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Attention to detail with the finishing touches can bring out the best in your bathroom
Whether you are looking to create a traditional period style or modern sleek contemporary
Look there is a vast range of bathroom accessories to choose from.
Toilet Accessories
Toilet roll holders come in a variety of shapes , sizes and styles, including horizontal and vertical designs. Fixing can vary from shown mechanical fixings to hidden mechanical fixings or self adhesive versions. The more traditional style of toilet roll holder is with the horizontal wall plate whilst a more contemporary look may incorporate a vertical design. Stylish spare toilet roll holders are available allowing the toilet rolls to be neatly stacked.
Toilet brushes and holders are available as traditional freestanding versions or contemporary wall fixed versions. Wall fixed versions have the advantage of not being knocked over and also allow easy floor cleaning.
Toilet seats can be oval, circular or square. If you are choosing a replacement toilet seat ensure the chosen shape matches that of the toilet design and that the hinges are correct for whether you have a wall hung, back to wall or closed coupled toilet. Toilet seats with soft close hinges are a great idea for gentle quiet closing and work very well with contemporary designs.
Bathroom Mirrors
A necessary addition to any bathroom, a good mirror is both stylish and functional. They can be used as a method of enhancing the light into a bathroom and creating the illusion of more space in a small bathroom. Framed mirrors may suit a traditional style bathroom whilst an unframed bevel edged mirror may suit a more contemporary style, a rectangular design also offers the option of being hung vertically or horizontally. Many bathrooms mirrors are now designed not to mist up and with so many options now available the addition of LED lights can make a mirror ideal for applying make up and magnifying mirrors are ideal for shaving purposes.
Towel Rails Hooks and Rings
Hang your towels with style in a fashion that keeps your bathroom looking smart and allows your towels to dry. Towel rings are ideal for hand towels and can be fitted neatly into small spaces. The circular shape towel rings work well in traditional style bathrooms. Towel rails are better for hanging large towels a single rail may work well in an en suite bathroom whilst double rails are ideal for a large family bathroom. Hooks fixed to the back of a door are ideal for small bathrooms.
Shelves, Stands and Baskets
Storage helps keep a bathroom neat and tidy, shelves offer a simple solution for storing shaving accessories, shower and hand washing lotions and cosmetics yet keeping them all within easy reach. A glass shelf may enhance a contemporary style bathroom whilst a wire design may suit a traditional period style bathroom. Corner style wire baskets are ideal for showers with the wire construction ensuring that the water drains a way easily. Bath baskets can be great for keeping all items to hand whilst enjoying a relaxing soak.
Soap Dishes, Dispensers , Trays
Soap dish holders are ideal for keeping baths and basins clean and clutter free. Wall fixed soap dishes have the advantage of not sliding around in a wet environment and a removable dish is ideal for keeping clean.
Toothbrush Holders, Tumblers
Toothbrush holders can be a simply design of a tumbler or tumblers inside a holder fixed to the wall or a more ornate fully designed toothbrush holder which can be freestanding or wall fixed. Drinking glasses/tumblers are also available as freestanding or wall fixing versions.
Grab Rails
Can be installed in showers or on walls to provide extra help and support where needed. Some models have an integrated basket for keeping soaps and gels close to hand.
Whether you are looking to create a luxurious period bathroom or sleek contemporary style bathroom the technology of today offers a more extensive range of bathroom showers than ever before. From economical electric showers, power showers, mixer showers and through to remote controlled digital showers and tower showers.
Before choosing your shower we recommend you establish what type of water pressure system you have, seeking professional help may make the selection of a suitable shower easier. We always recommend your chosen shower is installed by an experienced plumber.
The types of water system are as follows
Gravity Systems
Use a cold water tank normally located in the roof space of the property together with a hot water cylinder. Gravity systems can produce low water pressure systems, dependant on the distance from your shower head to the cold water tank. Low water pressure systems can be aided by the addition of a shower pump.
Combi Systems
Combi boilers use cold water supplied from the mains and heat water as it is required. As the water being used is direct from the mains supply the pressure is usually fairly high, allowing a wide range of shower choice.
Unvented Pressure System
An unvented pressure system uses pressurised water feed into a main cylinder. The water is then heated by an immersion heater or boiler under high pressure allowing large volumes of hot water to be supplied.
Our comprehensive guide outlines the different types of showers available.
