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Bathroom Fixtures: Create Your Dream Bathroom

From planning to choosing furniture, here’s how to create a functional, beautiful bathroom.
From the Westfalia editorial team · Updated on 12.08.2026
Created and reviewed by the Westfalia editorial team.

In brief: Create your dream bathroom by first assessing the available space and deciding what you need. Then choose a cohesive style, select functional, water-resistant furniture such as vanity units, and make room for storage. Good lighting and the right accessories add the finishing touches.

Bathroom Fixtures: Create Your Dream Bathroom

You don’t plan a new bathroom every day. It’s an investment in comfort, home value, and everyday wellbeing. This guide takes you from your first ideas to installing the final towel bar.

We’ll show you how thoughtful planning, the right materials, and smart details can help you create a bathroom that’s just right for you. It all starts with the most important question.

How do I start planning my new bathroom?

Start with a blank sheet of paper. Write down what you want and what you’re working with. Who will use the bathroom? Do you need a bathtub, or is a spacious shower enough? How much storage do you need?

Measure the room carefully. Transfer the dimensions to graph paper or use simple planning software. Mark windows, doors, existing pipes, and the soil stack. These features often can’t be moved.

Expert tip

Position the main fixtures first: toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub. Leave at least 60 cm of clearance in front of them. For comfortable use, allow around 80-100 cm of width for a sink.

Think about the future. Planning for aging in place? A curbless shower and grab bars are sensible choices. Is your family growing? A changing table with a sink can come in handy.

Choosing a style and setting the mood

How do you want your bathroom to feel? Like a relaxing spa retreat or an efficient, practical space? Gather ideas and inspiration from magazines or online.

Choose one feature to set the style. It could be a particular tile pattern, a wood tone, or a bathroom fixture. Build your color palette and material choices around it. Stick to two or three main materials for a calm, cohesive look.

“Good bathroom design always resolves a conflict: the one between practical needs and the desire to feel at ease. The art is to make the technology disappear while engaging the senses.”

— Anna Berg, interior designer

Which bathroom furniture is right for me?

Bathroom furniture has to do more than look good. It needs to hold up to high humidity and occasional splashes over time. Choosing the right material is key.

High-pressure laminate (HPL) is extremely durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Lacquered surfaces look great but can be vulnerable if damaged. Solid wood needs a high-quality sealant.

Form should follow function. A vanity with drawers is more practical than one with doors. You can see what’s inside right away and reach it more easily. Corner sinks or vanities are ideal for making use of corners.

Important note

Before mounting furniture on a wall, check its condition. Heavy items such as fully loaded vanities need a sturdy wall or suitable reinforcement, such as a support panel.

You can also add storage higher up. Wall cabinets above the toilet or a tall mirror with a built-in medicine cabinet save space. Find suitable options for a kid-friendly bathroom in the children’s furniture section.

and are useful small parts for DIYers installing washing machine hookups or other water lines in the bathroom. They provide a secure, leak-free branch from existing pipes.

Choosing a sink and medicine cabinet

The sink is the centerpiece. Choose a predrilled sink with a faucet hole, an undermount sink installed beneath the countertop, or an integrated one-piece sink that’s easy to clean.

The faucet should suit the shape of the sink. A tall, swiveling spout is practical. Consider whether a single-handle or two-handle faucet would be easier for you to use.

The mirror should be at least as wide as the sink, and preferably wider. An illuminated mirror or a medicine cabinet with outlets inside can make everyday routines much easier.

How do I create efficient storage?

There’s no room for clutter in the bathroom. Well-planned storage helps create a sense of calm. Sort items by how often you use them: daily essentials (toothbrush, lotion), weekly supplies (shampoo, towels), and rarely used items (spare light bulbs, guest soap).

Organize items by how often you reach for them. Keep daily essentials close at hand and store backup supplies in higher or lower cabinets. Drawer inserts and dividers help keep everything organized.

Additional advice

Set aside a small, ventilated cabinet or compartment for cleaning products. That keeps them handy while storing chemicals safely away from children and pets. A furniture dolly can be a useful helper here.

Open shelves or a closed cabinet? Open shelves make a room feel airy and work well for decorative towels or plants. Closed cabinets are a tidier choice for toothpaste and jars of lotion.

