• Adding colour to your bathroom

• Buying a new bathroom (Part 1)

• Essential, but never boring….toilets!

• How to pay for a new bathroom?

• A guide to bathroom furniture

Creating a loft bathroom

With space very much at a premium and homeowners either not wanting to or perhaps being unable financially to move, the home improvement answer often lies in a loft conversion. Loft conversions have become more and more popular over the years providing an additional bedroom, home office, playroom, or gym.

Going up into the loft can also be the solution for those looking for an additional bathroom or bedroom with ensuite. Yes, a loft bathroom does require a little more design input to fit everything in, but a loft bathroom always means starting with a complete blank canvas.

Depending on the size of house, the construction of the roof and the amount of work you are prepared to undertake, the range of options for floorspace and height clearance should be numerous enough to make every loft bathroom project unique. It goes without saying that comprises will need to be made but most home improvement projects require a bit of give and take so bear this in mind as you start to think through what you really want.

One of the first and biggest decisions is bath or shower? If you are looking at making the most of a relatively small space, a curved shower enclosure is a great solution for unconventional spaces. Traditionally a curved shower enclosure and tray is placed in the corner of the room to maximise the use of space, but D-shaped enclosures are also available, and these can be placed along a flat wall. For those looking for a more modern edge, walk in shower enclosures and wet rooms are also a possibility.

If you prefer a bath over a shower, fear not. Even in the tightest of spaces you can usually make room for a bath especially where a sloping roof may make it impractical to fit a shower. To make the most of limited space in the smallest of bathrooms, a corner bath is also worth considering as it is often works well in awkward-shaped bathrooms.

One of the other key things to consider when planning a loft bathroom is water pressure. Depending on your existing plumbing you may need to budget for an extra pump to ensure there is enough pressure – especially if you’re planning on a shower unit. Discuss this early on with your plumber before committing as this is key. Your plumber should be able to advise you on the best solution and any additional parts you may require.

Sloping loft ceilings can be a challenge when it comes to storage, nevertheless storage is crucial no matter where the location of the bathroom. Cleaning materials and toiletries will always need a home! Freestanding units are rarely the best solution in a loft bathroom. Bespoke cabinets are excellent and the most effective solution however, going down this route can be more costly. Alternatively consider the toilet and sink combination which is smartly designed to combine several needs into one, integrating basin, toilet, and cistern into one sleek unit providing a clean, tidy finish.

A wall hung toilet which sits flush to the wall is a good idea in a loft bathroom as there is no need for a cistern. With no base fixed to the floor, it provides the illusion of space. A wall mounted basin has a similar effect. With no pedestal fixing to the floor, it makes the footprint of the room seem larger. Why not consider a cloakroom specific basin which is smaller and more compact in size, but still provides enough space for washing hands properly?

With a little extra consideration loft bathrooms can be a highly effective solution for homeowners who need more space but whose only way is up!

20th Sep 2021