I love to sit and soak in my tub when it’s cold in the winter and on weekends when I have a little more time. And like most women, I love to put bubbles in the bath, light some candles and relax with a glass of wine and good music when no one is home. But on hot days I prefer a cool shower, and when I awaken all groggy and sluggish but have to leave quickly for work, a shower wakes me up but gets me moving.

I also love to shower with my husband because he scrubs my back. The problem with showering with a partner is that few home showers are big enough. Someone ends up shivering in the corner while the other hogs the water, or if it’s a shower over a bathtub, I usually end up being the one who slips.

Walk In Shower For Two

So, when my husband and I began planning our house renovation here in Spain we unanimously agreed on two things. 1. We must have a bathtub AND a shower. 2. The shower must be one of the walk in showers designed for two.

Because we were creating two areas, one for bathing and one for showering, we needed to keep the costs down. We wanted cheap walk in showers without them looking cheap. We wanted natural materials and a little glass, but most importantly good drainage because the shower was to be in the basement and we didn’t want water to collect and create mold.

Here are some things we discovered.

Plan the area well by going to the space you have selected for the walk in shower. You and partner should move around in the area to be sure you have selected a big enough space. Remember that a corner can be ideal and still save space.

Once you know the space is adequate in size, consult a plumber to be sure the drainage is near enough and will flow out well. The most annoying thing about showers is that the water doesn’t go down fast enough and you end up standing in ankle deep water that spills beyond the tray or shower area and takes a long time to dry. There are several ways to avoid this.

1. A walk in shower wet room. For those of you not familiar with a wet room, it is a an entire room that doesn’t matter if it’s wet all over because there are several drains in the floor, not just immediately under the shower, but in strategic places like corners or low areas where water may otherwise accumulate. The entire room is tiled or has stone or wood from top to bottom that is appropriately treated and water-resistant so it doesn’t matter if water splashes everywhere. It’s great for two or more because there are many nozzles or showerheads or hoses with sprayers so no one need stand shivering in a corner. Wet rooms are great for families with children or fun for couples.

2. A tray is a molded plastic (or similar material) unit that is installed on the floor under the shower. Since they are quite deep and beveled toward the centre, they catch the water and it flows down the drain, usually without overflowing. The small inexpensive trays are often not adequate for the amount of water and may overflow. They also may crack or break which may cause other flooring and plumbing problems later. Use a large enough tray, select a strong material and don’t jump in the shower.

3. A walk in shower enclosure is a type of shower that is spacious yet doesn’t permit water outside the enclosed area. The newest models that are prefabricated come sealed and are watertight. They are modular units that have a floor, back and usually transparent doors of glass or plexi and also have the showerheads and taps and all controls preinstalled. There are small models for one or styles that are spacious enough for two or more.

4. A tray and a built up second level is a third option that helps with drainage problems that sometimes occur with just a tray alone. This technique involves building up a walk in shower onto a platform so that below the platform there is room for a tray and the normal drainage system. Where you stand can be made of anything, usually it is treated wood, stone or tile. Its advantages are that you needn’t create a entire wet room out of stone or tile, just the area that is elevated, but the water ends up lower and so it doesn’t overfill and spill out as easily.

My husband I decided on a walk in shower wet room with stone tile from top to bottom and two shower heads. We also included a wooden bench and an area with small pebbles to massage our feet. Our walk in shower was left without an enclosure except for a large sheet of glass known as bespoke shower doors that actually was hung at the entrance to the entire wet room. I keep towels in baskets just outside the door beside a small sofa that’s great for relaxing on after showers.

It doesn’t matter if you choose a walk in shower cubical or a walk in shower enclosure or a stall; just remember to design your walk in shower big enough for TWO.

Electric power shower units and heads by Triton, Mira, Aqualisa, Bristan and others; replacement power shower head styles; thermostatic and manual electric shower models; pumps for low water pressure problems; where to buy units and heads in the UK – at Home Walk In Showers we offer the information you need to choose the best electric shower power within your budget.

In a previous post entitled: The Best Electric Shower UK Residents Can Buy Online we offered information on how these showers work, why they are energy efficient, how to have hot water on demand and what models are best to buy in the UK and about how much you can expect to pay. In this post we offer more specific information on the difference between a POWER shower versus other designs and how to find white and chrome shower heads from a variety of the top companies that offer cheap yet high quality products, as well as some really affordable solutions from less known manufacturers. But first…one of the questions most frequently asked is:

What’s the difference between a shower unit that’s labeled POWER versus a regular electric shower?

The main difference is that a regular electric design will operate only if your water supply has sufficient pressure to activate the heating element and allow for a constant temperature control. If you have pressure that fluctuates or is often low, then you will need a means to increase the flow so that it’s constant. The power units offer a solution because they have a built-in pump that maintains the pressure at a flow rate of about 14 liters per minute and the best ones will also be thermostatic, which means the temperature is controlled and will not allow accidental scalding. The designs that also offer adjustable maximum temperature controls will be good for homes where there may be children who require a lower water temperature than that of the adults, or in bathrooms that are used by elderly or handicapped individuals who may not be able to adequately select an appropriate temperature.

Triton Aspirante

The Aspirante model in the Triton Power Shower collection is a model that includes all these features and is available in chrome. There are also two sub-designs with the same features but with outer aesthetic features that include white fascia and chrome or a simple plain white unit with a matching white showerhead. We recommend the AS2000X model because it’s very affordable at just under £110.

Replacement Power Shower Head

If you just need to get a replacement power shower head, you can go to places like Shower Spares UK who carry the Triton heads starting at about £23 and going up to just under£35. They carry parts and replacement heads for the top brands be they Triton, Gainsborough, Aqualista, Meynell, Trevi, Mira or Sirrus.

Mira Event and Vigour by Kohler

The Kohler Mira power shower models range in price from the cheap Mira Vigor for around £130 to the Mira event xs power shower for over £200. let’s take a closer look at the cheaper Vigour model since we understand you’re on a budget. This unit will offer quality while being affordable and also gives you the necessary temperature control you need including a max temp override just in case.

The only cautionary note we wish to add is that of all the Mira power showers this is one of the few that is GRAVITY FED, which means it does not require a mains water system with high pressure. Therefore, it is not to be installed into a none gravity fed water source since the pressure will be too much. You need one or the other….a built-in pump or high pressure mains water source, not both.

Aqualisa Aquastream

We really love the Aqualisa power shower units in chrome, but since we’re talking about cheap models to buy on a tight budget, unfortunately the best thermostatic power shower system that includes a low voltage pump, with a 10 to 18ltr per minute water supply, and has a great satin chrome shower head, costs about £350. Although it may be one of the BEST, it is not the cheapest electric thermostatic power shower solution. The newest top model Aquastream power shower designs by Aqualisa cost between £320 and £350 through places like Plumb Warehouse UK, and although we highly recommend the quality these units offer in terms of gravity supplied hot water systems, it is clear to see that they are not the cheapest products on the market. However, if you need just a shower head for one of these designs, try Shower Spares UK where you can find a list of products by year manufactured and by model and make. The showerheads are called handsets in the Aqualisa lines, and are not cheap either. They start at about £53 and go over £100. You can also get replacement hoses, rail ends and even slider rails should you need these parts.

Bristan Thermostatic

As stated, Aqualisa is a luxury liner of power models that you may not be able to afford, so we suggest some other products like the Bristan Thermostatic Power Shower designs…. And specifically 1000 model is the most affordable one that retails for around £160 and offers a pump and temperature control. You cana lso get the next step up in the collection which is the 1500 model, and costs between $190 and about £230 depending on whether you choose matte chrome or plain white styles. The features of the Bristan Power Shower 1500 include a mixing valve as well as a pump, a sleek unit that can be surface mounted and good temp control with multi function settings that are adjustable. The Briston showers are all available online and you can try places like Home Supply UK for good prices.

