Choosing the right bathroom fixtures and fittings makes all the difference when designing or updating a bathroom. From tapware to the type of shower you install, these design choices will shape how your space looks and feels. But with all the bathroom lingo that gets tossed around, it can be easy to feel lost. In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you.
Bathrooms have attached fixtures like sinks and toilets and smaller, functional fittings like towel rails. You need both to complete your bathroom setup.
It can be easy to confuse the word fixture with fitting, but there’s an easy way to remember each. Fixtures are fixed in place and need plumbing or electrical connections. Fittings, on the other hand, are more flexible and can be swapped out or moved in some instances.
Bathroom fixtures make your bathroom functional and personalised. Here are some of the most common bathroom fixtures:
Bathtubs: Often the centrepiece of bathrooms, bathtubs are a classic addition to the space.
Showers: From a classic shower to a walk-in, this is a key fixture in a bathroom.
Sinks/basins: Whether under or above counter, a sink should look good and work well in your bathroom.
Toilets: Toilets are an obvious one, available in in-wall and back-to-wall styles.
Bidets: Bidets are common in Europe and Asia and are an alternative to toilet paper.
Taps/mixers: A tap and mixer combo controls water flow and temperature.
Vanity: Every bathroom needs storage, and a vanity is one way to add extra space.
Lighting: Bathroom lights serve two purposes — they help you see and can also be a style feature.
Bathroom fittings are the details that pull a space together. Here are some of the most common fittings you’ll find:
Toilet seat: Toilet seats are often overlooked as bathroom fittings. They need to be replaced due to wear and tear.
Towel rack: After a nice shower, you need to hang your towel somewhere. Racks help keep your towels dry and organised.
Hooks: Hooks keep towels and robes dry and within arm's reach.
Mirrors: You need somewhere to get ready in the morning. Bathroom mirrors, often fitted above the sink, provide just this.
Toilet roll holder: A toilet paper holder keeps your rolls neat and in a handy position.
Shower shelves: These shelves organise your shampoo, conditioner and other shower essentials. You won't have to stash them on the bathroom floor anymore!
Soap dispensers: A convenient, decorative and no-fuss way to keep handwash.
Styling pieces: No bathroom feels like it’s yours without personalisation. Put in some art, plants and decor.
Understanding the difference between bathroom fixtures and fittings will help you make better choices for your bathroom renovation.
Remember: fixtures are fixed in place, and fittings can be moved! Knowing this distinction will put you on the right path.
Still need help? Get in touch with the Yabby team.
