If you have young ones at home, it is natural for you to want to keep them safe while in the house. This usually means making it impossible for them to access dangerous items, particularly when they reach an age where they can crawl. Typically, most parents focus on the living room and bedroom when doing child-proofing. However, you should also remember that the bathroom houses many things that could easily harm a child. It would be wise to include the bathrooms in your child-proofing strategy, as you can be sure that they will wander into the bathrooms if they can. Some of the steps you can take to make the area safer for them include:
Seal electrical outlets
An obvious plan would be to make electrical outlets inaccessible to the child. You can use specially made accessories for this. When buying them, you should make sure that they fit your bathroom electrical outlets (which may be different from the outlets in the rest of the house) and that they are reliable. It should not be easy for the child to remove the cover as this would beat the point of getting them in the first place.
Keep electrical appliances away
These days, bathrooms can have many electrical appliances including hair dryers, shavers, curling irons and more. Some of these may need to be plugged into an electrical outlet for them to work, while others may have batteries. A toddler can harm themselves with these appliances by playing with them. For instance, if you have just used a curling iron, your child could touch it without you knowing, and end up sustaining significant burns.
Leaving electrical appliances plugged in in a bathroom with a bathtub is also a very bad idea. In case the child gets access to such items while in a bathtub with water, they could end up being electrocuted. Remember, devices such as hair dryers and curling irons usually have very high voltage. They can cause serious injury when exposed to water.
Lock your bathroom
You can also find a way to lock your bathroom so that your child has no access to it. Children who are less than two years old usually have a body weight distribution that makes their upper halves of their bodies significantly heavier than their lower halves. This means that if the child wanders into the bathroom and starts playing with water in a toilet or a full bathtub, they can easily topple over head first into it. This can cause drowning and if an adult is not nearby, the outcome could be grim.
Put bath mats outside as well as inside the bathtub
If you have a bathtub in your bathroom, invest in bath mats that can be placed inside the tub as well as outside it. The best mats are those that are quick-drying, cover the entire length of the bath tub and are mold resistant. The presence of bath mats reduces the risk of slipping both inside and outside the bathtub. This could cause serious injuries, especially if they end up hitting a sharp surface such as the edge of a vanity.
Identify and lock away any potential harmful items
Take time to survey your bathroom and identify items that could injure or otherwise harm your child, and then put them away. Razors, cleaning agents such as bleaches and medicines should be placed under lock and key. This might require you to install lockable or high bathroom cabinets. Items can also be placed at a height that the child can’t reach.
Overall, it is important to make sure that your home is safe for your child. Remember, accidents can happen even if you leave your child alone in the bathtub for a few seconds, such as when you go to get your phone from another room.
A bathroom vanity is an excellent fixture to put in your bathroom. Not only does it provide a practical space for you to carry out activities such as wearing your make-up, it can also provide extra storage space in the bathroom. Due to the humidity in this environment, it is important that you properly install the vanity so that it lasts long and retains its look. An important element of this is picking a vanity made out of the right material. This is usually dependent on your taste and budget, but some of the most ideal materials are listed in this post.
Marble and granite
Granite and marble are rocks that make excellent surfaces for use in many parts of a house including the floor, kitchen counter top and even a bathroom vanity. One of the benefits of a marble or granite bathroom vanity is its durability; it will likely last decades without developing problems such as major stains and cracks.
Marble and granite vanities usually lend the bathroom a sleek look which many would find tasteful and elegant. When taken care of properly, these bathroom vanities also retain their look even if exposed to a lot of wear. Generally, granite is less susceptible to staining compared to marble. However, as long as you take care of both materials properly, they will look as good as new for ages.
Traditionally, marble and granite have been thought of as opulent and expensive. Though they are more expensive than other materials, though, you only need to shop smart to find a high-quality marble or granite vanity without breaking the bank. Both materials come in different grades you can choose from.