Newteam Showerforce

There are a few less well-known makers of electric power shower models, like the ones crafted by a company called New Team. Their collection of Showerforce power shower designs offers UK homeowners a very reasonable alternative to the expensive units. For example the NT 1000 XT model (made by the Newteam power shower company) is retailing for under £140 and is available through online dealers in the Uk like the Tap Store. There are a few different designs in white r chrome finishes and the most expensive one in chrome is just £160. The prices we’ve mentioned include VAT and delivery within the UK.

Gainsborough Affordable Models

One final note: If you’re looking for cheap power showers, one of the companies that manufactures the least expensive showers of all types is Gainsborough. Perhaps because of the way the engines are engineered in all their compact units, they are sleek, well designed and affordable. The Diplomat is one of the Gainsborough power shower models to keep in mind. B&Q has them for just over £200.

A Little Extra Help

If you need information on other shower and bathroom items like shower panel ideas, shower base units in faux or cultured marble, bathroom light fixtures or even funky vessel sinks and vanity mirrors, check out our related topics. At Home Walk In Showers we do the research so you can quickly and easily find all the products you need to enjoy your wetroom or walk in shower area.

Affordable Jerdon and Conair lighted makeup mirror designs; wall mounted and vanity models; magnified and lighted mirrors for home and travel – at Home Walk In Showers we not only show you how to plan, build and decorate your bathroom shower areas but also how to organize and accessorize them in practical ways. We offer suggestions on where to shop online, where the hottest and best products are available and how much you can expect to pay. Shower in style, refresh yourself, and then get beautiful with lighted makeup mirror designs that suite your individual lifestyle.

Conair

The large Conair lighted makeup mirror with 5X magnification costs only about $35 and features double sided mirrors, one side being normal the other magnified, different settings for perfect makeup application for day and evening, light settings that are balanced and adjustable, side panels that are also adjustable, and the ability to close all three panels to fold into a compact travel mirror. It’s also fog free if used in the bathroom.

Jerdon

One of the best lighted makeup mirror designs is made by Jerdon. It’s also a trifold mirror with 5X magnification and 4 light settings. The stand adjusts as do the two side mirrors. The price is excellent at just under $35.

The light up makeup mirror styles above are best for setting on vanities and makeup tables since they require space and probably a little stool to sit on, and while this may be possible to do in large bathrooms, wetrrom or baths where there’s a long counter or separate vanity area for the ladies, it may be a good idea to not use your counter area in that way if space is limited. So, if you want something that’s specific for the bathroom, that can be used for the ladies to apply their makeup and/or for gents to shave, then we suggest the wall mounted light up makeup mirror styles that have extended arms.

Kimball & Young

Kimball & Young make a great double arm lighted makeup wall mirror with a gorgeous brushed nickel finish. It costs over $260 so it’s a bit of an investment, but take a look at all the features it offers. First of all it’s a LED design and has 5x magnification. It’s about 9 and a half inches around so it’s large enough to actually see what you’re doing, and it extends out from the wall mount over 12 inches so you can be more comfortable. Because it’s LED, it has a great glow of light that consists of twenty-eight diodes that emit light, and yet it is energy efficient and does not heat up. The brushed nickel finish goes well with matching towel bar designs and contemporary brushed nickel bathroom light fixtures. It’s available for sale online at shops like Décor Island.

Brushed Nickel Pedestal Vanity Lighted Makeup Mirror

If you like the idea of brushed nickel and want something to rest on the bathroom counter or vanity, but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, then we suggest a very simple solution: the Jerdon eight inch brushed nickel pedestal vanity lighted makeup mirror that’s fog free and magnifies 7x on one side and 1x on the other. Just flip it around to see things more clearly. It’s a fun modern design that stands about 16 inches tall and can sit nicely on a counter or vanity as a practical accessory for HIM and HER. We suggest this item because it’s really affordable at just $56 and can be easily ordered online.

Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror

If you need a separate lighted travel makeup mirror, aside from the one you may keep at home in your bathroom, we suggest one that’s really funky and versatile called the
Ultimate Lighted Makeup Mirror, available from places like Improvements. Why is this such a great item? First the lighting is good. It imitates natural sunlight and is large enough to see yourself, over 6 inches around. It also offers a normal mirror and a 10x magnifier, also has a 360 degree swivel pedestal that collapses into a compact when you’re done. If you’re on a long trip and you’re staying in one place for a while, then you can even mount this mirror on the wall, or do so at home. When it’s on its pedestal and fully open it’s 16 inches tall, like most non travel models, but when it’s all packed away it’s only one and half inches total! It operates on batteries, has an alarm clock, and also can be plugged in. It’s such a fabulous little product we just couldn’t resist showing it to you. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or gal; if you need it for shaving or putting on mascara, because the unit is a sleek modern design that isn’t girly.

And Might We Also Suggest….

While you’re thinking about mirrors, you might want to consider some other suggestions for bathroom vanity mirrors in a related topic. And if you’re getting your space organized, why not think about improving your bathroom storage system and get some great ideas for decorative bathroom sets. You might also be interested in what we suggest regarding heated towel bar designs and towel storage racks, also in a related post. At Home Walk In showers we recommend products and offer suggestions that make planning, designing and using your bathroom a pleasant and refreshing experience.

The Best Acrylic Shower Bases On The Market

The newest American Standard bases are made from AcryLUX, a durable acrylic product that is reinforced with fiberglass. This reinforcement of normal acrylic shower bases makes the product not only strong and durable for use in the home, but offers a toughness that makes handling of the item on a construction site easier, less likely to shatter or scratch, which is a problem often encountered during installation. The other plus of the AcryLUX bases is their surface qualities. They have a sheen that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also offers a surface that is cleaned easily and will resist daily wear and tear and not suffer scratches. It is also a surface that is simple to repair should there ever be a problem with scuffing. All this is due to the high gloss capped acrylic and the reinforcing through fiberglass that many other models, especially cheap bases, do not have.

Where To Shop and How much To Pay

You can get good deals on the American Standard shower stall bases when shopping online at places like eFaucets, who carry the 59-7/8″ x 31-1/8″ x 5-1/8″ left hand drain models for about $200. These units have bottoms that have been pre-leveled. They also have 3 raised sides that act to retain water. These elevated sides are called a “flange”. Installation can be done without the use of caulking; rubber gaskets are used to protect the seams in the corners. By the way, if you have limited space and need a small base, American Standard also offers a 47-7/8″ x 33-1/4″ x 5-1/8″ model that retails for under $150. To create a walk in shower without much more expense, you can opt to tile or protect the walls with a water-proof sealant and paint and leave the area open, or add a glass panel to isolate the area.

Alternatively, you may want to totally enclose the space and this can be done quite affordably with an American Standard shower enclosure. They start at just under $300 and go up to $1,000 or more, but a good basic unit that includes the base can be had for about $280. This is a cost efficient option especially if you choose something like the complete shower wall set, also crafted from AcryLUX and measures 32″ x 32″ x 70″.

Swanstone

If you’re wanting a marble shower base but can’t afford natural stone, an affordable solution is to go with something like the Swanstone shower bases, which somewhat resemble stone with a pebbled-looking surface. We recommend the Veritek single threshold design for just over $120 sold through eFaucets, as a good choice because it’s a practical 36″ X 36″ size and offers a slip proof surface that is also mildew resistant and requires no grout to install.

