We take a look at how designers can step up the premium appeal of a bathroom space, using storage

The Laguna Badwelten Kera Round furniture range is shown in Charlston Oak, with open shelving and optional LED illumination.

Even the most basic of bathrooms can be enhanced with furniture, regardless of their size.

It not only provides storage, essential in a room which is typically the smallest in the home, but creates a coveted living space aesthetic.

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“Bathroom furniture is great way to give the bathroom a luxury ‘level-up’ and allows homeowners to add stylish touches throughout the space”, reports marketing director of Frontline Bathrooms Hayley Bowman.

And brand marketing manager of Laufen Emma Mottram takes it a step further when she adds: “Furniture is more than just a functional necessity; it’s the anchor that can define the entire design.

“A well-chosen vanity or a stylish storage unit sets the tone for the room, offering both practicality and a focal point around which the rest of the design resolves.”

Single or double

Vanities have become a staple sale for the bathroom specialist, maximising the otherwise redundant area of below the basin.

Available in five colours and a range of sizes the Serra Furniture range from MyLife Bathrooms with optional motion sensor light

Steven Jaques, UK & ROI sales director of Laguna Badwelten states: As with every bathroom, ensuite or cloakroom design, the basin inherently tends to be the starting point for the layout, and so it’s the obvious place to plan and cite storage too.

“If space allows, a combination of drawer and door units is the ideal solution, as both lend themselves to better accommodating certain items, whilst a mirror cabinet above the basin is both practical and provides additional storage for make-up, fragrances, medicines and smaller toiletries.”

They are available in a choice of floorstanding through to wall-hung with optional legs, for a variety of looks, and where  space allows, the biggest story for premium bathrooms – literally – is the double vanity unit.

Hayley Bowman of Frontline Bathroom comments: “Celebrity-style double vanities are becoming super popular as homeowners aim to create bespoke, luxurious interiors.”

Marketing manager of Scudo Bathrooms Peter Harrison agrees: “The trend of adding a double vanity in bathrooms is becoming increasingly popular.

“Double vanities offer aesthetic and functional benefits, creating a focal point in the bathroom.

“They also ensure that shared bathrooms remain harmonious by providing a dedicated area for concurrent morning routines.”

And head of marketing at Utopia Helen Clark adds: “We feel we are very strong is in offering a fusion of the two styles, with a vast collection of co-ordinating style, decors, and furniture solutions across both our Fitted and Modular Collections.

“We currently have 11 collections of furniture and several offer both fitted and modular configurations.”

Classical character

It’s not only the choice of the furniture units but the styles and decors which provide the impression of a premium environment.

As part of its Calypso Fitted Furniture ranges, from Woodstock Trading, is the slim-framed Shaker Dartmoor, which is shown in Soft Green

Storage with a timeless, classic character offer the grandeur of historic hotels and updated looks offer transitional styles from skinny Shakers to mid-century inspired storage.

Charlotte Tilby of Woodstock Bathrooms states: “The classic design style appeals to a wide audience, fitting seamlessly into both modern and traditional bathroom styles.

“We have also recently been seeing a rising demand for slim Shaker designs in bathrooms, which mirror the increasingly popular styles found in kitchens.

“With this in mind, we have recently launched the Calypso Dartmoor Collection…that reimagines a traditional design with sleek slim frame edge.

“The decision to launch this range also stems from an increased desire for cohesive living spaces, that flow seamlessly from one room to another”

This interior movement has also seen fluted textures become a statement piece for style-led bathrooms.

Sales & marketing director of MyLife Bathrooms Gavin McCrossan says this fashion-led style is reflected in his company’s portfolio: “Our most popular bathroom furniture at the minute is the Sierra Fluted Furniture range which effortlessly bridges the gap between tradition and contemporary, making it a versatile choice for those who crave a bathroom that stands the test of time.”

Minimalism update

However, it’s not only more classical designs that have introduced texture, it is also available on flat panel doors.

Utopia‘s Qube wall mounted and freestanding bathroom furniture is available in the original handleless doorstyle – Qube Glide and new Qube Edge with a top mounted handle

“The demand for finish options within bathroom furniture has also seen an increase”, says UK product and market manager for Hansgrohe UK Tina Robinson, who adds: “A key feature of the Xevolos furniture range is interchangeable inlays on the front-facing panels, where customers can choose from various colours and material options to suit their desired bathroom aesthetic.”

And to top off the styling, accomplished designers will either look to match or contrast handles with brassware or choose self-coloured handles to effortlessly blend into the furniture.

UK product and market manager for Hansgrohe UK Tina Robinson states: “Given the importance of hardware to complete a look, Hansgrohe has three handle finish options, which can be either matched or contrasted to taps and showers in the bathroom as desired.

“Paying attention to these final additions allows customers to individualise their bathroom furniture, with the resulting bathroom looking and feeling high-end and luxurious.”

Whereas Emma Mottram of Laufen states: “One of the most noticeable trends in bathroom furniture is the move towards integrated colour-matched handles. This design approach streamlines the look of furniture, creating a clean and cohesive aesthetic.”

Interior update

While the exterior aesthetic is the first indicator of superior styling, equally important are the interiors for first-class experience.

In the latest Edition 19 launches of the Scudo brand, by Harrison Bathrooms, is the Alfie vanity unit in a fluted finish and choice of single or double unit.

Think hidden drawers, high-end wooden componentry, internal lighting and charging. Charlotte Tilby of Woodstock Bathrooms suggests: “Smart storage solutions like hidden drawers are gaining populariy for their efficiency in maximising space…Integrated lighting improves functionality and adds an upscale feel, particularly in low-light settings.”

And Gavin McCrossan of MyLife Bathrooms adds: “There are many additional features that make bathroom furniture more premium, the use of LED strip lighting in drawers, internal drawer dividers, charging stations can all do that.”

Stephen Jacques of Laguna Badwelten agrees; ‘At Laguna Badwelten, our ambient, motion sensor LED lighting continues to rise in demand and remains a big selling point for the retailer, as it can add illumination to the underside of mirror cabinets and drawers, and it’s especially effective when used to illuminate the basin’s front edge too.”

Premium display

The interior storage and the way the furniture is dressed in the showroom, will ultimately help create an upmarket feel and higher profit sale.

Hansgrohe offers two bathroom furniture series Xelu and Xevolos, which include vanity units in a choice of sizes and finishes, as well as large and small cabinets

Charlotte Tilby concludes: “To maximise sales, retailers should create immersive, lifestyle-inspired displays that allows customers to visualise how the future would look in their own homes.

“Highlighting the versatility of vanity to match fitted designs and demonstrating how different pieces can be combined to suit various bathroom sizes and styles is crucial. By showcasing the flexibility and aesthetic appeal of the furniture in a real-life context, retailers can attract a broader audience and boost sales.”