Bathroom furniture (like bathroom design in general) should be designed around the needs of the user(s). The installation must be practical, catering to the needs of those individuals who will most frequently use it.

Physical suitability is a major point to consider including: working available floor space, surface heights, ceiling to floor height and the likelihood of physical stress or impact damage. 

For instance, installing pre-fabricated bathroom units at a working height of 4ft if you are only 5ft tall would make a lot of sense. While it’s pretty obvious, it is something you have to consider, especially if you have small children.

Height considerations apply to bath surrounds, bases, frames, panels, sinks, shelves and any artificial floors (as well as shower tray bases).

Choosing Materials

Intended lifespan of your bathroom is also another important factor that is often neglected. Most people forget to question how long the installation is expected to last or which materials are going to be the most suitable and durable.

Material selection should be weighed up alongside aesthetic suitability: a large oak bench might be durable, but it would be an eyesore in most modern bathrooms. Besides this, woods with grains are not the most hygienic materials to use. They encourage bacterial growth, having crevices in which the bacteria breed. Woods are also prone to water absorption and mould.

Most of us want our bathrooms to look clean, tidy and presentable, but the most attractive materials and features aren’t always the most durable, appropriate or economical.

I would advise anyone who is deciding upon new bathroom furniture – to approach the design and choice of bathroom furniture primarily from a practical and functional perspective, and then to choose the most aesthetically pleasing from the available practical solutions.

In today’s market, there are hundreds of excellent ready made, pre-fabricated bathroom suites which can look first class if you have plenty of available space to work with.

Assuming expense is not your only concern, sink tops and bathroom units (and cabinets) are available in a vast number of colours, sizes, textures and shapes – In most cases there will be something that is suitable for you and your new bathroom.

Make a checklist

Consider what you want from your bathroom; Try and answer these questions before making a final decision about which materials you want to use:

• How much money do I have available?
• How often will I use the bathroom furniture?
• Who, apart from myself, will use the new bathroom installation regularly?
• What kind of bathroom furniture do I need?
• Will I retain any of my existing appliances?
• If so, will the new furniture clash or match?
• Are my choices suitable for them also?

While it might seem tedious and time consuming to answer these simple questions, it will mean that you have a solid and well thought through starting point before you start consideration your design options.

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