Bathroom Tips – Modern Bathroom Blog | Modern Bathroom

When it comes to the bathroom, one of the most common questions homeowners have is whether to install a walk-in bathtub or a shower. Both have distinct advantages, so how do you choose? Does it make more sense to add a space-saving shower or should you go with the family friendly tub? 

To help you reach a good decision on the walk-in bathtub vs. walk-in shower conundrum, here’s a look at some advantages and disadvantages of each.

The Pros and Cons of a Walk-in Bathtub

Unlike a standard bathtub, a walk-in tub has a lower threshold, higher walls, a built-in seat and a door that opens to allow the bather inside. Here’s how it stacks up:

• PRO — It’s safer and more accessible for elderly or disabled individuals, which makes it an ideal choice for aging in place
• PRO — It provides greater water depth for a more comfortable, immersive bath experience
• PRO: Despite its depth, the amount of water used is comparable to traditional tubs
• PRO: Extras such as handrails, anti-scald valves and non-slip flooring are included
• CON: You can’t prefill the tub, but rather have to get in, sit down and start adding water. Likewise, you have to empty the tub before getting out.
• CON: Installation can be pricey.

The Pros and Cons of a Walk-in Shower

Highly on trend today, walk-in showers are stand-alone bathroom features. Because they don’t include a bathtub, they can be narrow and provide more space-saving features than the traditional shower-tub combination. If space isn’t a concern, walk-in showers can be spacious enough for two and include amenities such as steam generators and massaging shower heads. Consider their pros and cons:

• PRO: Can take up less space, freeing up square footage
• PRO: Often easier to clean, with fewer areas where water, dirt and grime can collect
• PRO: On trend, often a selling point
• CON: Not practical for kids
• CON: Potential slip hazard
• CON: Typically more expensive to install

Questions to Consider

For some bathrooms, the choice of whether to include a tub or a shower is easy. Once you consider the pros and cons of each option, it becomes apparent which you want to use daily. For others, however, it can be helpful to think through the following questions:

• What do you have now? In the case of a remodel, sticking with the layout you have is usually the easiest and least costly option. Sticking with a shower, for example, when that’s what you already have will save you the extra construction work involved in creating a walk-in bathtub.
• How much space do you have? In a secondary bathroom where space is at a premium, going with a walk-in shower is a great way to open up the floor space.
• Who uses the bathroom? Whether you’re talking about the master bathroom or a guest bath off the hallway, think about who primarily uses the bathroom. Are they young children or elderly family members? Would they be more comfortable with a shower or a walk-in tub?

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, when it comes to the question of walk-in bathtub vs. walk-in shower, the best choice for you is dependent on several factors. Consider the size of your bathroom, who uses it, what you need and like, and then make your choice!

To find affordably priced, high-quality bathtubs and shower fixtures online, come to Modern Bathroom! Shop our site or contact us today to learn more.

Limited space doesn’t need to limit your creativity when renovating your home. With the help of these small bathroom ideas, you will achieve the optimal outcome from your remodel.

Get Innovative With Your Fixture Choices

• Shower — For a less confining shower area, try recessed shower shelving instead of protruding wall shelves. Consider a shower-tub combo instead of a free-standing shower to optimize the space. Another option is to install a shower that has a sliding door instead of a door that swings out. If your bathroom has a small closet, consider a sliding door for that as well.
• Sink — There is a sink design to fit bathroom layouts of any shape or size. A corner sink will free up bathroom space with its small footprint. You also can find a sink fixture that mounts to the wall, leaving floor space for small items. Floating vanities open up floor space as well, with the added bonus of storage. If counter space is important to you, install a vessel sink instead of a drop-in or pedestal sink, as this design will give you a few extra inches of countertop.
• Toilet — There are only so many shapes and sizes available, so consider toilet placement in small bathroom designs. Install your toilet adjacent to cabinet and door openings to avoid a cramped space. For shorter toilets, extend the sink counter or shelving over the toilet tank to increase storage and shelf space.