Electric Showers
Operate by connecting the shower unit to a cold water supply and heat the water as it passes through the shower unit making them more economical to use. The power of electric showers is generally between 8.5kW and 10.5kW, the higher the kW value the more powerful the shower. Thermostatic electric showers help reduce the problem of increased water temperature when the cold water supply is used elsewhere in the property.
Power Showers
Designed to work with gravity fed or low pressure water system. Combines water from hot and cold water supplies and uses a built in pump to strengthen the water flow and provide an invigorating shower. Also provides good control over the temperature and pressure. Power showers use more water than electric showers, a consideration if your property has a water meter.
Mixer Showers
Mixer showers combine hot and cold water supplies so a combi boiler or immersion heater is needed to provide ready heated water. Always check your chosen mixer works with your water pressure system. Some mixers are designed to use with any system whilst others are for either a high or low pressure system. If your home has a low pressure system you could consider buying a separate shower pump to increase the flow. Some mixers have the valves concealed in the wall giving them a streamlined look. Thermostatic shower mixers do a better job of regulating the water temperature and some have an automatic cut out feature should the water rise above a certain temperature, making them ideal for young children and the elderly.
Digital Showers
Digital showers are the latest innovation in shower design and technology. Some have a separate wireless control unit gives you complete control
over both temperature and water flow. Allowing you to programme the shower to your own personal preferences. Other features offered by some digital showers include LCD displays and colour coded lights that let you know when the desired water temperature has been reached before you enter the shower.
Panel/Tower Showers
Panel or tower showers add a luxurious and striking feature to any bathroom. The shower panel can incorporate different shower heads, body jets and controls into one unit, allowing you to choose from an invigorating shower or a more gentle relaxed shower.
Shower Heads & Accessories
A wide choice of shower heads is available from fixed single heads through to riser rails with a hand held shower head. Many single shower heads are a bulbous shape and usually have a number of spouts that are adjustable to either widen or thin the water spray. Riser Rails with a hand held shower head provide height adjustment and great mobility a popular choice for family bathrooms. The rain shower fixed head style and ceiling mounted shower heads produce an encapsulating water spray and may appeal to those wishing to create a more luxurious showering experience.
Shower Trays
With bathrooms coming in so many variations choosing the size and shape of your shower tray will have an influence on your shower enclosure and door opening and impact on your bathroom space. See our separate guide on shower trays.
Shower Enclosures
The vast range of shower enclosures available creates a wide choice with designs to suit most bathroom shapes and sizes, from small en-suite bathrooms to larger bathrooms with walk in showers or a wet room. Square and rectangular shapes suit geometrical designs, whilst standard and offset quadrants create a softness to your design. Sliding door enclosures are ideal for small bathrooms or where space saving is desired. The frameless hinged door type are ideal for creating a contemporary style.
Shower Pumps
Used to help boost water flow to your shower. We offer a range including quiet noise reduction pumps and single, twin and universal outlet pumps to suit different shower types.
Finding the right taps for your bathroom is essential to achieving your desired look and finish. At Plumb Warehouse we are able to offer a great range of taps from traditional styles to contemporary art – deco designs with all types of taps from standard pillar taps to free standing bath taps and waterfall taps.
Traditional taps produce a timeless classic look and are available in different finishes to help achieve that period look.
Contemporary taps are tailored for the more modern luxurious look and with our range either a clean sleek line or more diverse look can be achieved.
Before deciding on the taps for your bathroom we recommend you find out the water pressure for your property and the type of water system installed, seeking professional advice may make the selection of the correct tap easier. We always recommend that your chosen tap is installed by an experienced plumber.
Our comprehensive guide outlines the many alternatives available.
Basin Taps
If you are replacing the taps to an existing bathroom suite the number of holes in the basin will dictate the taps to choose. A new basin opens up the choices depending on the style and design you wish to create.
Basin Pillar Taps
For many years the most traditional option. A pair of taps for hot and cold water available in a range of designs and finishes.
Monobloc Basin Mixer
A single body mixes hot and cold water at the turn of a handle providing a fast and easy way of reaching the desired temperature. More traditional monobloc mixers incorporate hot and cold controls whilst more modern single lever versions create a more contemporary look, well suited to households with a medium to high water pressure and good for bathrooms with limited space.
Three Hole Basin Mixers
A central spout that is feed by two tap valves. Combines the traditional feel and control of pillar taps with a single spout.
Waterfall Basin Taps
Add that luxurious feel to your bathroom with a waterfall basin tap. The open spout produces a stream of water to fill your basin with a contemporary design.
Wall Mounted Basin Taps
Used with hidden pipe work, available in traditional and contemporary styles some have the controls and spout fitted direct to the wall and others have a back plate attached.