Quartzite is also a rock similar to granite and marble. However, it is far less common thus making quartzite vanities unique. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, quartzite vanities are also extremely durable and easy to maintain. This material is capable of handling high levels of heat (such as from a curling iron) without becoming damaged or undergoing any physical or chemical change. Though unique, you don’t need to pay a premium for a quartzite vanity; they cost around the same price as granite vanities. However, the fact that quartzite vanities are not quite common means that if you are interested in them, you would need to shop in quality stores to find them.
Bathroom vanities made of tile are very common. However, one of the problems that many people face with them is maintaining them. The space between each tile is filled with grout to hold them together, and this forms a groove where dirt and gunk can accumulate. However, if you make it a habit to simply clean up each time you use the vanity, this is a problem that will not bother you. Besides, tile vanities come in a wide range of designs and colors, and are reasonably priced. Custom tile vanities can be made with ease to suit your overall bathroom décor.
When it comes to economy, laminate vanities are the choice that many people go for. In the past, laminate vanities looked cheap and common. However, a change in manufacturing methods has resulted in laminates that are available in a wide range of finishes. For instance, you can get one that is made to look exactly like granite. Their affordability, wide range of finishes and resistance to water damage and wear make tile vanities a good option for sprucing up your bathroom.
Your bathroom vanity choice depends on many factors including the general décor you are aiming for. Whichever material you choose, always ensure that the vanity is made by a company with a good reputation, so that you can be assured of longevity and all the other benefits mentioned above.
It is common that owners of smaller houses find it hard getting the required space for separate rooms for a shower enclosure and a bath. A combination of both in one room is the easier way out, and this has worked well for many households. The biggest question however, is whether to use a door or a curtain to enclose the shower. While the preference lays half way between the two, this article narrows down this discussion to the details of what both of these styles offer.
1. A softer surface
The waterproof and resistant materials that curtains come with are a good break from what may otherwise become too harsh on the bathroom’s texture. The idea of breaking off the hard tile-like texture that the walls already present with a softened and harmonious blend of fabric that runs from top to bottom is an invited appeal. The owner however should make sure that the fabric can be washed right in the house, at the sight of any mold or mildew on the fabric.
Curtains are known to instantly add a personal touch in terms of design and color in the bathroom. Even better, whenever you are tired of the curtain’s design, you can easily change it to another of your choice. For this to work well, you must do bold colors that will easily give a different feel of your bathroom whenever anyone steps in.
3. Dealing with curves
Whenever your shower or bath needs an enclosure with a curvy end, fitting in a rail at the top would prove easier when you are dealing with curtains. Whenever you have to work your way round a center-fitted bath, you will need to have a way to contain the water that would splash out of the bath. A curtain would fit perfectly well for such a setup, with a rail girded from the ceiling and surrounding the bath area.
Shower doors and glass fittings
1. Full enclosure
There is no way water will spill out of the shower area when a good fitting is done in the bathroom. It is a rather neater option than curtains and saves quite an amount of space whenever installed. Sliding shower doors are even better, as they need no hinges outwards or inwards. What’s more, they do not eat up into valuable bathroom space.
2. Use of tricky bathroom space
Have you ever walked into a house that fits a bathroom into an awkward space, probably right below the staircase or at the attic of the house? You will probably quickly recommend a sliding door and/or a screen that is customized to fit the area. They offer a neat option for such awkward spots. You may have to pay a little extra for the measurements and all, but the result will be astoundingly amazing.
3. Creates options for space
Besides looking the part, the fixed doors in any kind of bathroom, including a vintage would still work. In a modern era, where bathrooms are compact, having curtains would simply break up the space. Bathroom glass doors and fittings would be the best alternative. In addition, the glass fittings can be done on whichever side or whichever corner of a room, as long as there is space enough to fit a human body in the room.
You cannot compare its folding away with that of a curtain. The curtain folds away in a somewhat cumbersome gather, but with sliding doors, you will have a neat folding away whenever you are not using the shower or bath. This kind of neatness is a big plus for shower doors.
Everyone has their own preferences for enclosures, but the bigger percentage of customers today prefer these doors. What’s more, there are companies that do the bathroom fixtures in a flash if you do not desire the DIY options.
