subject: Once The Key Elements Of A New Bathroom- Bath Or Shower, Cabinets [print this page] Once the key elements of a new bathroom- bath or shower, cabinets, and toilet- are decided upon, its time to look at details. Bathroom taps, shower valves and accessories shouldnt be just an afterthought, because they are often the most ornate features and their look will influence the style of the whole room. Its also worth considering functionality and how easy they will be to clean.
Bathroom taps come in a stunning array of modes and materials. Metal, enamel, plastic or even wood can be used to create a very specific look and feel. The more formal, old fashioned styles are usually metal in whatever shape, and so are the hyper-modern, avant garde designs. High quality wood details can lend an almost nautical feel to a bathroom (although wood can be problematic in a wet environment), and single-piece moulded plastic designs are usually the easiest to clean. Have a close look at how the tap fittings sit on the sink surface, because thats always the place thats hardest to get really clean and grime will build up in inaccessible creases.
It is also worth considering how easy they are to use, especially for the very young and the elderly. Taps with longer crossbars or a single long bar are much easier for weak hands to open and close properly.
Shower valves should match the tap fittings, at least in finish- bright steel with bright steel, for example, even if they dont go together as a set. Again, the same considerations about easy use and tricky cleaning hotspots should be made. You also need to choose a showerhead unit, and decide how much functionality you want- just one spray pattern or more, for example. Water-saving, eco-friendly showerheads are also increasingly popular, and can save money on utility bills.
