5 Bathroom must-haves 

The bathroom is more than just a functional space.
It’s a personal sanctuary, a place to unwind, refresh, and recharge.
With the right features, your bathroom can be a relax retreat that elevates your daily routine.
Whether you’re designing a new bathroom or renovating an existing one, having the right elements can turn a standard space into a spa-like experience.
From rain showers to floating vanities, every detail counts when it comes to creating a cohesive, beautiful, and functional bathroom.

May you don’t know us yet, let’s have a quick introduction: we’re ERA architects.
Actually, I’m Esther Rovira, architect and passive house designer in Barcelona and Catalonia building and renovating passive houses and positive houses.
In this post ‘5 Bathroom must-haves’, we’ll explore five bathroom must-haves that combine style, functionality, and sustainability, helping you create a space that feels both luxurious and practical. Let’s go!

1. THE immersive shower experience

When it comes to modern bathrooms, the shower is no longer just a quick stop for getting clean—it’s a full sensory experience.
A spacious, well-designed shower can provide a THE relax moment you deserve every day that feels like a mini-vacation.
To create this, you may add:

Rainshower head
A rainshower head is the crown jewel of any luxury shower. Mounted overhead, it mimics the natural feeling of rainfall, enveloping you in gentle streams of water that provide a soothing, immersive experience. The wide diameter ensures full body coverage, so no corner is left untouched by water. Opt for an eco-friendly rainshower head with a built-in aerator to reduce water usage while maintaining water pressure, making it both indulgent and sustainable.

Thermostatic Faucet for water conservation
Water waste is a huge concern, especially in larger showers.
A thermostatic faucet can be a game-changer.
This system keeps a consistent water temperature, so there’s no need to fiddle with the controls to find the right heat setting, which saves both water and energy. The result? Less water wasted while you wait for the temperature to be just right, and more control over your overall water usage.

Space for two people
For those who like to share shower time with a partner or simply enjoy having extra room, size is crucial.
Ideally, the shower should be at least 80 cm wide to give enough elbow room.
A long bench along one side of the shower is another great addition, offering space to relax, sit, shave legs or place shower essentials.

High ceilings and LED lighting for ambiance
Ceiling height can significantly influence the feel of your shower.
A higher ceiling not only creates a sense of spaciousness but also enhances the overall shower experience.
To elevate this even further, install recessed LED lighting along one wall, casting a soft glow that mimics the ambiance of a rainforest.
Choose lights with dimming capabilities for more control over the mood, and make sure they are waterproof to ensure safety.

2. Floating vanity

A floating vanity is the perfect fusion of modern design and practical functionality.
It seems to hover above the floor, also free up floor space and make the bathroom feel more open and airy.
But this feature is more than just about looks—it’s about making your morning routine smoother.

Double sink
If you’re sharing the bathroom, double sinks are non-negotiable.
Not only does this setup offer personal space for you and your partner, but also cuts down on morning congestion.

Storage 
A clutter-free bathroom is a happy bathroom.
Floating vanities should be designed with enough storage to hide away all your essentials—think drawers for makeup, toiletries, towels, and even hair tools.
Integrated storage solutions, like drawer dividers and organizers, keep everything in its place, making it easier to find what you need quickly.

Outlets
When designing your floating vanity, don’t forget the strategic placement of electrical outlets.
Whether it’s for hairdryers or toothbrush chargers, you need easy access to power without creating an eyesore.
Consider placing outlets inside drawers or cabinets for a cleaner and more minimalist look.

A large mirror with light
A mirror is the centerpiece of any vanity.
Go for a large mirror that spans the length of the vanity to enhance the sense of space.
To add an element of modern luxury, integrate LED light directly into the mirror or its frame.
LED lights are energy-efficient and offer the perfect level of brightness for daily grooming activities.
Opt for adjustable lighting so you can switch between bright, white light for makeup application and softer tones for a relaxing evening routine.

