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The Guest Powder Room ...
(Part 2: The Fixtures)

When designing a bathroom, there are certain limitations that must be dealt with, primarily ... the fixtures.

When all is said and done, a toilet maybe a toilet and a sink a sink ... but that doesn't mean you have to confine yourself to conventional bathroom fixtures.

For instance, a bronzed bath creation from Landmark Metals like the one shown at the right, can turn manor house dreams into reality. (and yes, the inside of the toilet is white vitreous china)

Toilets

Any toilet with the words "pressure assist" or .. "power" in the name or description, tend to be extremely loud when flushed.

The noise level could intimidate unsuspecting guests, and can be disturbing to others in the house if used frequently as when a party in progress. When in doubt, TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

HEIGHT
Toilets come in a variety of heights from 10" to 18" (measured from the bottom to the top of the rim, not including the seat).

The standard toilet is 14 1/2" - 15" high, which most people find too low to be comfortable.

In order to meet the standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act, toilets should have a height of either 16 1/2 inches (used in residential construction) or 18 inches (used in commercial construction).

This is comparable to the height of an average household chair - just over 17 inches - making it easier to sit down without falling, and stand up without putting stress on the knees.

While these units were designed to allow easier access to the facility for disabled people, those without disabilities often prefer them to traditional units. This height is becoming increasingly popular for use in the Master Bath, but should definitely be considered a standard for use in the Guest Powder Room.

Individuals under 5ft. 2in. tall will find that their feet dangle in mid-air when sitting on an ADA compliant toilet. A small movable platform, step or stool - 10" deep and no higher than 2" - 3" will offer a place to rest the feet while sitting and should take care of the problem for those shorter individuals.

WALL or FLOOR MOUNT
Standard toilets mount to the floor and have a short pedestal base below the bowl. They adapt well to almost any type of decor.

Wall-mount toilet bowls are fastened to the wall, do not have a pedestal, and can be set at almost any height. While they can be used in almost any type of decor, they are most often used in a contemporary or Euro-style setting.

SHAPE/SIZE:
Toilets come in round-front and elongated sizes, with many different shapes and styles to choose from.

Round-front toilets are 2" shorter than elongated models, and are popular where space is at a premium or where a more traditional look is preferred.

Elongated toilets are the best choice for most homes. The extra space in the front makes it easier for males to use.

The style you select is a matter of personal taste, and you can choose from a variety of styles, ranging from contemporary to traditional.

Manufacturers offer toilets in range of colors from white to black. Although most color choices are in the lighter, neutral, end of the spectrum. The actual number of available colors varies by manufacturer.

Black is another popular fixture color in the powder room. When gold colored accessories are paired with black, the result is truly dramatic.

If you want color, but think the pastel shades are too "quiet" and black a bit daunting, consider one of the new Artist Edition, hand-painted fixtures from Kohler.   (English Trellis pattern shown)

Many of the Artist Edition patterns include sink/vessel bowls, pedestal lavatories, toilets, bidets, coordinating ceramic faucet trim, tile and accessories to complete the picture perfect setting.

TANKLESS
Most residential tankless toilets are actually stylish wall-mount toilets with the tank hidden within the wall itself.

An example is the Tessera™ by Geberit. These units provide a sleek, clean look without resorting to smaller fixtures or sacrificing design options.

Since the toilet tank (cistern) is built into the wall, an additional 6" to 9" of floor space can be gained (depending on the bowl shaped selected).

The flush actuator is generally mounted above the bowl but some manufacturers, such as Geberit, offer a remote unit that can be placed on the wall within 6' of the tank.
Click here to learn more about the Geberit toilet systems

New flush technologies that use a pump instead of a water tank, have not only created a true tankless toilet, but have allowed manufacturers to actually rethink the shape of the toilet.

For instance, Kohler's brand new Purist Hatbox electric toilet (shown at left) offers a clean aesthetic both visually and physically with its innovative tankless design.

The advantage to the new breed of electric, tankless toilets is that they offer a powerful flush that is much quieter than conventional power models.

