Creating a modern, luxurious bathroom is achievable with a wet room, a waterproof space that offers a contemporary look. While it can be a significant investment, there are ways to design one within a budget. Here are some tips on planning and installing a wet room that suits your financial constraints.
When preparing and planning for a wet room, the quality of the waterproof surfaces is paramount. Ensuring that floors and walls are stable and clean is crucial. Planning should consider space, flooring, and amenities such as heating. Given the precision required, consulting a professional might be beneficial.
Installation involves careful planning, particularly focusing on elements like the shower drain, enclosure, tiles, shower head, painting, and decorating. Proper drainage with a sloping floor is essential, and a plumber may be needed for installation. The shower enclosure should account for the flooring slope and access. Tiles are vital for both aesthetics and durability, with various styles and colours available. Neutral paint colours offer a timeless look, while bold hues can add personality. Accessories like shelving can enhance the design cost-effectively. Heating options include radiators or underfloor heating.
Wet room floors should slope towards the drain to avoid water damage and remain clean. If the existing waste pipe is improperly installed, a plumber’s assistance will be required. Walk-in shower enclosures are often the focal point, and their selection should consider all aspects of the wet room, including drainage and access. Accurate measurements and ideal location placement are crucial, especially in small bathrooms.
Tiling significantly impacts the wet room’s look. Budget constraints can be managed by using cheaper tiles for most of the room and more expensive ones for decorative purposes. Durable and easy-to-clean tiles are recommended, available in a range of styles, colours, and finishes. Matte finishes offer a subtle look, while glossy ones add elegance and reflect light. Textured finishes provide a unique, tactile element.
Selecting a shower head should complement the overall bathroom design, matching the walls and floors, and enhancing the visual appeal. Various shower heads offer different water settings, enhancing the showering experience.
Neutral colours like brown, beige, and grey provide a timeless look, but a pop of colour can elevate the space. Painting each wall with a new coat can refresh the room’s appearance.
Wet rooms offer more design choices compared to standard showers due to their open plan. Different tile colours, materials, and finishes can reflect personal style. Accessories like wall shelving can add elegance and practicality without breaking the bank. Heating options, such as regular radiators or underfloor heating, are also important considerations.
Installing a wet room provides a modern, customisable option that requires less cleaning and maintenance than traditional bathrooms. They offer a sleek, sophisticated look, ideal for contemporary design enthusiasts. Full personalisation is possible, allowing you to tailor every aspect to your preferences, from the shower tray and drain to the tiles, heating, lighting, and accessories. While installation requires careful attention to detail, it is often quicker than fitting a traditional bathroom due to the streamlined design and absence of bulky fixtures.
Wet rooms are low maintenance, staying clean with minimal effort. Regular maintenance of the floor, shower drain, and overall area is still necessary, but cleaning will be less frequent compared to traditional bathrooms.
A wet room can transform your bathroom into a modern, luxurious space with careful planning and thoughtful design. Despite the initial investment, the benefits of easy maintenance, full customisation, and contemporary appeal make it a worthwhile project.
Norcros plc (LON:NXR) is a leading B2B producer of branded bathroom and kitchen products for its UK, South African and selected export markets. The portfolio of eleven operating companies (7 UK, 3 South Africa) is characterised by strong individual brands, together providing product breadth and channel diversity from a strong supply chain base.
