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Displaying items by tag: accessories
Wednesday, 30 November 2022 14:27
Freestanding bath in a bedroom: the practical considerations
Does the luxury hotel trend for a freestanding bath in a bedroom translate into everyday living?
Love this boutique hotel-inspired concept, but not sure it will work for everyday living? Here’s what you need to know.
Whether you’ve stayed in a luxury hotel that features one, or simply seen one in the pages of a glossy interiors magazine, chances are you’re familiar with the idea of a freestanding bath situated in a bedroom.
How you feel about it may be a different story. On one side, it could be seen as form over function, whilst on the other, an interesting way to think outside the box with your interior layout.
However, it’s not a new trend, says Sally Cutchie, marketing manager at BC Designs: “It can be traced back to the Middle Ages when many of the rich lords would have a bath in their bedroom. Fast forward to the 1990s and the trend was revived by boutique hotels placing free standing roll‐top baths at the end of huge beds.”
Consider these pros and cons, and practical considerations when deciding if this style is for you.
Benefits of bath in bedroom
Perhaps at the core of this trend is the want to create a space to showcase increasingly beautiful bathtubs. “Freestanding baths can cost a lot of money which is perhaps why people are choosing to show them off by putting them centre stage in the bedroom,” explains Sally.
However, there’s practical reasons that home builders and renovators are considering them too. En-suite bathrooms tend to be smaller than family bathrooms, and for those who long for a little quiet time to unwind in the bath, locating this in a small space may not be ideal.
If you have a large bedroom already, putting a freestanding tub into this space may be easier than the work required to enlarge an ensuite bathroom. It might also not end up being much more work than installing in a bathroom. “Many consumers can be put off of installing [freestanding baths] in a bathroom as the plumbing needs to be moved, coming up from the floor rather than out from the wall,” explains Sally, “but this is the case for the bedroom too and actually involves about the same amount of work.”
Splash zone
For an adult bedroom space, bathtub use will likely be a far more restrained affair, but this design idea isn’t ideal for family living. “When it comes to splashing children, a separate bathtub in a family bathroom is most likely a must. Bedrooms tend to have electrical equipment, expensive items and soft furnishings that don’t mix very well bubbles or water.”
You’ll also need to consider how you set your bathtub into the bedroom to avoid this damage, as carpets and traditional wood flooring aren’t as robust in handling water as traditional bathroom flooring materials. Tiles, stone or more durable flooring types such as LVT, could be adapted into your bedroom design.
Luxury of space
“One area that is essential to making the trend work is space. If you don’t have space to build an en suite, your room probably isn’t big enough to hold a bathtub,” says Sallie.
A bathtub in the bedroom is not an option for space limited living, it works best as an indulgent feature to add interest to an already grand room. However, while many examples that incorporate bedroom baths are classic or period-inspired with rolltop baths, the idea could be adapted across interior styles.
“It will be hard to create the look with a low to mid‐market product. If you’re going to have a bathtub at the end of the bed, it’s got to be a feature, it’s got to have presence and make a statement.”
If privacy is an issue, consider a lock on the bedroom door, rather than on the ensuite. Also consider window dressings in your space if the room is overlooked. Opaque blinds and voile curtains can create layers that allow the room to remain bright in the daytime, but that also offer privacy from the outside world.
source: https://www.granddesignsmagazine.com/home-improvements/freestanding-bath-in-bedroom/
Bathrooms and Tiles in Leicester
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Saturday, 12 November 2022 15:25
Bathrooms & Tiles 5* Service
Our feedback on Google reviews is a reflection of the great service, price and care provided by us at Tile Planet Leicester, every customer is unique and we believe in working with our clients to ensure they get the perfect tiles or bathrooms for their homes.
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Monday, 05 September 2022 15:11
Tiles & Bathrooms showroom extended
Due to high demand we have extended our tiles & bathrooms showroom, do pay us a visit, 91 Coleman Road, Leicester, LE4 4LE
Choose from a large variety of tiles colours and sizes as well as variety of bathroom styles, designs and colours
Bathrooms Leicester
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Wednesday, 02 November 2022 15:02
Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles
Although they belong to the same family, porcelain and ceramic tiles are more like cousins than twins.