If you’re looking for neo angle shower bases then you’ll find good choices in the Swanstone collections as well. The Swanstone neo angle shower floor also comes in granite-like colors that are solid and will not scratch-off on the surface; they are mould resistant, have an easy clean surface and require no grout. A 38″ x 38″ design with a drain molded into the base, factory installed, will cost just under $350 and is available online through Plumber Surplus.

The neo angle design is also referred to as a corner shower base. One affordable, and high quality, model is made by Kohler. Kohler shower bases tend to be more expensive than some of the other brands, but the quality is often worth the extra cost. For example the Devonshire neo-angle model, also called a shower receptor, is a single molded unit with a rear drain, measuring 41-1/8″L x 41-1/8″W x 5-5/8″H, and is available through Décor Island for just under $300.

Kohler Memoirs Shower Receptor

A slightly more expensive Kohler model is the Memoirs shower receptor, also with a rear drain, and a total measurement of 38-5/8″ x 38-5/8″, also a neo-angle design, and retails through Plumber Surplus for just over $440. It’s one of the acrylic models in the Kohler corner shower bases Memoirs Suite collections that offers a built-in molded floor concept easy to install, clean and virtually maintenance free.

Marble

The marble shower base designs that you can choose that are made from genuine marble are one of the more expensive flooring options, however, they are one of the best choices when it comes to creating unique walk in shower spaces or wetrooms that will be open. Although you can buy standard marble sized, most projects will require custom shower bases to be cut in marble and shaped to the specifications of the area. Since marble is heavy and custom fitting and sizing will require an onsite visit from a contractor or marble dealer, it’s recommended that you use a local company. One in the US is called Heritage Marble. Another is Roma Marble. Both companies offer standard sizes and custom options and a variety of marble textures, colors and finishes. It’s difficult for us to quote exact prices because there are so many variables when working with genuine stone and custom sizes.

Cultured Marble

The most reasonably priced products in stone will be the cultured marble shower base designs, like the ones sold through companies like Accent Custom Marble.

But first, what exactly is cultured marble? Is it really marble?

Yes it’s marble but no it’s not natural cut stone. In fact, it’s a composite of polyester resin and marble dust crafted to look like stone and finished similarly. Cultured marble is considered, in some ways, better than natural stone due to its flexibility. It’s great for bathrooms because of a gel coating that’s applied, which is not only smooth and natural looking but inhibits staining and bacterial growth.

Cultured marble is manufactured by several US companies, however it is good to note that the top producers will be members of the American Composites Manufacturers Association, which monitors the quality control of cultured stone products amongst other things.

Choosing Cultured Marble Patterns and Colors

When selecting cultured marble shower bases and walls, you can choose from some of the classic styles like:

1. antique cultured marble, which has white and creamy-beige swirls and textures
2. cultured granite, which is porous-looking and granular, sometimes grey or a mix of mottled darker and lighter shades and looks naturally more rustic
3. white onyx, which is grayish-white and smooth with a delicate vein pattern that resembles fine Italian marble.

However, Verona Marble Company has some unusual cultured marble colors and patterns that are ideal for creating faux tile shower base designs or custom wetrooms that are rustic or antique in style. Choose some of the most stunning combinations in the Portofino Collection. These are modeled after the top Italian marble styles, although they are in fact “created” using the resin and marble dust as described above. When you see the stone, it’s often very difficult to tell the Portofino marble designs from real cut marble. By the way, if you choose to order through Verona Marble Company, you can request custom colors to suite your décor. Naturally you will have to budget accordingly, however a cultured marble shower base may still end up being more affordable than a cut stone design, and it will be easier for the installers to work with.

Simple Or Luxurious

If you need a simple and affordable corner shower base for a small flat or apartment, or if you need complete shower bases and walls for luxurious wetroom areas or walkin showers, both are available online. We recommend eFaucet and Plumbing Surplus for the American Standard and Kohler product lines or even for the faux marble Swanstone bases.

Bathroom Planning Advice and Tips

If you require more information regarding building or buying enclosures, showerheads, power showers, electric shower units, shower panel devices for massage and rainfall, or wallboards and faux tile and mosaic wall coverings; or if you’re looking to add unique stone or glass or copper vessel sinks to your bathroom; or if you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom storage, please select a related article for lots of advice and tips on where to buy the best bathroom renovating and decorating products online.

Kohler shower panel overhead rain models; Vigo massage shower wall panels, Hudson Reed stainless steel shower panels; and for the UK….shower paneling for enclosures, walk in style glass shower panels; mosaic and other waterproof sheets for renovating walls; Mermaid wall panel system – where to shop online for power shower systems in the United States and for shower enclosure panelling in the UK – at Home Walk In Showers we have the information you need to plan and build your unique bathroom wherever you live…from new York to London…and anywhere between.

What is a Shower Panel?

It depends. Here are the three main products that the term describes:

1. A type of contemporary shower console that often has the capability to offer a variety of built-in extras that may include massage via adjustable jets, and/or a rainfall showerhead, as well as a hand held shower spray all from one central unit. The panel, usually a flat, sleek, maintenance-free stainless steel wall-mounted apparatus, will feature things like a thermostatic mixing valve for temperature control, versatile swiveling nozzles, simultaneous pulsating massage jets and rain-style shower settings, as well as flexible hoses that are part of a complete self-contained center that can be easily installed in a shower area with brackets. These are sold worldwide by some of the biggest shower manufacturers like Kohler, Hudson Reed and others, and although they have gained most popularity in the United States, there are online distributors who ship to many destinations.

2. A shower wall panel or the term “shower paneling” will likely refer to a waterproof plywood or laminated wood surface that is decorative and can be placed on the sides and back of a shower area instead of resurfacing the walls with stucco, paint, tile or other materials. They may mimic the look of tile, mosaics, stone, or simply be a smooth surface that’s easy to clean and seals off moisture from entering corners and edges. An example would be the beautiful waterproof wall panel systems offered by a UK company called Mermaid. Their panels can be used to create an enclosure that can get totally wet, as in a shower, or can be used to decorate and cover the entire wall surface of a bathroom.
   

   They may be used in small cubical showers in flats, or large elegant bathrooms. Another online shop that has a huge selection of panel colors, styles and textures is called The Bathroom Marquee. It seems they offer almost every color, texture and faux stone or tile design you might have in mind. Using wall paneling for shower or bath areas is most popular in the UK, although there it’s also available in the US.


3. The term glass shower panel may be something completely different altogether. For example when building a walk in shower area or a wetroom, a panel of glass may be used to separate the otherwise open showering area from the rest of the bathroom. In both the UK and the US, glass doors and glass panels are sold, however in the UK they often referred to as bespoke shower doors or panels and in the US they are custom sheets of glass or simply glass panels. The shower panel UK residents can purchase easily online, may be found through a company called WD Bathrooms. They offer the Cascade walk in panel that can be used in a wet room or walkin shower design that you can customize to your specific needs.

In the US, you can order the Kohler designs, which are panels of glass that create a square, round or curved style enclosure. One is called the Focal Framed Crystal Clear Custom Bypass Shower Door, which in fact is made up of several panels of glass. The entire unit, with all the panels like in the image we present, costs over $1,000, but can be ordered online through efaucets and there’s no extra shipping charges on orders within the US.

Now that it’s clear what these three items are, it should make searching for exactly what you need easier. However, it appears that the panels most searched for are the high-tech console units that give massage and rainfall showers, so we offer….

A Brief Shower Panel Review For Kohler, Hudson Reed and Vigo Product Lines

1. Kohler – The newest Kohler shower panel is unique because it is not a wall mounted unit but a ceiling mounted rainfall shower. It’s actually called the WaterTile® and is a square plaque, or panel that causes it to rain over your head. Sounds fun! It may look as if it just dumps water on you, but in fact it has a complete built-in system of 4 adjustable nozzles with twenty-two spayheads. This contemporary means of getting rained on isn’t cheap, in fact the system starts at over $670. If the basic polished chrome finish doesn’t match your décor, then you can spend a little more and get whatever finish you desire, like the polished or brushed nickel design for over $970 (or for a similar price you can also order the brushed bronze, however, the polished gold tile we can only assume is so expensive Kohler won’t tell us how much it costs, so you’ll have to contact an authorized dealer, although the French gold model costs just $905. Anyway, it’s not a cheap option, but it’s very chic!

2. Hudson Reed – For about $895, you can get the Hudson Reed design, which is a unit that is wall mounted, called the Lustre Shower Panel. It comes with everything except a beautiful woman to scrub your back, but you don’t need a shower companion because the system comes with six body jets to scrub and massage, not just your back, but all over.

   The showers panel design is sleek and slimline but has a bit of teak wood elegance mixed with the durable stainless steel unit. It has lots of other features like easy clean nozzles and anti scald control. There’s one thing that this design doesn’t offer, and that is: you can’t use the fixed showerhead mode while simultaneously using the body jets. You have to choose one or the other. There are models that allow both if that’s an important feature. The Hudson Reed thermostatic shower panel that’s a tower system and costs just over $700, allows simultaneous jets and shower functions.


3. Vigo – For under $400 you can get a high-tech Vigo Shower massage panel that has received rave reviews by satisfied customers. In part the price makes people happy with their purchase, since it can retail for as little $360 through places like Surplus Decor, but it’s also a high performance model. It’s aluminum, lightweight, yet very durable and resistant to corrosion. It has 6 jets, thermostatic control, adjustable showerhead, and also can be installed in conjunction with a bathtub or even a whirlpool. The controls are brass with a chrome finish and it includes a no-fog mirror so you can watch yourself shower.

If you’re creating a personalized walk in shower or wet room, in the US or the UK, and need more ideas on how to incorporate showerheads, power showers, electric shower devices, choosing an enclosure, selecting some unusual extras like copper sinks or a stone vessel basin, or if you want to know where to buy unique vanity mirrors, heated towel bars or bathroom sets to decorate, or even if you just want to get more use out of your bathroom by organizing with better bathroom storage solutions, please continue exploring the related topics in this site. At Home Walk In Showers we’re here to help you plan how to get wet in style and come out refreshed.

]]> http://homewalkinshowers.com/bathroom-shower-panel-uk-and-us-shopping-guide/feed/ 0 http://homewalkinshowers.com/bathroom-towel-bar-designs/ http://homewalkinshowers.com/bathroom-towel-bar-designs/#comments Fri, 14 May 2010 18:41:20 +0000 admin http://homewalkinshowers.com/?p=249 Oil Rubbed Bronze, Brushed Nickel, Polished Chrome, Wrought Iron, Ceramic, Antique Porcelain and Contemporary Pyrex Glass

Discount bathroom towel bars; brand name Kohler, Gatco, Baldwin, Murray Feiss and others; oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel and chrome finishes; porcelain, ceramic and tarnish free Pyrex glass designs – buy online, get what you want delivered to your door and save – at Home Walk in Showers we help you get wet, but also show you how to dry off in style!

The Little Things…

So you’ve built your wetroom or just had your shower enclosure delivered and installed. You’ve got a stack of soft, fluffy towels folded neatly on a shelf or in a funky wicker basket…..all you need now is a towel bar or two to complete your project.



You know that the final look and feel, and functionality, of your bathroom is ultimately determined by all the little things that don’t seem to mean much on their own, but when they come together are the soul of the room – the right vanity mirror, the most practical storage system, the small hooks on the back of the door, the shelves in the corners that save space, the lovely bathroom light fixtures you chose so carefully and the towel bars that are situated where you need them the most….aaahhh yes towel bars…Hmmmmm…



Will you place them ON or beside the shower door? Do you want a ring or a bar near the sink? Is there space for a heated rack to dry large bath towels? Should you choose a sleek chrome design or a translucent glass style, or perhaps porcelain or wrought iron? Must a towel bar set match the lighting fixtures? How much is left in your bathroom construction or renovation budget?

Yes, lots of questions, but that’s exactly what’s going through my head now that my bathroom is basically functional, but…..have no place to hang a towel….yes, I know….for anyone following the timeline of these bathroom renovation posts, you know it’s taken me a long time to get my bathroom to the point where there’s hot water AND electricity and light fixtures…..and now…all I need is a place to hang a wet towel…. So as I research what I want for my bathroom, I share with you what I discover …and….here’s the latest scoop on what’s hot in the world of …..

Bathroom Towel Bar Innovation

Contemporary Brushed Nickel, Heated Racks and Pyrex Glass



A Company called Sunrise Specialty is the main creator of the newest Pyrex glass towel bar. The rod is a glass tube, but the accents can be ordered in chrome, brass, polished or antique bronze, and even the contemporary brushed nickel finish. Choose the lengths you need from 18 to 39 inches, or mix and match to create a set. Prices range from about $73 for an 18 inch bar with tarnish free brass, chrome or nickel finishes (although the same size with oil rubbed bronze accents cost about $87) to the 30 inch brushed nickel finish that is priced at around $93.



Oddly enough, although they appear to be high-tech, and work great in sleek contemporary bathrooms, they are in fact considered vintage towel bar designs and are not all that easy to purchase online, However, a shop called Vintage Tub and Bath carries the Sunrise series and seem to have the best prices. There’s another shop called Fixture Universe, and while they have a really great selection of bath towel bar styles and good prices on most items, their 30 inch Pyrex glass rods, also made by Sunrise Specialty are priced at over $140,and the smaller 18 inch models are over $115.



Heated Towel Bar, Warmer Shelf, and Towel Dryer/Warmer

The term “heated towel BAR” is not accurate in many cases since they tend to be designed more like shelves or racks rather than a single rod or bar where you drape a towel after a shower. When you look for heated towel bars, you’ll find towel bar rods that are used in towel warmers, but the bar itself doesn’t get warm on it’s own in many cases.



However, we have found one affordable rack that’s made by Warmrails (Warm Rails….ha ha ha….nice name don’t you think?). It’s a dual position tower warmer and dryer, but what we like about it is the price. Just under $140, one of the cheapest designs on the market.



How does it work? Well, it’s quite simple. It has heated panels that adjust, vertical or horizontal, and when the panels are in the horizontal position, the organizer rack that’s above, works great as a place to store towels. Slip the panels into a vertical design and you can dry your towels faster.

By the way, there’s also a single bar at the top of the rack that’s heated. The entire unit is made of lightweight aluminum with a brushed nickel finish, comes with a power cord and an on/of switch, and the whole rack unit is about 35 inches high and just over 22 inches wide. The rack shelf depth is a good size for folded towels being almost 15 inches. You can order this item online at Vintage Tub and Bath and the price quoted includes delivery within the continental US and Canada.



The luxury bathroom towel bar that’s heated, and is a complete chrome storage rack made by Amba, is expensive. It’s 20 by 18 inches in size and is not adjustable, but is sturdy, made of stainless steel with a chrome finish, and it warms and dries towels with a temperature controlled thermostat. It’s a great looking rack and would be ideal in a spa style bathroom or a wet room, but it’s rather pricey at almost $640. If this item is within your budget, it’s available online through Vintage Bath and Tub.



For more affordable heated racks and bars, we recommend the Warmrails hand towel warmers for under $50 (there are also towel rings that are heated), and the more affordable Amba Jeeves collections that range in price from $245 to $500 and are a similar design as the deluxe one above, but simpler, with the rack that has 7 (or more, depending on the model) chrome bars that heat up. Try shopping at Décor Island for good prices and a wide selection of Amba Jeeves racks and bars.

