choose to make just one of the changes listed here, or upgrade everything, for a small investment, you can have a bathroom that feels brand new, and looks like you spent a million.

Luxurious Home Spa Bathroom Design

he spa atmosphere evokes feelings of relaxation, peace and purity. It is carefully designed to create the optimal atmosphere for clients to release tension and enjoy the luxuries of fine linens, beautiful flowers and decadent treatments. If you can't escape to the spa, why not create this experience in your very own bathroom? Use this guide to design, stock and decorate your very own spa bathroom at home.

Walls, Counters and Floors

Begin to create your home spa with the foundation of your bathroom, the walls, counters and floors. Depending on your budget, this can either mean total renovation, adding a few simple touches, or anything in between.

Moderate Budget Additions

• Repaint walls to match your desired mood. Soft colors like white, beige, blue, tan and yellow encourage relaxation, while rich, dramatic colors like deep red, black, purple and dark blue evoke luxury. Spas often use colors to induce specific moods, a trick which is easily replicated at home.
• Wallpaper is another quick way to enhance the look of your bathroom walls. Stick to subtle patterns and designs for a more relaxing feel, or bold, ornate wallpaper designs for a lavish, elegant room.
• Add new bath mats and rugs in soft, luxurious fabrics to cushion you as you step out of the bathtub or shower, and while standing at the bathroom counter. Rugs can help distract from unattractive flooring, provide comfort, prevent slips on wet floors and guard against freezing tile on cold winter days.

Large Budget Renovations

• Remove existing flooring and replace with elegant wood, marble, granite, travertine, slate or limestone flooring to mimic those found in spa and resort bathrooms.
• Use specialty paint, or specialty paint finish to create unique wall colors like metallic gold, silver or bronze, or a high gloss finish to make the paint appear shiny.
• Add texture to the paint to create a multidimensional wall surface.
• Install windows beside bathroom counters, bathtubs and along the top of shower stalls to increase natural lighting and the feeling of spaciousness.
• Replace counter-tops with granite or marble

Bath, Shower, Sink and Toilet

The main fixtures of your bathroom, shower, bathtub, sink and toilet can make or break the spa experience. Unfortunately, bathroom appliances don't come cheap, and can typically only be replaced on a larger budget. Thankfully, accessories and décor help enhance your bathroom without these large additions, however, should you consider a major renovation, install some of the following:

• A whirlpool bathtub, recreating the luxury of a jet-filled spa right at home.
• Heated toilet seats.
• Motion sensor operated toilet lids.
• In-toilet embedded deodorizers.
• Sinks made of mosaic tile, bronze, marble, porcelain, stone, copper or glass in a variety of shapes.
• Double sinks in the bathroom counter.

Fixtures

Even small touches like fixtures make a big difference in transforming your home bathroom into a spa-like experience. Replacing your fixtures in a material and style that compliment your wall and floor coloring, as well as any room theme you may have selected, will ensure the continuity of style seen in beautifully designed spas. Install the following:

• Sink faucets in stainless steel, bronze, copper, chrome or pewter. Select a faucet design and material that reflects the style of the rest of your bathroom.
• Drawer pulls, towel bars, cabinet knobs and wall mounted light fixtures in a metal matching the faucets.

Décor

Décor is the easiest addition to create a spa bathroom, and enables even the smallest budget bathroom remodels to imitate the tranquil atmosphere of a luxurious spa. The following are near necessities for any spa bathroom:

• Candles in your favorite scent. Vanilla, lavender and sage are frequently used for their calming effects.
• Decorative candle holders, hurricane glasses, lanterns and sconces to enhance the candles' stylistic effect.
• Paintings and photos of peaceful landscapes or architecture to promote relaxation.
• Ferns, orchids, lilies or various other potted plants or vases of flowers to add color and life to the bathroom.
• Soft, luxurious bath towels, hand towels and washcloths in shades that complement the wall and floor color.
• A comfortable chair, bench or chaise lounge depending on the available space. Place pillows and throw blankets on top for a relaxing rest while getting ready in the morning, or before going out at night.

Whether you make large or small adjustments to your bathroom, it is easy to replicate the soothing, peaceful environment of a spa. Using soft linens, scented candles, relaxing colors and decorative metal fixtures and faucets all contribute to the transformation. Replace what you can, stick within a color scheme and remember to use what makes you happy and relaxed.

How To Fix A Running Toilet

A constantly running toilet is a nuisance plaguing plenty of households. If your toilet perpetually runs, learn more about how the toilet works, and what may be causing the problem before you hire a plumber.

When a toilet is flushed, the flush handle lifts the tank flapper (on older toilets this may be a rubber ball), opening the tank outlet and allowing water to flow into the toilet bowl. When the tank is nearly empty, the tank flapper falls back into place and shuts off the water flow. The float ball falls as the water level lowers opening the water supply inlet valve as the outlet is being closed. The toilet tank is then refilled through the inlet valve filler tube. When the water level inside the tank nears the top of the overflow pipe, the float closes the inlet valve, completing the refill cycle. The toilet is now ready for the next flush.

What Causes A Running Toilet?

