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Bathroom Hardware Design Ideas

Bathroom Hardware Design Ideas

6th Jun 2023

Why are bathroom hardware design ideas important when other fixtures are so much larger and more noticeable? Although the metal components of a bathroom are relatively small, they help define the theme and style of the space. Well chosen hardware will elevate a new, remodeled, or refreshed bathroom, while a hardware faux pas will detract from the finished effect. The glass shower often serves as a bathroom’s focal point, and you can see some of the hardware you’ll need for this here. Read on for tips from the pros on choosing the best hardware options for each part of the room.

  1. What hardware is needed for the glass shower?
    2.
  2. Should I choose a pull handle, finger pull, towel bar, knob, or combo for the shower door?
    3.
  3. What are the pros and cons of different paper holders?
    4.
  4. How many towel bars and towels rings do I need?
    5.
  5. Should my bathroom include one or more robe hooks?
    6.
  6. Which metallic finishes are most popular?
    7.
  7. Should all the metal in my bathroom match?
    8.
  8. Does the metal in my en suite bathroom need to match the metal in the adjoining bedroom?
    9.
  9. If I’m not doing a full renovation, which bathroom hardware is easiest to swap out?
    10.
  10. How can I order glass shower hardware from Glass Simple?
    11.

1. What hardware is needed for the glass shower?

Among all the bathroom hardware items, shower components are especially important. Design ideas and tips vary depending on the type of glass enclosure chosen.

  • Frameless sliding shower doors call for a very specific apparatus, and you can view these kits here. Necessary hardware includes a header, rollers, and door handles. These kits are typically available in a few different popular finishes.
  • Shower screens, on the other hand, require very little metal: clamps for stationary screens and wall-mount hinges for hinged screens.
  • Other shower enclosures including right angle corner showers, neo-angle corner showers, and in-line door and panel enclosures typically need clamps (see options here), door handles, and either wall-mount hinges or glass-to-glass hinges or pivot hinges.
  • Glass showers of various types can also be equipped with robe hooks and towel bars.

If you are having a custom glass shower installed, the glaziers will know which pieces of hardware will be required, but if you are DIYing a project, you’ll want to determine this at the outset. Next, you’ll select the style of the various pieces, so let’s get answers to some FAQs about these decisions.

Are different styles of hinges and clamps available?

Clamps and hinges are available with square – see CSU4 - FHC HD Square Wall Mount Clamp – or beveled – see CBU4 - FHC HD Beveled Wall Mount Clamp – edges. Square is more appealing for modern and contemporary spaces, while beveled is favored for more traditional décor.

How can I find a handle that matches my bathroom’s decorating scheme?

Many handle styles are offered including sleek minimalist knobs like DKR112 - FHC Round Back-To-Back Shower Knob With Sleeves, ornate pull handles, and classic towel bars that simultaneously serve as handles. There is something for every bathroom, whether you’re preserving a historic feel, creating a transitional space, or going for a contemporary vibe.

What about other components I may need such as U-channel and vinyl seals and sweeps?

A glass shower may need additional metal and non-metal components, and most of these items can also be ordered from Glass Simple.



2. Should I choose a pull handle, finger pull, towel bar, knob, or combo for the shower door?

When choosing bathroom hardware, pay special attention to the handle design as this piece significantly impacts the door’s style. The following tips and ideas will help you choose a handle that meets both your aesthetic and practical goals.

  • Shower door handles can be divided into five classifications – knobs, finger pulls, pull handles, towel bars, and towel bar/pull handle combinations.
  • If you want minimal metal, knobs and finger pulls have a smaller footprint and will help keep the focus on the glass.
  • Pull handles are ergonomic, and designs range from simple geometric forms to ladder-style handles to ornately sculpted profiles. Choose one of these when you want a handle that impacts the style of the enclosure.
  • Towel bars installed on a glass shower door panel serve a dual role and are appreciated when you need extra towel storage options.
  • Combos have a pull handle on the inside and a towel bar on the outside, allowing you to enjoy the features of both products.

In summary, your choice of handle will depend on how noticeable you want the hardware to be, your practical needs for ergonomic products, whether you want to store towels on the shower enclosure, and which overall bathroom style you are going for.