Sleek, Contemporary Brushed Nickel Towel Bar By Kohler



We have to admit that we’re shocked to have to tell you that a simple brushed nickel towel bar is not a cheap commodity. Kohler makes the Purist designs that are sleek and clean-lined, no swirls, curls or accents, just a sturdy brass rod that’s finished in such a way as to be scratch resistant, none corrosive and tarnish-free…. But the 18 inch bar costs $144 and the 30 inch one costs over $200.



We agree that Kohler makes top quality products, but if you need something more affordable in a similar contemporary look, we suggest you try Banner products, especially the Castille Collection in the 2000 series. You’ll find they have solid brass rods with chrome and brushed nickel finishes. A 24 inch design will only cost about $42. Save more and choose the chrome model for just under $30. You can buy these discount towel bars through Vintage Tub and Bath.

Oil Rubbed Bronze Towel Bar By Gatco



We’re really impressed with Gatco products that offer quality, great designs and low prices. Between $42 and $47 you can choose some of the richest oil rubbed finishes in a variety of rod lengths from the delightful Marina Collection. Use these in rustic bathroom designs that have wood or stone, or as accents in an antique theme.



For $49 to about $54, you can select some of the elegant double towel bar styles, also by Gatco, but in the Tiara Collection. In this series of double towel bars you’re not limited to oil rubbed bronze but can also order a custom finish like satin nickel, chrome or polished brass. They’re 24 inches long and made from ¾ inch tubing. Double bars are ideal if you have limited wall space for mounting multiple racks or bars, but they also can be a means to display towels that accent your space, giving either a splash of color or an air of elegance to what otherwise would be a blank wall.

Wrought Iron, Antique Porcelain and Ceramic Towel Bar Designs



Strom Plumbing has a series of gorgeous fluted porcelain items in their antique towel bar collection, and they are really reasonably priced when purchased through Vintage Tub and Bath, from around $48 for rings to around $70 for a bar, and accessories and complete decorative, matching, bathroom sets starting at just $28. The rod or bars themselves are coated brass but the wall mounts and accents are white porcelain.



Moen has a collection of very cheap, basic ceramic towel bars in white in their Porcelana collection, however, although they look like ceramic or porcelain, the bar is just coated aluminum, which is why they are so affordable. The cost is about $10 for a 24 inch bar. They’re good if you wish to mount something light onto a white ceramic tile wall and maintain the continuity of the glossy white, clean look, of the tile.



Liberty Hardware also makes a similar version called the Ceram Towel Bar which is retailing for about $18, but it’s unclear what it’s made of. The idea is that it blends with ceramic and porcelain, is white like the tile, and can be mounted in a way that camouflages the bar if it’s not intended to be a design feature or an accent that’s decorative.



With very little doubt, we can assure you that the white so called porcelain or ceramic bars that cost $10 to $20 are wood or aluminum coated in something to make look like ceramic, because the genuine, brass accented, antique porcelain bars from manufacturers like Circa, sold through Designer Plumbing, cost over $150 for a single 24 inch piece.



Even in the porcelain and antique ceramic department, Gatco continues to be an impressive manufacturer of great designs at really affordable prices. For example the Franciscan Ceramic Towel Bar features porcelain wall mounts, although the bar itself is polished metal.



Home Click, another great little online shop, has some beautiful, rustic wrought iron towel bar designs by Creative Specialties International. There have single and double towel bar designs to choose from, really cheap, starting at just over $21 for an 18 inch bar and about $23 for a 24 inch one. The double bars are around $35 and are finished in a matte black coating. The bars themselves are twisted wrought iron and the ends are very decorative and come in several curled or sculpted shapes. We recommend all the racks and bars in the Sienna collection, especially as accents in country or rustic themed bathrooms that incorporate stone, wood, natural or handmade tile or even copper vessel sinks, or granite stone basins.

Murray Feiss and Baldwin Towel Bar Collections

The Baldwin towel bar collections are extensive, and are priced reasonably at between $40 and $150, even for double bars. They have chrome, brass, contemporary and antique styles to choose in the lines like the Egdewater, Laguna, Stratford, Avalon and Mystic. In the Laguna collection there’s a nickel and pewter combination that’s one of the more unique items made by Baldwin, and is priced just under $40 for a 24 inch design. They are available online at places like eFaucets and Plumber Surplus as well as Lighting Showplace, but prices don’t vary too much.



If you’d like to purchased your bathroom light fixtures to match your other bathroom accessories, then Murray Feiss towel bar designs may be the ones to choose because you can get almost everything for a bathroom in the same style. The products are elegant, well made and affordable in unique collections like Crisp Chrome, Modern Country, Nouveau, Perfect Pewter, Peruvian Bronze, San Remo, the Murray Feiss Signature Series, and the Tuscan Villa line.



A favorite design we love to recommend is the heavy rustic Peruvian Bronze collection and the delicate, Italian country classic items in the Tuscan Villa series…..which are cheaper than you might think…for example, an 18 towel bar costs just under $50.



Bathroom Design and Décor Tips From Home Walk In Showers

If you would appreciate more information on where to get bathroom sets and light fixtures that match towel racks and vanities, or where to get the best bathroom storage units and shelves; or if you need to know what’s available in vanity mirrors for the bath, please choose another of our related topics.



If you’re still building or planning your bathroom, be it a walk in shower, large open wet room or a compact shower enclosure in a basement, please use our free tips and advice on how to plan, where to buy showerheads and electric shower units, how to choose contemporary enclosures, shower doors, and even how to accent your bathroom with practical vessel sinks in glass, stone and copper. We bring you the information you need to plan your space – creating it is up to you.

Recommended places to shop: Vintage Tub and Bath / Fixture Universe

]]> http://homewalkinshowers.com/bathroom-towel-bar-designs/feed/ 0 http://homewalkinshowers.com/lighted-and-wall-mounted-vanity-mirrors/ http://homewalkinshowers.com/lighted-and-wall-mounted-vanity-mirrors/#comments Thu, 13 May 2010 20:00:15 +0000 admin http://homewalkinshowers.com/?p=230

Brand name bathroom vanity mirror with lights; wall mounted designs in oval, square and rectangular shapes; mirrored vanity furniture sets; simple mirrors with and without frames; elegant antique models and contemporary clean-line designs – that’s what Home Walk In Showers is about this week – to help you with the finishing touches as you design, or plan, your unique bath or shower, be it a spacious spa-style wetroom for two or a contemporary shower enclosure unit for one.



Vanity mirrors that are mounted above a bathroom sink are not only a large purchase, since they may cost from a hundred to over a thousand dollars, but are also a weighty décor decision because the style, size and shape of the mirror you choose will affect the overall look of your bathroom more than most other fixtures. If you have a rustic or country theme, a large wood, wrought iron or antique frame will set the mood of the room, as will a sleek brushed nickel or chrome frame dictate the sleekness and chicness of a contemporary chrome and glass bath. Here are some of the top wall mounted and lighted vanity mirror designs that are available for easy purchase online, and a few tips on where to get special items like rustic and antique styles, as well as items that accent a bathroom like a good quality magnifying vanity mirror for the ladies. But…..let’s start with the basics:



Square, Rectangular and Oval Vanity Mirror Choices

First of all, you need to know where to shop. We recommend an online shop called Just Vanities who have a large selection, good prices and easy delivery options, including free shipping.