If there is an invention that can be termed as a modern day DIY miracle among bathroom fixtures, it is the shower panel. It brings benefits to the average homeowner as it can be installed with relative ease without the need of hiring a plumber and an electrician to do the drilling and fixtures, synonymous with traditional showers. Anyone with some spare time can install the shower panels from the onset. Geared with the necessary supplies and equipment, use this guide to help you.
Steps for installing shower panels
A few tips that will guide you in the installation process
You will be required to purchase or to rent out all the equipment and supplies mentioned above from the local hardware store or your local improvement store. Sometimes, panel manufacturers may need you to use a certain type of trowel or adhesive for the above procedures.
Before embarking on the installation, ensure a thorough check of the manufacturer’s guideline is done. This will be necessary especially if you plan to make use of the warranty options that most manufacturers offer. However, they cannot guarantee such unless all the instructions are adhered to.
Some manufacturers will require you to install the panels against a wall stud, having a wallboard pre-installed around the panel, while some other manufacturers will prefer installations to be done against a mold-resistant wall. It is important to know such specifications so that your panel will last longer.
Of course, if you are not a DIY enthusiast, if you want to ensure a perfect shower panel installation, getting professional help is recommended.
Bathroom vanities have become more than storage solutions in the recent past. Rather, they have become key pieces of bathroom décor. Whether you are creating a bathroom in a new home or remodeling an existing bathroom, you need to think through your different options for bathroom vanities.
One of the biggest questions that homeowners ask themselves when looking for bathroom vanities is whether to go with double sink bathroom vanity or the single vanity. The choice one makes depends on several factors. Some of these factors include space available, budget and general décor in the bathroom, just to mention a few. Lately, the double sink bathroom vanity has become more popular. We are going to look at why homeowners prefer this option rather than the single vanity.
The biggest benefit of getting a double vanity is the availability of more personal space. Big families, who have to share the bathroom, find double sink bathroom vanities very convenient since family members don’t have to fight over bathroom time. If you have more than one bathroom in the house and each bathroom space has a double sink vanity, family members can have enough storage space to store their toiletries and use the bathroom whenever they need to.
People who are looking to sell their property in future start planning ahead to ensure they fetch a good price for their homes when the time comes. Professional real estate agents advice home owners who plan to sell their houses in future to start investing in renovations to upgrade their property. Installing double bathroom vanities in your home is a big selling point and increases your home’s value. In other words, investing in double bathroom vanities is a smart financial move.
Double bathroom vanities have more aesthetic appeal compared to single vanities. A bathroom with a double sink is easier to manage and organize since there is more storage space. The extra storage space ensures the bathroom stays clutter-free and a person can add personal decorations to the bathroom to make it more appealing. A double bathroom vanity also allows a homeowner to install custom bathroom cabinets that go with the rest of the bathroom décor to create uniformity.
Variety of designs
Double bathroom vanities come in different varieties to fit different bathroom decors. There are wall-mounted vanities and free-standing vanities. You can also choose floating vanities or in-counter vanities. You need to narrow down your options for a double vanity idea to be able to choose what will work in your bathroom. For example, if you have a small bathroom space, you can opt to install floating vanities to provide more floor space to avoid overcrowding.
The type of bathroom vanity you get mostly depends on how much a person is willing to spend. If you are willing to spend much on your bathroom renovations, double vanities are the best choice. However, this does not limit those working on a shoestring budget. There are different styles of double vanity that one can choose from and they have different price ranges. Try shopping online to get the best deal before placing an order.
Before installing a double sink bathroom vanity in your home, you need to look for a qualified bathroom contractor to check on your bathroom plan first. The initial costs of installing a double bathroom vanity can be slightly higher but this is because you need double plumbing. You need to get an estimate of how much the renovations will cost so that you can plan ahead to avoid being overwhelmed. The process of upgrading from a single vanity to a double bathroom vanity may look tedious and costly but, you will soon find that the final result is definitely worth it!
When buying a decorative bathroom mirror, you need to combine both function and style. Most people don’t put much thought before they buy a bathroom mirror. Some even think it’s all about getting into bathroom showrooms and grabbing a mirror on the way out. Actually, you need to consider a number of factors when selecting the ideal mirror for your bathroom. These factors include size, placement, style and budget. The following tips will make to make the shopping process easier for you.
