Customers are looking to maximise their storage in the bathroom to keep it clutter free and create a luxurious look – Sally Smith takes a look at the latest solutions on the market.
Successfully designed bathrooms have to provide a range of storage to store toiletries and the never ending collection of paraphernalia that accumulates in the bathroom. Using a combination of matching vanities and tall cabinets in a range of heights and dimensions is the key to making the most of every inch of space in the bathroom.
"As self-care becomes an increasing priority, we’re seeing the rise of the ‘spathroom’, with spaces designed with comfort and relaxation in mind," explains Steve Breen, VitrA UK MD. "Directing customers to bathroom ranges that have already been carefully curated to include both the sanitaryware and furniture is a great way to help them clearly visualise the final look and see the storage as not just functional but central to the design."
He adds: "It's worth talking to your customer about cupboards versus drawers – for example drawers make it easier to access items stored at the back. Tall units with pull-out storage shelves, which you more commonly see in kitchens, are also a great space maximiser. But do make sure there is ample space to open cupboard doors and drawers easily before finalising the design, especially if it is an awkward-shaped room."
It’s important to find out from customers what they will actually store in the bathroom so you can be sure to come up with the most practical and stylish solution.
Jorge Hernandez, product & design manager at Crosswater, adds: "Before planning any bathroom design, it’s important to identify the customers' storage needs and consider the type of furniture to incorporate into the space. For example a small area for toiletries may be enough and additional space might be needed to neatly store away toys and cleaning products might be a requirement for a family bathroom."
Hernandez adds: "Reduced depth items and corner options can make clever use of otherwise redundant spaces. If it’s a smaller space, wall-mounted furniture is the ideal solution giving the illusion of more room. Opting for extra tall wall units maximises all that wasted space left above conventional-height wall units, while tall sit-on units take advantage of space between the worktop and the wall units."
Fitted furniture is often the best solution for smaller bathrooms as it makes use of all the available space as well as alcoves in a larger space.
Helen Clark, head of marketing at Utopia, says: "We often recommend that fitted furniture is the best solution for awkward, cramped bathrooms as it streamlines the space and hides any unsightly features. Corner units and curved units are particularly helpful here to use all the available space, as are reduced depth units and sanitaryware. Working into the corners is always a good idea but there are others areas of wasted space in most bathrooms, such as the area above the toilet and above wall units. Try a tall unit above the toilet or on top of the worktop to use that gap between the base and wall units."
Wall-hung furniture tends to give a room more of a feeling of space, but some customers do prefer the more classic floorstanding look but ultimately it will depend on the dimensions of the bathroom.
Martin Carroll, MD of Duravit UK, explains: "A vanity unit can be used to hide unsightly pipe work, which immediately makes the area look less cluttered. Drawers with integrated inserts, boxes made of wood, are extremely practical solutions for storing and organising toiletries and soft-close drawers ensure that bottles and other items won’t fall over if the drawer is closed too hard. Some of our tall vanity units have narrow shelves within the doors. These are the ideal place to keep smaller items, such as bottles and jars that could get lost in a cabinet."
There is an increasing range of tall single-door cabinets or two-door centre units on the market with some now providing a USB charging point so customers can charge their phone while they shower.
Hardworking bathroom storage can not only be functional and provide a practical solution to keep bathrooms clutter free, but can be an integral part of creating a stylish and contemporary space.