3. What are the pros and cons of different paper holders?

Moving on to another type of bathroom hardware, let’s look at design possibilities for toilet paper holders. Before settling on a specific idea, determine whether you want a wall-mounted or free standing product.

Wall Mounted Toilet Paper Holder Pros

  • Don’t take up any floor space
  • Available to match towels bars and towel rings
  • Can’t tip over
  • Easy to reload if arm pivots or is only attached on one side

Wall Mounted Toilet Paper Holder Cons

  • Require screw holes in a wall or side of the vanity
  • Multi-step reloading process for certain designs
  • Replacement can involve filling and painting over old screw holes

Free-Standing Toilet Paper Holder Pros

  • No tools required for replacement
  • Many fun and trendy styles available
  • Typically easy to reload
  • May include storage solution for extra rolls

Free-Standing Toilet Paper Holder Cons

  • Some designs tip over easily
  • Probably won’t perfectly match towel bars and rings

Once you’ve decided between a wall mounted or free-standing TP holder, we recommend choosing a sturdy product that’s easy to reload and that either matches or complements your other bathroom hardware. If you’re going for a whimsical vibe, feel free to choose a free-standing unit with lots of character!



4. How many towel bars and towels rings do I need?

Towel bars and towel rings are usually attached to the bathroom walls, but towel bars that attach to shower glass are also available here. Points to consider in determining how many of these items you should install in your bathroom include:

  • It is customary to have a towel ring installed near the sink to hold a hand towel, so if your bathroom has dual sinks, you will want one near each vessel. A towel ring can also be installed near a free-standing tub as a place to hang a washcloth.
  • How many people will be using this bathroom regularly? It is nice to have a towel bar for each person, whether it be on the wall or on the shower enclosure.
  • If your bathroom has sufficient wall space, extra towel bars can be used for storing fresh towels while keeping them handy.

Be sure to place towel bars and towel rings at convenient heights for those who will be using them. This Bob Vila article points out that 48” from the floor is the standard towel bar height, but the piece also includes tips for adjusting this as needed for your specific situation.


5. Should my bathroom include one or more robe hooks?

Related to towel storage, we move onto another bathroom hardware item: the robe hook. In fact, design ideas and possibilities are manifold when it comes to this small piece of hardware, which can actually be used for hanging towels as well as robes.

  • Through-glass robe hooks are installed on a piece of shower glass, and GH1 - FHC Glass Mount Towel/Robe Hook is one example of this style.
  • You can also choose a robe hook like GHS01 - FHC Sleeve Over Towel/Robe Hook which is sleeved over the top of a glass panel.
  • Bathroom hardware kits often include options for wall mounted robe hooks that match your towel bars, towel rings, and paper holder.
  • Vintage-style as well as genuine antique robe hooks can also be purchased and installed on your bathroom wall.

Which option is right for your project? If you’re going for a seamless modern look or a very traditional design, you will probably want to choose a brand new through-glass, sleeve over, or wall mounted robe hook that matches or coordinates with your other bathroom hardware. However, an old-fashioned or unique robe hook would be perfect in a cottage core, eclectic, farmhouse, or granny chic bathroom.



6. Which metallic finishes are most popular?

Some of today’s favorite metal finishes for bathroom hardware are brushed nickel, matte black, chrome, and satin brass. Each offers a distinctive look, and some finishes suggest themselves for particular decorating styles. (Make it easy for your customers to pick their preferred finish with this FHC Shower Hardware Color Sample Kit.)

  • Brushed Nickel is in the silver family of finishes, a classic metallic that will likely never be out of fashion. The brushed finish allows it to camouflage smudges or spots more readily than a polished alternative. For those who prefer to mix metals, brushed nickel pairs well with oil-rubbed bronze and matte black. Brushed nickel is a versatile finish that’s appropriate for bathrooms of just about any style.
  • Matte Black finish is certainly trending, but its classic simplicity suggests that you will not need to replace it to avoid a dated look a few years from now. Matte black hardware is frequently paired with clear shower glass for a pleasant contrast. If you have hard water, this can leave spots and deposits that are very noticeable on black metal. In this case, you may wish to use a finish like brushed nickel for the fixtures near water, and do matte black for hardware like towel bars and mirror frames. Matte black is especially beloved in farmhouse bathrooms and on grid style shower doors, but it can be integrated into most bathroom themes.
  • Polished Chrome is and has long been a popular choice for bathroom hardware. It is in the same family as nickel, and is usually a bright, polished finish. It will show smudges more easily than a brushed finish, but it remains a timeless choice that will never be outdated. Its shiny surface makes chrome especially appealing for modern, contemporary, or futuristic bathroom designs.
  • Satin Brass is also in demand these days, highlighting the current appreciation for vibrant materials, warm tones, and luxuriant home décor. Although brass tends to wax and wane in popularity, satin brass is more subdued than the polished brass of past eras, and is not an overly faddy choice. Satin brass can add elegance, warmth, and even a touch of opulence to your bathroom. This metallic especially lends itself to ornate and elegant bathroom designs.



