The Bathroom Suites Buyer’s Guide

modern bathroom suite with vintage styling

Bathroom suites are available in a wide range of styles including modern and traditional to suit any home.

But, with so many things to take into consideration – from deciding on a look, to choosing the right fixtures – it can be difficult to know where to start when designing your dream bathroom.

Compared to other rooms in your home, updating your bathroom suite is a long-term renovation project, so it’s important to choose a suite that best suits your exact requirements to ensure you’ll be happy in the long run.

When thinking about various bathroom suite designs and bathroom ideas, it’s a good idea to create a mood board, so you can gain a better idea of the styles that most appeal to you.

moodboard for bathroom suite buying guide

Browse through home magazines and cut out images that you think would work in your space, or you could create a Pinterest board and pin all your favourite bathroom suites, so they are in one easy to find place that you can refer to.

Our bathroom suite buying guide will help you create a space you’ll love.

Bathroom suites at Big Bathroom Shop

Milano Richmond - Traditional Bathroom Suite with Freestanding Bath, High Level Toilet and Washstand Basin
Milano Richmond – Traditional Bathroom Suite with Freestanding Bath, High Level Toilet and Washstand Basin

At Big Bathroom Shop there are full bathroom suites in a range of styles including contemporary and traditional.

We have suites to suit large and small bathrooms, so if space is an issue you don’t need to worry.

Our small bathroom suites are specially designed for compact spaces. They feature a compact basin, toilet and bath to maximise space, so you can still create a stylish look without making any compromises.

Other space saving options include p shaped bathroom suites and corner bathroom suites.

A suite with a shower bath is ideal for a bathroom that doesn’t have the room for a separate bath and shower enclosure. Corner baths fit snugly into the corner of the bathroom helping to save space.

If you love the traditional look, then you’ll love our range of Victorian bathroom suites. These include a freestanding bath and a matching toilet and basin.

The freestanding bath comes in two main designs including roll top and slipper. Whichever style you choose, you can be assured of a relaxing and comfortable bathing experience.

Freestanding bathroom suites create a luxury look. They come in modern and vintage styles to suit any home and include a freestanding bath that will add wow factor to your bathroom.

If modern is more your style, our contemporary bathroom suites are perfect. These feature clean lines for a look that’s simple, smart and modern.

Shower bathroom suites are ideal for ensuites and smaller bathrooms. At Big Bathroom Shop there’s shower suites with quadrant and corner entry enclosures, each of which includes the toilet and basin.

Milano Legend - Shower Suite with Quadrant Enclosure, Toilet and Pedestal Basin
Milano Legend – Shower Suite with Quadrant Enclosure, Toilet and Pedestal Basin

Budgeting for your bathroom suite

It’s essential to set a budget before redesigning your bathroom and buying a new bathroom suite. Always add an extra 10% on top of the budget, as no matter how well you plan, there’s always unforeseen costs.

The cost of a new bathroom can vary greatly, but the average cost is around £5-7.5K, and this includes the suite, installation and plumbing, as well as the brassware and tiling.

It’s a good idea to work with what you’ve got, and see what you can salvage from the current design.

Try and maintain the existing plumbing layout, and keep the waste and water inlets in the same position. Installing the new basin and toilet in the same position as the old fixtures will help keep plumbing costs down.

Open piggy bank with coins spilt out

Save money with discount bathroom suites

We don’t all have a lot of spare cash to create a luxury look and it’s surprising just what you can achieve on a smaller budget.

When buying a bathroom suite on a limited budget, choose the best quality you can afford, and bear in mind that choosing low quality fixtures will only cost you more in the long run.

If you’re on a tight budget and just can’t afford a brand-new suite, you could look at second hand or reclaimed bathroom suites instead.

Even ex-display bathroom suites are a good way to save money.

If you do decide to go down this route, it’s important to check over each item carefully and make sure there’s no damage, which could lead to problems down the line.

Some people may be put off by cheap bathroom suites. Just choose carefully and do your research beforehand and you can make some great savings on your new bathroom. Cheap complete bathroom suites normally include a straight standard bath, toilet and basin.

To save even more money, and if you have DIY experience, you could fit the new suite yourself. Our expert DIY guides, will help you complete your bathroom renovation project. If you lack the skills and experience, we recommend hiring an approved tradesman to install your bathroom suite.

Another way to save money on a bathroom suite is to shop when the sales are on. You’re most likely to find fantastic deals on clearance bathroom suites during key sale times.

For best deals on bathroom suites make sure to check out the Big Bathroom Shop deals category.

A Milano Henley vanity unit in a large family bathroom suite

Consider your requirements

When choosing the perfect bathroom suite, there are two main things to take into consideration – the available space and what your requirements are.

Before deciding on a suite, it’s a good idea to experiment with some layout ideas to see what will work the best.

If you have a small bathroom, then opt for clever space saving fittings such as a wall mounted basin and a short projection toilet. But, if there’s more space, why not consider a freestanding bath for a luxury look?