The disadvantage of course, is that they cannot be flushed if the electric is out. Definitely not a good choice for a main bathroom or if it's the only toilet in the house.

click here for more on Toilets  

Sinks/Lavatories:
When choosing a sink for the guest powder room, keep in mind that this is a room intended for use by a single person. A double bowl sink is used when a bath is to be used by more than one person at a time. The guest powder room should have an elegant single bowl sink.

Excellent choices for use in the guest powder room include pedestal lavatories, vessels, console tables, self-rimming sinks on marble countertops, and furniture-quality vanities.

Modular vanities, those that are made by kitchen cabinet manufacturers, tend to look out of place in the formal setting of the guest powder room.

Here, practicality is less important than appearance ... and the trend is the look of fine furniture rather than utilitarian boxes. American furniture manufacturers are now making furniture specifically for use as high-end vanities.

If you prefer antiques or the distinctive look of Old World furnishings, custom bath furniture is the perfect choice. One-of-a-kind vanities can be had by converting small antique dresser cabinets and drawers.

click here for more on Vanities  

Pedestal lavatories and vessel sinks are the perfect choice for the powder room. However, you must make this decision before construction begins, because the wall-mounted faucet pipes must be roughed in before the drywall is installed.

Pedestal lavatories/bathroom sinks feature a basin (bowl) that is positioned at a comfortable standing height and rests on a pedestal base that conceals the drain and supply lines.

Pedestal sinks are available in styles ranging from contemporary to Victorian. In a large bathroom, they create a focal point. In a small bath, their slim profile visually enlarges the space.

These lavatories are most often made from vitreous china, but can be found in porcelain coated steel. For a truly custom lavatory, these sinks can be bronzed.

click here for more on Pedestal Lavatories  

The most elegant form of bathroom sink today is the Vessel.

Vessels are reminiscent of china washbasins and are finished inside and out. Vessels can be installed to rest above the countertop. Some can be installed with a wall-mount bracket.

Spun Glass and Cast Iron Vessels can also be installed in a self-rimming application. If you choose a glass vessel, look for tempered or laminated glass. Plain glass will shatter on impact.

Also note that glass shows water spots and fingerprints, which is particularly noticeable on these exposed bowls.

click here for more on Vessels  

A console table offers a unique alternative to a pedestal or counter top lavatory.

Unlike pedestal lavatories, where the lavatory and matching pedestal are purchased together as a unit, console tables are sold in a variety of configurations, which allows for a complete custom look.

Console tables feature tops of marble, vitreous china, blended stone or fireclay which offer ample countertop surface for displaying toiletries. Marble, vitreous china and blended stone countertops are pre-cut to accommodate undercounter lavatories, such as Kohler's Artist Editions decorated lavatories shown at the right, and widespread faucets.

click here for more on Console Tables   

Lavatories/bathroom sinks are designed for use with vanities and counters.

They are available in Self-rimming, Tile-in, Undercounter and Vanity Top models. Your choice will be determined by your personal preference and particular installation.

click here for more on Sinks/Lavatories   

Faucets:
Faucets display an almost infinite variety of styles and finishes.

Some hand painted fixtures offer matching faucets. Some faucet manufacturers produce faucets with interchangeable Handles, Handle Insets and Skirts that can be changed at anytime for a different look.

Very few vessels have pre-drilled holes for faucets. Deck-mounted faucets for vessel sinks must be extremely tall to clear the bowl. Stylish wall mounted faucets are the best choice.

click here for more on Lavatory Faucets   

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Design Articles   - The WC (toilet room)   - The WC (urinal room)   - The Guest Powder Room   - The Family Powder Room More Design Tips: Universal Bathroom Design Gaining Bathroom Space Planning Considerations: What Every New Bath Should Have ... Fixture Checklist for Your Project

Know Before You Buy: Bath Accessories Console Tables Countertops Faucets Grab Bars / Safety Rails Sinks & Lavatories Toilets Urinals Vanities Ventilation

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