Slow water leaks are the source of most toilet problems. Start by checking underneath the toilet for signs of water. Use a flashlight for more illumination. If there is any water visible, the leak may be between the water supply line and the toilet tank. Check the fitting and make certain they are tight. If the leak persists, remove the water supply line and replace the washers between the shutoff valve and toilet tank. Turn off the shutoff valve before working on repairs. A small plastic bowl, or large bath towel, is handy to catch any water in the supply line.
The next area to check is the toilet tank itself. To determine if the tank flapper is leaking, add several drops of food coloring to the tank water. Wait 10 to 20 minutes and see if the toilet bowl water has turned color. If so, the rubber flapper is not sealing the tank. Replace the flapper. It is easier removing the flapper first and then go to the hardware store to match the size and model. Manufacturers use many differing sized flappers, it is important to select the correct style flapper for the toilet tank. Again, turn off the water supply before repairing the toilet.
If the tank flapper is not leaking, the problem may be the float ball itself. Check the adjustment on the float. The water line should be about an inch from the top of the overflow tube. If the float is out of adjustment or too high: bend the metal arm to reset the water level. Newer refill valves may have the float adjustment on the top of the valve. Look for a Phillips head screw to raise or lower the float ball.
Older floats may have cracked over time and be partially submerged causing the tank to fill higher than it should. If the tank is filling too high, water may be draining into the overflow tube and causing the toilet to fill and drain over and over again. To repair a float problem, unscrew the float and replace it.
In cases, when the inlet valve becomes covered with lime scale, it may be easier to replace the valve. Most valves can be dissembled and cleaned. If attempting to do this, be certain to check the diaphragm and O-rings for debris and clean as needed.
Check the flush handle and flapper lift mechanism to be certain they operate freely. There should be enough extra slack in the chain or wire to allow the flapper to close completely. The handle should operate without binding. A little Vaseline or petroleum jelly applied around the handle shaft where it inserts through the toilet tank will help it operate smoothly.

Important Tips To Avoid Toilet Problems

To remove slime or fungal buildup in the toilet tank: add ½ to 3/4 cup of ordinary bleach into the toilet tank every 6 weeks. Pour the bleach into the tank after flushing; when the flapper drops and seals with that familiar "plunk" pour in the bleach. Swirling action from the tank refilling will mix the bleach and incoming water.
Trying to save water from each flush may actually damage the toilet. Toilets manufactured after 1994 use 1.6-gallons per flush. The modern toilet needs all 1.6-gallons to properly flush! Adding a brick or other foreign objects to reduce the capacity of the tank may create other unexpected problems. Without enough water to flush waste, a toilet is more likely to clog along the lateral drain line. Adding a brick to the tank may introduce additional sediment to the flapper and trap. If you are convinced of the need to reduce the tank capacity, a small plastic bottle filled with water is a better solution. Replace it as the plastic becomes brittle.
For water leaks in the middle of the night: close the shutoff valve to avoid further water leaks. Make the needed repair during daylight hours and when the hardware or plumbing supply store is open.

Vintage Bathroom Design & Decorating Ideas

Conceptualize It

Some people confuse the term vintage with words like old, used, or second-hand. When you shop at a thrift store, it seems as though the word "vintage" is a seemingly attractive cover-up for items that are worn and potentially outdated. In the world of fashion, however, "vintage" has evolved to connote meanings that are the complete opposites of any less-than-positive associations.

Vintage is about adding a new and unique twist to classics from previous eras. It's about celebrating the liveliest dimensions of a time that has long passed. It's about keeping history alive so that we remember the innovation that continues to define who we are.
As with fashion, in the interior design world, vintage themes allow you to bring to life the art, style, and beauty of your favorite eras. The approach that you take is completely up to you: choose to focus on a decade such as the '20s, '40s, '50s, or '60s, or combine motifs from multiple times. Are you a fan of designs from the 18^th century? Include elements from then too.
Be creative when designing a vintage theme for your bathroom. Your bathroom can convey a uniform concept or collage. Display art with a blatant message, or incorporate subtle design elements for an aesthetically complex overall effect.
Unless you have a large bathroom with multiple compartments such as a sitting area or vanity room, you probably want to avoid packing in the antiques. Remember that bathrooms are humid and moist environments that are prone to mold and water damage. Because antiques are expensive and aging, you'll want to keep them in an environment that is conducive to cleanliness and preservation.

The Effect is in the Light

Experiment with lighting to give your bathroom a vintage aesthetic. While there is no cookie cutter approach to designing your lights, you can achieve desired effects by understanding the subtle ways of how elements of your bathroom work together to create an overall look.

You probably learned about reflection and refraction when you were in school. In a nutshell, light reflects when it shines against surfaces like water or glass. With some materials, light will bend and cause a slight distortion in color or clarity. Understand how your mirrors fit in with your lighting and window arrangements. Manipulate your mirror's placement and size so that you can avoid the problem of glare and creating a space that is too bright. Here are some general tips to help you get started:

Lighting Aesthetic

Lighting for vintage bathrooms should be dim and cozy. You want your bathroom to be bright enough so that you can see when you do your makeup, but you want it to be soft and dark enough to set an inviting and relaxing mood. Install a combination of ceiling lights, table lights, sconces, and candles so that you can set the overall mood.
In general, the options for overhead lighting include ceiling lamps, recessed lights, and track lighting. In most bathrooms, overhead lights tend to be bright and potentially harsh - producing an effect that can detract from a comfortable setting.
Several techniques can help you give your bathroom a softer look and feel. Lamp shades, ceiling lamps, and lights with adjustable brightness can help you optimize your lights to complement your vintage décor. In addition to your overhead lights, install other types of light so that you can work with different combinations to achieve desired results.

Natural Lighting

Without a doubt, electricity is expensive, and you may want to avoid wiring too many lights for fear of driving up your utility bill. Although you might not imagine skylights and large windows in a vintage bathroom, Ideal Home Garden encourages you to stretch your imagination further.

Vintage is about incorporating your favorite styles from all different times, and you can experiment with a variety of looks to help you achieve your bathroom's overall look and feel. Drape translucent or solid curtains over your skylights and large windows. If you have enough space, set up a screen printed room divider.Pull them shut when you need light, or leave them open when you don't. If you are unsure about your large window or skylight, over-accentuate the features of the other vintage décor in your bathroom.
Set up some candles to shed a different light to the vintage design elements in your bathroom. You would be surprised by how much a small flame can transform how you perceive a room. Plus, candles and rose petals are always a beautiful finishing touch.

