Small bathroom with navy base cabinets and trimline handles. Includes grey-oak flooring, white worktops and two white basins.

Bathroom Buying Guides

A Complete Guide To Bathrooms

Covering everything from style to colour and cupboard configurations, this complete guide to bathrooms will help you make the right choice when designing a washroom in your home. Used to groom, clean, and pamper, these rooms are an essential part of our daily routines, so it is important that they are inviting, practical and long-lasting. Within this guide, you will find the features and benefits of different shades and finishes, plus insight on things that you need to consider when planning a new layout.

What are the different colours?

White

Washrooms are often one of the smallest rooms in a home, especially en-suites or WCs, so it is worth picking a bright shade, like white, to create a sense of light and space. This fresh tone has a hygienic and rejuvenating appearance that awakens the senses – great for early morning starts.

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Grey

Versatile and on-trend, grey offers a modern alternative to white and is good for those who want longevity in their design. Our collection now includes darker shades, such as graphite, which recreate the sultry tones found in boutique-style spaces, making it easy to create a sophisticated look.

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Cream

For those who want a bright design that feels cosy and calming, cream door-fronts are a great choice. They have a pale shade that will keep a room feeling open and airy. Meanwhile, the warm undertone will soften artificial light for a cosier feel that makes a long, soak in the tub satisfying.

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Hockley Super Matt Navy Bathroom Base Units

Blue

Synonymous with water and cleanliness, blue is a natural choice for a washroom. Blue has a cool undertone and can create a calming atmosphere, making it a great option for those that prefer to recharge after a busy schedule. Try opting for darker tones, like navy, for a luxe twist.

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What are the different types of finish?

Gloss

Featuring a shiny appearance, glossy cabinetry has a high-end look and is a great way to create a design full of premium style. The reflective finish will bounce light around a space, so it feels bigger and brighter, making it good for compact rooms. It is also easy to wipe down, meaning toothpaste or make-up marks can be removed easily.

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Matt

With a light-absorbing finish, matt cupboard doors will remove glare and reflections from harsh task lights in a room. This creates a space with minimal visual distractions that is easier to relax in after a long day. It also reduces the appearance of marks and fingerprints for a cleaner look, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy homes.

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What are the different door types available?

Shaker

Thanks to the framed design, shaker fronts have a timeless appearance that will look good for years to come. The decorative style is inspired by bygone eras, making it a great option for households that want a characterful scheme. They will also add extra detail in larger spaces and will draw them in for a cosy effect, making them feel more inviting.

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Slab

Offering a blank canvas without fussy details, slab designs give the freedom to choose any decor they want. Versatile and easy to customise, the smooth exterior will transcend trends and offer long-lasting style. Try pairing this front with pale tones for a muted scheme or combine it with darker shades for a statement look.

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TEST rough bathroom images - Clerkenwell Gloss

Integrated handle

For those who want a modern design, integrated handle doors are the best choice. The built-in handgrip has a clutter-free look, and when paired with other units, it creates a continuous horizontal line that elongates a space – great for smaller rooms. This style can be operated without other fixtures, making it an easy-clean option too.

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Planning considerations

Floors

Washrooms are a moisture-heavy environment that will see their fair share of spills, so choosing an easy-clean and waterproof floor is important. Vinyl is a great option, as it is low maintenance and water resistant. Thanks to its easy installation system, it is also simple to fit, and its hardwearing surface is resilient against wear and tear.

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Hockely Super Matt Dove Grey Bathroom Cabinet Open

Cupboard handles

As well as creating a decorative look, the right accessory will make operating doors easier. Large designs, or those with lots of texture, like knurled patterns, offer more purchase with wet soapy hands. Discreet styles, such as push-to-open mechanisms, mean that harmful detergents and cleaning chemicals are kept out of reach too.

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Counters

Offering a space to pamper, the counter areas in a washroom need to be sturdy and long-lasting. Laminate surfaces are low-cost, durable, and come in lots of on-trend patterns. Look for P3-rated styles, which have a waterproof construction. For the most robust option, choose quartz, which is strong and highly resistant to scratches and stains.

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Pre-finished Linear Smooth 726mm Internal Moulded Door

Doors

Often overlooked in many washroom renovations, the doorway plays an important role in adding both style and practicality to a space. Engineered core options reduce sound to create a soothing ambience that is easy to relax in. Meanwhile, statement designs in black or oak create a striking look with minimum effort and will increase the wow factor of any interior.

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Door hardware

As the place where we gather our senses, washrooms require privacy to create a safe space for us to refocus ourselves. Adding certain door hardware ensures the space remains secure and secluded. There are a variety of options available, including bolts and thumbturns, which are simple to operate and quickly transform a bathing area into a soothing sanctuary, for those quiet moments.

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Sealants

Designed to protect against water ingress, sealants are essential for completing any washroom installation and will ensure it stands the test of time. When applied correctly, they will prevent mould and mildew from growing to keep a space clean. These products come in a variety of colours, such as white, clear, and cream, to match an existing scheme for a cohesive look.

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