ᐅ Bathroom fixtures and fittings.

We are looking for ideas for the bathroom in our new house. What kind of features are popular these days? Our current bathroom is a simple layout with a bathtub, shower, washbasin, and toilet all along one wall.

In the future, we would like something more comfortable and homelier. There are showers with massage jets, whirlpools, walk-in showers, bathtubs for two people, corner bathtubs... not to mention the many types of washbasins.

What about you? Do you have a massage shower or a whirlpool? Is that something suitable for a home, or do you end up using it too little?

Hello DIY enthusiasts,

it is important to make the bathroom future-proof, meaning suitable for elderly use. This does not mean creating a bathroom that looks outdated or like a nursing home. A walk-in shower with easy access, enough space for a wheelchair (sink with clearance underneath), or room to place crutches or a walking stick, and grab bars are essential.

You don’t have to give up anything else—massage jets, steam showers, and so on are still possible, as well as stylish tiles, colors, and designs.

We had a steam shower. At first, we were very excited, and after work I looked forward to a nice steam bath. Over time, however, the enthusiasm decreased. Not because the steam shower didn’t work well, but I miss having the space. At the swimming pool, I always use the steam room; it’s spacious and you have other people around. In the steam shower cabin, I miss that feeling—it now just seems practical.

We decided on a fairly large bathtub and a also larger walk-in shower with a level-access entry. The large bathtub leads to higher energy and water consumption, but since we don’t bathe regularly, when we do, it should be comfortable and pleasant.
The shower will measure 1.0 m by 1.2 m (3.3 ft by 3.9 ft) to avoid bumping into the shower walls while lathering up, making it simply more comfortable.
Both will be equipped with thermostatic mixers.
I’m thinking of large-format tiles but in a subtle color scheme, preferably natural tones.

The tip to think about later life is good. Today, I would also only install a walk-in shower that is large enough to fit a (plastic) chair, so that you can still shower comfortably at an advanced age. A large glass partition separating the area also looks very nice.

Hertweck schrieb:
Hello DIY enthusiasts,

you should also make sure to redesign the bathroom for future needs, meaning it should be elderly-friendly. This doesn’t mean the bathroom has to look like an old-fashioned nursing home. Easy-to-access shower, space for a wheelchair (with an accessible washbasin) or a place to put crutches or a walking stick, grab bars.
You don’t have to give up anything else — massage jets, steam showers, and so on are still possible, as well as stylish tiles, colors, and designs.

Yep, this really shouldn’t be underestimated! Accessibility must be guaranteed above all. The shower should not be a tripping hazard, there should be enough space for walking aids (if you might need them later), and the floor needs to be slip-resistant, among other things. There’s a lot to keep in mind. You can easily get a massage shower effect with the right showerheads 🙂 There’s nothing wrong with choosing a more extravagant shower or bathtub, just remember to ensure the bathroom can still be used easily later on 🙂

Best regards,
Marlen