Other Options

Sconces and table lamps can help you achieve a vintage look and feel in your bathroom in two ways: (1) You can choose a design or lampshade with a distinct decorative style, and (2) you can experiment with lighting features such light bulbs that produce a colored or smoky effect.

Vintage Vanities & Mirrors

A vintage vanity doesn't necessarily need to be antique. If you can afford the maintenance costs of an antique vanity, you should invest in one. Otherwise, choose a vanity that's vintage-inspired since older items are more prone to damage from normal wear and tear.

For a vintage theme, choose vanities that convey the distinct style of an era such as the '20s, '40s, '50s, or '60s. To develop an eye for distinct and attractive styles, search through collages, magazines, paintings, and old photos to make a list of your favorite stylistic elements. Soon enough, you'll have a natural eye for the vanity and mirror set that you select.

Colors

If you love experimenting with unique color combinations, a vintage-themed bathroom is ideal for you. You can literally work from all kinds of colors from black to purple, red, brown, neon, pastel, and monochrome shades. Try darker shades on the bottom and lighter shades up top. If it makes sense, add a bold-colored accent wall.

Décor

Get funky with your designs. Choose a vintage-inspired faucet, bathtub, or shower head. Go all out with a bright colored bath rug with a pattern that just screams '70s. Even get vintage-inspired toothbrush holders, soap dishes, trash cans, and toilet paper holders.

Showers & Tubs

Vintage tubs should be an organic, freestanding shape. You can push it into a corner if you would like to install a showerhead, but if you can forego the shower, move the tub further away from the wall and closer towards the middle of the bathroom. Look for tubs with a rounded top and a claw foot at the base.

A popular material for vintage tubs is porcelain with cast iron.The majority of vintage tubs are white in color; however, if you want a more retro look and feel, you can experiment with colors such as gray, black, purple, dark green, or blue. Metallic details can help add elegant accents.

Sinks & Faucets

Vintage sinks should be organic, freestanding shapes. Keep an oval shaped vanity over the sink and allow for sculpted designs. For a genuinely vintage look and feel, avoid installing a sink that is built into a vanity.

White is the most common color for vintage sinks, but other pastel colors with metallic elements are additional possibilities.Faucets should be metallic and ornate if possible. Small, medium, and elongated faucets are all options depending on the overall look and feel that you would like to achieve.

Small Bathroom Design & Decorating Ideas

Overview

Every home has at least one small bathroom. You might be lucky enough to have one large, luxurious, and spacious bathroom, but your guest or hallway bathroom may be significantly smaller.

If you have a small bathroom, you might be wondering about the best ways to make your small space appear larger. You might be wondering whether you should stick to neutral colors, and you may be hesitant to experiment with wall décor such as large mirrors, sconces, and hanging lights.
Break away from the stereotypes that you associate with having a small bathroom, and embrace your space for what it is. Ignore words like cramped, chaotic, and tiny, and instead, focus on words like cozy, elegant, eclectic, and personable. Size doesn't matter - your space is what you make of it. Even the largest bathrooms have their problems and design flaws. Just as a small bathroom can appear cramped and chaotic, large bathrooms are prone to the equal and opposite effects of seeming desolate, cold, and awkward. By all means, a small bathroom does not put you at a design-disadvantage.
No matter your space, the trick is so strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. With small bathrooms, you should think of functionality and aesthetics as one in the same. Be a minimalist: only include what you need in your bathroom. It's easy to fall into a mindset where you feel like you "should" have something. No need to overburden yourself with more than your bathroom can handle.

Humidity & Ventilation

Bathrooms of any size are moist and humid environments. Smaller spaces can become even more humid because of air flow limitations. When you take a shower or run hot water, your bathroom may feel muggy and hot. You might also notice that your space is prone to mildew or bacteria that can be difficult to clean. 
Because of humidity, you need to make sure that your bathroom is well-ventilated. Several solutions can help you help air flowing through your small space. The first is as simple as the window that you already have. Open it. If you're worried about bugs flying in, install a screen. If you're renovating your windows, consider installing a larger or multiple windows that open to the outside. Open the window when you're done with your shower, and let the space breathe. A second option is to install overhead skylights that you can open and close to allow air to flow. Skylights may not be ideal because they are difficult to open, but you may find them manageable and aesthetically pleasing. A third option is to install an electrically powered overhead exhaust fan. These are available for $100 in addition to the cost of installation. Open your bathroom door to keep air flowing in and out as much as possible. Your bathroom will feel cleaner and dryer, and you will feel much more comfortable with a more functional space.

Form & Function

With an impractical design approach, a small bathroom can easily transform from cozy to chaotic. The best way to streamline your design is to adopt a minimalist mentality. Don't buy more hardware that you need. Avoid covering your countertops and walls with decorations. Instead, choose faucets, cabinets, paint colors, and floors that are aesthetically pleasing in themselves. Where form meets function, the beauty is in the everyday. Do you really need a bathtub, or will you be equally happy with a standing shower? Do you need a large vanity, or will you have enough space with trimmed down dimensions? Instead of installing lots of shelves, can you work with the drawers that you have? Can you keep less stuff in the bathroom - buy less, keep it in another room, or throw it away?

If you need a bathtub, choose one that is deep as opposed to wide. Keep rims as narrow as possible, and install the bathroom in a corner rather than in the middle of your room. Try to maximize your floor space that you can walk through your bathroom with ease.

Clutter

It's too easy to buy beauty supplies on impulse. You may decide that you absolutely need five different kinds of shampoo and conditioner, or you may need two different flat irons in addition to a blow dryer. What about your collection of hairbrushes? You need to keep those in the bathroom as well. Eventually, your cabinets will overflow, and you will start storing stuff on your countertops. When you let things lie around, you're infringing upon already-limited space. Go through your arsenal of beauty supplies and reevaluate what you should and shouldn't keep in your bathroom. Throw away old products, and keep the others somewhere else. It makes sense to use your accessible cabinets for their intended purpose - to maximize your counter space. A simple clean-up can instantly transform your bathroom from chaotic and cluttered to cozy.