Washbowl/High Rise Basin Mixers
Contemporary design tall and elegant for that ultra modern look. For use with free standing washbowls and basins.
Bath Taps
With many options to choose from to produce your desired style and look.
Bath Pillar Taps
The most traditional option. A pair of taps for hot and cold water available in a range of designs and finishes.
Bath Mounted Shower Mixer
Allows for a shower to be fitted above a bath, a great space saving option. Available in traditional and contemporary styles. Traditional style has the shower handset resting in a cradle. A diverter switch changes the water flow from bath to shower. Four piece mixers are available consisting of two tap valves a separate spout and separate hand shower a bath may need an additional hole drilling to accommodate .
Bath Mounted Filler Taps
Available as a monobloc filler with a single control for hot and cold water flow, or a unit with separate hot and cold controls with a central spout. A three piece bath filler is two tap valves and a separate spout. Can be mounted on either the end or side of the bath.
Bath Mounted Waterfall Taps
Add that spa like feel to your bathroom with a waterfall tap producing a luxurious stream of water to fill your bath. Contemporary style to enhance the modern bathroom.
Bath Free Standing Taps
For free standing baths with no tap-holes. Available in a modern sleek contemporary design or a traditional design for that period look. Free standing taps can be positioned at the end of the bath or the side to create a focal point.
Wall Mounted Bath Fillers
Can be used for baths without space for mounted taps or where hidden pipework is preferred. Available with different options. Two hole wall mounted fillers can be either separate hot and cold water controls into a single spout or one control for the hot and cold water into a separate spout. Three hole wall mounted fillers have individual valves for the hot and cold feed into a single spout
Wall Mounted Shower Mixers
As with wall mounted bath fillers, wall mounted shower mixers can be used for baths without space for mounted taps or where hidden pipework is preferred. Available in traditional and contemporary styles with different controls to alter the water flow from bath to shower.
Bidet Taps
Most bidets have a single tap hole and are suited to a mixer tap with either a single or dual control.
Single Lever Bidet Taps
With one single control for water flow and (hot and cold) temperature control giving a more contemporary sleek look.
Dual Lever Bidet Taps
With separate hot and cold controls with a single spout available in traditional and contemporary styles.
Water Saving Taps
A great way to save money and help protect the environment. Water saving taps are designed with water flow limiting valves or aerators to regulate the flow of the water. Ceramic Disc Technology is the modern replacement for the rubber washer and provides greater control over the flow of water and increases the efficiency of the tap. They are also designed for long life and rarely need to be replaced. Some water saving taps have water temperature limiters to help reduce energy consumption.
Wastes
Where not supplied with the tap chosen we offer a range of wastes in chain or pop up styles for basins, baths and bidets.
There is a vast range of shower enclosures available and whether it is a traditional or contemporary style bathroom you wish to create there are a few variables you may wish to consider.
Size of Shower Enclosures
Making sure that you have the correct size of shower enclosure can save unwanted and unnecessary issues. A great way to make sure your size is correct is to mark the length and width on the bathroom floor or if you are replacing an existing shower enclosure with one the same size take the dimensions from the current one. Shower enclosures can range in size from a compact 700mm for small bathrooms up to 1600mm for luxurious three sided enclosures and walk in wet rooms.
Shapes of Shower Enclosures
Square, rectangular, quadrants and offset quadrants help create the ideal style for your bathroom.
Quadrant Shower Enclosures
Great for small bathrooms fit neatly into a corner without intruding into the bathroom. The quadrant shape offers a good showering space and sliding doors to the shower enclosure help maximise the space saving.
Offset or Extended Quadrant Shower Enclosures
Ideal for corners in larger bathrooms provides extra showering space and the curved shape works well with curved baths. Using sliding doors allows the extra showering space whilst saving space in the bathroom.
Square Shower Enclosures
Square shower enclosures offer both practicality and style to a bathroom . Can be positioned in corners , alcoves or centrally and the range of sizes makes it a suitable choice for both small and large bathrooms. The square shape works well with both traditional and contemporary styles.
Rectangular Shower Enclosures
Due to their larger size rectangular shower enclosures are normally used in more spacious bathrooms. Positioned centrally they can produce a great feature and are suited to geometric designs.
Shower Enclosures Styling
When choosing your shower enclosure you may wish to consider the following
Frameless Shower Enclosures
A frameless shower enclosure has no visible frame. Great for a modern contemporary look and available in many shapes and sizes.