Play With Bathroom Design

• Color scheme — Use large patterns or a clean, minimalist design. Wallpaper with busy patterns can make your bathroom appear smaller. While bright or soft colors are recommended to make rooms appear bigger, you can also use the same paint color as adjoining rooms or hallways to unite and extend the space.
• Décor — For small bathroom remodel ideas, limit decorations and knickknacks that may make the space look cluttered. Instead, use midsize statement pieces, such as a painting or an elongated plant to give the appearance of a taller or wider space. Vertical cabinetry can have the same effect.
• Mirror — Experiment with mirror size and quantity. Depending on what you want to achieve with your space, they can create the illusion that a space is larger than it actually is. For example, tall mirrors can make your ceilings look higher, while wall-length mirrors can add depth.
• Lighting — Recessed lighting is a great option for small bathrooms. Its softer light has a blurring effect on the room’s boundaries while larger lighting fixtures can make it look cluttered. Consider installing windows and skylights to allow as much natural light as possible, which can open up a small space.

Finally, bathrooms add value to homes for resale purposes and are the rooms your family uses every day. Adding a bathroom wherever you can — even a small one — can benefit any home. For more ideas on remodeling a bathroom of any size, take a look at some bathroom designs provided by our customers or contact one of our Modern Bathroom professionals.

In 2019, a porcelain sink still makes a great addition to your bathroom or kitchen, as it’s durable and looks great. Yet even the sturdiest fixtures are subject to normal wear and tear when put to daily use. Not much has changed. We’ve compiled a few tried-and-true methods that you can use to maintain and repair your sink.

Baking Soda

For smaller surface scratches, use baking soda for your porcelain sink scratch repair. After coating the scratch in a healthy layer of baking soda, buff it for a few minutes using a soft, damp cloth and rinse the affected area with warm water.

Pumice Stone

Pumice works as a filler and can repair minor scratches. The smaller the pores on the pumice stone, the better for this kind of delicate repair. To avoid additional scratching, soak the pumice stone completely in warm water for a few seconds before use. Buff back and forth on the scratch or nick until it is no longer visible.

Commercial Cleanser

These products have been around for as long as they have because they work. One recommended product is the Bon Ami powder cleanser. This cleaning solution can remove scratches and marks from dishware, showers, tubs and your porcelain sink. Bar Keepers Friend household cleanser can also work with porcelain sink scratches.

There are many versions of this cleaner, but the cream formula seems to work best for porcelain sink repair. (Both of these are multipurpose products, so you can utilize them for other items around your house, as well.)

Porcelain Repair Kit

For a sink that requires major work, a repair kit made specifically for porcelain sink restoration may be worth the cost. These kits typically include an abrasive cloth to buff the nick and surrounding space, and a gloss or glaze to fill the damaged area.

You can find a finish that matches the color of your sink and repairs scratches and minor cracks for a small cost. Repair kits are available at your local hardware store.

Which Method Works Best?

While all of these methods can work for DIYers, how well they do so depends on the extent of the damage. The baking soda, pumice stone and cleanser methods work well for small blemishes. For deeper scratches that require a more intensive process, a repair kit will likely yield better results.

How Can I Protect My Sink From Future Damage?

The easiest way to repair scratches may be to simply avoid them in the first place.

• For kitchen sinks, invest in a rubber mat to line the bottom. This will help protect the surface from pot, pan and hefty dishware scratches.
• Use non-abrasive sponges and cleaners during your regular cleaning regimen. Dishwashing liquid is recommended for sinks because it’s gentle and can be used on already-repaired areas.
• Lastly, do not clean porcelain sinks with vinegar, as its high acidity can damage the sink’s surface.

Instead of repairing an old sink, why not consider a new one? Read our tips for making your sink a statement piece for your bathroom, or contact us for more information on remodeling.