Storage Space

If you need more storage room, consider making space under your sink, installing drawers in your vanity, and optimizing how you use your corners. If you install corner-shelves, you will avoid problems of structures that project into space that is already limited in the middle of your bathroom. Other options include wall-hanging and mirrored cabinets. Mirrors, especially, serve a triple function as a hidden storage space, functional decorative element, and tool to make your small bathroom appear a little bit more comfortable and spacious.
Keep only what you need in your cabinets to prevent junk from accumulating. The way that you store your makeup, shampoo, and everyday beauty supplies should make sense. Keep the stuff that you need at an arm's reach.

Doors

Hinged doors can occupy substantial space for clearing. Instead, choose sliding doors for your shower and bathtub. Use clear partitions instead of solid colors that can make your bathroom look smaller than it actually is.

Lighting

Maximize how much light enters your bathrooms. Use mirrors to reflect natural light, and keep your windows as big as possible. Bright fluorescent lights tend to be better than incandescent bulbs for smaller spaces. Incandescent bulbs radiate heat that is more pronounced in a smaller space.

Vanities and Mirrors

A bathroom vanity can take up a lot of space. Instead of letting it overpower the entire room, be strategic about where you keep it in your bathroom. If possible, keep it in a corner. Choose a vanity that gives you enough space in between structures. Know your desired measurements accordingly, and stick to them. If you are installing a vanity in between two corners, make sure that the edges are flush with surrounding structures.

Colors

No need to shy away from dark colors. Just try to keep them as bright as possible. Mix and match bold and neutral colors to add character to your room. If you want a bright pink wall, consider painting one accent wall instead of the entire bathroom, corner to corner. Add lots of subtle effects such as a light or dark contrast trim to keep your bathroom looking interesting. Avoid colors that clash, and instead, choose colors that complement one another - no matter their shade.

Tips on How to Choose Bathroom Colors

Nurture your interior design impulses, and consider giving your bathroom a new color. Leave everything else untouched, and work with the furniture and décor that you already have. For about $200 or less, you can take a weekend to reinvent your space to give your bathroom a revived look with a new shade. This is one task that's practical as a do-it-yourself project.

If you want to invest a little more to give your room an even bigger face lift, you can redesign your floors and tiling for a new look and feel. Based on your budget and time, you choose whether to keep it simple or invest a little more.

Selecting Bathroom Colors

In general, you should limit yourself to three colors when decorating a small or medium bathroom. Four colors may be appropriate for larger bathrooms. If you work with gradients, try to stick within three or four shades. At most, choose one or two bright colors, and select a couple of complementary neutral shades to achieve aesthetic balance. Make sure that your colors work together to create an overall desired effect: try to avoid mixing warm shades with cool shades, and don't pick colors that clash. Pay attention to the bigger picture while you plan the smaller details.

Faux Finishes

To cover your walls with unique textures and styles, experiment with different finishing techniques. Porcelain crackling, for example, can make your walls look like old porcelain. You can even use sponge painting techniques to make your walls look like they are covered in fabric. Marbling will cover your walls with the illusion of marble. 
Create faux finishes in a variety of colors using painting techniques such as sponging and feathering. Blend similar colors, and incorporate traces of others.

Paint or Wallpaper?

Paint and wallpaper are two options that you may be considering. You may find a color or pattern that you love, and you may feel instantly motivated to move forward with that new design. Be careful - don't let looks be your be-all-end-all deciding factor for choosing what covers your walls. Pay equal if not more attention to the practical implications of the material that you select.
The bathroom is a moist and humid environment that is perfect for bacteria and mildew to grow. For this reason, surfaces in your bathroom should be easy to clean and to keep clean.
Wallpaper is a tough material to maintain. It dries slowly and can become damaged quickly even when coated with a protective vinyl layer. Because of these characteristics, wallpaper has a relatively short lifespan compared to tile or paint. Ideally, if you must wallpaper your bathroom, you should have a space that is medium to large sized and well ventilated. These types of spaces tend to be dryer and less conducive to mildew growth than small and humid spaces.
For bathroom walls, paint is a durable option and will last for several years. When choosing colors, you have ultimate decision-making authority, regardless of whether you're interested in choosing a neutral or vibrant shade. You can even mix and match colors to achieve your desired look and feel.

Tiles

Tiles are easy to wipe down with water, sponges, and soap. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are available in a variety of colors and patterns that you can coordinate to create entirely unique designs. Choose between preconfigured designs, or create your own. Mix neutral tiles with brighter colors for subtle splashes of color, or choose bold-colored designs for a more dramatic look.
If you would like a bathroom with an artistic look and feel, design a glass tile mosaic. You can use glass tiles in small pieces to create designs and patterns in a variety of colors. Glass tiles are ideal for countertops, walls, shower walls, and floors. You can make mosaics in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Ideally, you should only tile part of your wall up to a certain height and then paint the remainder. Don't tile for functionality alone; instead, use tiles to work with the colors that you have by creating a contrast trim or complementary shade.

Effects

Even if you leave the other parts of your bathroom untouched, color can control the aesthetic effects of your bathroom, whether you are looking to create a warm, comfortable, spacious, or cozy look and feel.
You can experiment with natural and electric lighting to influence your color's variability. Overhead lights are ideal for large bathrooms, while sconces, vanity lights, and table lamps provide enough lighting for smaller spaces. Your light can help your color go from vibrant and bold to comfortable and dim.
You can use color to enhance your color's theme, or you can think of your colors as your theme. No matter what you think, be sure to keep the bigger picture in mind.

