You may be in the middle of a bathroom renovation or perhaps are creating a new bathroom. Whatever the circumstances, you are likely to need to carefully consider bathroom furniture designs and buy the best bathroom furniture. This guide gives you much to consider and provides many bathroom furniture ideas to save space and add a WOW factor to your upcoming project.
Colour themes
The use of colour themes is important in bathroom design and will enhance the overall look and feel. We explore some of the most popular options for colours in bathrooms below.
10 popular colour theme options
Colour themes can be categorised into various styles, which enable a personalised touch in your bathroom design:
1) Calming - light-reflective surfaces and cool greys maintain a quiet energy that helps to lower stress levels during your evening routine
2) Coastal - pale turquoise and white shutters create a sun-drenched look that celebrates the light and beauty of the British coast
3) Industrial - exposed pipework and raw concrete finishes define this rugged style. Select matt black metalware and reclaimed wood units to capture an authentic, urban factory aesthetic
4) Minimalist - using a single colour throughout provides a seamless look that makes even the smallest bathroom feel much larger and brighter
5) Monochrome – combining matt black hardware against bright white walls provides a clean, timeless finish that remains a popular and stylish choice to this day
6) Moody - darker hues add a layer of mystery and elegance, and is perfect for creating a cinema-style luxury feel in your private en-suite
7) Opulent - incorporate sapphire blues and brushed copper into bathroom furniture designs to achieve a regal appearance that is both fashionable and impressively high-quality
8) Playful - dynamic shapes and primary colours turn a functional room into an inspiring area that sparks creativity and brightens your mood
9) Scandi - minimalist functionalism meets warm, natural textures. Combine light ash furniture with neutral tones to create a bright, clutter-free and peaceful retreat
10) Serene - soft teal and slate promote a balanced environment, which is ideal for those who want their home to be a quiet, serene space
Colour tips for bathroom furniture designs
Try out these colour tips during your bathroom renovation:
1) Clean neutral mix – pair bold shades with light grey, matt white, or natural oak for a cohesive finish
2) Decorative timber – fluted oak and walnut finishes provide texture and reduce a sterile appearance
3) Grounded colour tones – terracotta, clay, and soft ochre create a warm and natural bathroom setting
4) Maximum of two colours - when selecting a colour theme for your bathroom, it is recommended to choose no more than two main colours to avoid a jarring appearance
5) Mixed surface finishes – combining matt and satin materials adds subtle contrast and visual interest
6) Popular colours – these include hues like hunter green, indigo blue, sage green, satin blue, and satin grey
Modern bathroom furniture features
Below, we summarise some of the features of modern bathroom furniture, including aesthetics and functionality:
• Aesthetics and durability balance - selecting the right bathroom furniture involves balancing aesthetics with high-moisture durability
• Diversity of choice - options for bathroom furniture range from space-saving modular units to bespoke fitted furniture
• Luxury aesthetic – features like statement lighting, textured features, rainfall showers, designer radiators and freestanding baths offer an opulent feel that turns your daily routine into a spa-like experience
• Recent trends - homeowners are increasingly choosing bold matt finishes, fluted glass, ribbed textures and industrial accents to add a modern edge to their suites
• Typical features - practical additions such as heated towel rails and illuminated mirrors are essential components of a modern bathing space
• Wall-hung bathroom furniture - raising your vanity unit creates a sense of continuous floor space, which helps to brighten up darker rooms
Wall-hung vs floor-standing furniture
Here is a table comparing wall-hung versus floor-standing furniture units:
| # | Feature | Wall-hung | Floor-standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accessibility | Raised design improves access underneath for cleaning and maintenance tasks | Base sits on the floor, limiting access beneath for cleaning tasks |
| 2 | Cleaning access | The open space underneath makes mopping the bathroom floor extremely simple | Dust often collects around the base of these heavy bathroom units |
| 3 | Cost range | Typically a higher cost due to installation complexity and concealed fixings | Usually more affordable with simpler installation and standard fittings required |
| 4 | Decorative style | Floating units provide a sharp and modern look for contemporary suites | Traditional cabinets suit a classic or heritage-inspired interior design |
| 5 | Floor space | Suspended furniture creates an illusion of a much larger floor area | Solid bases occupy a larger footprint within your small bathroom layout |
