Whether you’re creating a practical bathroom for a busy family or a spa-style sanctuary to unwind in at the end of a long day, you’ll need to make sure your budget covers all the bases. From plumbing and installation to tiles, brassware, storage and more, don't scrimp on these 15 bathroom extras worth paying more for. Click or scroll to read more...

It’s worth splashing out on a professional fitter to ensure your bathroom looks fabulous and works properly. An experienced plumber who has worked on a variety of different projects will save you time and money by advising on the best layout and products for your space and budget. Most importantly, they’ll ensure your bathroom has a quality finish that’ll last for years to come.

It’s worth spending on installing underfloor heating for that luxurious cozy feel underfoot. Whether you’re planning on piped or electric systems, both are relatively easy to retrofit and not costly to run. While tile and stone are the most compatible flooring with underfloor heating, there are plenty of other suitable materials to choose from including vinyl, engineered wood and laminate to suit your budget and style.  

When it comes to bathroom heating, it’s worth spending more on a heated towel rail. Not only are higher-value models more efficient, they look more stylish and will last longer than their cheaper counterparts. High-grade stainless steel designs will stand up to the rigors of a room prone to condensation, while the rapid heat-up time of aluminum is ideally suited to the bathroom and its ever-shifting temperatures.

Digital showers offer greater control and flexibility thanks to key features such as a convenient remote control to warm up the shower from your bed, customizable temperature and time presets (handy for families with children), low-flow eco settings plus an easy to read digital display. If you're not ready for all that tech, installing a rainfall showerhead or one with multiple jets will add value to your home in the long run.

It’s tempting to cut corners on costs when it comes to brassware, especially with so many styles and finishes available at purse-friendly prices. However, when it comes to faucets and showerheads it pays to invest in a well-known brand that uses quality components and offers a generous guarantee – it’ll end up being more economical in the long run as you avoid future fixes and replacement parts.

Adding multimedia entertainment to your bathroom turns it from a functional space into a room you really want to spend time in. From Bluetooth speakers to breakthrough home tech that monitors your health and wellbeing, bathroom mirrors have come a long way. The really desirable bathroom trend right now? Illuminated mirrors and matching wall lights. They make shaving and putting on make-up much easier.

If a beautiful spa-style tub is at the heart of your scheme, you’ll need to allocate your budget accordingly. Spending more will give you a greater choice over the shape, size, material and color of your bath to create a stunning focal point in your room. Think about how much space you’ll need to install your dream bath and carefully research materials as quality designs tend to be heavy and might require a reinforced floor. Lastly, remember to finish with some showstopping brassware.

It’s worth spending on quality tiles that will stand the test of time while being non-slip, waterproof and stylish. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic as it’s made of denser clays and fired at a higher temperature. Natural stone (think marble, limestone, travertine, slate and granite) is luxurious and incredibly hardwearing but around twice the price. You also need to shop around for the right kind of stone that includes a protective waterproof sealant. 

Whether you’re looking for space-saving furniture or craving a sharp, minimalist look, wall-mounted furniture has become the go-to choice for contemporary bathrooms. Floating designs free up the floor, creating a pared-back aesthetic to make your bathroom appear more streamlined and spacious. Whether you’re kitting out a modern or classic room, many furniture ranges are available in a choice of colors, finishes and handle options for a personalized bespoke look.

Storage is the holy grail in most bathrooms as we look to stash and conceal towels, toiletries, cosmetics and more. With made-to-measure cupboards and cabinetry, you can make the most of tricky spaces, awkward angles or the full wall height, plus tailor your interior storage to match your needs while achieving a slick and unobtrusive look. The finish makes the solution worth the money!

There’s nothing more uplifting than a room flooded with mood-boosting natural light – and when it comes to bathrooms the benefits don’t stop there. If your space is dark or poky it’s worth considering installing a larger window, rooflight or sun tunnel as not only will the access to fresh air improve ventilation, but the increased daylight will make the space feel bigger and help cut the costs of energy bills incurred by using artificial light.

Inject some heart and soul into your bathroom with a stunning piece of standalone furniture. Investing in a well-made freestanding piece – such as cupboard, dresser or vanity unit – will not only provide your space with a storage boost, it will give you the flexibility to move it around the room when you want to switch up your scheme. You'll also be able to take it with you when you move on.

If you’re designing your bathroom from scratch it’s worth popping some recessed shelving into the wall. While the building work might eat into your budget, handy niches are a great way to boost your storage when space is at a premium. Best located inside a shower enclosure or beside a tub within arm’s reach, they’re a convenient perch for toiletries and can be clad in stylish tiles or waterproof panels for an eye-catching and practical finish.

If your bathroom is poorly lit it’s worth putting aside a chunk of your spend to boosting your lighting scheme. At an early stage of your renovation, plan where lights are needed, then budget for fittings and control options. Experts recommend a layered approach with a combination of dimmable recessed ceiling lights for ambient illumination; pendants and wall lights for targeted task lighting, highlights via under-cabinet LED lights and downlights to create atmosphere.

While not the most glamorous part of the bathroom, it pays to spend extra on premium sanitaryware if you want it to stand the test of time. A poorer quality ceramic sink and toilet will be prone to cracks, chips and stains and might need replacing sooner rather than later. When it comes to design, floor-standing models are less pricey but more imposing in the room, while minimalist wall-hung models will free up floor space in a compact room.

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