Accent Walls

If you are hesitant to cover every inch of your wall with bright colors, consider painting an accent wall in the shade of your choice. By painting an accent wall, you limit your color to only one wall instead of all four. Colors that are otherwise chaotic or overwhelming will look streamlined and elegant if you select one wall instead of four. Your accent wall will be your bathroom's dominant wall, so make sure that you choose to paint the one with the décor that you plan to highlight.
Bold colors such as maroon, black, purple, pink, deal, bright green, and blue are ideal for accent walls. Make sure that the color of your accent wall contrasts heavily with your bathroom's surrounding atmosphere.

DIY Bathroom Drywall Installation

Bathrooms present a special challenge because of the high moisture environment of baths and showers. Ordinary wallboard or drywall becomes soft and spongy in damp settings, so it shouldn't be used for bathroom walls. In place of common drywall, use moisture-resistant wallboard, cement board or "greenboard." Moisture-resistant greenboard gets its name from the green-tinted, water-resistant paper on its face. Its core is saturated with asphalt to resist absorption and softening. Apply greenboard on all bathroom walls and surfaces that will later support tile. Do not use greenboard on bathroom ceilings. It has a tendency to sag.

Before you start, check your city's code requirements. Most building departments will be happy to provide a copy of the local codes for drywall installation and nail or screw spacing.

Tools You'll Need

Check your toolbox for the following hardware: soft lead pencil, a 12- to 25-foot tape measure, 48-inch drywall T-square, utility knife with extra blades, keyhole saw, drywall hammer, electric screwdriver with drywall bit, 4-inch and 6-inch putty knives and a small handheld or palm-sized rasp. You may also want to have a circle cutter, electric saber saw, 12-inch or wider finishing knife and a drywall router fitted with a carbide tip.
Proper tools save time during a project. Choose a tape measure with a finger lock to hold the tape at the needed distance. Drywall hammers have a serrated face keeping it on the nail head. An electric screwdriver, with a magnetic screw-holding tip and an adjustable clutch, will release the drywall screw when it has reached the proper depth on the greenboard sheet. Handheld rasps will quickly reduce and straighten the cut edge of greenboard and drywall pieces. This is also handy for fine fitting drywall pieces.

How to Cut and Fit Greenboard

To cut it, score through the surface skin of the cement and the mesh below with a utility knife. This may require several cuts. Then, snap the board along the cut and plane the edge with a rasp. Cement board may also be cut using a circular saw and a carbide-tipped blade. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask. Make any necessary holes by scoring the desired shape into the cement board and then smashing out the marked area with a hammer.
Cement board should be secured in place using 1 1/2-inch galvanized roofing nails or with special screws called wafer-head fasteners. Space the nails or screws no more than 8 inches apart. All cut edges should be coated with a manufacturer-approved water-resistant adhesive.

Showers and Tubs

Greenboard sheets should be attached to wall studs horizontally, the same as with regular wall board. In baths and showers, maintain a 1/4-inch space between the lower paper-bound edge of the greenboard and the tub or shower pan. A bead of water-resistant adhesive should be added across all nail or screw heads, corners and openings where water pipes penetrate the wall. Also seal between the top of the tub and the greenboard.
Always use manufacturer-approved sealant and adhesive, rather than joint compound over joints and fasteners.

Sheet the Walls

Install the sheets horizontally. Measure the first wall to nearest stud. Be certain the end of the sheet falls across the center of a stud. This will strengthen your joint. Measure your first greenboard sheet, and cut to fit with a utility knife or circular saw. Also, measure for any obstructions, such as light boxes, pipes, vents or outlets, and cut these out with a utility knife or saber saw. Stagger each end joint to avoid cracking.
Hold the sheet in position and, beginning at the center of the sheet, apply screws every 8 inches along each stud, sinking the heads just below the surface without tearing the paper. The screws around the edges of the sheet should be not less than 3/8 inch or more than 1/2 inch from the edge of the sheet. Work your way around the room and sheet the remaining walls. If the room requires metal corner beads or pre-finished rounded corners, then apply those now.

Tape and Mud

Check each screw and nail make certain it is below the surface of the drywall. It is easier to adjust the depth now rather than after you've started to tape and mud.
Using a 4-inch putty knife, cover each screw or nail dimple with joint compound, keep the surface flush with the drywall. Run a 6-inch putty knife along each seam of the drywall to fill creases with joint compound. Then, tape the joints. Start at the center and stretch the paper tape along the freshly mudded seam. Smooth the tape into the wet mud with the 6-inch knife and remove the extra joint compound.
Let the first coat dry; then lay a second coat of joint composing over it. Feather 4 inches on each side of the joint edges. Apply a third coat after the second coat of compound has dried, typically a lighter skim coat that can be applied with a 12- or 14-inch finishing knife. Then feather 7 or 8 inches on either side of the joint. Once the compound is dry again, put on goggles and finish sanding with 100- to 120-grit sandpaper. Do not sand the paper, only the joint compound. If you damage the paper, then you may need to float a very thin layer of compound over it.
Now you're ready for paint and tile.

4 Space-Saving Bathroom Tips

Whether you just want to get in and out, or whether you want relaxing "me time," everyone wants to find what they need, when they need it. The bathroom usually gets the worst end of the architectural bargain, often being sacrificed for that spacious living room or a grand foyer. The key to making such a small room as comfortable and convenient as possible is to maximize the space. An organized bathroom will not only keep your space clean and tidy, but will also create a contemporary feel to the space.