For a small mirror design, with a classic white frame that could be used in a set of two over a wash area or counter, or singly over a small wash basin, the Stratford, by Elite Home Fashions, is stylish and very affordable at just under $50. Even if you need to buy a set of two, you will cover an area the length of a short to average counter with a sink, without spending more than $100. The measurements are 24 inches in height by 18 inches in width and the crown molding and shelf below the mirror is 5 inches in depth. If you like the above suggestion, but prefer one single piece that covers a larger area, then we suggest the similar, but larger, Bath2o Elan white vanity mirror that comes with wall mounting hang holes. This style measures 30 inches in height and 27 in width with a depth of the same 5 inches like the previous one, and it costs about $126.



In oval, Moen has a gorgeous and affordable design we really love. It’s from the Organic Mirror collection by ShowHouse and features a modern brushed nickel finish and zinc accents. It’s almost 27 inches high and 19 inches wide, perfect for mounting over the bathroom vanity sink, or over that little nook outside the bath where you have just a vessel basin and towel for guests. Oh, the Organic collection has a zillion gorgeous extras you can get in the same style, like matching cabinet knobs, towel bars, towel ring and even funky pivoting toilet paper holder.



Not Your Average Lighted Vanity Mirror

Access Lighting has an ultra modern lighted mirror with eight halogen lights – 4 on each side of a 24 by 20 rectangle of frosted glass. It costs just over $300. A very chic contemporary choice.



In a similar price range and modern style, there’s also the George Kovacs designs, like the Two-Light Mirror that uses fluorescent bulbs on either side. It retails for about $290, but is just one of the choices in the George Kovacs contemporary line of wall mounted vanity mirrors with lights.

Whether you’re after table vanity mirrors or something you can mount on the wall in your bathroom, you must have a look at the Quoizel brushed nickel collection.



The retro-modern, sleek yet decorative styling, with pointed edges and accenting metal balls, offers simplicity without boredom. The piece called Jasper costs about $260, and has a mirror size of almost 25 inches in height and just over 17 inches wide, with the decorative frame extending beyond these dimensions. It can be purchased at Just Vanities, where shipping is free within the USA.

If contemporary doesn’t fit with your classic, antique or rustic theme, then perhaps you should be looking at…

Wooden Antique Vanity Mirror Designs By Danze and Uttermost



The Danze Cirtangular collection has gorgeous mahogany vanity wall mirrors for under $200 in two different dimensions, the 24 inch or the 30 inch size. These pieces are more classic than rustic, matching wood vanities and cabinets with a polished finish.



If you you’re looking for a rustic model, you may want to consider the Uttermost collections like the Francine wall mirror by designer Grace Feyock, which also has a mahogany finish but is accented with antique style silver leaf motifs on the corners and edges. This design is a good buy since it costs just a little over $100 but measures 26 by 22 inches.

If you’re wondering how it’s possible that such large, elaborately detailed wooden framed bathroom vanity mirrors can be so affordable, the answer is simple. The Uttermost company is a US family owned enterprise that has been committed to delivering unique and affordable artistic home accents, like framed mirrors, for almost 30 years. They know how to create the accents that make a home comfy, pleasing to the senses, and easy on the pocketbook. Get great discount prices even on the Uttermost pieces when shopping online through Just Vanities.

Suggestions For Choosing Bathroom Vanity Magnifying Mirrors



If you like to look at your pores in the mirror, or see what hideously distorted faces you can make at yourself, then a magnifying mirror is perfect! One of the superior models, which also includes lighting to really make you want to do something about those blackheads, is the Jerdon lighted magnifying wall mount mirror for about $88. It magnifies all your imperfections 5X and has a halogen light all around the mirror, and extends 14 inches away from the wall (on a sleek chrome finished arm) so you can really have a good look at yourself. If chrome doesn’t go with your décor, you can also choose this item in a bronze, brass or a matte nickel finish.



The most deluxe designs that seem to be available, aside from the Jerdon styles, are the much more expensive Zadro magnifying vanity mirrors that can cost up to $140. One, that features a dimmable sunlight design, offers an ultra thin dual-sided mirror, which Zadro claims to be the thinnest one available for sale. One of the unique benefits of this item is that it has…not “surround sound”, but “surround light”, which is designed to radiate natural sunlight so that you have no glare and no shadows to interfere with analyzing yourself or putting on your makeup or shaving. It’s possible to dim the fluorescent lighting with a control, and the mirror allows for a more pleasant 1X magnification examination by using one side, leaving the really scary 10X magnification to the other side, the side you needn’t look through everyday!

Finishing Your Bathroom With Mirrors, Fixtures, Storage, and Decorative Sets



Once you’ve decided upon your mirrors, you may need a little help organizing your makeup and toiletries, so we’ve put together some information to help you find the best bathroom storage solutions that are for sale online and you can check them out in related topics. We also offer suggestions for bathroom light fixtures, some that will accent your mirrors, others for the walls or to illuminate the entire room from the ceiling. When your storage problems have been dealt with, and when you have adequate lighting and the right mirrors, you may be wanting to add small things like soft fabric shower curtains, decorative bathroom sets that include soap dispensers and even mats and rugs to give your toes some cozy comfort when you step from your shower. So we’ve researched some ideas on where to shop for the little niceties that will make your bathroom not just a place to get clean but a place to feel rejuvenated, relaxed and refreshed.

]]> http://homewalkinshowers.com/lighted-and-wall-mounted-vanity-mirrors/feed/ 0 http://homewalkinshowers.com/where-to-buy-bathroom-light-fixtures-online/ http://homewalkinshowers.com/where-to-buy-bathroom-light-fixtures-online/#comments Thu, 13 May 2010 13:53:56 +0000 admin http://homewalkinshowers.com/?p=209 Modern, Traditional, Vintage, and Victorian Styles – For Vanity, Wall, and Ceiling


Kichler bathroom lights from ultra modern to antique and vintage, and Murray Feiss bathroom light designs for above the vanity or mounting to the wall or ceiling, are available online with prices starting under $100.



Shop for popular items like the Kichler brushed nickel bathroom lighting models in their Wall Sconce collections for under $80 or choose Murray Feiss bathroom light bars, with up to five lamps, for under $150. But where should you go to buy these and other great deals online?



Bathroom Light Fixture Shopping Online

During the past three months, while restoring an antique house (instead of saying a total ruin), when the bathroom finally began to take shape, and the power company granted permission to install electricity, I realized I had nothing but wires protruding from the wall above the vanity. I had to decide what style of bathroom lighting I desired. But since the main portion of my budget had been used for the construction, it seemed I would be forced to choose the light fixtures based on what I could afford instead of what reflected the rustic, wrought iron or bronze, Spanish country theme I had chosen. Disheartened, I began to search for affordable options online, and to my amazement found I could have my ideal semi-rustic semi-modern, antique style vanity bar for a fraction of the price local retailers were asking. And I didn’t have to settle for some cheap plastic or aluminum imitation but had a whole variety of high quality oil rubbed bronze models to choose from.



One of the designs that I found was through Lighting Direct, who had the Murray Feiss wrought iron Boulevard Collection starting at just over $100, and the long design that was over 48 inches wide, just over $200…I think about $230 or $240….and it would actually cover the entire span of the wall above the double vanity and sink area I had imagined would require two or more fixtures.