You should also think how the bathroom is going to work for you in your home. If you are a family with young children, then you’ll need a strong and sturdy bath, as well as plenty of storage space for bath toys and toiletries. So, it’s important to think about the kind of bathroom suite that will really work for you.

When planning your suite, it’s best to plan around the position of the toilet, as this needs to connect to your waste pipe, which can be difficult to change.

How to buy a bathroom suite

Buying a bathroom suite can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially when there seems to be so many to choose from.

So, where’s best to begin?

A good starting point is deciding on a style, which we will come to later. The available space will also determine your choice of suite – is it for a large family bathroom or a small cloakroom suite?

You can choose to buy a complete bathroom suite bundle, which will save you money and the hassle of picking out individual items, or you can mix and match products for an individual look.

But, to ensure a coordinated bathroom, purchase the toilet and basin from the same collection. Or if you want to simply buy the pair together, you could opt for a toilet and basin suite.

Complete bathroom suites are typically supplied with the basin, toilet, bath and taps. Some include a shower enclosure instead of a bath, and some feature a vanity unit, rather than a sink. So, there’s many options to suit any bathroom design.

The design of the bath can vary too. There’s suites with freestanding baths, shower baths, corner baths and straight baths, so you can choose to keep things simple or make a statement. Just remember to design the bathroom so it’s both stylish and functional.

If you choose a suite with a straight bath and plan to fit the shower over it, you will need to fit a bath screen to protect the floor from splashes of water. Bath screens come in many styles and sizes including folding, curved and straight.

These tips will help you buy your ideal bathroom:

  • Choose a style that will match the existing décor of your home to ensure a uniform look.
  • Measure the space accurately and double check the measurements.
  • Go for wall hung fixtures to enhance a sense of space in a small bathroom suite.
  • It’s important to choose a suite that will look good now and well into the future.
  • Matching accessories complete the look and ensure uniformity.

How to measure a bathroom suite

To ensure you make the most of the available space and to help you choose the right bathroom suite, you will need to accurately measure the room and plan where you would like the basin, toilet, and bath or shower enclosure to go.

  • Measure the bathroom and note where the existing waste pipes, boiler and electrical wiring are. Relocating these will significantly increase the installation cost of your new bathroom.
  • Make a scale drawing of the bathroom on graph paper, and note the location of the windows, door and fittings. Refer to this when looking for a new suite.
  • Ventilation is another important thing to consider, if there isn’t a window. So, you will need to install an extractor fan, otherwise condensation will cause mould and damp problems.

If you need help with designing a practical space, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a bathroom design specialist. Tell them your available budget, and choose a company that can show you 3D images of what the bathroom will look like. There’s also online bathroom planners that you can access at home, which is handy if you want to experiment with different layouts.

How to choose a bathroom suite style

The two most popular bathroom suite styles are modern and vintage.

Vintage or Victorian bathrooms are perfect for creating a classic and elegant look that will stand the test of time.

They typically feature roll top freestanding baths, high-level toilets and cross-head taps. Traditional style doesn’t have to mean old-fashioned though, you can still enjoy the up-to-date technology of rainfall shower heads and mixer taps.

Modern bathroom suites and contemporary bathrooms are all about the latest styles, clean lines and bolder shapes. There are many designs that fall within the modern bathroom suite category, and it’s a style that suits modern homes. There’s also a larger range of sizes to choose from, which makes this style a better option for cloakrooms and en-suite bathrooms.

Take a look at these bathroom ideas for inspiration.

How to buy a toilet, basin, bath & shower for your bathroom suite

When it comes to choosing the fixtures and fittings for your bathroom suite, it makes the process a lot easier if you buy the bath, shower, toilet and basin from the same company.

Make sure to pick items from the same range and always buy the best quality that you can afford. You can buy the products individually, or purchase an entire bathroom, which can help to save money.

Choosing a bath

Milano Richmond - Traditional Back to Wall Freestanding Bath - 1685mm x 780mm

When it comes to choosing a bath for your bathroom suite, think who will be using it? Will its primary purpose be for bathing young children, or will it be used for long, relaxing soaks? Determining this will help you choose the most suitable bath.

Straight acrylic baths are a popular option for family bathroom suites, while freestanding designs provide a luxurious bathing experience.

Choosing a shower

If there’s enough space in your bathroom, fit a separate bath and shower enclosure. If there’s not enough space, then you can fit a shower over the bath. Shower baths, which combine room for both bathing and showering, are ideal for small bathroom suites.

If you won’t get much use out of a bath, then it makes perfect sense to fit a shower enclosure or a walk-in shower. Quadrant shower enclosures and bi-fold shower doors, are a great option for small bathrooms. Fit a rainfall shower head to complete the look.

Choosing a basin

a traditional pedestal basin sink

Basins come in a huge range of sizes and style to suit any bathroom, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right one for your bathroom suite. Basins with pedestals are the most popular, as they are easy to install. To maximise floor space in a smaller bathroom, choose a wall mounted basin.

There’s also vanity sinks, which sit within a storage unit or cupboard – these provide a practical storage solution for toiletries. If you want to create a spa-style look, then opt for a countertop basin.