| 6 | Installation depth | Shallow profiles sit neatly against walls to save valuable walking space | Deeper units offer a sturdy and very substantial furniture presence |
| 7 | Installation process | Professionals must secure heavy units to solid structural bathroom walls | Units can be positioned easily without complex wall mounting hardware |
| 8 | Overall weight | Lightweight materials ensure the unit stays securely attached to the wall | Heavy construction provides a sense of permanence and long-term quality |
| 9 | Pipework concealment | Pipes remain hidden behind the unit for a professional-looking finish | The base hides all plumbing to maintain a tidy bathroom environment |
| 10 | Plumbing access | Technicians reach pipes easily from the open space below the units | Accessing the pipes usually requires removing internal storage shelves |
| 11 | Storage capacity | Compact drawers provide enough room for essential daily toiletries | Large cupboards provide ample room for bulky family towels |
| 12 | Structural support | High weight capacity depends entirely on wall strength | Bathroom floor provides all necessary support for the unit |
| 13 | Visual weight | Airy designs prevent the room from feeling crowded or enclosed | Substantial frames provide a grounded and balanced look in large rooms |
| 14 | Water protection | Raising the unit prevents damage from standing water on floors | Moisture on the floor can eventually damage wooden bases |
Bathroom storage solutions
Many homeowners are looking for optimised storage as a design feature in their bathrooms. It is impractical to cover every conceivable option, but some of the best options are listed below:
Mirrored bathroom storage
Mirrored units combine a clear mirror with hidden shelves for your daily toiletries. Integrated lighting and internal charging points for electric toothbrushes and shaver sockets provide a professional finish for any modern washroom. The reflective surface helps to brighten up a dark or narrow en-suite space. This clever design ensures your surfaces stay tidy and free from unnecessary clutter.
Practical ladder shelving
Open ladder shelving provides a practical place for towels, toiletries, and decorative accessories. These designs are typically manufactured using durable metal frames with sturdy shelves for reliable everyday use. The clean structure suits modern interiors while maintaining a lightweight appearance. This freestanding style offers additional storage without complex installation requirements.
Vertical tallboy units
Slim tallboys use vertical height to provide ample room for storing bottles, bathroom cleaning supplies, bulky towels and linens. They fit neatly into tight corners to keep your floor area clear and open. These cabinets offer a sturdy and practical solution, which maximises every inch of available height for a busy family home. Many tallboys feature soft-close cupboard doors and adjustable shelves.
Integrated vanity basins
A vanity unit combines a functional basin (often a countertop basin) with a large amount of extra space for storage. This versatile piece of hardware suits both small en-suites and grand master suites. Modern vanity basins offer a sleek alternative to standard pedestals in your washroom. Choosing this furniture ensures your bathroom remains organised, while hiding unsightly pipework and is easy to maintain.
Full-height bathroom cabinets
Installing a full-height unit (up to two metres tall) is a smart and suitable way to manage your bathroom supplies. They provide a high volume of storage space (often from floor to ceiling) while maintaining a slim and narrow footprint. These tall cupboards provide a sense of permanence and high-quality craftsmanship and are perfect for storing towels and tall bottles. They offer a reliable way to incorporate a luxurious touch into your private bathroom space.
Wall-mounted storage units
Wall-mounted units are floating furniture that provide a minimalist aesthetic that suits any small or narrow washroom. These fixtures stay off the ground to prevent moisture damage to the base. The open area beneath a wall-mounted storage unit creates additional space for baskets or toiletries while keeping the floor clear and easy to clean. They provide a tidy storage solution while maintaining a light and airy feel and ensure your bathroom remains on trend while offering a comfortable atmosphere.
Bathroom furniture styles
There is a range of styles to consider, ranging from traditional to contemporary, rustic and industrial. There is much to consider; we look at some of the most popular bathroom furniture styles below:
Traditional
Classic bathroom style focuses on timeless elegance and classic British design. You can incorporate high-level cisterns and ornate pedestals to achieve this look. These fixtures provide a sturdy and professional finish for your home. Polished chrome hardware creates a bright contrast against deep sapphire walls.
Roll-top baths offer an architectural feel while maintaining a luxury layout. This design remains a popular choice for period properties and large suites. Patterned floor tiles add a sense of history and unique character. Choosing this hardware reflects a commitment to a sophisticated and historic aesthetic.
