Newlands White Bathroom Furniture, from BathEmpire

As size of the average bathroom we are accustomed to is getting smaller, the pressure to keep them clean, organised and looking contemporary can become more of a challenge. There are plenty of ways that you can create a clutter free personal sanctuary, and in this post, we cover some of the simplest ways of achieving this.

Wall Mounted Furniture

A tall, wall cupboard is great for providing you with additional storage, especially when there is limited space in the room itself. Most cabinets are slim and are designed to stretch from floor to mid-way up the wall, and so provide ample storage opportunity that’s easy to access.

Mirrors

Combine the best of both worlds, and get an essential mirror in addition to essential storage. A mirrored bathroom cabinet can keep items within easy reach, whilst also making the room appear larger.

Top Tip: Varnish the bottom of cans, such as deodorant, with nail varnish. This will prevent the bottom getting rusty, and causing the shelving within the unit to deteriorate.

LED mirrors provide another option, especially for those with wider spaces, as they offer essential illumination while also providing a bottom shelf for storing frequently used items.

Counter Top Basin Furniture
Install a counter top basin furniture cabinet, and utilise the space beneath the basin. These will allow adequate storage, and combine stylishly with an LED mirror (especially in smaller spaces).

Corner vanity units are available for smaller bathrooms. Choose one with an in-built basin to knock two birds with one stone.

Towel Radiators
Lastly, try not to keep your wet towels on the floor after a bath or shower. A smart solution is to install a heated towel rail on any feature wall, or even if space is tight, choose to install one behind the door. These will offer plenty of horizontal rails to keep your towels warm, dry and safely stored.

And as surfaces around your shower tray can become easily cluttered with shampoo and shower gel bottles, make sure you keep your shower tidy with non-essential toiletries sorted safely out of the way.

But right now, all items on BathEmpire have been discounted by a further 10% – including the ones on sale before!

This brilliant bathroom sale will continue for three days only, and the last day available for you to place an order will be Thursday 23rd February 2012.

So, visit BathEmpire today, and make sure you grab a bargain quick.

Happy Shopping!

At BathEmpire, we offer three distinct types of shower to fit within your shower enclosure:

• Concealed Shower Kits
• Exposed Shower Kits
• Bar Shower Kits

If you are installing a straight or shower bath, then you may also consider purchasing a bath shower mixer tap instead.

Concealed
With our concealed shower kits, all the pipework is concealed behind the wall. Only the chrome valve, and shower head and shower arm will be visible.

A range of sizes and styles are available by searching the Concealed Kits section on the website. However, if none of these meet your fancy, we also offer the option for you to construct your own concealed shower.

The key components of a concealed shower kit are a:

• Concealed Valve
• Shower Head
• Shower Arm

Onto this base, you can install a number of additional outlets, such as a hand held shower head, shower jets, or a bath filler. The concealed mixer valve you purchase will depend on the number of secondary devices you wish to include.

Chrome Effect Shower Head, from BathEmpire.

Lightweight
We also offer a range of chrome effect shower heads; these are specially constructed from a polymer to form a lightweight shower head. The range of designs are wider than those available in the solid brass shower head range. With the lightweight nature, they will put less stress on your plaster wall.

These shower heads are fully compatible with any valve and shower arm, and the chrome effect finish will blend perfectly with other chrome plated units.

Exposed
With the Exposed kits, most of the pipe work is not hidden. The exposed kits at BathEmpire all consist of a bar shower valve, a hand held shower head and the main chrome shower head.

The individual styling, such as an LED shower head, or a curved or straight shower arm is left to individual choice!

Bar Shower
The final shower option are the Bar Shower Kits. These kits all consist of a wall mounted valve and hand held shower head. All our kits are thermostatic, and are TMV2 certified. This means the valve will cap the maximum temperature of the hot water, ensuring safety for the whole family.

Millions around the world will be celebrating the Chinese New Year, and 2012 represents the year of the dragon. What better way to get in tune with this than to add an Asian influence to your bathroom? Below, we cover some tips on how to decorate your Asian inspired bathroom.

Inspired by Nature

Getting an Asian influence ultimately depends on introducing a natural theme to your bathroom. A great way is to introduce green colours into the bathroom, and what better way to do this than via leaves? Use a stencil to paint an array of leaves onto the wall, or choose a fitting (such as a window blind or wall photo) in rich green or blue.

The year of the Dragon is inspired by elegant and mysterious black, dark blue and rich blue green tones. So don’t limit yourself, as the stencil can also be used to decorate the wall with Asian symbols. Remember, when adding symbols, dark colours are best suited, so ensure to keep all walls and tiles in pale tone.