Some people will use the terms ‘porcelain’ and ‘ceramic’ tiles interchangeably, but there are a few differences. This means one might be a little more advantageous for your project. Just something to keep in mind.
Depending on how you plan to use your space, porcelain or ceramic tiles may suit you better. Here’s how they differ and where they’re best used.
The main difference between a porcelain and ceramic tile is the rate of water they absorb. Porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% of water whilst ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles will absorb more.
This is down to the stuff used to make porcelain tiles. The clay is denser and so less porous. It effects how the tiles behave, and what they’re best used for.
PORCELAIN VS CERAMIC TILES
| Ceramic | Porcelain | |
| Construction (how are they made) | Made with red, brown or white clay. Softer and less dense. |
Made with white clay, sand and feldspar. Fired at a higher temperature. Harder and more dense. |
| Pros | Easier to use Available in more up to date and intricate designs. |
Absorbs less water. More hard-wearing. |
| Cons | Can be prone to cracking in cold weather. | More brittle. Only available in basic or very simple designs. |
| Best used for | Walls and floors. Home interiors. Commercial interior walls. Low foot traffic areas Inside. |
Floors. Use on walls depending on weight Commercial properties – hotels, offices, retail outlets. Areas with very high moisture levels such as wetrooms. High foot traffic areas. Outside. |
| Price | Cheaper. | More expensive. |
| Ease of cutting | Easy to cut and shape. | Can be difficult to cut. |
| Interior / Exterior use | Interior only. | Exterior and interior. |
CONSTRUCTION
How are ceramic tiles made?
Ceramic tiles are made using natural red, brown or white clay. Firstly the clay is fired at a high temperature to reduce the water content, the glaze followed by the pattern is then applied. Voila, then you have your finished your product.
How are porcelain tiles made?
Porcelain tiles are made using very specific clay, with finely-ground sand and feldspar added to the mixture. The tiles are fired at a higher temperature than ceramic, this helps to make porcelain tiles super hardwearing.
COST
Ceramic tiles tend to be more cost effective than porcelain.
For a simple square white tile made in ceramic, the cost will be around £24.00 / m² whilst porcelain will set you back £35.00 / m². Something to bear in mind if you don’t want tiling your house to rob your bank.
DENSITY & DURABILITY
Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. Meaning they’re harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. This makes them more suited to high footfall areas which will see heavy use.
This doesn’t mean that ceramic is not as good however! As it’s less dense, it’s also less brittle and it’s an easier to work with. To you DIYers out there, make life a little easier for yourself and use ceramic.
PEI Ratings
The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating (PEI rating) is a quick and easy way to see which tile is suitable in your home depending on how many times the area you are tiling is walked over.
Tiles are graded from 0-5 depending on the hardness of the tile:
- PEI 0 - No foot traffic (wall tiles)
- PEI 1 - Very light traffic (e.g. bathroom)
- PEI 2 - Light traffic (e.g. bathroom and bedroom)
- PEI 3 - Light to moderate traffic (suitable for most domestic floors)
- PEI 4 - Moderate to heavy traffic (suitable for domestic floors and some commercial uses)
- PEI 5 - Heavy traffic (suitable for all domestic and commercial uses with heavy footfall)
Most ceramic floor tiles are graded between 3 and 4. Porcelain tiles tend to have a rating between 3 and 5.
WHAT TILES DO I HAVE? HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE
The quickest and easiest way to tell whether you have porcelain or ceramic tiles is to check the box or the manufacturer’s website. That simple, right?
CERAMIC OR PORCELAIN TILES FOR…
The shower
As porcelain is nearly waterproof, porcelain tiles are the best material to use when installing a wet room due to the levels of moisture.
Ceramic is perfect to use all over in a standard bathroom especially with the wide choice of designs available including some with anti-slip properties.
A tight budget
If you’re on a tight budget, ceramic tiles are likely to be the best solution. The price will be kinder on your bank account, and cheaper tiles don’t have to mean compromising on style. Ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of patterns and styles to suit any look. There’s something out there for everyone.
High foot traffic
The durability of porcelain tiles make them perfect for high traffic areas as they’re resistant to scratches and scuffs. Whether in an area of the home that sees high footfall, such as the hallway or kitchen, or in a commercial space, porcelain is the most hardwearing.