Modern and minimalist
Creating a minimalist theme involves using simple shapes and restricted palettes. Floating vanity units provide a beautiful and sturdy focal point. This approach celebrates the beauty of practical design and efficient layout. Select matt black taps to complement a sharp and contemporary interior.
Frameless glass screens help to unify the room with a stylish finish. These features ensure your bathroom stays on trend and aids with cleaning. Visible floor space acts as a key feature in a modern setting.
Industrial
Creating an industrial theme involves using unrefined textures and dark metallic tones. Exposed brick walls provide a warm and rustic backdrop for your suite. This approach celebrates the beauty of basic construction materials and hardware. Select matt black taps to complement a minimalist and sharp interior design.
Large-format slate tiles help to unify the floor and wall surfaces seamlessly. These features ensure your bathroom stays on trend and is highly durable. Visible copper pipes act as a stylish feature in a contemporary setting.
Rustic
Creating a rustic theme involves using unrefined surfaces and earthy colour palettes. Weathered wooden vanities provide a beautiful and sturdy focal point. This approach celebrates the beauty of natural imperfections in wood and classic craftsmanship. Select brushed brass taps to complement a warm and textured interior design.
Slate floor tiles help to unify the space with a durable finish. These features ensure your bathroom stays cosy and full of unique character. The use of visible wood grain acts as a stylish feature in a relaxed setting.
Contemporary
Creating a contemporary theme involves using fluid shapes and high-gloss finishes. Integrated LED lighting provides a beautiful and sturdy focal point in a bathroom. A contemporary approach celebrates the beauty of modern materials and innovative craftsmanship.
Select brushed nickel taps to complement a refined and current interior design. Hidden storage acts as a key feature in a sophisticated setting.
Period
Restoring a bathroom with period features and associated bathroom furniture styles ensures your home maintains its original charm and sophisticated value. Of course, there are different eras of period bathroom furniture, these below date up until about 1939:
• Georgian – (1714 to 1837) the use of symmetry in layouts and classic marble surfaces defines this elegant and formal era. You should choose wood panelling and freestanding furniture to achieve this historic Georgian look
• Victorian – (1837 to 1901) bold colours and patterned encaustic tiles bring a level of depth to Victorian bathrooms. Cast iron radiators provide a reliable source of warmth for your towels daily. Pull-chain toilets and dark wooden furniture offer a sense of Victorian permanence. Choosing a roll-top bath ensures your bathroom remains both comfortable and historically accurate
• Edwardian – (1901 to 1910) wider baths and large windows focus on providing a bright and comfortable environment. Combine white ceramic with mahogany units for a classic and remarkably solid finish
• Art Deco (1920 to 1939) – the use of Art Deco styling combines bold patterns, geometric forms, and polished metallic surfaces. The result is a striking and structured bathroom with strong visual appeal
Related articles
• Buying guides – our Bathroom Vanity Units Buying Guide
Visit the Plumbing World blog to read these articles:
1) Brushed Brass Bathroom Ideas - Fixtures and Accessories
3) Planning a Bathroom Layout – Wall Hung vs Floor-Mounted Vanity Units
5) What are the Best Basin Cabinet Ideas? - Countertop Basin vs Inset Basin Comparison
Final thoughts about buying the best bathroom furniture
Choosing the right bathroom furniture ideas can make a huge difference to your bathroom environment. Selecting sleek wall-hung units uses only a small space and provides a modern look. These fixtures create a professional finish while keeping your floor area clear and tidy.
Ensure you include ample storage for all your towels and various cleaning products. A tall cabinet is a highly versatile choice for maintaining an organised wash space and could also be used as medicine cabinets. These sturdy units provide plenty of room without crowding your limited floor area.
Explore the full range of design ideas on our website to suit your budget. Whether you prefer an integrated sink or trendy double sinks, careful planning is essential. This approach ensures your renovation results in a beautiful and highly functional bathroom area.
Contacting Plumbing World
Contact Plumbing World in the following ways to discuss bathroom furniture ideas. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and can walk you through some of our best bathroom furniture for sale:
• Call us – at 0121 508 9987
• Emails - onlinestore@plumbingworld.co.uk
• More details – click our Contact Us Page
• Live Chat – click the blue button located at the bottom left corner of any page to initiate a conversation