Bamboo

Any exposed wood fittings also fit well with an Asian theme. Raw bamboo shoots can be added to any bathroom accessory. You can also get creative, and hang long bamboo from the ceiling to make a distinction between the shower area and the basin and toilet, or to cover an area of storage.
On wooden furniture, avoid any lacquered finishes and steer towards fittings which have a deep wood grain; to highlight the grain, paint all fittings with a good quality varnish.

Plants

All plants are essential to complete the theme, and a few soothing orchids perched above the basin would provide a complimentary finishing touch.

Khana Counter Top Basin, from BathEmpire

Don’t avoid the modern!

The Zen influence isn’t really conveyed through contemporary, ultra-chic units and shiny chrome – although including a few of these pieces in the final bathroom will not spoil the theme. The Khana counter top basin (left) from BathEmpire is ideal.

Counter top basins feature heavily in any Asian inspired bathroom, and you should always opt for a curved design and avoid harsh edges. There is no reason why you cannot add a chrome basin mixer tap to complement this bathroom basin, as long as all the essential design principles discussed are maintained.

Photo Credit: Nikisublime, Flickr.

Before you start, ensure that the shower tray is protected with cardboard or some other soft material while the work is progressing.

A Quadrant Shower Tray, from BathEmpire

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
Timing: 8 hours for installation, but up to 24 hours before first use.
Tools:

• Jigsaw
• Spirit Level
• Claw Hammer
• Sealant Gun
• Tape Measure
• Adjustable pipe wrench
• Set of Screwdrivers
• Set of Chisels
• Drill
• Bucket

Step 1 – Plan

In your bathroom, decide where you want to put your shower enclosure tray, and mark in pencil the outline on the floor and walls. If there is an existing floor covering such as carpet or lino, ensure that this is removed. Also ensure that all walls surrounding the tray are in good condition, and free of mould or other structural damage.

Step 1a – Make an Access Hatch (Only for Level or Flush Installation)

If you choose to install the tray flush with the ground, or as a raised tray, you will not have the option to move it; therefore, this stage presents an ideal opportunity to create an access hatch.

This hatch is created so that, should there be any problem in future with the drainage of water away from the shower tray, all fittings can be checked with minimal disruption.

Choose a location near to the waste outlet, and cut a hatch with the jigsaw large enough so the main waste can be comfortably accessed.

Step 2 – Fix the Waste

The Fast Flow Waste can be swivelled in any direction, so you can position the outlet in the best possible way. When the waste outlet is attached, ensure the seal is completely watertight using silicone sealant and/or industrial tape where applicable. Remember to test the fitting is watertight at this stage!

You must also make sure that there is a fall in the waste system (a slight downward angle) for water to flow away effectively.

Screw the leg securely to the BathEmpire EasyPlumb Tray

Step 3 – Fix the Tray

Firstly, turn the tray over onto a covered flat surface (so it does not get scratched) and screw the legs into place. Once you are happy that these are secure, place against the desired location; using a spirit level, adjust the height of the legs so that the tray remains completely flat.

The tray can be fixed into place using a firm cement mix (consisting of four parts industrial sand to one part cement).

Step 4 – Add the Side Panel

Using the clips, secure the panel into place.

Once the tray and the major fixtures are in place, all that is left to do is attach the side panel to cover the internal fittings. Be aware that if the floor or walls are angled, the gaps will have to be filled using silicone sealant.

Step 5 – Add the Sealant

It is recommended to tile the wall after the installation of the tray to provide for a water tight joint. If you cannot do this, then ensure that a silicone sealer is applied not only to the edges where the tray meets the tiles, but also to seal the tray to the floor when finished.
Ensure to leave the mortar to completely dry for at least 24 hours before first use.

Note: If at any stage you are unsure about how to proceed, we recommend that you contact a qualified plumber for expert advice.

If you would like further advice in choosing your ideal bathroom, feel free to contact the BathEmpire team.

Bow Acrylic Tray, from BathEmpire

So, you’ve decided on a new shower enclosure but are slightly confounded by the range of trays that are on offer? Then don’t worry, as this quick guide summons the basic differences, and provides some great tips for installation.

At BathEmpire, we sell two types of shower tray – acrylic and stone resin.

Acrylic

The acrylic trays are manufactured with a central layer of fibreglass resin; onto this, the acrylic mould is attached to finish the tray. They are lightweight, and the style sold at BathEmpire can be installed either level with the floor, or as a raised tray.

The BOW Acrylic Trays sold at BathEmpire are only compatible with the EasyClean Quadrant Shower enclosures (GQ22, GQ23, GQ32).

Stone Resin

The core of these trays feature a thick layer of stone and resin; onto this, an ABS capped acrylic mould is attached to finish the tray. Slightly heavier than acrylic trays, the stone trays can be installed at floor level (standard stone tray) or raised with legs and a smart front panel (EasyPlumb stone tray).

