When planning a classic bathroom to incorporate bathroom furniture, it is best to stick to white elements. The bathtub, basin, toilet, and shower should be white with preferably chrome or brass taps, shower fixtures, and pipes. 19th-century bathrooms, on which classic style is based, had either hand-decorated or embossed elements, To recreate this look, choose fixtures with softly sculptured rims and bases. Some freestanding slipper tubs and sit-baths have ball and-claw feet, for authentic style, and are easier to fit into small bathrooms than standard double ended tubs. Pull-chain toilets with cisterns supported on cast-iron brackets may add character but tend to have a noisy flush and take up too much space. Instead, opt for a traditional toilet design with a solid mahogany or plain white seat, and a cistern lever to match the fittings. The delicate proportions of porcelain lever and crosshead handle together with the bathroom furniture well-suited to small classic style bathrooms and are available for bathtubs, basins, and toilets. lf you have a compact shower unit, it is also possible to combine the latest technology with classic style by fitting thermostatically controlled valves that will shut off automatically in case of failure from the cold supply. Features such as pre-set temperature-limiting devices guarantee safety and comfort.
Restored originals
Attention to detail is important in a small bathroom where every element is noticed. Original 19th-century, Arts & Crafts, and Art Deco bathroom fixtures are highly prized by house renovators and, although expensive, make all the difference in a small space. Badly worn accessories may be stripped, polished, and replaced to restore their original luster. A good supplier will help you with the change in pipe sizes, to enable old fixtures to be installed in modern homes. Plumbing codes have also changed and, before purchasing, check that your plumber can bring old pieces up to modern standards.
Small bathrooms: modern
The principles of planning a small bathroom are the same as for any other, but require greater ingenuity to apply successfully. Fortunately, many modern bathroom fittings have evolved as a result of the increased pressure on space, and these offer comfort without compromise. Make the most of the low-profile and recessed fittings and clever storage solutions so you can include more than just the bare essentials in your plans.
Finding space
A small bathroom can be sited in a range of locations around the home. The most popular option is to take an area from a large or awkwardly shaped bedroom to create an en-suite shower and toilet. Attic, cellar, landing and even under-stair areas all offer the potential for conversion. Minimise disruption by installing the new bathroom close to existing water and waste pipework. Waste pipes from basins, showers, and tubs can be hidden relatively easily under floorboards or between cavity and stud walls, but the large diameter of toilet wastes poses a greater problem if you hope to use a cellar or internal room where the pipe cannot be easily concealed. Toilets with macerator units are worth considering as they can flush waste through smaller bore pipes. These are noisy, however, so take this into consideration when planning the site.