Choosing the Right Fixtures for Your Bathroom Remodel

Looking to transform your bathroom from start to finish, without remodeling costs that leave you broke?

Well it’s not in the fancy tiles or the dramatic vanity. It’s in the fixtures.

Homeowners spent more than $59.2 billion on bathroom remodeling services in the US market in 2024, so it’s clear they are putting money into upgrades.

Here’s the thing…

They tend to put their money into major items and completely ignore the features that actually make or break the entire project. You can have the most amazing bathroom design ever, but the wrong choice of fixtures will completely sink your look.

That’s why it’s so important to work with the finest bathroom remodeling service when planning out your selections. Experienced bathroom remodeling services know how the fixtures play off of each other to create a cohesive, functional room.

In this article, you’ll discover:

• Must-have Fixture Types To Upgrade Your Space
• Choosing Fixtures That Actually Work Well Together
• Strategies For Budget-Conscious Fixture Shopping
• Installation Tips For DIY Savings

Step 1: Understanding Your Fixture Categories

Before we start shopping for fixtures, let’s take a step back and discuss the different categories we are dealing with.

Your bathroom fixtures fall into three main categories, each of which is important for your remodel to be successful.

Here’s the deal…

Your bathroom fixtures not only determine how comfortable you are daily, but they also have a major impact on your home’s resale value. It makes sense that 83% of homeowners surveyed say they hire professionals to help with renovations.

Plumbing Fixtures: The Basics

These are the fixtures that control the water in your bathroom, including your sink, toilet, shower, and bathtub.

The most important part is…

Plumbing fixtures need to work together as a system. This means matching finishes, choosing complementary styles, and ensuring compatible functionality.

The plumbing fixtures also offer the biggest opportunity to impact your daily experience. A high-quality showerhead can completely change your morning routine.

Lighting Fixtures: Lighting Done Right

Lighting is the category where most bathroom remodels go terribly wrong. Homeowners pick fixtures that are too dim or too bright, too harsh or too boring, or just plain wrong for the space.

The three types of lighting you need are:

• Ambient lighting for overall brightness
• Task lighting for specific activities
• Accent lighting for visual interest

The trick is layering these three different types of lighting so that you have a space that works at all times of day.

Step 2: Smart Fixture Selection Strategies

Shopping for fixtures is not just about picking the prettiest pieces. It’s about building a system that works for your needs and your budget.

Identifying Your Non-Negotiables First

Before you fall in love with a beautiful mirror, take the time to identify the fixtures you absolutely cannot live without. Shower only or both? Extra storage? Accessibility needs?

This step alone can save you thousands of dollars by preventing impulse purchases that may not suit your lifestyle.

Establishing Your Color Palette Early

Pick your color schemes first, then choose fixtures that complement your palette. It’s very easy to fall in love with a vanity only to realize it clashes with every other fixture.

The neutral bathroom remains one of the most popular design styles in terms of the choices of the bathroom colors, with white countertop color picked by 50% of homeowners and off-white color selected by 20%.

Matching Your Home’s Architecture

You would never install a contemporary floating vanity in a Victorian home, right? However, an ornate traditional fixture set also looks out of place in a modern space.

The secret is to choose fixtures that both complement your home’s architecture and reflect your personal style.

Step 3: Budgeting For Impact

With the median amount of money homeowners spent on a bathroom remodel rising 11% to $15,000 in 2023, learning to budget for maximum impact is more important than ever.

The 30-30-30-10 Rule

Allocate your budget for fixtures in the following way:

• 30% towards plumbing fixtures (sink, toilet, shower/tub)
• 30% towards lighting (multiple fixtures for layering)
• 30% towards hardware (faucets, towel bars, mirrors)
• 10% buffer for unexpected costs

This breakdown will help you avoid overspending on any one area while neglecting others.

Knowing When To Splurge And Save

Splurge on: The items you use every day, like your main faucet, showerhead, and primary lighting. These fixtures have the most usage and the biggest impact.

Save on: Decorative items that you can easily swap out later, such as towel bars, toilet paper holders, and accent lighting.

Current Bathroom Fixture Trends To Keep In Mind

Trends come and go, but there are a few in the bathroom remodeling market to be aware of.

Matte Black Has Arrived

51% of design professionals pick black as their favorite bathroom faucet finish in 2024, followed by 27% who favor stainless steel.

Matte black is both striking and actually neutral enough to work in many spaces. The biggest downside…

Matte black shows water spots easily, so keep that in mind when making choices.

Mixed Metals Are A Must

The idea that all fixtures must perfectly match each other is gone. Mixing different finishes adds depth and character to a bathroom.

The trick to mixing metals without looking trashy is to: Stick to two or three finishes at most, and use each finish twice in the room.

Smart Bathroom Features That Matter

Smart technology is creeping into more and more bathrooms, but not all “smart” features are worth the hassle.

Features worth considering:

• Programmable shower temperature control
• Motion-activated lights
• Heated flooring systems

Features to avoid: Voice-controlled mirrors and app-connected faucets create more headaches than they are worth.

Installation Tips For DIY Savings

Even the best bathroom fixtures won’t work well if installed improperly. Here’s how to avoid common costly mistakes.

Planning Your Electrical Early

Lighting requires the right electrical planning. Trying to add circuits partway through a remodel will double your costs.

Plan for more electricity than you think you need, as it’s easier (and cheaper) to add circuits during construction.

Considering Your Water Pressure

Your fancy new showerhead will be underwhelming if you have poor water pressure. Test your home’s pressure before making final decisions.

Low pressure? Choose fixtures designed for low-pressure systems.

Thinking About Maintenance

Some fixtures are more maintenance-intensive than others. Matte finishes show less fingerprints but may require special cleaners. Complex designs collect dust.

Pick fixtures that match your willingness to clean and maintain.

Pulling It All Together

The secret to successful fixture shopping is not choosing the most expensive options. It is about building a cohesive system where everything works together in harmony.

Start with your anchor piece which is usually either the vanity or main lighting. Then add complementary pieces that enhance rather than compete.

Think in terms of themes, not exact matches. Modern fixtures can look great together even if they’re not all from the same manufacturer, as long as they share common design elements.

Wrapping Things Up

Choosing the right bathroom fixtures for your remodel is about understanding how each element plays a part in creating a beautiful, functional space. By prioritizing your needs, setting a realistic budget, and approaching the project systematically, you can create a bathroom that works perfectly for you.

Don’t get caught up in following trends or buying the most expensive stuff. Build a space that will serve you well for years to come.

Start with your non-negotiables, plan your budget carefully, and mix and match styles and finishes that suit your personality. Done correctly, your fixture choices can completely transform your bathroom into a space you love to use.