In any home, the bathroom is more than just a place to get clean. It’s also a sanctuary, one of few places within the home to which you can retreat. This is what makes cozy bathroom design so important. Ideally, your bathroom should be a warm, comforting place that helps you get refreshed while you prepare to face the coming day. It should also be the place where you wash away the day’s stresses in the evenings. If you’re looking for ideas to make your bathroom a restful nook, here are some that will get you started.

1. Try a Rain Showerhead

One of the best ways to make a bathroom cozier is to introduce a little nature. In the shower, this could mean a rainfall showerhead. The overhead design means the water falls straight down, just like rain, which makes taking a shower soothing.

2. Enclose the Tub

Bathrooms are meant to be private, of course, but to enjoy a truly restful experience when you soak in the tub, consider enclosing the tub with an opaque barrier of some kind. Rather than glass doors or a tub without a curtain, an opaque tub curtain in a bold pattern that matches your bathroom’s decor will turn the tub into a private paradise.

3. Add Splashes of Color With Textiles

Textiles — in this case, towels and bath mats — are one of the best ways to make a bathroom cozy and easy on the eyes. Experiment with color with a bright bath mat for the floor and towels in interesting patterns displayed prominently on shelves.

4. Add Some Furniture

Here, you have the chance to get truly creative and really ramp up the bathroom’s cozy feeling. Consider a short stool, a bench or an ottoman as seating where you can sit and get dry after a bath. Small end tables work well in the bathroom, too, particularly next to the tub, where you can use them to hold candles, bath supplies and a towel.

5. Invest in Shelving

Bathrooms almost always need a bit more storage space, and shelving systems do dual duty as storage and decoration. Look for over-the-toilet shelves, freestanding shelving units or wall-hanging shelves as places that you can organize and display towels, colorful bottles and more.

6. Install a Heated Towel Rack

A heated towel rack is a must-have in warm cozy bathrooms. This is an inexpensive and simple upgrade to make, and it comes with a couple benefits. First, it helps dry damp towels. Second, these racks get your towels nice and toasty, which helps replicate the spa experience.

7. Decorate With Treats

Bath salts, bubble bath and bath bombs are all the rage. Rather than stashing these items in the cabinet, mix them into your decor. Especially bath bombs — they come in all kinds of creative colors and shapes, which means you can add a lot of liveliness to your bathroom with a basket of pretty bath bombs on a shelf or on the vanity.

8. Towel Racks in All Shapes and Types

The traditional towel rack is just a bar on which you hang a folded towel. However, there are lots of other creative ways to hang or display towels. Try hooks instead of towel racks for a cozier, more lived-in look, or invest in curved towel shelves where you can store rolled towels.

9. Make Sure the Tub has a Bath Tray

A bath tray is an essential item that will hold your soaps, bubble bath and a glass of wine, if you so desire. If you’re a fan of reading in the tub, some trays even have slots to support a book.

10. Matching Hardware

Matching cabinet and drawer pulls are a no-brainer. Still, if you can match shower curtain rings, toilet paper holders, towel racks and all the other metal finishes, this helps pull together the bathroom’s overall look and feel.

11. Plants Add a Sense of Luxury

If your bathroom has plenty of natural light, then consider a few plants in the windows to give your bathroom that essential spa atmosphere.

12. Hang Art

Art isn’t just for the living room or the hallways of your home. Why not hang a framed picture over your tub? It could be a favorite painting, a soothing landscape — anything that you’ll enjoy pausing to look at as you relax in the tub.

13. Look for Creative Ways to Store Toilet Paper

Toilet paper doesn’t have to just sit on a shelf! Baskets, cloth storage bins or even specialized toilet paper holders are all great ways to keep it convenient while giving the bathroom a polished look.

14. Find the Perfect Mirror

Mirrors aren’t just utilitarian. When you’re looking for a mirror or medicine cabinet to hang above the vanity, look for a beautifully styled mirror that doubles as decoration.