This illuminating experience got me thinking about how many of my internet readers, to whom I regularly give advice regarding wetroom construction, walk in shower designs and other decorating, designing and building tips, are also about to finish their bathroom renovation projects and need bathroom light fixtures to complete the job…and like me, may not have budgeted enough and are now feeling frustrated. So, I put together some ideas to help. Here’s what I found:



You can go directly to the official Kichler bathroom lights website and view their extensive line of products, and it’s really nicely laid out and super tantalizing….BUT, since they don’t sell directly online through their website, they don’t offer prices, so it’s a bit frustrating, especially if you fall in love with a design and have no idea if it’s within your budget. I found it was better to go to dealers like Lighting Direct, enter the names of lighting manufactures I knew had good quality, and then view a series of items within my budget. I found I could also do a search based on design aspects I wanted, like “rustic bathroom lights” which is what I hoped to find , and get only that style from a variety of companies. That lead me to discover that the best manufacturers for things like brass, antique, brushed nickel bathroom lighting, light bars and matching ceiling fan lights, all seemed to come from two main sources…..Kichler and Murray Feiss. Naturally I went directly to Murray Feiss as well, but some of the designs ended up being cheaper when bought through Lighting Direct.



Oh, by the way, Lighting Direct ships to the USA and Canada, and have lots of shipping choices, even if you need something in a rush….especially if you have a contractor or builder waiting for you to give him the fixture so the job can be finished on schedule. But, they have free ground shipping on orders over $49, so most of the bathroom lighting items you choose to get delivered will get sent for free (in the USA).

While doing my own research, I stumbled across some incredibly good buys that I’d like to show you and recommend. Here they are:



Bathroom Ceiling Light From $7 to $80

If you require basic bathroom ceiling lighting, you can get some amazing good deals through Lighting Direct. For example there’s a flush mount ceiling fixture for just $16 that features frosted glass in a melon style and decorative, antique style accents. Some of the customers who have bought this piece have commented that it is better in real life than in the photos, and one person used it when restoring an 80 year old building, and another in an antique home. By the way, it’s a quality Craftmade product, which is why it costs a little more than some others, but it really pays to choose good brands because bathrooms take a little more abuse, with humidity, than say a bedroom or living room.

Victorian Elegance



On the other extreme, I also found some gorgeous decorative designs that are rather more expensive, but strikingly unusual and well worth having a look at if you want something out of the ordinary. Some of the best antique and Victorian bathroom lights are just outrageously overpriced and not that unique, but the Elk Lighting design from the elegant Elizabethan collection is just $225 and offers ceiling lighting with a hint of chandelier….ideal for low ceilings in basement bathrooms or small areas where a single decorative feature will be more than enough. It comes in bronze or an ivory finish and has lead crystal accents and 3 lights.



Sea Gull Brushed Nickel Bathroom Lighting For Just $69

If you want something traditional or classic in a sleek brushed nickel finish, Sea Gull Lighting is a good name to keep in mind. Why? Because aside from great finishes, there are many styles to choose from, ranging from ultra modern, clean, crisp contemporary designs, to more traditional bathroom mirror lights that can be mounted on the wall, on either side of the vanity or mirror, or above. Their designs are practical and their prices affordable. They can also be ordered through Lighting Direct.

Suggestions For Lighting To Enhance a Wetroom or Walk In Shower Area

Since this site deals with how to create wetrooms and walk in showers with no doors or with just glass or a partial wall, we often suggest how to decorate, organize and accent such unique bathroom concepts. That’s why we’re decided to put together a few suggestions for bathroom light sconces and art deco bathroom light designs that go well with our other construction and décor suggestions.

Art Deco, Retro, Vintage



1. If you have a funky art deco or colorful glass design as a theme for your walk in shower area or wet room space, you can carry that concept through with one or two Quoizel stained glass wall sconce designs like the Tiffany in the Craftsman collection. For just under $155 you can have a light that’s a work of art; ideal in a wet room with geometric lines, glass doors/walls, perhaps an artsy glass vessel sink, or with a mosaic tile or curved glass-block half-wall that divides the shower area from the rest of the room.



Rustic, Antique / Classic Elegance

2. In the Billy Moon collection by Uttermost Lighting, there’s a gorgeous rustic design called the Joselyn Candle wall sconce, which has a tall pearlescent glass globe atop a simple, yet elegant, handcrafted bronze mounting. The item sells for about $148 and is a perfect accent for a stone, wood, or rustic style wetroom. It goes with our suggestions for copper sinks and bathroom vessel basins made from granite or natural materials.

We suggest that instead of using overhead or central lighting, you give your bath a soft touch with 4 to 6 wall sconces – two beside a vanity mirror and two, depending on the size of the bathroom, placed on stone pillars or wood walls to give a glow to the entire room.

Create soft radiance by placing lower wattage bulbs in the fixtures that are not directly beside the mirrors, and if possible, have the bathroom wiring designed so that you can turn on/off the mirror lights separately from the other ones that will be used for relaxation and not for applying makeup.

Home Walk In showers Offers More and More…

For suggestions on how to organize and decorate the rest of your bathroom, please consult related topics that recommend things like vessel sinks as an alternative to traditional white porcelain basins; farmhouse style copper sinks for wetrooms; bathroom sets that help eliminate clutter, and bathroom storage suggestions for making small baths more practical. We also have ideas on where to buy the best shower enclosures, and if you’re in the UK, where to buy the top electric shower units that will give you lots of instant hot water on demand.

]]> http://homewalkinshowers.com/where-to-buy-bathroom-light-fixtures-online/feed/ 0 http://homewalkinshowers.com/unique-copper-sinks-direct-to-your-bathroom/ http://homewalkinshowers.com/unique-copper-sinks-direct-to-your-bathroom/#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 15:33:09 +0000 admin http://homewalkinshowers.com/?p=182 Where To Shop Online For Copper Vessel Sink Designs in Hammered Copper, Farmhouse Styles, Apron Sink Models, Antique and Handcrafted Mexican Artistry

Buy handmade copper sinks, hammered basins, farmhouse apron styles, unusual bathroom vessel models, traditional Mexican designs, and antique replicas, starting at $99. We show you where to shop online, how much to pay and who delivers directly to your home.

Sizes, Styles and Prices



The standard dimensions for many copper bathroom sinks are about 17 inches around by about 7 inches deep, and the simple affordable designs start at just $99, and allow you to select a plain or hammered rim finish and often the patina color or finish.



There are several motifs to select, like the classic floral vine pattern, the arrow theme, diamond, star, scallop, or the plain hammered styles.



The vessels for sale at Copper Sinks Online also include a series of elegant copper bowl sinks with mosaic, some with Venetian Murano glass and mirror inlays on the outer side of the plated bronze designs that also have been finished by hand. The Murano mosaic copper and bronze basins are a little more expensive at about $350, and are very versatile for mounting. They can be left as a vessel sink, sitting on a counter or pedestal, or they may be partially embedded or mounted into a vanity or cabinet, or can be totally inset so as to be flush with the counter or wash area.



For less expensive, but unique and exclusive designs, consider some that range in price from about $145 to $225.

For example you can opt for a silver etched bowl with a lustrous patina in a variety of earthy, rustic finishes like Rio Grande, Café Natural, Dark Smoke or Matte.



If you’re looking for something very distinctive that’s not round, oval or square, but boat shaped, you’ll be delighted with the Calder design that has a rustic finish. The dimensions of this unique antique copper sink are a bit odd, so you’ll need the right kind of space to display it properly and make it functional because it’s quite long at 18.5 inches and 12 inches wide, while being unusually shallow at a depth of just 5.5 inches. As far as price is concerned, it’s reasonable considering how unusual the design is, at just $340, which includes shipping anywhere in continental USA. Which reminds us to let you know that all orders include free shipping if you spend just $100.



A Copper Farmhouse Sink in The Bathroom?

