The basics of any bathroom include the commode, sink, tub or shower and medicine cabinets – most folks have to live with what they have in this regard and focus their décor and improvements on the walls and with furniture and soft goods. There are some basic improvements which benefit any bathroom – you can never have too many towel bars, racks and rings or robe and clothing hooks. Hardware and furniture that helps to keep things off the floor is a good safety idea and can help to free up floor space.
Most bathrooms have unused space which can be better used with the right hardware or furniture; a freestanding shelving unit that sits above the commode is a good example. Towel and toiletry towers which can be placed in a corner (many do not require installation because they are designed with a tension rod mount) are a great way to take advantage of otherwise wasted space. Over the door racks are handy if the back of the bathroom door has adequate clearance.
Make a small bathroom look larger with plenty of mirrors – not just above the sink or vanity but on the walls and the door. Mirrors reflect light and really open up a room plus they are a helpful grooming aid. A magnifying mirror is a useful addition – there are wall mount models as well as counter top magnifying mirrors.
A handheld shower head is an easy upgrade for any bathroom and most models can be installed using ordinary household tools without the need to call in a plumber. They make it easy to shampoo hair, bathe children, wash pets, water plants and clean the shower stall or tub enclosure.