Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
ByÂ
Take your bathroom from basic and functional to warm and welcoming with these practical bathroom design ideas to boost ventilation, improve heating and lighting, and prevent and treat mould, all without blowing the energy budget. Plus, learn some simple styling tricks to make the space look and feel more inviting.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
The right lighting is essential for creating a cosy bathroom space. For best results, interior designer Jordana Thirlwall recommends a mix of ambient and task lighting.
“Installing layered lights around the room, such as a light-up mirror or overhead lamps, can create further ambience and also give options for lighting,” she suggests. “Dimmers also provide adjustable lighting.” Another effective way to boost light levels is to install an Illume ‘skylight’, which operates via a solar panel to illuminate the device indoors, producing a similar effect to a real skylight.
Mirrors can create the illusion of more light, help to make a space feel bigger and brighter and also provide a decorative focal point. Renters might like to try a battery-operated vanity light, which can be stuck in place with suction cups.
Good ventilation in the bathroom is a must, but unwanted draughts can affect both heating efficiency and your energy bills. Window frames are notorious for gaps. Where there’s excess movement around the window itself, weather strips can help – simply trim the self-adhesive rubber seal to fit between the window and frame, and stick in place. Make sure to pick the right width so the window can operate freely. Narrow gaps around window and door frames and skirting boards can be tackled with a filler formulated for wet areas. Plug a gap under the door with an inexpensive door snake.
Up to 40 per cent of heating energy can be lost through glazing with inadequate thermal properties*. Window coverings help retain warmth as well as enhance aesthetics. Jordana suggests trying plantation shutters as they are easy to clean and look good in any space. “Or for a luxe vibe consider using linen-look fabrics for curtains,” she says. Roller blinds or non-timber venetians are other practical solutions for the bathroom that can be adjusted for light and privacy. “Moisture-resistant fabrics such as vinyl are great for these spaces,” Jordana adds.
Space-saving underfloor heating provides ambient warmth and can often be set according to when you need it, helping control energy costs. It’s usually fitted as part of a new build or major renovation and, depending on your state’s regulations, may require installation by a licensed expert or be partially D.I.Y. Heated towel rails can take the edge off in chilly weather, as well as delivering warm, dry towels. Or for radiant warmth heat lamps are relatively inexpensive to buy and run. Look for three-way models with an exhaust fan and ordinary light. Bear in mind that heat lamps and hardwired heated towel rails require professional installation.
Being naturally humid, bathrooms can breed mould, which is not only unsightly but can also affect your health. Aside from regular cleaning, the best way to prevent mould is to flood the bathroom with natural light and fresh air, says D.I.Y. specialist and renovator Natasha Dickins.
“Long-term solutions include installing a window or skylight, but even using a ceiling-mounted exhaust fan while showering will help,” she says. If possible, open windows regularly to boost air circulation and avoid drying laundry in the room. A heated bathroom will dispel moisture more quickly – help it along by removing moisture from the shower screen with a squeegee, mopping up excess water and using a heated rail to air towels.
Tackle everyday issues such as dirt and soap scum by regularly wiping, scrubbing and mopping. Use a proprietary cleaner to remove mould from tiles, other hard surfaces and even grout. “Choose a low-odour product with a preventative formula that can be left to work its magic before being wiped away,” suggests Natasha. To combat grubby grout lines, try a dedicated grout cleaner. “If still discoloured, clean then trace over the grout lines with a grout pen or whitener,” says Natasha. Dirty coloured grout and mould-stained silicone sealant may need replacing.
Arranging your things neatly might not make your bathroom feel cosier, but it will improve appearances and access to frequently used items. Display shelves make the most of vertical surfaces, as do wall hooks – ideal for robes and towels. A wall-mounted soap dish or shower caddy keeps bathing essentials under control – suction models are a quick solution and don’t require permanent fixings. Just don’t overload them, especially with anything breakable.
A corner shelf unit or trolley takes up little floor space. Jordana suggests finding storage baskets to fit in under-sink areas. “These add more room and an aesthetic appeal,” she says. “Woven materials help to generate visual warmth in the space as well."
Any hardwired electrical fixtures must be installed by a licensed tradie.
Bring your bathroom in from the cold with these handy hints to light up your bathroom.
Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Photo credit: Anna Robinson, Adobe Stock.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