Think about size and location
Before heading to a mirror store, you need to decide on the size and placement of your mirror in the bathroom. Most people prefer placing their mirrors above the bathroom vanity or the sink although, you have the option to place it anywhere you please. Put in consideration the aesthetic appeal the mirror will add to your bathroom before choosing a location.
To determine the width of your mirror, you need to measure the width of your vanity. Ensure that the width of the mirror measures up to the width of the vanity or make it smaller. Never let the width of the mirror surpass the width of your vanity. To determine height of your mirror, make sure that it is placed 4 to 6 inches below the ceiling. However, you need to consider the height of the people who will be using the mirror. Make sure the mirror is placed a few inches above the sink to avoid a backsplash.
Decide on style
You need to decide on the style of decorative mirror you want. If you are looking to go with a contemporary look, choose the frameless mirrors. Frameless mirrors need to be glued on the wall to hold firmly. You also have the option of going traditional by framing your mirror. If you choose to go with a framed mirror, make sure that the framing material goes well with the rest of your bathroom décor. Framed mirrors are easier to hang and are less labor intensive.
Choose thin frames to create a modern look. Thick mirror frames tend to be more ornate and richer. To make your bathroom mirror stand out, create a custom frame. To add more storage space in your bathroom, you can have your mirror installed on a medicine cabinet. You can make your mirror look futuristic by installing backlit LED borders.
Buying your mirror
With so many mirror styles to choose from, you need to first work on how much you intend to spend on a mirror. This will help you narrow down your choices and ensure you don’t overspend. The more accessorized the mirror is, the more expensive it will be.
Once you have a budget for your mirror, head to a mirror store and ask a professional to help you choose the right one. Don’t forget to carry your measurements to ensure you get the right size. If you are more confident about your decision, you can buy your mirror online. Make sure that you get the dimensions right before placing an order. Buying mirrors online is cheaper than visiting an actual store.
Before buying a decorative mirror, consider quality more than appearance. A high quality mirror can withstand steaming and should be water repellent. Also make sure the decorations on the mirror will not limit you when cleaning. Buy absorbent paper towels to clean your mirror. You can also buy polish to make sure that your bathroom mirror stays clean and spotless at all times. You need to frequently clean your bathroom mirrors otherwise, they lose luster and become blurry with time. Do not be tempted to buy a mirror that requires more maintenance than you can provide.
Medicine cabinets are more than a storage place for toothpaste and aspirin. We meet our reflections on a medicine cabinet mirror every morning after we wake up as we go about our business in the bathroom and the last thing we look at night just before bedtime. This means a medicine cabinet serves more than a utilitarian function and for this reason, we need to put a lot of thought before selecting one that we require. We will offer a guide on how to select the right bathroom cabinets in Oshawa and in this case, concentrate on medicine cabinets. Let’s look at different approaches and styles for medicine cabinets that you can consider for your bathroom.
Recessed cabinets are typically more aesthetically pleasing. The design of this medicine cabinet ties into the surrounding architecture rather than jutting out. These cabinets meld well with both contemporary and traditional bathroom schemes. These cabinets are dug inside a wall and a framed box is built around it. You can use different materials to frame the cabinet in including wood or metal.
However, recessed cabinets are more labor intensive and they require a number of tradespeople to install it. Unlike a wall-mounted cabinet, a recessed cabinet will require a bathroom renovation contractor to install, a plumber to reroute pipes and an electrician to lay wires. This means it costs more to install a recessed cabinet. If you are planning a total bathroom renovation, installing a recessed cabinet would be ideal since there will be some sort of demolition anyway.
Unlike the recessed cabinet, wall-mounted cabinets are easy to install since they don’t involve opening up a wall. Wall-mounted medicine cabinets are a great choice for someone looking to make an addition to the bathroom rather than renovating it. Installing the cabinet is less time consuming and does not require a lot of manpower.