7. Should all the metal in my bathroom match?

We’ve already alluded to the design principal of matching bathroom hardware as well as the idea of mixing the metals within a room. Choosing hardware of the same style and finish for use throughout your bathroom is a time-tested and safe option. Pros include:

  • Cohesion and unity of design throughout the space.
  • Timeless style that can help resale appeal.
  • Simple process: choose one finish, and you’re all set.

On the other hand, mixed metals have also been popular for some years. This look allows you to integrate two or three favorite metallic into your bathroom. It’s also great for creating an eclectic, collected-over-the-years vibe. Mixed metals are especially charming in farm-style, cottage, industrial, and modern organic spaces. If you choose this option, keep these tips in mind:

  • Select metals that are distinctly different, rather then similar finishes that look like a poor attempt at coordination.
  • Designers often recommend picking a main finish, a secondary contrasting finish, and possibly a third accent finish.
  • Be sure to spread your chosen finishes throughout the space, rather than clustering a particular metal in one section.
  • Avoid having only one instance of a specific finish. Keep the look intentional by using each in at least a couple of places.



8. Does the metal in my en suite bathroom need to match the metal in the adjoining bedroom?

This is a perennial dilemma – to what degree should an en suite bathroom match the accompanying bedroom? Opinions are varied, but in the end it is your choice. However, there are a few advantages to using the same metal or combination of metal in both areas:

  • Create a more calming effect with visual continuity between the spaces.
  • If you ever decide on an open concept design, like a clear glass door between the spaces, harmonious metal finishes will be desirable.
  • Coordinating a few key elements, such as the metal, can provide sufficient consistency to allow for variations on other points such as color scheme.
  • Matching the metals is the “safer” and more traditional choice, so it can be better for re-sale appeal.

If the sleeping area is already decorated to your preferences, a bathroom makeover or remodel will put the right finishing touch on the suite. Matching the metals should not be a problem, as bath hardware is typically available in many finishes, including matte black, brushed nickel, chrome, stain brass, brushed bronze, and oil-rubbed bronze.



9. If I’m not doing a full renovation, which bathroom hardware is easiest to swap out?

There’s no doubt about it; a total bathroom remodel costs a lot. If this isn’t in the cards for you right now, let’s take a look at some of the hardware that can be easily swapped out for a bathroom glow-up.

  • Vanity knobs are relatively inexpensive, and changing them is usually an easy and quick DIY project. You might be surprised what a difference updated vanity knobs can make!
  • Replacing the shower door pull handle can also be a quick upgrade that refreshes a familiar installation. Check out possibilities here and keep in mind that the new handle must be appropriate for your glass thickness and the holes drilled for the existing handle.
  • Compared to replacing bathroom fixtures such as the vanity and commode, replacing wall mounted fixtures like towel bars and paper holders is a low-cost improvement. You can update not only the finish but the style of your bathroom hardware in this way.
  • Additional pieces to consider are: light switch and outlet cover plates, light fixtures, and mirror/pictures frames.

10. How can I order glass shower hardware from Glass Simple?

Glass Simple stocks a wide range of FHC glass shower hardware at www.glasssimple.com, and our website is user-friendly with a simple ordering process. We have no order minimums or account-creation requirements. Order as much or as little hardware as you need, when you need it. However, glass companies, contractors, and related businesses can call (571) 707-7760 and set up a business-to-business account. Companies with a B2B account established receive 25% or more off listed prices. All items on our site are in-stock and available for shipment or local pickup.