3 Sided Shower Enclosures
3 sided shower enclosures utilize a straight wall as there forth side. Best used for a middle wall shower enclosure placement
Corner Entry Shower Enclosure
Great for use with square and rectangular shower enclosures provides practicality with style.
Walk in Shower Enclosure
Walk in shower enclosures with their door less designs make entering and exiting easy whilst providing a modern contemporary look and are ideally suited to the larger more spacious bathroom.
Shower Enclosure Doors
When choosing a shower enclosure it is important to consider the type of door to ensure your bathroom is both functional and stylish.
Sliding Shower Enclosure Doors
Ideal for use on quadrant shower enclosures, great for space saving in a small bathroom.
Hinged/Pivot Shower Enclosure Doors
Work well with square and rectangular shower enclosures and are ideal for the larger bathroom being outward opening ensure there is plenty of space.
Bi- Fold Shower Enclosure Doors
Bi-Fold shower enclosure doors are good for both square and rectangular shower enclosures as they provide the space saving required for many smaller bathrooms.
We hope this guide will have helped you in making your choice of shower enclosure a little easier.
Choosing a shower tray may appear to be a simple decision, however your choice may impact upon the space and effect of the bathroom and the shower enclosure you wish to install. Whether it is a traditional or contemporary style bathroom being created there are a few variables that need considering when choosing a Shower tray. The shape, the size and the height are all to be considered and we hope this guide will help you find the most suitable for you bathroom.
Shapes of Shower Trays
Square, rectangular, quadrants and extended quadrants shower trays help create the ideal style for your bathroom.
Square Shower Trays
The great advantage of square shower trays is that they can be positioned in corners, alcoves or centrally on a wall. The range of sizes available makes it a suitable choice for both small and large bathrooms. The square shape also works with traditional or contemporary style bathrooms.
Rectangle Shower Trays
Due to the larger size rectangular shower trays are normally used in more spacious bathrooms.
Positioned centrally they can be used to produce a great feature and can also be used for walk in shower enclosures for a minimalist contemporary style.
Quadrant Shower Trays
The ideal solution for many small bathrooms a quadrant shower tray will fit neatly into a corner without intruding into the bathroom. The shape of the quadrant shower tray not only provides a good showering space but when used with a shower enclosure that has sliding doors makes for a great space saver.
Extended or Offset Quadrant Shower Trays
An extended quadrant shower tray is ideal for corners in a larger bathroom and they are available in left and right handed versions . The larger quadrant provides a generous showering space and the curved shape works well with curved baths.
Height of Shower Trays
High/Easy Plumb
The advantage of high/easy plumb shower trays is that they sit on a set of adjustable legs providing extra space for plumbing to be installed at an economical price and remain hidden from view. A slight disadvantage is that they create a step up which may not be suitable for the elderly.
Standard
Standard shower trays normally have a height of approximately 80mm .
Low Profile
When used in a contemporary minimalist bathroom they help produce the look of a wet room approximately 45 mm in height.
Shower trays are available in a vast range of sizes and finishes and hopefully we have one to suit your chosen shape and height
Towel warmers are a great multi functional addition to any bathroom, ideal for providing warmth to a bathroom whilst drying and warming towels ready for use as you step out of the shower or bath.
For small bathrooms and en suite bathrooms a single towel warmer may be ideal, whilst in a larger bathroom the addition of a towel warmer to an existing system or as a stand alone item may be the best option.
Before choosing your towel warmer it is best to establish the BTU required , the higher the BTU the more powerful and effective your heater will be.
The wall space available may also affect your choice however there is a vast range available. Flat towel warmers are slim line making them ideal for smaller spaces, curved towel warmers are better suited to large bathrooms where the extra space makes it easier to hang a large number of towels.
Ladder style towel warmers are good for hanging multiple towels however they may not be the best choice for family bathrooms where small children may put their hands onto the hot towel warmer.
Considering when and how often the towel warmer will be used may help your final choice. A dual fuel option can be great for the summer allowing the towel warmer to be used without having to use rest of the heating system, however remember you will need both plumbing and a mains electrical supply for this option. If you are choosing a towel warmer for use with an existing plumbed hot water system the addition of thermostatic valves may help. Electric only towel warmers can have thermostatic controls to help maintain room temperature levels and anti freeze functions helping prevent damage from frozen pipes.
Towel warmers are available in a range of shapes and sizes to suit either traditional or contemporary bathroom styles and finishes include stylish chrome or traditional white. We recommend your chosen towel warmer is fitted by a professional plumber or electrician.