Don’t forget to consider the basin material. Choose something that’s hard-wearing and easy to clean such as ceramic. Your choice of taps is important too, as they can have a big impact on the overall look of the suite.

Choosing a toilet

a modern back to wall toilet

The toilet is an often-overlooked part of all bathroom suites, but there’s a surprising range of designs to choose from. Wall hung toilets and corner toilets are ideal for small bathrooms. Back to wall toilets are usually fitted with a WC unit, which conceals the pipework and cistern from view. Close coupled toilets are the most popular type, as they come in modern and traditional designs, and are the easiest to install. Make sure the toilet includes a soft close seat to prevent accidental bangs and slams.

Choosing bathroom furniture

Blue Milano edge vanity unit

Bathroom furniture is essential in any suite for ensuring the space remains calm and organised. Vanity units are a popular option, as they combine a basin and storage into one unit, which removes the need to fit a separate basin and storage unit. They come in many styles, sizes and finishes, as well as floor mounted and wall hung designs. Mirrored cabinets are another popular storage solution – fit one above the basin to keep your bathroom essentials close to hand.

Choosing bathroom taps

Bath and basin taps from the same range create a coordinated look. They come in a huge variety of styles, as well as surface mounted, wall mounted and freestanding designs.

You will need to choose taps that are compatible with your home’s water system. So, it’s important to check the recommended minimum operating pressure when shopping for new taps. Water pressure is measured in bars – 1 bar equals the force needed to raise water to a height of 10 meters.

Homes with a combi boiler have high water pressure, and homes with a low-pressure gravity system have low water pressure. Make sure the taps and shower you choose for your new bath suite are suitable before purchasing them.

Best bathroom suites for small bathrooms

If your bathroom is on the small side, it can feel like a nightmare to plan and create a space that works well. Small bathrooms require more attention to detail to ensure you make the most of the available space.

Wall hung fixtures, shower baths, reflective surfaces and light colours all help to enhance a sense of space in a smaller bathroom. For more ideas, check out our blog on how to make your small bathroom look bigger.

Cloakroom suites

If you’re looking for a basin and toilet for a small downstairs toilet or en-suite, then your best option is to choose a cloakroom suite. Cloakroom suites are specially designed to maximise space, and include a compact toilet, basin or vanity unit.

Cloakroom basins and toilets feature compact dimensions to help make the most of a tiny space.

A downstairs loo will make a practical addition to any home, and a cloakroom comes as standard in new build homes. It’s ideal for when there’s guests visiting, and it saves you from having to go upstairs.

You really don’t need a lot of space to be able to install a toilet and basin, especially with all the compact designs now available. The space under the stairs could even be converted, and the Milano 2-in-1 toilet and basin combination units are perfect for this scenario.

Cloakroom suites at BigBathroomShop come in modern and Victorian designs, and have been specially created with small bathrooms in mind.

If you need some style tips and advice for your cloakroom, then check out our ultimate downstairs toilet guide.

Why choose a designer bathroom suite?

If you’re looking to make a statement in your home, a designer bathroom suite is the perfect option. A designer style bathroom needs to be planned carefully, and it’s important to choose products that will add wow factor to your suite.

Although it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, a designer suite will pay off when it comes to quality, style and comfort, and you don’t always have to splash the cash to achieve a high-end look.

Designer bathroom suites can also add a selling point to your home, which is great if you ever want to sell up and move to a new house in the future.

Top tips for creating a designer bathroom:

  • Fit a freestanding bath to add luxury to your bathroom, and to enjoy a relaxing soak.
  • Add a touch of chic, spa-hotel style with a countertop basin or two.
  • A walk-in shower provides a stylish and practical showering solution.
  • Achieve your perfect shower with a digital shower control.
  • Bathroom furniture is a must for keeping clutter hidden away.
  • Plan the lighting scheme carefully and incorporate task, ambient and accent lights.

What are the best bathroom suites?

Whether you’re after a contemporary bathroom suite or something more vintage, you can be sure to find your ideal bathroom at Big Bathroom Shop. To help make your choice easier, we’ve rounded up three of the best bathroom suites.

Traditional Bathroom Suite with Slipper Bath

traditional bathroom suite with slipper bath

If you love Victorian style, then you’ll love the Traditional bathroom suite by Milano. This beautifully designed bath suite is classic and elegant, and it’s perfect for creating a look that will stand the test of time for years to come. It comes with the freestanding slipper bath, and the matching toilet and basin.

Milano WC Combination Bathroom Suite

Milano WC combination unit and bathtub

The Milano Combination WC Unit bathroom suite is ideal for creating a contemporary look. The stylish combination unit includes a concealed cistern, back to wall toilet and soft close seat, as well as the basin and simple bathtub.

So, now that you’re armed with all the information you need to choose your perfect suite, why not browse our superb range of bathroom suites? Plus, if you need any more bathroom ideas, then check us out on Pinterest, where you’ll find plenty to inspire you!

Pinterest - be inspired, follow us on pinterest

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