Research shows that people spend an average of one and half years of their lives inside their bathrooms, men and women alike (for different purposes though). Whether it’s showering, grooming or obeying the fickle laws of Mother Nature, we all need our private time inside our restrooms. Which is why it makes sense to invest some time and care into making sure that this most private of all rooms is well equipped to handle one’s needs. Bathroom fixtures are the items that you’ll regularly come into contact with, so it’s best to choose them wisely and carefully integrate them into your design plans. Luckily, most bathrooms only require the following fixtures in order to be fully operational:

Showers

If you’re the kind of person who prefers washing on the go, showers are a great choice. They’re often quite easy to install and don’t usually take up as much space as a bathtub. They also tend to consume less water by virtue of you spending less time inside them. Of course, there are a number of choices you’ll have to make when it comes to your showering experience. Some shower unites deliver water directly through the ceiling or the wall, eliminating showerheads altogether. Others focus on providing you with multiple types of experiences. You no longer only have the option of regulating water temperature, but also its intensity and even color. In this regard some showers are veritable art installations, with lighting and even music that can turn your average showering session into a true treat for the senses. A mélange of the newest designs and hi-tech is truly amazing.

Bathtubs

If you prefer spending your time encased in water rather than sprinkling it over your body, bathtubs can be a wonderful opportunity for rest and relaxation. Just like with showers, there are a myriad bathtub designs to choose from, from alcoves to drop-ins to whirlpool baths. Common building materials include acrylic, composite, gel-coated fiberglass and porcelain. But it’s the additional features that can drastically affect comfort levels. Simply fitting your bathtub with items like foot stops, grab bars and a backrest can make all the difference in the world. Picking the right one isn’t always easy though, so don’t be afraid to consult with a professional before you make your call.

Sinks

The sink is a focal point of the bathroom, yet it often receives the least notice of all main fixtures. Most people simply opt for a china white sink with or without a cabinet underneath, in shapes ranging from rectangular to oval. But there is also the option of going with the more modern-looking glass sink, which can be dropped in and undermounted, or installed with an integrated glass top. Pedestal style sinks can also save up a lot of space inside a bathroom, which is worth considering if you don’t have that much room to begin with. They can also serve as an inspiration for all sorts of innovative design ideas that will enrich your bathroom’s color palette and diversify its look.

Toilets

Toilets are available in a wide array of styles and colors, which can often seem almost maddening at first sight. But, like with all fixtures, it’s a good idea to make your choice based on the comfort level you’d like to experience while also taking into account the overall style of the bathroom itself. A goofy looking toilet might not fit in all that well with a vintage noir aesthetic, for example. You should also think about height. Toilets that are 16 to 18 inches high are most comfortable for adults, but households with children might want to buy ones that are several inches lower than that. Prices can also vary a lot, with many people failing to account for the additional expenses brought on by the installation process. Toilets are quite tricky to install and require a high degree of expertise in working with porcelain. That’s why you should always secure the services of a trustworthy craftsman and ask for his opinion before purchasing the toilet of your dreams.

Showerheads/Faucets

Finally, the items that disperse water into your bathroom might actually be the most important of all. Just one leaky faucet can lead to over 1,600 gallons of wasted water per year, racking up costs and causing unnecessary damage to the environment. Which is why you should always invest in good quality showerheads and faucets, and go with the eco-friendly, low-flow option whenever possible. Many showerheads, for example, are designed with great care to save water without sacrificing performance or causing a poor showering experience. So, if you have older faucets or showerheads, think about replacing them with newer models that are also much less prone to leakage.

That concludes my short guide on indispensable bathroom fixtures and how to choose the right ones for you. Of course, there are many more accessories you may want to include in order to have a more complete bathroom, from towel rails to soap dispensers and extra storage cabinets. But having your basic fixtures in place will make for a comfortable environment that you can use and enjoy right away.