3. Japanese Toilet

One of the most revolutionary bathroom upgrades you can make is installing a Japanese-style toilet.
Known for their high-tech features and emphasis on comfort, these toilets bring an unparalleled level of luxury and convenience.

Bidet functionality
A Japanese toilet combines the convenience of a traditional toilet with the hygiene benefits of a built-in bidet.
The bidet function offers adjustable water temperature, pressure, and direction, providing a more thorough and comfortable clean than toilet paper alone.
Many models also come with a heated seat feature, ensuring that your bathroom visit is as comfortable as possible, even on cold mornings.

Automatic features
Top-of-the-line Japanese toilets often include automatic lids, flush sensors, and even air purifiers.
These hands-free functionalities enhance hygiene and convenience, reducing the need for touching surfaces and making for a more streamlined, user-friendly experience.

Sustainable water use
If you don’t want to invest in a full Japanese toilet system, consider a regular toilet with an added bidet faucet or nozzle.
This affordable upgrade still offers the eco-friendly benefit of reducing toilet paper usage while promoting better hygiene.

4. Recessed Shelves

Storage is essential in any bathroom, but it doesn’t need to come in the form of bulky shelves or freestanding units.
Recessed shelves are a sleek and practical solution that saves space and keeps your bathroom looking clean and clutter-free.

Strategically placed
Recessed shelves can be incorporated into the walls of your shower, above the vanity, or next to the toilet.
They are perfect for holding shampoo, soap, toothpaste, or decorative items, all without taking up extra space.
In the shower, they eliminate the need for clunky caddies or hanging baskets.

Minimalist look
One of the biggest benefits of recessed shelving is that it enhances the minimalist aesthetic.
By building storage directly into the wall, you create a seamless look that doesn’t interrupt the visual flow of the bathroom.
The trick is to blend them with the rest of the design by choosing materials that match the surrounding tiles and paint.

5. Light & style

Good lighting can make or break a bathroom, but safety is just as crucial as aesthetics in this moisture-rich environment.
Waterproof lighting fixtures allow you to install beautiful lights without worrying about the risk of water damage or electrical hazards.

Waterproof light
In wet areas like showers and near the bathtub, opt for recessed waterproof lighting.
These lights are typically sealed to prevent moisture from getting inside, ensuring that they remain functional and safe.
Recessed lighting is also perfect for achieving a clean, modern look, as the fixtures are hidden within the ceiling or walls.

Layered light
Bathrooms require layered lighting to serve different functions.
Bright task lighting is essential for grooming, but softer ambient lighting is perfect for relaxation.
Incorporating dimmable LED fixtures in different zones of the bathroom—like above the vanity, around the bathtub, and even within the shower—allows you to create different moods depending on the time of day.

Style
Just like other bathroom elements, your lighting fixtures should match the overall style of the room. If you’re going for a sleek, modern look, brushed steel or matte black lighting fixtures might be the way to go. For a more classic or rustic feel, bronze or brass finishes would be more appropriate. Regardless of the style, make sure that all your fixtures are designed for wet environments to ensure durability.

Conclusion: Elevating Your Bathroom Experience

Creating the perfect bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about merging functionality with design to create a space that enhances your everyday life.
A spacious shower with a rainshower head, a floating double-sink vanity with ample storage, a Japanese toilet, recessed shelves, and waterproof lighting are the key features that can transform any bathroom into a luxury retreat.

By focusing on these must-haves, you’ll not only boost the comfort and convenience of your bathroom, but you’ll also elevate its style, making it a place where you can truly unwind and recharge. Whether you’re building a new bathroom or upgrading your existing one, these features will ensure that you have a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting space.

 

I hope this post ‘5 Bathroom must-haves’ Comparison’ is helpful and allows you to take the next small step.
You may also be interested in this other post: ‘Save water system by recirculation’
Did we miss anything? Any burning questions? No problem, leave your questions below in the comments and we will answer to keep helping you!

Best of luck on your buying property adventure.
See you on the next post,

architectBarcelona

Founder of ERA architects

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