Installation Tips

In the haste and excitement of having a new bathroom delivered, the shower tray is often overlooked. Therefore, don’ t forget to scan over the following tips to avoid making some easy mistakes:

• Even before you sign for the delivery, always check your shower tray and make sure that it is the size and shape that you had ordered.
• The EasyPlumb variety of trays is ideal as they remove the need for building a plinth. Fit the legs onto the underside of the shower tray with the screws provided and adjust to the required height taking into account the slope of the floor, and any existing plumbing.
• When installing any shower tray into adjacent walls, ensure that your chosen shower enclosure will still comfortably fit the remaining length of the tray.
• The shower tray and the connections going to and from the shower must be checked for water flow, tightness and drainage before the final silicone sealant is applied. If you are at all in any doubt, do not hesitate to consult a qualified plumber.

If you would like help or advice in creating your ideal bathroom, feel free to contact the BathEmpire team.

Popular Lines Discounted

From electric towel radiators to luxury freestanding baths, and from thermostatic mixer valves to contemporary furniture, we have discounted a whole host of our most popular ranges:

Cahora Freestanding Bath

Ladoga Pedestal Basin

EasyClean Sliding Door Enclosure for Alcove, 1100mm (Left Entrance)

Nancy Chrome Curved Towel Rail Radiator, 1450x600mm

With free delivery on all orders over £199, these amazing offers are available until the 31st January 2012.

Visit BathEmpire to see the whole range of offers, and treat yourself to a great bargain today!

Saving Time and Money

The glass used in our new range of enclosures has been specially treated. Not only does the glass encourage droplets to drain away quickly upon impact, but it also cleans the glass.

The coating on the glass also breaks down organic dirt, meaning there is less for you to do!

EasyClean Shower Enclosures

EasyClean Sliding Shower Enclosure

EasyClean Sliding Shower Enclosure

EasyClean Wet Room Glass

EasyClean Quadrant Shower Enclosure

The enclosures are backed by a leading 10 year warranty for your peace of mind.

With competitive prices starting from £199, why not treat yourself to a little luxury.

Stainless Steel Mirror Cabinet, fromBathEmpire

Yet, as as been said many times before, why should smaller areas cause you to compromise on style?

Mirrors open the room.

Well, firstly, the limited space provides easily definable parameters of what will fit in the room.

Firstly, attempt to make the most of any light sources in the room; if a window is available position mirrors strategically to capitalise on the light and make the room seem more spacious. Use stainless steel mirror cabinets to increase storage space, and these corner cabinets can be equally effective.

Shower enclosures are typically suited to smaller developments, as they have the ability to make use of otherwise awkward spaces. Places surrounding the boiler need not just be storage – install a pivot shower enclosure instead!

Another way to make the most of the space is to install a shower bath. This will allow you to benefit from the best of both words in a single space.

For rural buildings, to maintain a relationship with the character of the property, add some traditionally inspired pieces to reinforce a vintage feel, such as this Edward suite. Once this has been done, then the addition of contemporary furniture won’t harm the overall atmosphere in the room.

Newlands White Furniture, from BathEmpire

A minimalist finish always benefits smaller bathrooms, as the look will not be ‘busy’ allowing the room to appear larger. The addition of sleek, light coloured furniture, such as units from the Newlands range, will complete the look. Consider a variety of accessories to personalise the final bathroom design.

Be sure to check out the best selling items suited to smaller bathrooms at BathEmpire.

Initially, I thought it was a rather large stretch to connect Hawes with such an advert. But maybe I will correct my first impressions.

Well, I don’t know about you but I enjoy relaxing. And what better way to relax, than with the style of Keeley Hawes featured above. You may know Keeley from Spooks (the MI5 drama on the BBC), and more recently from Ashes to Ashes, also on the Beeb. But she’s also starred in some more period dramas such as Upstairs, Downstairs.

Keeley Hawes, star of BBC drama Upstairs, Downstairs

And this typically traditional, regal lifestyle is total suited to relaxation – especially if you had the benefit of wealthy connections.

Did you see the roll top bath? (Pause at 0.22)

It got me thinking how this once expensive, exclusive statement piece has been transformed into a more mainstream but ultimately luxurious item for the average family home.

So just like a good cup of Kenco Millicano coffee, and a refreshing cycle ride, there will will always be space for a long, luxurious bath in the evenings or weekends.

I’ve already got my favourite brand of coffee, but the advert has made me more determined to update my own bathroom at home!

Keeley Hawes recently stated in an interview that given the size of these tubs, her children can’t resist having a splash about – making it truly quality family time.