1. Shelving units: The square footage of your bathroom doesn't have to put a damper on your design party! The space from your bathroom floor to the ceiling is fair game for all your towels and toiletries. Shelving units can be attached to any open wall space in order to make up for space in bathrooms that have no vanities. They are great for stacking towels or displaying your favorite bathroom essentials. When mounting your shelves, be sure to drill your mounting brackets into studs as opposed to random spots on your wall. By securing your shelves to the studs, your shelves can withstand more weight and are less likely to fall off the wall. Behind your drywall, studs are usually 16 to 24 inches apart. Instead of creating multiple holes in your wall, pick up a stud finder at your local hardware store. They cost around $15 to $25, but how can you put a price on saving your textured walls or your wallpaper?

2. Stackable drawers and crates: If you like your toiletries the way you like your secrets (hidden), then stackable drawers and crates are for you. For those of you who like to show some of the goods, manufacturers do make clear bins and mesh crates. They can cost between $5 and $50, depending on the size, material and brand. These options also allow you to avoid using a hammer or a drill. You can still secure these to a wall if you live by any active fault lines. The bins and crates can be used alone, or they can be stacked, and if you can, then always add or take away these containers based on your needs. Two or three stackable drawers can take the place of a vanity and the top drawer can host a pretty vase or candle grouping. Crates are also fun to play with, because their exposed tops can create multiple arrangements. Four crates can be stacked vertically or horizontally to make a pseudo-shelving unit. You can have the exposed sides of a crate, facing the ceiling to conceal your belongings and to show off the design on your crates.
These containers can be used to house your cleaning supplies by your sink or perhaps around your toilet bowl. You can help keep your family organized by creating a color-coded system for bins. For example, all the bath toys go in the blue bin. Keeping the bathroom tidy can be fun if you give each member of the household their own bin to keep their bath products in. Family members can do their part to keep the bathroom mess to a minimum by holding to this rule: If it doesn't fit in your bin, then it doesn't belong in the bathroom. As long as the bins and crates stay in the same color or design family, then your bathroom can have a modern, streamlined look.

3. Toilet maximization: Toilet paper can become a great storage problem. It is important to keep toilet paper available at all times, without sacrificing walking space. Because the toilet is a permanent fixture in a bathroom, the space on and around it should be used to its full potential. Over-the-tank toilet paper holders are a great solution to the toilet paper problem. A single-roll holder can help if your toilet isn't located by a wall that can hold a traditional toilet paper holder. These toilet-paper holders can run from $5 to $17, depending on the size and the finish.

4. Space-saving shower storage: Sometimes small bathrooms only come equipped with a standing shower, leaving little space for your toiletries. While most people usually use an apparatus that hangs from the showerhead, suction-cupped corner shelves are also a good alternative. They hold a lot of products and can be placed at any level, so you can avoid hitting it while showering. A shower shelf that extends from floor to ceiling gives space for the whole family. The shelf can attach to the corner of the shower that's most convenient for all users. These shelves keep your toiletries at arm's reach without cluttering floor space.
There are plenty of space-saving products for your bathroom, but the key is to keep things uniform in order to create your own unique look. By sticking to a color scheme or design, your bathroom can be classy and full of character. Happy organizing!

How to Solve Common Bathroom Plumbing Problems

Bathroom plumbing problems can range from a minor annoyance, like a faucet that drains slowly, to a major issue, like a busted main water pipe that causes your house to get completely flooded. You can tackle some of these plumbing issues on your own, but in most cases, a professional plumbing service is required. 

Toilet Plumbing Tips

There are three, major plumbing components in your bathroom: the sink, the toilet, and the tub (and/or shower). Out of all three, the toilet typically has the most frequent issues. Here are a couple of tips for dealing with common toilet problems:

Clogged Toilet

The sight of rising toilet-water without the relief of watching it flush down the drain can create sudden panic. Before you do anything you might regret, like flushing the toilet a second time in hopes it was a faulty flush (it never is), cut the toilet's water supply by turning off the toilet's shut-off valve.

• The shut-off valve should be the knob behind the toilet that is connected to the wall. Turn that knob counter-clockwise until you no longer hear water running to your toilet. If you hear something, like an increase in water pressure to your toilet, you're probably turning the knob the wrong way.

• Now that you've cut off the toilet's water supply, it's time to break out the plunger. In most cases of a common clog, a plunger is all it takes to get your toilet up and flushing again.

• If a plunger is not enough to unclog your toilet, you may want to invest in a plumbing snake. A plumbing snake is a long wire coil with a corkscrew tip that you can feed into your toilet's drain-hole to break up or pull out clogged debris. If the snake doesn't help, you might have an even bigger issue on your hand that may require some professional help.

Other Toilet Issues

There are a few other toilet issues that commonly occur. For instance:

• A running toilet is another common problem and can be fixed by checking the toilet assembly in the toilet's main water tank, which is the top portion of your toilet bowl.
• Check the flapper, which is the chain and plug that prevents water from entering the toilet bowl. The flapper should unplug when you flush the toilet, then plug back in once the toilet has flushed. A broken flapper that stays unplugged will cause water to constantly seep into your toilet.
• Look over the flapper assembly and check for any issues with the chain or plug.
• Another issue is a toilet leak at the bottom of your toilet, which can cause puddles or wet stains on your bathroom floor. This may indicate a broken toilet wax ring, and requires the removal of the entire toilet and replacement of the ring underneath.

More Toilet Plumbing Tips

• Keep the toilet cover down and invest in a toilet lock if you have small children who might enjoy flushing items down the toilet. Toys and bathroom items, like hairbrushes, might be able to go down the drain-hole, but get stuck in the toilet's drainpipe creating a major clogging issue.
• Don't pour anything down the toilet that can potentially harden, like grease or caulk.
• Don't bother using draining chemicals to fix a clogged toilet; they are health hazards and rarely work.