Don’t forget the door! The inside of the bathroom or shower door is a great place for hooks or narrow shelves for bathrobes and towels.

Smart solutions for alcoves and corners

Every alcove is valuable storage space. Fit narrow cabinets into partition walls. An alcove in the shower can replace bulky shower caddies.

Pull-out cabinets make the most of deep spaces. Corner cabinets with hinged doors put otherwise unused space to work. Similar space-saving ideas also apply when furnishing a child’s room.

“Bathroom organization starts with clearing out clutter. Before planning new storage, take a thorough look at what you own. You need less space than you think. And clear surfaces are the most luxurious design feature.”

— Thomas Weber, space planner

What lighting creates the right accents?

Bathroom lighting needs to be versatile. General lighting illuminates the entire room evenly. Recessed ceiling lights with a high color rendering index (Ra >90) are a good choice.

Mirror lighting is essential for applying makeup or shaving. The light should come from both sides of the mirror to avoid shadows on your face. A light strip above the mirror can complement this.

Add accent lighting. A dimmable spotlight above the bathtub creates an atmospheric setting. A waterproof recessed LED light in the shower enhances safety and comfort. Make sure you choose the right protection rating (IP44 for areas exposed to splashing water, IP67 for showers).

The role of accessories and textiles

Accessories are the finishing touch. Stick to one material theme, such as stainless steel or matte black. A set comprising a soap dispenser, toothbrush holder and cup creates a calmer look than individual items.

Towels add soft accents. Choose a quality that feels good and is absorbent. A heated towel rack or radiator with a towel warmer is a practical luxury.

A bath mat in front of the bathtub or sink keeps your feet warm and protects the floor. Choose one with a non-slip backing and washable materials.

What should you consider when putting your plans into practice?

The order in which the different trades work is fixed. After the structural planning, the water and wastewater installation work follows. Electrical cables are then laid and the screed is poured.

Only then does the tile installer start work. The furniture and bathroom fixtures are installed at the end. Allow plenty of extra time, as delivery times for custom furniture can be lengthy.

Don't forget ventilation. A damp bathroom can develop mold. A window is ideal. If there isn't one, a powerful but quiet fan with a humidity sensor is essential.

Important note

All electrical installations in the bathroom must be carried out by a qualified professional in accordance with DIN VDE 0100-701. Strict safety regulations apply to the zoning (protection zones 0-2). Safety comes before design.

For furniture that you assemble yourself, practical aids such as a handle/system/furniture roller can make the job easier.

Care and durability

Proper care begins with choosing the right materials. Silicone joints should be checked regularly and replaced if mold develops. It is best to remove limescale from faucets and glass using mild, specialist cleaners.

Avoid abrasive cleaning products on painted or high-gloss polished surfaces. Natural stone requires specific care instructions. A well-planned and well-maintained bathroom will remain beautiful and functional for many years.

Your dream bathroom is a retreat. With careful planning, quality materials and an eye for detail, you can create a room that brings you joy every day. Start collecting your ideas now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan the ideal layout for a small bathroom?
Make use of every corner in a small bathroom. A wall-mounted vanity saves space and creates an airy feel. A walk-in shower or a bathtub with an integrated shower combines functions. Light colors and large mirrors make the room appear bigger.
Which materials are suitable for bathroom furniture?
Choose water-resistant and easy-care materials. High-pressure laminate (HPL), painted solid wood or coated MDF boards are ideal. For vanity units, a water-repellent coating on the inside is essential to prevent moisture damage.
How much does a complete bathroom remodel cost?
Costs vary considerably. Basic complete solutions start at 3,000 Euro. Custom planning with branded fixtures and high-quality materials can cost 15,000 Euro or more. Set priorities: invest in durable bathroom fixtures and save on accessories.
How can I create more storage space in the bathroom?
Make use of the height. Wall cabinets above the toilet or sink provide storage space. Narrow shelves next to the mirror or in alcoves are practical. Vanity units with drawers instead of doors make access easier. Closed cabinets above the door provide storage for items you rarely use.
Which lighting is useful in the bathroom?
Combine different light sources. Use bright, glare-free ceiling lighting for the entire room. Mirror lights mounted on either side of the mirror or an LED mirror provide shadow-free light for shaving or applying makeup. Dimmable lights create a relaxing atmosphere.
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