Our pick

What I’d Have in My Own Bathroom as a Bathroom Retailer
Retailer’s own pick

As a Bathroom Supplier, What Would I Have in My Own Bathroom?

After 30+ years in the bathroom industry, I get asked a lot: “What would you put in your own bathroom?” So this is my honest, hypothetical answer — what I would choose and, more importantly, why.

One important caveat: in the property we’re currently in, the bathroom is tiny. Realistically, it’s a bath, toilet and basin — that’s your lot. So this is the bathroom I’d build if space allowed, based on what I know works, lasts and makes everyday life easier.

Toilet – Wall‑Mounted Smart Comfort

Toilet choice

VitrA V‑Care 3.0 Prime Wall‑Hung Smart Toilet

For me, it would have to be a wall‑mounted smart toilet, specifically the VitrA V‑Care 3.0 Prime. I’d build the frame into the wall — and if that means studding the wall out, so be it. You get a much more premium feel, it’s easier to clean underneath, and that stud wall also makes installing the shower system and niches far simpler.

Upsides

  • Custom height for comfort.
  • UV‑C sterilising between flushes.
  • Heated seat & night lights.
  • Manual controls as well as app.
  • Sleek, easy‑clean design.
  • Quiet auto seat.
  • Vortex flush — more effective & quieter.

Downsides

  • Maintenance access isn’t as easy.
  • Hidden leaks (see tanking note).
  • More expensive installation + electrical supply needed.

Basin & Furniture – Practical, Not Fashion‑Led

Basin choice

“His & Hers” Style PVC Furniture

My ideal would be a 1200mm wall‑mounted His & Hers PVC unit in marble. The closest match is using 600mm freestanding PVC units .

It has to be PVC — I don’t believe wood belongs in a damp environment. Wall‑mounted for easy cleaning, and cupboards over drawers because most wall‑hung drawers are only suitable for small items.

Downsides

  • Harder to install with hidden pipework.
  • Layout dependent.
  • Less storage than floor‑standing.

Shower Base – Wetroom or Slim Slate Tray

Full Wetroom Floor or Recessed Slate Tray

I’d choose either a full wetroom floor or a slim slate tray recessed flush. Wetroom floors let you “wash” the whole room, but slate trays offer a hidden waste and Grade B slip resistance.

Shower Screen

I’d currently choose a wetroom panel from Bathrooms to Love .

I’d add a flipper with a full‑length hinge (not block‑style). Even with a wetroom floor, I’d still use a screen to stop the toilet getting wet and help with extraction.

Downside

  • More glass to clean — especially in hard water areas.

Shower Valve – Smart, Reliable Control

Aqualisa Q Smart Dual

I like the controller, the digital display, the remote, and the reliability in hard water. This may change once I test the new S3 series.

Downsides

  • Bulky control box.
  • Not a fan of chrome — prefer nickel or gunmetal.

Storage – Niches That Actually Last

Wetwall (Nuance) niches

I’d prefer these over metal niches because they’re solid, waterproof and won’t rust.

Downsides

  • Smaller than metal niches.
  • No built‑in lighting (adding it risks leaks).

Floor – Warm, Protected and Comfortable

Floor Build‑Up

  • Waterproof membrane – Impey Everyday.
  • Underfloor heating – wet system preferred; Amber/Devi for retrofit.
  • LVT finish – Quick‑Step (tiles only in full wetrooms).

Ceiling – Low Maintenance, Clean Finish

White gloss PVC ceiling boards

Modern, clean, no decorating, easy to maintain.

Downsides

  • Easy to damage during fitting.
  • Downlight changes require care.

Extraction – Quiet but Powerful

HiB Cyclone

  • 210m³/h extraction.
  • Quiet when installed correctly.
  • No humidistat.

Tanking – Belt and Braces Waterproofing

Impey tanking kit

Self‑adhesive membrane, no curing time, reliable long‑term protection.

Note: I’d build a tray under the toilet frame with a drain pipe so leaks become visible.

Lighting – Flexible, Serviceable and Bright

X50 LED spotlights

Selectable colour temperature, selectable wattage, interchangeable bezels.

Lighting tip: Glue a disc above the panel to reinforce the plastic and prevent damage during removal.

Walls – Solid, Waterproof and Grout‑Free

Wetwall panels

Solid, waterproof, tongue‑and‑groove, no grout.

Downsides

  • Higher price point.
  • Pattern joints may not align perfectly.

Want a bathroom like this?

Bring your room sizes and a wish‑list — I’ll help you design something practical, long‑lasting and tailored to your needs.

Plan my bathroom

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Norwich (01603) 381095 - 07845 195337

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading