Bathroom Fixtures Buying Guide
A bathroom renovation is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make: and fixtures account for 30-50% of the total cost. From the toilet to the shower enclosure, every choice balances design, functionality, and budget. This guide covers the core fixture categories so you can spec your bathroom with confidence.
Key Considerations
- •Buy all fixtures from the same brand/collection to guarantee consistent finish matching.
- •Always check actual measurements, "standard" sizes vary between brands.
- •Invest most in taps and shower mixer, they're touched daily and less expensive ones fail fast.
- •For wall-hung fixtures, confirm your wall can support the weight before ordering.
- •Order a complete set at once, colours and finishes can vary between production batches.
What You'll Need
Your renovation will include all of these categories. Tap any to see details, types, and material comparisons.
Categories in Detail
Toilets (WC)
The toilet is the bathroom's workhorse. Wall-hung models with concealed cisterns dominate European design for their clean lines and easy floor cleaning. Rimless technology has become the new standard for hygiene. Professional plumber required, wall-hung models need a reinforced frame (Geberit or similar) installed during the rough-in phase.
Types
Wall-hung, Back-to-wall, Close-coupled, Rimless
Materials
Vitreous china, Fine fireclay
Budget
€150–€1,500 / unit
Types — tap to compare
Materials — tap to compare
Material Comparison
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Aesthetics | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitreous china | Extremely durable | Wipe clean only | Good range of looks | Best value option |
| Fine fireclay | Extremely durable | Wipe clean only | Wide variety | Decent value for money |
Advantages
- •Wall-hung: floor cleaning is effortless
- •Rimless: more hygienic, easier to clean
- •Concealed cisterns save visual space
- •Dual-flush saves water (3/6L)
Considerations
- •Wall-hung requires reinforced wall frame
- •Concealed cistern access needed for maintenance
- •Quality ceramics are heavy, consider floor load
Price Guide
Brands
Shower Enclosures
The shower enclosure defines your bathroom's style as much as any fixture. Quality glass thickness (6-10mm tempered), hardware finish, and anti-lime coatings differentiate the tiers. Professional installation is required, waterproofing and drainage are critical. Flush-floor installations need additional waterproofing work (€300–€800).
Types
Walk-in panel, Sliding door, Pivot door, Quadrant
Materials
Tempered glass (8–10mm), Tempered glass (6mm), Acrylic
Budget
€300–€3,000 / enclosure
Types — tap to compare
Materials — tap to compare
Material Comparison
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Aesthetics | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tempered glass (8–10mm) | Extremely durable | Low upkeep | Suits any aesthetic | Decent value for money |
| Tempered glass (6mm) | Holds up well | Low upkeep | Good range of looks | Best value option |
| Acrylic | Shows wear over time | Regular care needed | Limited styles | Best value option |
Advantages
- •Walk-in: open, spacious, luxury hotel feel
- •Modern glass treatments repel water and limescale
- •Frameless designs maximise visual space
- •Huge range of sizes and configurations
Considerations
- •Walk-in requires good drainage and waterproofing
- •Quality glass enclosures are heavy, wall anchoring critical
- •Budget enclosures use thin glass that flexes and leaks
Price Guide
Brands
Taps & Mixers
Taps and mixers are the bathroom's jewellery, small elements with outsized visual and tactile impact. Quality internal cartridges (ceramic disc) determine longevity, while the finish sets the design tone. Straightforward to swap on existing plumbing for single-lever models; thermostatic mixers may need a plumber.
Types
Single-lever mixer, Thermostatic, Wall-mounted, Freestanding
Materials
Chrome, Stainless steel (brushed), Matte black (PVD or powder-coat), Brass / brushed gold, Copper
Budget
€50–€800 / tap
Types — tap to compare
Materials — tap to compare
Material Comparison
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Aesthetics | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Extremely durable | Wipe clean only | Good range of looks | Best value option |
| Stainless steel (brushed) | Extremely durable | Wipe clean only | Wide variety | Strong value |
| Matte black (PVD or powder-coat) | Holds up well | Regular care needed | Wide variety | Decent value for money |
| Brass / brushed gold | Very long-lasting | Regular care needed | Suits any aesthetic | Below average value |
| Copper | Holds up well | Requires attention | Good range of looks | Poor value |
Advantages
- •High-impact design upgrade at moderate cost
- •Thermostatic mixers prevent scalding
- •Quality cartridges last 10-15 years
- •Eco-flow options reduce water consumption 30-50%
Considerations
- •Trendy finishes (matte black, gold) may date faster than chrome
- •Budget taps use plastic cartridges that fail within 2-3 years
- •Matching finishes across brands is nearly impossible
Price Guide
Brands
Basins & Vanities
The basin is often the bathroom's centrepiece. Options range from simple wall-hung ceramic basins to freestanding vessel bowls and integrated vanity units. Professional installation recommended for plumbing connections and wall mounting, especially for heavier units.
Types
Wall-hung, Undermount, Vessel (countertop), Vanity unit, Pedestal
Materials
Ceramic (vitreous china), Porcelain stoneware (gres), Natural stone (marble / granite), Solid surface (Corian / Krion), Cement / microcement, Glass
Budget
€80–€2,000 / unit
Types — tap to compare
Materials — tap to compare
Material Comparison
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Aesthetics | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic (vitreous china) | Extremely durable | Wipe clean only | Good range of looks | Best value option |
| Porcelain stoneware (gres) | Extremely durable | Wipe clean only | Good range of looks | Decent value for money |
| Natural stone (marble / granite) | Very long-lasting | Requires attention | Suits any aesthetic | Poor value |
| Solid surface (Corian / Krion) | Very long-lasting | Low upkeep | Wide variety | Below average value |
| Cement / microcement | Holds up well | Requires attention | Wide variety | Below average value |
| Glass | Holds up well | Regular care needed | Wide variety | Decent value for money |
Advantages
- •Vanity units add storage to small bathrooms
- •Vessel basins create a design statement
- •Wall-hung options maximise floor space
Considerations
- •Vanity units need moisture-resistant materials
- •Natural stone basins are heavy and expensive
- •Vessel basins splash more and are harder to clean around
Price Guide
Brands
Last updated: 2026-03-30