Bathtub and Shower Plumbing Tips

• Keep any debris from falling down your drain to prevent clogging.
• Don't just wash your hair, watch your hair. Overtime, hair that has fallen from your head will collect in your drain pipe. This is the most common cause for a clogged bathtub or shower.
• If you notice that your water isn't draining as fast as it should be, check your drain assembly. The drain assembly often consists of a drain plug made of metal and rubber. Remove or loosen the drain plug and clear out any debris or hair that might have collected in the drain.
• Flush out any clogs with a plumbing snake or liquid plumbing drainers.
• Run the hot water once a week to keep your shower and bathtub lines flowing properly.
• Install a strainer to catch debris if you have a drain with an open hole.

Bathroom Sink Plumbing Tips

• Check the faucet's aerator if water is not coming out properly. The aerator is the metal screen at the tip of the faucet's spout where the water comes from. Clean it out if water is sputtering or spraying.
• Similar to showers and bathtubs, hair is the most common cause of a drainage block.
• Use masking tape over surfaces you plan on using a wrench on to prevent any damage to your pipes or fixtures.
• Try boiling hot water and some bleach to free up any clogs in the drain. If this doesn't work, try a plumbing snake.
• Tighten your sink pipes if you notice any water leaking from them. If this doesn't work, you may need to replace the entire pipe.

Things to Look For

Here are some warning signs of a possible plumbing problem:

• Keep an eye out for any unusual wet spots on your walls and ceilings. If you have white walls or ceilings, brown stains indicate areas that have been damaged by water, which might indicate you have a leak somewhere.
• Damp areas and mold are signs that you have a water leak. An example would be a musty or moldy smell emanating from your bathroom sink cabinet or behind the toilet.
• A noticeable reduction in water pressure to your sink or showers might indicate a leak or plumbing issue.

Call for Help

If you find yourself faced with a major plumbing issue that you have no experience dealing with, call a plumber. Attempting to make your own plumbing repairs without the proper experience or tools can lead to major problems, not just for your plumbing, but your entire house. An accidental flood or sewage backup can be devastating and can even cause permanent damage to your home.

Bathroom Tile Design Ideas & Tips

Design Concept

Tiling your bathroom is one of the most functional remodeling projects that you can undertake. Following the most practical and functional approach, you can choose to design the parts of your bathroom that need the most work in order to control moisture and keep your floors slip-free. If you're interested in going above and beyond the ordinary, you can use tiles to overhaul your bathroom's look and feel. Stay close to the basics that allow you to create a safe and practical space, or let yourself out of the box, and be creative with textures, shapes, colors, and patterns. Design a theme, create an artistic ambiance, or keep your bathroom's atmosphere bland. Stick to one approach, or choose a theme that enables two extremes to meet halfway.

Your shower walls, bathroom walls, floor, and vanity are all ideal places for tiling. You can choose to install tiles on your floors only, or you can choose to tile everything including your walls and shower. Tiles can dramatically influence your bathroom's overall theme, so make sure that you have a plan before you start remodeling. It's okay if your plans change, but try to have a strategy that will streamline your tasks.
Contrary to other design strategies that you may have learned, your tiles do not need to be uniform. For a charming look and feel, you should feel free to mix and match shapes, materials, colors, textures, and patterns. For example, you can use different types of tiles on your floor and shower wall. You can also use the same type of tile in a different shape and color. Coordinate materials, colors, shapes, and sizes to give your bathroom a unique personality.

Typical Costs

Tile prices usually vary based on the material, quality, and design of your selection. The square footage of your bathroom will also influence how much you need to spend. If you have a bigger bathroom, you will need to tile a larger surface area and buy more tiles, even if you choose to work with the least expensive material.
In general, glazed ceramic tiles usually sell for $1-$20 per square foot. Unglazed quarry tiles for an average of $2 a square foot, and tailor-made art tiles can cost more than $25 each. Porcelain tiles cost around $2-$4 while terracotta tiles are available for $2.50 per square foot.
Keep in mind that designer and hand painted tiles may be more expensive, while generic colors and styles will cost less. If you are looking to cut costs, you may want to find a standard version of your favorite specialty tiles. If you absolutely love a particular designer tile, you can purchase expensive tiles to install in strategic places and patterns to create an artistic vibe that's subtle. That way, you can create the decorative effects while minimizing the amount that you need to spend.
You can also save money by tiling your own bathroom and creating your own patterns. If you're comfortable, make the entire project a do-it-yourself job - it's possible to tile an entire bathroom in one weekend. Hire a professional to work on the tough spots, and do most of the bathroom yourself. By choosing your costs, have tremendous flexibility over the amount that you will need to spend.

How to Find the Right Bathroom Tile

Bathroom tiles aren't just about appearances. You'll want to select décor that is as practical as it is pretty. Above everything, you want a bathroom that is easy to clean, slip-resistant, and persistent through wear and tear. What good is a pretty tile if it's growing mildew everywhere? Not even the most beautiful design could be worth a mess like that.
In general, wall tiles can be shiny and slick to contribute to the bathroom's overall aesthetics. Floor tiles will need to be slip resistant to keep you safe when you step out of the shower. This being said, you might want to save that gorgeous glazed-glass tile mosaic for your walls instead of your floors.

Materials

The majority of bathrooms contain ceramic tiles, which are simple to install, durable, and easy to disinfect. Ceramic tiles are available in a variety of colors, and they are easy to replace. If one tile breaks or sustains damage, you can remove that tile and replace it with another without spending a substantial amount of money. In contrast, a roll vinyl floor needs to be completely replaced if it becomes damaged. If you use ceramic tiles, make sure that you buy a couple of extras. Down the road, if a tile breaks, you may not be able to find an identical version. By keeping a few tiles on hand, you'll be prepared for any unexpected repair jobs that arise.
Vinyl tiles are likely to be your least expensive flooring option, and it is available in sheets for easy installation. A major problem with vinyl tiles is the potential for water damage, since the vinyl material can contribute to the dampness of the bathroom. If you opt for vinyl, make sure that the material is nonporous and that all the edges mesh together as tightly as possible in order to prevent gaps where germs can grow and cause mildew.
Glass tiles are ideal for people who appreciate creative designs. You can use glass tiles to decorate every inch of your bathroom including your walls, shower, tub, and floor. Glass tiles can resist water, and they will last a long time. If you decorate your bathroom with glass tiles, be sure to select small pieces to ensure that the weight distributes efficiently. Glass tiles are excellent options for people who wish to create a mosaic or artistic ambiance.
Marble is most expensive tiling option. It can create an extremely elegant look for your bathroom, but it requires a larger investment than ceramic, glass, or vinyl. Marble tiles require the highest level of maintenance, and the material is more damage prone than ceramic.
Other options for tiles include natural stone and terrazzo. Both of these cost less than marble (the most expensive choice) while lending to a similar look and durable feel. You can achieve elegance with natural stone and terrazzo tiles, but be prepared to invest more in maintenance and cleaning costs.

Bathroom Flooring Options, Tips & Ideas for Your Home

Practicality & Safety First

When it comes to creating an attractive bathroom, your floors are a big part of the equation. Besides your walls, your floors cover a large surface area and will attract substantial attention from your family, friends, and casual visitoes. Even if nobody notices your perfect bathroom floors, people will be using it on a daily basis. No matter your design objectives, remember that above everything, your bathroom floor needs to be safe. Let's be real - what good is a gorgeous but slippery floor that sends you and your loved ones to the emergency room? Injuries and falls are absolutely terrible, so instead of going for the shiniest and most slippery matterial, select a floor that suits your family's lifestyle needs. Make sure that your material of choice has plenty of traction to avoid slipping and sliding wet feet.

If you're concerned about safety, you may find yourself wondering - "why not take an extreme approach and install wall-to-wall carpeting?" This is actually a bad idea. Remember, bathrooms are small spaces that accumulate excessive moisture. And what are the consequences of moisture? Wear and tear. Mildew. Mold. Yuck. Make sure that you select a floor is easy to clean and able to endure a humid environment. Otherwise, you may end up wasting money on repairs and replacements.

Rule number 1: Avoid carpets. In a bathroom, they are difficult to clean and will grow mildew as a result of dampness. Imagine a carpet that is always wet, moldy, and difficult to dry. The bad situation that carpet creates will become even worse when the bathroom begins to smell like mildew.

Rule number 2: Stay away from hardwood floors. Moisture will cause dramatic wear and tear in a short amount of time. If you absolutely must install hardwood floors, make sure that you hire professionals for the installation. The floor should be crack-free in order to prevent water damage. Instead of installing real hardwood floors, you can install a false one. Faux-hardwood floors are made from vinyl and photos of real types of wood. Many people use these false wood designs as an environmentally conscious decision or to replicate a material that is otherwise expensive.

Your Bathroom Flooring Options

Even though there are materials that you should avoid, you have plenty of choices when it comes to finding a floor type that works with your style, design objectives, and budget. Check out some of these options for creative design tips:

Stone

Stone is among the more expensive options, but it can create the luxurious look and feel of similar but more water damage-prone materials such as marble and limestone. In spite of the benefits of a luxurious look and feel, stone floors have their drawbacks: they are slippery and need to be retextured every so often to maintain traction. You can buy pieces of stone that are already textured, but you may end up spending more money. If you tile your bathroom floors with stone, make sure that you invest in some high-quality bathroom rugs since these surfaces can feel cold.

Ceramic Tiles

This type of flooring is inexpensive, durable, and water resistant: three important qualities for practicality and longevity. Installation is straightforward, and you can choose a variety of colors, styles, and shapes: square, rectangle, and hexagonal. Experiment with ceramic tiles to create unique and creative patterns in your bathroom. If you are looking for a do-it-yourself project, ceramic tiles are among your best options and are readily available. When shopping for ceramic tiles, make sure that you buy a couple of extras. If you drop something heavy, your tiles may crack or chip and can be difficult to fix. Years after you install your floors, you may have trouble finding the same or similar tiles, especially if you choose a unique color or design. Keep spares accessible to help with your repairs.

Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl tiles are ideal for people who are looking for quick and easy design projects. This option is moisture resistant and available in a variety of patterns and colors for easy coordination. If you're ambitious, you can tile your bathroom yourself, without the help of a professional, in a day or two. Save money on installation fees by doing this project yourself. Some vinyl tiles are available in sheets. You can customize sheets to meet a specific square footage for more efficient installation.

Glass Tiles

This type of flooring is ideal for people who have a creative design plan. You can use glass tiles to decorate almost every inch of your bathroom including your walls, shower, bathtub, and floor. They are water resistant and long lasting, and you can even "go green" by choosing recycled glass.If using glass tiles, it is advisable to tile your bathroom with small pieces in order to ensure that pressure is distributed evenly across your floor (you don't want to accidentally break a tile after stepping on it! That would be dangerous and disappointing!) Glass tiles will provide you with the perfect opportunity to design a fancy mosaic anywhere in your bathroom.
Mix and match a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to create a beautiful and unique style that is truly your own. Glass tiles are widely available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. You'll probably spend a little more than you would for traditional ceramic tiles, but you will have more opportunities for fun and creativity. Just make sure that you have a clear objective for what you want to accomplish, and remember to stay patient.

Synthetic Wood

In general, wood is not ideal for bathrooms since it is prone to water damage and difficult to install. If you want the look of wood but want to avoid the hassle of real wood, consider a synthetic material such as laminated flooring or engineered wood. This type of flooring looks like wood and has a hard, non-porous surface with glued edges. A plywood base will protect the surface from water damage. Engineered wood will look like the real deal: it strategically incorporates a type of photograph on the surface, so it will look like the wood that you are trying to replicate such as oak or redwood.