15. Focus on the Senses

A truly cozy bathroom is one that takes sight, touch and scent into consideration. Start by turning the bathroom into a lovely place, and make sure to mix in pleasing textures — fluffy towels, a soft rug in front of the shower, a plush robe or fuzzy slippers. Scent is important, too. Anything from potpourri to warming oils can be used to heighten the mood you’re trying to achieve.

When you’re ready to start converting your bathroom into a cozy, inviting space, Modern Bathroom has the fixtures you’ll need! Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.

You’re probably not thinking about the potential dangers of your bathroom when taking your morning shower or brushing your teeth. In fact, bathroom safety may not ever cross your mind, as these spaces are part of our daily routines. However, the health and injury risks of this often-used area can loom where you least expect.

Here are some tips to make your bathroom a safer place for you and your family:

1. Eiminate bathroom rugs. Those decorative throw rugs are fall hazards. Avoid putting ornamental floor covers on your bathroom tile to decrease the opportunity for slipping, tripping and other injuries.
2. Get a non-slip mat for your bathtub. Non-slip tubs are designed with grooved features to assist with fall prevention. If you don’t have a non-slip tub, consider a non-slip mat or coating for your bathtub or standalone shower to add traction to these slick surfaces.
3. Invest in railing or a seat for your bathtub or shower. Adding a rail or seat to a bathtub or freestanding shower will help decrease the risk of bathroom falls, especially for those who live with the elderly or have family members with disabilities. It can also create a more comfortable bathing experience.
4. Keep a well-lit bathroom space. A big injury risk comes with those midnight ventures to the bathroom. Wandering through the dark while half-asleep is a dangerous combination Having extra lighting, such as night light plug-ins in your bathroom or in the surrounding hallways, can help prevent falls and injury.
5. Clean your bathroom regularly. Germs are the invisible hazards that are always present in your bathroom. To aid in countering bathroom bacteria, have a regimen for keeping all aspects of your bathroom clean. This includes the places you might not always think about that can host bathroom germs, such as shower heads, faucets and wall tiling. Nowadays, you can even invest in a self-cleaning toilet to do the dirty work for you!
6. Make toiletries and other bathroom items easily accessible. Ever stood on your tip-toes to reach a bottle of shampoo from the top shelf of your linen closet? You can set yourself up for a fall. Place shampoo, soap dispensers and other commonly used items in areas that are within reach for everyone who uses them. View these bathroom designs by our customers for ideas on how to arrange your bathroom in a way that’s practical and decorative.
7. Keep dangerous items out of reach of children. Hazards for inquisitive children are aplenty in a bathroom — ranging from sharp objects (razors, scissors and tweezers) to poisoning dangers (prescription medications and ointments). Store these items in taller cabinets or drawers to lower the risk of them falling into curious hands.
8. Securely store cleaning products. While bathroom cleanliness is important, harsh chemicals, such as bathroom cleaning products, can pose a hazard to children and even adults in the event of accidental misuse. Ideally, store these items outside of the confined bathroom area. Keep these products low to the ground in a secured cabinet in an effort to help prevent spills.
9. Unplug electric appliances. Water and electricity can be a lethal combination, and both are used in our bathrooms on a daily basis. Ensure that electric razors, hairdryers and other appliances are unplugged from grounded outlets — especially those near sinks — when they are not in use.
10. Keep slippery floors and surfaces dry. Be cautious of the dangers that come with wet floors, especially when you can’t always tell that a floor is wet. Hang towels near bathing areas and place racks for hand towels within arm’s reach of the sink to minimize spread of water. Buying weighted shower curtains can also keep floors dry by helping contain water to your bathtub.

For further information on how to make your bathroom safer for you and your family, read our suggestions here.

Contact a Modern Bathroom professional today to inquire about our vast selection of bathroom products.