However, compared to other flooring options such as laminate or carpet, ceramic tiles still represent a durable and hard-wearing choice.
A DIY project
For you DIYers who like to get handy, ceramic tiles are far easier to work with. Especially in areas that require a lot of cuts to install your tiles neatly. Porcelain is much harder to cut and can require professional tools and skills to create the same effect.
Your patio or outdoor space
Porcelain’s level of water resistance means it’s perfectly placed to weather everything that nature has to throw at your new patio. In cold weather, ceramic may crack, meaning you’ll be needing a replacement floor much sooner than you’d like. In this case porcelain will offer you peace of mind.
TOP TIP FROMJULIA KENDELL
BBC1'S DIYSOS & ITV'S 60 MINUTE MAKEOVER
Ceramic tiles are becoming the go-to choice for designers and homeowners for a number of reasons. Water and dirt-resistant, they tick all the practical boxes for busy homes and ceramic is the perfect partner to under-floor heating. The overall look of tiles cannot be replicated with wallpaper or paint – tiles provide a depth of colour and deliver stunning visual effects unlike any other decorative finish.
Source: https://www.britishceramictile.com/how-to-tile/ceramic-vs-porcelain-tiles
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Wednesday, 27 July 2022 14:58
Best and worst bathroom brands
Before you invest in a new bathroom, find out which companies we rate highly for value for money, quality, durability and delivery
We've surveyed 6,732 people to calculate customer scores for big-name bathroom companies such as B&Q, Homebase, Ikea, Roca, Victoria Plum, Villeroy & Boch and Wickes.
We asked questions and calculated scores and ratings for two key aspects of buying a bathroom:
- The process of buying a bathroom from a retailer, including range, quality of advice and delivery.
- The quality and value for money of products from leading bathroom brands.
Some fared better than others. The top, well-known bathroom retailer gained a customer score of 84%; the poorest performer got just 64%
The top-scoring bathroom brands achieved an impressive 87% for their products, while the brand at the bottom of the table got just 65%.
Which? members can log in now to unlock the scores in the table below. If you're not already a member, you can join Which? to get instant access to this and all our ratings and reviews from across the site.
The results are based on an online survey of 6,732 members of the Which? Connect panel and members of the public, conducted in June and July 2021. A ‘-’ means that not enough responses to include a star rating. Sample sizes in brackets.
Which? overall customer scores are based on how satisfied customers are with their experience with the bathroom shop overall and whether or not they'd recommend it.
Our star ratings come from separately asking customers to rate the providers for each element on a seven-point scale from very poor to excellent.
If you're looking for a reliable independent bathroom company or installer in your area, head to Which? Trusted Traders, where you can find recommended companies that have passed our stringent checks.
You can also use our Trusted Traders search tool below to find reliable local traders.
Bathroom brands rated
Which? members can log in now to reveal the scores and ratings in the table below. Alternatively, you can join Which? to get instant access to entire guide and the rest of the Which? website.
The results are based on an online survey of 6,732 members of the Which? Connect panel and members of the public, conducted in June and July 2021. Sample sizes in brackets.
For a detailed breakdown of how individual components of a bathroom suite, such as baths, sinks and taps, were rated by their owners, take a look at our review of the best and worst bathroom fixtures and fittings.
And to complete your bathroom design, check out our guide to bathroom furniture, where we reveal ratings for the companies' cabinets and vanity units, plus advice on how to make the most of the space in your bathroom.
Best power shower and electric shower brands
As well as rating bathroom retailers and brands, we've put power and electric showers under the Which? spotlight.
Power shower survey
We asked more than 3,000 Which? members about the electric or power showers that they own, using their feedback to give major shower brands, such as Mira and Triton, an overall score, plus star ratings.
We also scored each brand for reliability based on how likely its showers are to experience a fault and how quickly any faults crop up (brands are penalised more severely if this happens soon after purchase).
Check our showers brand guide to discover which brands have the most satisfied customers and which are least likely to experience a fault.
Electric showers on test
We also put individual electric showers through their paces in the Which? test lab, testing how powerful each model is and whether you could get an unpleasant surprise if someone turning a a tap on elsewhere in the house makes the water temperature rise or fall.
Avoid a disappointing trickle or wildly fluctuating temperatures by choosing a best electric shower brand
How Which? rates bathroom brands
In June and July 2021 we asked 6,732 members of the Which? Connect panel and members of the public about bathrooms they had bought in the past 10 years and their experiences with the company they bought from.
This included rating retailers for the buying process, such as how knowledgeable the staff were and how good they were at dealing with problems, plus the quality and durability of the bathroom itself.
For someone to be able to rate a brand's bathroom overall, they needed to have bought at least three of the following items: taps, bath, toilet, shower enclosure or cabinets. We also asked people to rate these individual components.
Tile Planet - Bathrooms and Tiles in Leicester
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Saturday, 12 November 2022 14:53
Shower and Bath and which is cheaper
As the cost of living continues to go up and the energy price cap increases, the next bill that lands on your doorstep might be far higher than you’d like.
In October the energy price cap is expected to soar to £3,549 a year. In April, it jumped nearly 60 per cent from £1,227 to £1,971. The latest increase, announced by Ofgem on Friday, will mean annual energy bills are expected to triple within six months.
The government has announced a series of energy bill support schemes aimed at helping those struggling with the cost of living, but another way of managing outgoings could be to manage your energy use, which is beneficial to both your bank balance and the environment.
But, which option is better: taking a bath or a shower, in order to save energy?
Here’s everything you need to know.
How much does it cost to have a bath?
A 100-litre bath requires 3.84 kWh of energy to heat up to 40C, with the water itself costing approximately 17p a bath, depending on the water usage and the sewerage supplier.
If you use gas to heat water, this price comes to approximately 28p, but if you use electric, the figure jumps to £1.09 a bath.
This means a bath could cost from 45p to £1.26, reported Metro.co.uk.
How much does it cost to have a shower?
Electric showers are the most expensive household appliance to run, costing £159.43 a year, reported iNews.
If you’re using a 40C power shower that lasts for 10 minutes, you could go through as much as 150 litres of water, which would require 5.76 kWh of energy to heat.
The price you pay for water varies depending on your regional provider, but, Discover Water estimates that two litres from the tap costs around a third of a penny, which comes to approximately 25p a shower, reports Metro.co.uk.
With an average use of 10.5 kWh, electric showers cost UK households £3.07 a week. In comparison, gas showers cost £1.48 on average each week.
All in all, that puts the price of a shower between 69p and £1.88.
Is it cheaper to have a bath or a shower?
Overall, according to the above calculations, it’s cheaper to have a bath than a shower, however, the overall cost of baths per year could increase dramatically depending on how many are taken.
To save money, consumers are urged to take shorter showers or shallower baths.
Tile Planet - Bathrooms and Tiles in Leicester
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Wednesday, 13 July 2022 14:46
Designer Bathroom Tiles Leicester
Are you looking for designer bathrooms or designer tiles, pop over to our showroom and see what we have in stock, from Versace tiles to Dune bathrooms, we can get the big brands you want at competitive prices
Designer Bathroom Tiles Leicester
Versace Ceramics
Versace tiles
Versace Bathrooms
Bathrooms in Leicester
Tile Planet - Bathrooms and Tiles in Leicester
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Monday, 27 June 2022 00:00
Bathroom Sinks Leicester
Choose the perfect bathroom sink for your bathroom, we have a varity of designs and colours to give you the perfect finish
Bathrooms in Leicester
Tile Planet - Bathrooms and Tiles in Leicester
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Tuesday, 27 September 2022 14:27
The Big Bathroom Sale
Come and visit our Bathroom showroom for some great deals, many bathrooms reduced by 50%
offer date 1st OCtober - 13th November
Bathrooms in Leicester
Tile Planet - Bathrooms and Tiles in Leicester
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Friday, 23 April 2021 09:17
Bathrooms in Leicester
Come and visit our large tiles & bathrooms showroom in Leicester, we have a great variety of bathroom brands, tile brands and accessories to choose from. from branded bathrooms and tiles to budget bathroom and tiles, our specialist sales staff can assit and guide you all the way
Tile Planet - Bathrooms and Tiles in Leicester
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