Tips on how to create the perfect guest bathroom

Janine Jorgensen helps you to create a guest bathroom that will make visitors feel at home

While the guest bathroom is generally not used every day, it doesn’t mean you should treat it as an afterthought. Whether it’s just a toilet and basin or a full suite, it can leave an impression on your visitors – so make sure it’s a good one.

Colours

As the guest bathroom is often a small space, colours can contribute to its effect.

Dark tones can make a space appear smaller, whereas a lighter palette can brighten the area. The other benefits of choosing pale colours are that they are tranquil, so your guests will feel relaxed when bathing, and they are easy to update at a later stage.

On the other hand, the guest bathroom offers an opportunity to have some fun. You can go bolder with colour or consider wallpaper as an accent feature, for impact.

Sanitaryware

When it comes to selecting sanitaryware, consider the size of the room and the atmosphere you want to create.

block_quotes_start When it comes to selecting sanitaryware, consider the size of the room and the atmosphere you want to create block_quotes_end

If you are working with limited space, freestanding baths and basins, and wall-hung toilets keep the floor area clear. These are also hygienic, as they can be cleaned underneath. A concealed cistern will save space.

While streamlined sanitaryware, such as a combined shower/bath, may be more suited to a small area, a wide basin, generous bath or walk-in shower with adjustable settings provide a sense of luxury and are enjoyable for guests to use.

Avoid installing highly technical fixtures that visitors won’t know how to use. Rather choose features that are simple, but functional. And ensure everything is in working order; there’s nothing worse than a leaking tap or running toilet to keep guests up at night.

Making your guests feel comfortable in the bathroom is, of course, key, but so is practicality. For example, if you have elderly relatives staying regularly, a seat in the shower is a useful addition, or if you have visiting friends with children, a bath may be more suitable.

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Lighting

Good lighting is essential to enhance your guests’ experience in the bathroom. Task lighting is important, especially in the vanity area, for rituals such as applying make up and shaving. Add a dimmer to create a relaxing ambience for bathing.

If guests have to find their way to the bathroom in the middle of the night, low-level LED lighting can be used to illuminate the space, or consider sensor lighting, which won’t disturb anyone else in the house.

5 guest bathroom essentials

 1. Mirror. Not only is this a functional element, it’s a useful trick to make small spaces look larger by using reflection. Reno mirror. R2 295. Bathroom.co.za

2. Toiletries. Stock up on supplies, including a spare toothbrush, shower gel and tissues, for guests to find easily if they’ve forgotten their own. Luxe products provide a pampering experience for visitors to enjoy. Caribbean Island Wild Flowers body wash. R450. Crabtree-evelyn.co.za

3. Soft towels. Allow your guests to wrap themselves in cosy, thick towels. Jacquard Musgrave towels. From R79.99. Mrphome.com

4. Hook. Keep guests’ clothes off the floor with a hook. A wall-mounted shelf is also useful for cosmetics. White eight-hook ceramic ball bathroom gown hanger. R149.95. Boardmans.co.za

5. Heated towel rail. Guests can have the pleasure of a warm towel after bathing, and it can dry towels quickly to prevent any mustiness. Classic C heated towel rail. R3 950. Jeeves.co.za