Are Shower Panels Worth It?

If you're about to embark upon a full-scale bathroom remodeling project, having a clear idea of which major fixtures will be included is vital to select the components and other hardware that will bring the space together. 

If you're mulling the thought of installing a large shower in your space, a shower panel should be at the top of your list of priorities. This is one of the most cutting-edge bathroom accessories on the market that will streamline the look of your washroom and allow you to enjoy a new era of luxury in your home. But are shower panels worth it? Here are a few benefits that could convince you to incorporate one into your space.

1. Versatility. Instead of using a single shower head, many shower panels are available with multiple water outputs, such as swiveling water jets, an overhead rainfall faucet and a handheld sprayer. Some are even fitted with a spout at the bottom for those who would like to install the device over a bathtub. The sleek surface of these devices is also extremely easy-to-clean, which will increase its overall lifespan and limit the amount of extensive cleaning regimens you'll have to perform on the device.

2. Economical. Compared with the investment in a large bathtub, shower curtains and other accessories, a shower panel can be a great bargain for bathroom remodelers. These devices are available at just about every price point, so homeowners will be able to find the ideal mixture of features that works with their space constraints. Many of these products are made from durable materials like stainless steel, so they will be a long-lasting investment that will continue to pay dividends.

3. Space-saving. Since most shower panels are mounted directly to the wall of a bathroom and connected to the room's plumbing, they can dramatically open up the interior design of a washroom. There is barely any need to allot space for the panel and it will only take up a small amount of space on your wall. When coupled with glass shower doors and an influx of light in the space, these devices can make a bathroom feel much larger than it actually is.

Are shower panels worth it? Yes. Your bathroom remodeling project will be filled with tough decisions, so make this an easy one. 

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Use a Shower Niche to Boost Storage and Design

As you approach the process of installing a shower panel or other bathroom accessories, you may look into small storage options that can hang from your showerhead or attach to the wall. However, these products don't last and do nothing to improve the look of your shower. 

Think about creating a small shower niche inside of your shower that will blend in perfectly with your décor and give you that bit of storage you need in the shower 

This shower niche is a chance for you to improve the room's storage capacity and boost the design of the shower. When installing your shower, instruct your contractor to leave a small indentation in the wall - you can then use the area inside to decorate with mosaic tile to infuse the area with a pop of color.

After installing a small shelf, you can keep your shampoo, washcloths and sponges within reach. This is one of the most unobtrusive ways to improve the storage capacity of your shower and will jazz up the look of your space.

Storage space is always at a premium in bathrooms, but thankfully there are ingenious ways to pack more into your washroom without inhibiting traffic flow. A shower niche is one of the easiest ways to do that. Make it a part of your shower plan!

White and Gray Bathroom Scheme for a Modern Apartment

While you may be sifting through your many options and other accents, your color scheme is quite possibly the most important facet of the room. Gray and white go together far easier than you may expect and the combination will give you an opportunity to incorporate plenty of contemporary additions. Here are some ideas to achieve a white and gray bathroom scheme successfully.

Statement Vanity

Select a moody gray vanity to be the centerpiece of your design. The vanity is generally the visual focus of the space and pretty much the only piece of furniture in the bathroom. Let it stand out!

Distribute Evenly

Wainscoting is one of the easiest ways to provide equal proportions of color throughout the space. Whether you're using wood or marble, white wainscoting around the room will allow you to paint the rest of the walls gray and improve the use of light in the space.

Neutral Colors

One of the greatest advantages of this color scheme is that both are neutrals. Each colorful accent will be doubly impressive against a gray and white bathroom scheme. Your artwork and line choices will look far more attractive against the neutral backdrop. 

Metallic Finishes

Finish the look of the space by using brushed nickel or chrome fixtures - this will help balance the crisp white and matte gray with a dose of metallic shine.

A neutral color palette like a white and gray bathroom can dramatically open up your style choices and create a bathroom that's adaptable to any season. 

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Water-resistant Wainscoting Ideas for Bathroom

Installing wainscoting in a bathroom is an ideal way to add style and character to the space. However, some people worry that the wood will not hold up well in the moist, humid environment of the bathroom. Never fear, there are plenty of water-resistant options that will help you keep your wainscoting ideas for the bathroom on track.

Wainscot Bathroom Issues

Problems with mold and mildew abound in high-moisture areas of the home, such as the bathroom. Traditional wainscoting made of wood could become a mess before too long. Get around the problem by going with a water-resistant wainscot material that will protect walls from water, as well as looking great for years to come. Here are a few options.

Vinyl

One alternative to wood wainscoting is vinyl look-alikes. They mimic the painted wood aesthetic but don't have any of the downsides of wood. "For contractors, architects and homeowners looking for a simple way to enhance and protect walls, installing vinyl wainscoting is an effective solution," said Franco An, president of Plastpro, Inc. "Our advanced technology has allowed us to manufacture a unique wainscoting that's not only strong and affordable, but looks fabulous."

MDF

Another option for a durable material for a bathroom wainscot wall is MDF or medium density fiberboard. Made of wood products, this material is far more durable in wet environments like the bathroom. It's easy to get and very affordable. MDF gives you the flexibility to create the exact wall you want, whereas vinyl might only come in prefabricated sizes.

Whether or not homeowners are planning an entire bathroom renovation that includes installing a new bathroom vanity, bathtub, toilet and faucets, installing wainscoting can be a great addition to a space. Go ahead and dream big! Don't let a little humidity and splashing deter your wainscoting ideas for the bathroom.

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