You need a big bathroom space to install a wall-mounted cabinet since they protrude and occupy a big space. When installed in small bathrooms, they make the room appear crammed which is not aesthetically pleasing. To make sure that the wall-mounted cabinet is safely fit, you need to hire a professional contractor to do the job for you. These cabinets need to be tightly screwed on the wall to ensure they remain firm.
Different cabinet styles
Now you have a choice to make, whether you prefer a recessed cabinet or a wall-mounted cabinet. Once you choose a design, you still have to choose a cabinet style that will fit your décor. Medicine cabinet designs are generally contemporary, traditional or transitional in style. To narrow down your choice you can ask your contractor to guide you.
As you can see, there is more involved when choosing a medicine cabinet for your home. From the different cabinet styles available, not only can you get affordable cabinets but it won’t be hard to be those that are aesthetically appealing as well.
One of the most outstanding features of any contemporary bathroom is the vanities seen inside the space. They create a valuable focal point for this space and help to provide organized storage amenities for the small bits and pieces that need to be close at hand but would otherwise make the bathroom untidy.
Unlike in times past when these would basically be storage units borrowed from the bedroom or kitchen, modern bathroom vanities make the ultimate difference between a mundane old wet-room space and one that is stylish and elegant.
There are innumerable options in the market and making the right choice can be a daunting and exacting task. These are some of the latest trends to help you make the finest pick:
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to design a themed bathroom using unrelated pieces bought individually. That informs the current trend of purchasing complete coordinated vanity sets that come with a cabinet, sink and faucets, mirrors and light fixtures. This helps a home-owner achieve a unified finish that makes for a tranquil room. A less obvious advantage of buying these items as a set is that it is usually a lot cheaper than buying individual items separately.
Taking into consideration that the bathroom environment is constantly wet and humid, the choice of material particularly for the vanity counter-top should not only be based on aesthetics. It should also have quality and versatility in mind.
Currently, many home owners are choosing wood veneers, man-made stone, thermo-foil or acrylic resin. If your choice is wood, ensure it is correctly sealed and lacquered to prevent water damage. Additionally, do not let water sit on it for an extended period as it will damage the finish. Stone finishes are the most durable, come in a beautiful array of designs and are easy to maintain but their cost is comparatively higher. Thermo-foil can be used to simulate any desired finish at a fraction of the cost and is resistant to water.
Freestanding bathroom vanities
These have once again risen to popularity because of their timeless vintage look. They are particularly helpful for small bathrooms as they create an illusion of space owing to the room underneath the structure. They are much easier to install and move around when redesigning or remodeling a bathroom.
Floating vanity designs
The floating vanity is one of the most versatile options when it comes to bathroom vanities. There is simply no end to the variety of designs available. It allows one to use a fully customized scheme choosing where to place various compartments, how many compartments to have, how high or low to have the counter top, everything to your taste and preference. This design frees up a lot of space that can be used for various odds and ends in the bathroom like wicker baskets or toilet roll holders.
Vessel sinks are all the rage these days and it is not difficult to see why. They come in elegant shapes and are the height of panache giving a unique floating impression. They are modeled after their oldest ancestors, the wash basins and have the distinct advantage of being easily installed and/or removed, for home-owners who remodel often.
Vessel sink vanities are a timeless favorite for homeowners who want to achieve a matchless classic look and they allow for more counter space than their counterparts. They require a wall-mount faucet and a lower counter height than ordinary vanities.
Given the amount of time we spend in the bathroom, it only makes sense to pick out the best bathroom vanities that will make our stay in this space as relaxing as possible. Investing in high quality vanity cabinets will ensure that home owners make an economically sound choice and cut down on future remodeling expenses.
Vinpow Bath Centre offers the best selection of bathroom vanities and other bathroom fixtures. Whether your bathroom is going modern or traditional, our modern bathroom vanities, traditional bathroom vanities, faucets, shower enclosures, shower panels, bathtubs, mosaics, toilets, tiles and bathroom accessories, are available at discounted prices. Having served the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and its nearby cities for about 10 years, Vinpow Bath Centre is known as one of the bathroom solution providers. We have showrooms in Markham, Oshawa and Mississauga. Welcome to visit our showrooms! Our professional customer service staff are here to provide you the best services and suggestions.