What ever style of towel warmer you are looking for we hope you will find in our comprehensive range.
Underfloor heating offers an alternative to standard radiator based heating systems whether just for a single room or multi room application. Underfloor heating is an extremely efficient way of heating floors producing an even radiant heat. The heat generated is felt quicker than other heating systems and is evenly spread across the floor. Underfloor heating also helps with space saving allowing wall space to be freed up and providing clear clean lines to a room.
When looking to install underfloor heating it is important to ensure that the heat produced exceeds that of the heat loss for the area required if being used in a large area or in a conservatory this may require a heat loss calculation and we recommend this be carried out by a heating engineer.
There are two types of underfloor heating
Wet Type
Wet types of underfloor heating systems take warm water from an existing central heating system and feed it through plastic pipes that are laid onto a sub floor before a new surface flooring is installed.
Loose Wire Type/Electric Mat
Loose wire and electric mats do the same job. Mat systems are more suited to larger, regular floor spaces. A loose wire is evenly spaced and taped into a glass fiber mesh, some mats have a self adhesive backing to help hold them in position.
Loose wire underfloor heating systems are ideal for use in irregular shaped rooms and are easier to run around obstructions such as toilets and shower trays. Loose wire systems are used with ceramic or natural stone flooring. A tough thin insulated wire is laid in an appropriate pattern and the new flooring laid over the top.
Flooring mats have different output ratings depending on the level of heat required and the use of insulation boards helps prevent heat loss to the sub floor and increase heat up time. Loose wire and heating mats both have a connection lead for attaching the required thermostat and we recommend your thermostat is fitted by a qualified electrician.
Thermostats
Thermostats range from the simple manual type, to time programmable thermostats , up to ultra modern Wi-Fi thermostats that can be controlled from a smart phone and also monitor energy usage and cost .
Whether using underfloor heating as primary heating or to simply keep the chill off. Our range caters for all.
Rainwater is naturally soft but as it percolates through the ground any Chalk or limestone it passes through it creates hard water a problem that affects large parts of the UK.
Visible signs of hard water in the bathroom can be linked to;
Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium and certain other minerals in the hard water normally by passing the hard water through a bed of tiny resin beads which are charged with sodium ions. The hardness minerals are exchanged with harmless sodium ions , in a process called ion exchange. Once the beads are covered with calcium and magnesium , a brine solution is used to wash them away and reintroduce sodium ions this is called regeneration.
Soft water then provides the benefit of extending the life of your plumbing and can Contribute towards saving money on hot water bills. Other benefits of soft water in your bathroom include savings on soaps, shampoos and conditioners. The soft water silky feeling making for a more luxurious bathing experience.
Water Softeners are available in a range of sizes and many recommend the number of people or size of household they are designed for. They can also be available for either 15mm or 22mm pipework and some are supplied with fittings for both sizes of pipework.
Water Softeners are connected to the household plumbing system normally close to the incoming mains to ensure all parts of the home benefit from the softened water. We always recommend that your water softener is fitted by a professional installer.
Many modern water softeners are small and compact ideal for fitting inside a kitchen unit or utility room. With many sizes available we hope you will find one from our comprehensive range.
Rainwater is naturally soft but as it percolates through the ground any Chalk or limestone it passes through it creates hard water a problem that affects large parts of the UK.
Visible signs of hard water in the bathroom can be linked to;
Water softeners remove calcium and magnesium and certain other minerals in the hard water normally by passing the hard water through a bed of tiny resin beads which are charged with sodium ions. The hardness minerals are exchanged with harmless sodium ions , in a process called ion exchange. Once the beads are covered with calcium and magnesium , a brine solution is used to wash them away and reintroduce sodium ions this is called regeneration.
Soft water then provides the benefit of extending the life of your plumbing and can Contribute towards saving money on hot water bills. Other benefits of soft water in your bathroom include savings on soaps, shampoos and conditioners. The soft water silky feeling making for a more luxurious bathing experience.
Water Softeners are available in a range of sizes and many recommend the number of people or size of household they are designed for. They can also be available for either 15mm or 22mm pipework and some are supplied with fittings for both sizes of pipework.
Water Softeners are connected to the household plumbing system normally close to the incoming mains to ensure all parts of the home benefit from the softened water. We always recommend that your water softener is fitted by a professional installer.
Many modern water softeners are small and compact ideal for fitting inside a kitchen unit or utility room. With many sizes available we hope you will find one from our comprehensive range.
