When planning a bathroom renovation, it’s easy to get caught up in colours, finishes and the latest design trends.
But some of the best upgrades aren’t necessarily the ones that make the biggest visual impact. They’re the features that make your bathroom more comfortable and convenient to use every single day.
Here are 10 bathroom upgrades worth considering.
1. Upgrade to a Skirted Toilet
Traditional toilets have exposed curves and crevices around the base that can be difficult to clean.
Skirted toilets feature smoother sides that conceal much of the complicated trapway design.
The result is a cleaner, streamlined appearance and fewer awkward areas to wipe down.
2. Consider a Wall-Hung Toilet
Wall-hung toilets create a modern, streamlined appearance while leaving the floor underneath open.
With no traditional toilet base sitting on the floor, cleaning becomes easier.
The concealed tank also creates a more minimalist look.
Keep in mind that wall-hung toilets require an appropriate in-wall carrier, access for servicing and additional installation planning.
3. Add a Handheld Showerhead
A handheld showerhead is one of the most versatile shower upgrades.
It’s useful for rinsing, cleaning, bathing children and washing pets.
An adjustable slide bar makes it even more practical for households with multiple users.
4. Upgrade Your Shower Controls
Consider a thermostatic shower valve to help maintain a more consistent water temperature.
Some systems also allow you to control water volume separately from temperature.
It’s a practical upgrade that can make your daily shower more comfortable.
5. Install a Heated Towel Rail
There’s nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a warm towel after a shower.
A heated towel rail adds comfort and can help towels dry between uses.
Check the model’s capacity, electrical requirements and appropriate installation location before purchasing.
6. Consider Heated Bathroom Flooring
Stepping onto a cold bathroom floor first thing in the morning isn’t exactly enjoyable.
Electric floor heating can add comfort, particularly during colder months.
If you’re planning new tile flooring, consider this upgrade before installation. Retrofitting heated flooring later can be much more disruptive.
7. Improve Your Bathroom Lighting
Good lighting makes a difference to both the appearance and functionality of your bathroom.
Consider combining ceiling lighting with dedicated mirror lighting.
Lighting on either side of the mirror, or well-designed integrated lighting, can provide more even illumination for everyday grooming.
Dimmers can also help create a softer atmosphere when bright lighting isn’t needed.
8. Add Under-Vanity Lighting
Low-level lighting beneath a floating vanity can create a beautiful visual effect.
It can also provide subtle illumination for nighttime bathroom visits without needing to turn on all the lights.
Motion-activated lighting is another option worth exploring.
9. Add More Convenient Towel Solutions
Think about how many towels your household uses.
A combination of towel bars, hooks, ladders and other towel accessories can make it easier to keep everything organized.
Plan their locations before the tile is installed so they end up exactly where you need them.
10. Plan for a Bidet or Washlet
Even if you’re not ready to install a bidet seat or smart toilet today, it’s worth considering whether you might want one in the future.
Plan for the required electrical outlet, water supply, clearances and compatible toilet shape.
A little advance planning can save considerable work later.
The Bottom Line
The best bathroom upgrades are the ones you’ll appreciate long after the renovation is finished.
At Vanity Mart, we offer a variety of toilets, shower systems, faucets, heated bathroom solutions, vanities and accessories to help make your bathroom work better for your everyday routine.
Come visit our Waterloo showroom and discover what’s possible.