Bathroom Hardware & Accessories Galore

Bathrooms are changing in lots of ways, from free-standing bathtubs to an incredible selection of bathroom hardware. If you've been thinking about remodeling a bathroom, take time to research what's most important to you. That's because you don't have unlimited space and most of us don't have an unlimited budget.

You'll spend most of your budget on the big items. So you'll want to start out deciding which features to splurge on – maybe a standalone bathtub or an oversize shower? Then you can spend less on the other big items – the vanity, countertop, sinks, flooring and lighting.

But there's more to a bathroom. You need hardware that's coordinated plus accessories to make the time you spend in your bathroom comfortable.

Bathroom Hardware

Bathroom fixtures come in many different styles, made from a growing list of materials. You can find faucets made from chrome, nickel, bronze, brass, stainless steel and lower cost finishes like zinc and plastic. A search will typically start with either your sink faucet(s) or one of the new shower rain heads.

Here are the things you want to consider:

Faucet style and finish materials as that's what you see.
Faucet body materials as metal parts will last longer than plastic.
Check on moving parts as the best valves are made from ceramic or bronze.
Safety factors as even lead-free brass may leach lead into your water (read: Comparing Bathroom Fixture Metals).
Balance initial cost versus future repair/replacement costs.

And cost is where things get interesting. You might be willing to pay extra for a terrific faucet but if you're picking a high end finish, you need to consider the cost of all your bathroom hardware:

Sink faucets with one or three pieces per sink.
Drain pop-up(s) for sinks and bathtubs are normally chrome or do you want them to match?
Vanity hardware for doors and/or drawers can run up to 7 or more knobs and/or pulls.
Should mirrors and light fixtures over the vanity match?
Toilets and bidets have visible hardware.
Bathtubs and showers have lots of hardware, from the controls to the shower head. And today many homeowners opt for multiple shower heads and/or a hand-held shower head.
Toilet paper and towel hardware should match too!

Once you understand how to estimate the total cost of bathroom hardware, you're ready to go shopping and if your budget permits, add a few fun accessories.

Bathroom Accessories

The most practical way to decorate your bathroom is with towels in your favorite colors because they're easy to change over time. If you decide to paint your bathroom, a satin or semi-gloss finish on the walls will work best. There are shower curtains and window treatments but what types of accessories might you enjoy using?

Note: You can find lots of these accessories on Amazon or websites focusing on bathrooms, like Signature Signature Hardware.

Want to relax in the shower after a long day at work? With today's walk-in-showers, a shower seat might be perfect.
Maybe you'd rather read a book in the bathtub with a glass of wine? There are lots of new shelves to help you do just that. They'll hold a book or almost any type of electronic device (but don't get it wet).

Maybe you'd like more storage in your bathroom. Space permitting, you can add a cabinet – tall for more storage and shorter for more visual space.
You might even have room for a laundry hamper so everyone leaves their dirty clothes in one place or it doesn't get washed.