Warming Up Your Bath With These Simple Tips

What could be more luxurious in winter than a warm bathroom? Happily, almost anyone can achieve this luxury without sacrificing period style or overrunning your budget. Many of the most desirable options are also the most affordable. For instance, plug-in electric towel warmers can be had for under $150, whereas overhead rain shower fixtures start at around $60. You can find a good pressure-balance mixer for as little as $200. However, if you have money to spend, you can find luxuries such as jetted pedestal tubs and steam shower systems that will set you back a few thousand dollars.

Today’s towel warmers and radiators come in two basic styles. There’s the traditional round tube shape and the flat-panel “Euro” style. If you’re dealing with a smaller space, a great option is a tubular towel-warming basket, which can be mounted to keep your hot fluffy towels within easy reach.

Every towel warmer will generate heat, but some of the more powerful hard-wired versions can rightly be considered radiators. Even the inexpensive electric models that put out 100 watts or so are a wonderful addition to your bathroom. Not only do they dry the towels, but they also reduce dampness and mildew in the room. The more powerful hard-wired electric or hydronic towel radiators will easily heat a larger space if they’re sized and placed properly. If you’re worried about safety, neither version gets too hot to touch. Electric towel warmers only reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas hydronics range between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on how hot you keep the system. These radiators can provide your bathroom with zoned heating.

A good dealer will help you find a unit to match the needs of your space. You need to take into consideration the amount of tile or stone, the type and location of existing heat sources such as steam radiators or forced air, and the number of windows. For those of you will really tiny bathrooms that won’t even fit a small towel warmer, you can probably find room along the baseboard to put a couple of horizontal radiator panels.

Most important, however, is the water in the bath or shower. Especially if you are upgrading the shower anyway, be sure to install a pressure-balanced or thermostatic mixing valve. Pressure-balance valves are less costly and simpler, keeping the water pressure in the shower constant and preventing sudden fluctuations in water temperature, as often occurs when the toilet is flushed, for instance.

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated system, then consider a thermostatic valve, which mixes hot and cold water to fairly precise temperatures (within one degree Celsius of the setting). These valves regulate fluctuations in the incoming water pressure as well.

These truly luxurious valves go for at least $1,000, although you can certainly spend more. No matter your décor, you can find a valve that fits beautifully in your bathroom. Many of these mixers are available in suites that include period-inspired shower heads and cross-handled knobs or levers. Higher-end valves even come with memory settings, allowing each family member to choose and record a preferred shower temperature.

If you are a shower lover who can’t get enough humidity in winter, consider a steam shower. Installing one usually involves a major retrofit. You will need a spot for the generator, and you may have to make modifications for the steam shower doors. On the upside, you’ll use very little water for a twenty-minute steam: only about two gallons. But be prepared. A basic system (including generator, steam head, and temperature controls) starts at about $3,000. Once you’ve added any extras such as stereo speakers, light, and aromatherapy packages, the price will go up.

Do you prefer an old-fashioned tub for your bath? Prices for reproduction roll-top designs with claw feet start at about $1,000 for either cast iron or the more environmentally friendly acrylic. Unsurpassed for soaking, these deep tubs also come in double-ended styles that accommodate two, or multiple children. With the claw feet available in different styles and finishes, you can choose a tub that will complement any décor. If you’re looking at high-end options, you can find custom-made tubs in copper, steel, marble, and even teak.

If you’d prefer a traditional tub that also accommodates a water- or air-jet system, your best option is a pedestal or Roman tub. The skirt will conceal the tubes and motor. Any bathtub can be turned into a home spa with strategically placed jets. Do expect to pay upward of $4,000 for a fully equipped air-jet tub.

Avo Barsoumian has been in the home flooring and interior design industry for over 25 years. He owns and operates a flooring company in Orange County. The carry the best in elegant hardwood flooring, beautiful laminate flooring and plush carpeting. Searching for floor carpets for your new condo or floating wood floors to makeover your older house? Then Carpet Wagon carries everything you need.

Decorating 101: Bathrooms

Do you have a bathroom that feels small and cramped? There are many possible ways to make your bathroom feel more spacious and less cramped. This article will give you tips and ideas that will help you go from a small cramped room to a room that you can appreciate.

By changing the color, lighting and a few other things, your bathroom can be transformed without adding to the square footage. Whether you want your bathroom to look cozy and inviting or elegant, it can all be accomplished with a miniscule amount of changes.

Pale Colors Open Up a Room
This does not mean that you need to paint your bathroom white, but instead that light, pastel colors make space appear larger visually. If you have lighter colored floors try a dark one. Soft shades of peach, cream or any other light colors should be used for the walls. Darker, bolder colors should be used for smaller accents such as towel holders or artwork for the walls. It is preferable for the top of your vanity, as well as the doors underneath, to be light colored. This can be easily achieved with little paint for wooden cabinet doors. If towels are used as décor, light shades that compliment the room should be chosen.

Bring More Light In
An area can be opened up and brightened visually by adding light to it. Wall sconces can be considered for additional sources of lighting in a bath, so can recessed lighting in the ceiling or a small lamp for the vanity. If you have the means for a skylight, consider purchasing one in order to allow natural light to brighten up the room.

If It Takes Up Space, Take It Out!
Many times people will have extra shelving in order to hold vanity items like cotton balls or towels. Objects that protrude into the room often detract from an open and spacious look. Removing shelving and other units of storage should be considered; items stored in them can easily be moved into a linen closet or be put under your vanity. Removing clutter, to find that the room looks larger, will amaze you.

Expand With Mirrors
It has been known for a long time that mirrors reflect light, and this will help any room appear larger. The color and design of the bath can easily be reflected by simply replacing the mirror over the vanity with a larger one. Do you need to use a single, large mirror? No, you can just as well use several attractively arranged mirrors in order to add interest and reflect light. Expanding the boundaries of the room can be easily accomplished by placing another mirror on a separate wall, if space allows.

Clutter always looks messy and, no matter the room, will visually diminish the area. The same holds true for your bathroom. Removing clutter means a more streamlined and cleaner look in the room. You should remove clutter on the vanity by storing away smaller items such as toothpaste, lotions, and deodorant in order to free up space. Make sure to put these ideas to use if you want to make you bathroom look as if it has doubled in size!

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been part of the furniture and interior decorating  business for 40 years. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in Los Angeles. They have a large inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, dining room and living room. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for oak dining sets for your dining room and kitchen nook  or tv stands for your living room or media basement then they carry everything you need.