Most of the copper farm sink designs are sold for use in the a cooking area, be it indoors or out, however copper kitchen sinks make wonderfully unique bathroom basins. This is especially true if you have a little more space and would like a double or triple sink and mirror/vanity area, or if you have an open walk in shower, large wet room or spa design that’s rustic with stone floors and teak/cedar wood walls. Let us show you what we mean:



Choose one, two or three single well, rectangular or square copper farmhouse sinks that measure 22 or 30 inches at their longest or widest point and inset them into a stone counter or vanity with antique wood or copper framed mirrors above and antique brass or copper faucets. Even if space an issue, you can choose one small single well sink that’s square or rectangular and create a very unusual spa style wash area, open to the shower area or hot tub etc…



What’s extraordinary about using the farm style models in the bath is that you can also choose what is known as an apron front copper sink…..and by “apron” we mean a vessel that has a decorative, rounded or flat, front that is not hidden, covered or inset below counter level, but left in view as the front of the vanity or wash area.



It allows for more copper to show and is a way to create an antique environment quite easily since the fronts are often sculpted, carved, etched and very decorative. They also tend to project out a little more, are deeper, and have much more overall character, which is why, unfortunately, they are also more expensive. Still, their uniqueness makes them an item to consider when planning an outdoor home spa, rustic pool area, hot tub pavilion or indoor wet room for a cabin or chalet, or even in your unique rustic style bathroom.



Mexican Copper Sinks

For some of the most distinctive and extraordinary designs of, not just antique copper farm sinks, but Mexican copper sink designs that will add a unique flare to a washing area, go to Mexican Copper, a website where the sun and earth come together in fiery designs that mimic land and sea, like the Aztec hand engraved basin, or the sea shell vessel sink that makes washing your hands an event instead of just a function.



The price of the Mexican sun and sea is not much more than the cost of the domestic style….through Mexican copper, a unique handcrafted piece costs just over $350, be it Aztec or a pumpkin shaped bowl…….but the seashell style is a tad more at just over $390, although one plus is that if you order from the USA or Canada, there are no additional shipping costs.



Whether you choose hammered copper sinks made by American artisans or antique replicas of old world copper farmhouse sink designs or sunny Aztec creations from Mexico, the idea of creating a wash space in your bathroom or wet room using the rich orange-red color of copper metal, will stand out as a feature and make the area uniquely your own.

For more ideas on bathroom vessel sinks in granite, porcelain and even artistic glass, see the related topic, and don’t forget to check out the suggestions we offer about how to create singular walk in shower spaces for you or for two! Also find out how to organize and decorate with unusual bathroom sets and bathroom storage ideas that will keep your bathroom clutter free and functional for you and the entire family.

]]> http://homewalkinshowers.com/unique-copper-sinks-direct-to-your-bathroom/feed/ 0 http://homewalkinshowers.com/the-best-electric-shower-uk-residents-can-buy-online/ http://homewalkinshowers.com/the-best-electric-shower-uk-residents-can-buy-online/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 19:57:46 +0000 admin http://homewalkinshowers.com/?p=160 Electric power shower by Mira, Triton, Gainsborough, Aqualisa, Creda, Bristan and others; available online for UK buyers who seek the best electric shower deals – that’s what Home Walk In Showers brings you this week to help you choose the shower head and heating system that best suits your open wetroom space or your walkin shower enclosure. Here are the top shower designs by a variety of manufactures and a brief review of each, including what prices you can expect to pay and where to shop online for good deals.

Mira Electric Showers UK



Mira is a division of Kohler and carries a variety of very popular lines including the Mira Jump, Aqualista, and the newest wireless digital models called the Mira Platinum. The most affordable model is the simple Mira Go, an 8.5 kw electric shower, which retails for about £169 in the white and chrome design and for just over £180 in the satin chrome finish. The features of this affordable unit are basic touch button controls, a nozzle made of rubber for easy cleaning and the energy efficient Eco settings that are useful in summer when less hot water is needed. As with many of the Mira products, the “Go” model is available online at Argos or you can shop in person at places like B&Q or Homebase.



Why Buy Electric Shower Designs

If you don’t have a centrally heated water system in your home, the electric designs allow you to have instant hot water while showering. But first, the two most frequently asked questions:

• How do they work?
• Isn’t having electricity and water together a dangerous combination?

1. Here’s how they work:

There’s a heating element inside the showerhead or device through which the water passes and is heated only when you require the water. There is no energy wasted to heat a stored supply of hot water that may go unused. One benefit is that the hot water supply is “on demand” and therefore always available. It will not run out like what sometimes happens when you have a tank.

2. Regarding safety:



The easiest way to explain how safe and reliable they are for home use is to compare their functions to an electric kettle where a protected and waterproof element heats red hot and warms the water without it being a dangerous way to make tea. Similarly, a coil or element heats up electrically in a showerhead or device and as the water passes over the element it is heated. The device or showerhead does not have exposed electrical wires that come in contact with the water and therefore there is no real danger – just a simple means to take a refreshing warm or hot shower at any time of the day or night, even if someone just showered before you. The hot water will not run out, and the temperature can be regulated to suite each person. It’s safe, efficient, and very convenient.



How is An Electric Power Shower Different?

The main difference between a basic electric shower and a power shower design is that the latter has a pump that is built-in to help with water pressure and to have a steady flow and therefore a constant temperature. They may also mix hot and cold water, however there are two basic styles to choose, and they are:

1. the Manual control, which will not make allowances for changes in flow or temperature unless you do so yourself
2. the Thermostatic control, which allows exactness of flow, up to fourteen liters/min., and excellent temperature control based on your selection.

If good control in a budget price range is what you’re after, you may want to consider something like Mira Vigour Thermostatic electric power showers that sells for under £240.

Affordable Triton Electric Showers



One of the best selling Triton electric shower models is the affordable and stylish, all chrome, T80Z design that retails for around £187. The features that make it good value are such things as the double sensor which automatically monitors the heating level, and the push button control. It has little extras like an easy clean showerhead and easy grip control, and is offered in 3 different power ratings from 8.5kW to 10.5k. It also comes with the Triton 2 year guarantee and is sold through online distributors such as PlumbWorld.



One of the newest and most innovative designs by Triton, and therefore one of the most expensive, is the Triton T300si model, which is a wireless electric shower, and retails for around £320. Aside from its sleek all chrome look and the absence of wires, the T300si features a dial with temperature control, a showerhead with five spray styles, push button controls with an economy setting. The wireless power operates even from a distance of 10 meters, so the source can be discretely hidden in a ceiling panel or wall.

Triton t80si



One of the most popular designs is the Triton t80si electric shower and the reason it’s so well-liked is because it solves a serious problem – low water pressure. How? Because it has an integrated pump to regulate unreliable water pressure sources. It’s unique in that it can be attached to a tank of water, which may be the only source for the shower, that is just 8 centimeters from the shower device! It also offers the same great features as most other models, including push button and temperature controls, variable spray showerhead that operates in three positions and the 8.5kW rating. How much does it cost? Just over £200 when on sale at PlumbWorld.



Gainsborough

The other affordable and popular design in the UK is the Gainsborough electric shower, and it’s a good choice if price is a prime consideration, since models like the 8.5kw Satin Chrome design cost just over £100 and there are other designs that are somewhat basic but functional for as little as £70 to £90.



For other deals on the top selling and best rated Mira sport electric shower, Redring models, Aqualisa designs and the really cheap Creda electric shower units, which only cost about £60, try going to the online outlets for Argos, HomeBase, PlumbWorld, Marshal Ward and even Amazon UK.

If you’d like ideas on how to create wet rooms or walk in showers, how to decorate bathrooms that have shower enclosures, how to find bathroom vessel sinks and copper basins for a good price, or where to buy beautiful bathroom sets, accessories and shower curtains, please go to related topics. At Home Walk In Showers we offer suggestions and advice so that you can focus on creating your shower and bathroom space within your budget.

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