Maximize the available space in your bathroom and create a clutter-free environment

(13/04/2010)

According to a recent Dolphin survey, the UK’s bathrooms are in dire need of a spring clean. Almost 70% of those surveyed said they currently had up to 10 unused pamper products, with the remainder having up to 30 bottles, packs and tubes simply gathering dust. The bathroom cabinet takes most of this strain for half of those surveyed, followed by the windowsill and around the edge of the bath. A quarter of respondents claimed that too much bathroom clutter was a cause of argument at home, with 57% of households choosing to have a clear out every so often to keep on top of everything.

Shampoo is the most wasted product, closely followed by shower gel (which came top with men as the most wasted item) and moisturiser, (which was the most neglected beauty product by women). Over a quarter of respondents said their bathroom also held host to out of date medicines but most shockingly, 54% said that they would still use them regardless, with men proving to be particularly lax on this issue.

The most common reasons provided for hoarding so many unused or out of date items in the bathroom was because people ‘forgot they were there’ and ‘always buy too much and never get round to using it’, whilst 58% said the majority of their unused toiletry items were from unwanted gift packs.

Special store promotions were also cited as a key reason why Brits buy more products than they need, with 61% saying they would still take up a multi-buy offer even if they knew they wouldn’t get around to using it all.

One fifth of those surveyed by Dolphin estimated that they had wasted just over £20 on unused pampering products whilst it seems the Welsh spend the most, at an average of £24.72, compared to the more conscientious West Midlander’s spending £19.85. This isn’t surprising as the Welsh also have the highest average number of unused toiletries within the UK and are more likely to take advantage of ‘buy one get one free’ offers despite the fact that many products simply get stored away never to be used.

Geoff Wells, planning expert at Dolphin Bathrooms, comments: “Whilst we may be a nation of pamper addicts, we accumulate too many beauty products that we never intend to use (according to 40% of participants) and this often means bathrooms can be cluttered. It comes as no surprise to us that over 60% of those we questioned wished they had more storage space in the bathroom, as it is often the smallest room in UK homes but despite this, we can’t seem to stop ourselves hoarding and so end up losing precious space.

“However, with careful planning, any bathroom can be designed to keep lotions and potions well organised and easy to find. Clever use of cabinets, sink space and shelving will make sure you optimise every inch of space whilst keeping your bathroom beautiful - plus you can avoid wasting money on new products you don’t actually need after all.”

Geoff Wells added: “Space in the bathroom can often be limited, so careful planning of storage solutions and overall room design is vital in creating the perfect bathroom enabling you to maximize your available space and create a clutter-free environment. Even a larger bathroom can be spoiled by a badly laid out design that does not use the room to its full potential.

“Custom-made floor and wall cabinets offer a great solution for storing towels and toiletries, keeping surfaces completely clear and the bathroom looking streamlined whilst stylish vanity units with shelves, drawers and cabinets hide belongings from view and can be built around sanitary-ware to cover up any unattractive pipe work.

“Corner vanity units are especially suitable for smaller bathrooms, making the most of an unused area of the room and to really maximize space, consider space-saving solutions such as corner baths or sinks to make the most of an unused area of the room and opt for wall hung sanitary ware, cabinets, taps and towel rails to leave floor space clear and the bathroom accessible.

“Fitted bathroom furniture is now big news and ideal for creating ample storage. Offering a ‘complete’ look which allows everything to flow together with simple clean lines Dolphin’s modern, fitted furniture range, Verve, exemplifies just how far fitted designs have come. Moving away from the more conventional-style fitted furniture that most homeowners will fear; attention to detail is also paramount with Verve. Boasting curved fronted units, with striking high gloss finishes, a choice of standard or solid surface worktops and soft-close drawers as standard, Dolphin’s Verve collection will bring style to any bathroom.

“The new Envy furniture range is the latest option to be introduced, seen in the 2010 Cube and Neptune bathroom ranges. Sleek and modular in design, Envy provides an elegant way to keep toiletries and towels organised and in their place.”

A fully fitted Dolphin bathroom starts from £6,000, including full design, technical survey, delivery and complete installation.

Related categories:  Bathroom furniture and storage   Residential applications