The Must-Have Bathroom Item You Didn't Know You Needed

When it comes to bathroom renovation, there are ways to add value to your space without blowing your budget. In fact, experienced home renovators across our great nation agree – some of the most valuable bathroom upgrades you can make are often the most underrated.

Read on for our top 8 ‘most underrated’ bathroom upgrades:

Upgrade No.1 – Swapping Out Tapware

Swapping out your old taps for modern, high-quality tapware can dramatically change the look and feel of your bathroom. Matte black, brushed nickel, or even rose gold finishes are trending. Options like our Clark Round Square Tower Basin Mixer in matte black offer a sleek and contemporary vibe.

Beyond aesthetics, new tapware can improve water efficiency, reducing your water bills and your environmental footprint. Choose taps that align with the overall design of your bathroom, whether it's minimalist, industrial, or vintage, to tie the space together seamlessly.

Upgrade No.2 – Changing Up Your Accessories And Fixtures

Sometimes, the smallest changes can make the biggest impact. Swapping out old accessories and fixtures like toilet roll holders and hooks can refresh your bathroom’s look with minimal effort. Even swapping a single towel rail for a double – like our Raymor Projix Double Towel Rail – can add a whole lot of style and functionality.

Opt for finishes that match your new tapware to create a cohesive look. Additionally, upgrading to quality fixtures ensures durability and longevity, adding both style and substance to your bathroom.

Upgrade No.3 – Spruce Up Your Shower Experience

Upgrading your shower head is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your bathroom’s functionality and luxury.

A rain shower head like the Caroma Contura II is perfect for those who love the idea of an indulgent, spa-like experience at home. These shower heads are typically larger and are mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall, allowing water to cascade down like natural rain. The result is a gentle, soothing flow that covers your entire body. Rain showers add a touch of luxury and make the bathroom feel more modern and high-end.

For a more versatile option, consider a hand-held shower head like the Nero Mecca , available in chrome and black. This type of shower head is attached to a flexible hose, allowing you to direct the water exactly where you need it. It’s ideal for everything from rinsing shampoo out of your hair to cleaning the shower itself, or even bathing kids and pets. Hand-held showers often come with adjustable settings, so you can switch between a powerful massage spray and a gentler flow depending on your preference.

Upgrade No.4 – Giving Your Vanity A Lift, Literally

Wall-hung or floating vanities are a game-changer, especially in smaller bathrooms. By mounting the vanity to the wall, you create the illusion of more space, making the room feel larger and less cluttered. This also opens up floor space beneath, which can be used for additional storage or left clear to enhance the airy feel.

Wall-hung vanities come in various styles, from sleek and modern to more traditional designs, allowing you to choose one that complements your bathroom’s aesthetic. Our Timberline Nevada Vanity has a luxury timber look without the luxury price and comes in a range of sizes. And our Fienza Amato 1200 gives you four drawers and an industrial look.

Upgrade No.5 – Trading Your Toilet

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind during a renovation, but upgrading your toilet can significantly enhance your bathroom’s functionality and style.

Modern toilets come with a variety of features, such as water-saving dual flush systems, soft-close lids, and sleek, compact designs that fit into tighter spaces. Toilets in the Zumi Java range make a big impression with their modern lines and in-wall cistern designs.

For a touch of luxury, consider a smart toilet with features like heated seats, bidet functions, and self-cleaning capabilities. Our range of smart toilet products includes the Livewell electronic bidet seat by Caroma.

Upgrade No.6 – Attaching A Mirror

Mirrors are a must-have in any bathroom, but choosing the right one can elevate your space from ordinary to extraordinary. Larger mirrors can make a small bathroom feel more spacious, while mirrored cabinets add storage and functionality.

Arched mirrors like the Fienza Arch are trending right now and bring a whole lot of shine for a very low price.

Or if there’s some stretch in your budget, consider adding LED-backlit mirrors like the Aulic Windsor 700 LED Mirror or those with anti-fog features for a modern touch.

A well-placed mirror can enhance the natural light in your bathroom, making the space feel brighter and more inviting.

Upgrade No.7 – Switching Out Your Shaving Cabinet

Updating your shaving cabinet is a simple yet effective way to enhance your bathroom. Modern shaving cabinets offer much more than just storage—they often feature mirrored fronts that double as vanity mirrors, providing a sleek and streamlined look. Many newer models also include adjustable shelving, integrated lighting, and anti-fog mirrors, which are perfect for keeping things clear even in a steamy bathroom.

Check out our popular Fienza Mirror Cabinet with undershelf in Scandi Oak, and our Fienza Arch Mirror Cabinet – both of these are guaranteed to give your bathroom an upgrade.

Choosing a recessed shaving cabinet can be a particularly smart move. It fits flush with the wall, saving valuable space and contributing to a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic. This is especially useful in smaller bathrooms where every inch counts.

Upgrade No.8 – Adding A Niche; It’s A Nice Thing To Do

Built-in wall niches are an elegant and practical addition to any bathroom. Whether installed in the shower, above the bathtub, or next to the vanity, niches provide convenient storage for toiletries, eliminating the need for bulky shower caddies or countertops cluttered with products.

Niches can be designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding tiles or highlighted with contrasting materials to create a striking feature.

A Final Thought…

So it’s clear, then, that you don’t need to let the tiles and bathtub steal the spotlight during your bathroom renovation. The more understated (and underrated) elements truly can bring value to your space.

For more top tips like these, visit any one of our 100+ showrooms around the country or even book an appointment with a Tradelink bathroom specialist. We’re always ready to help.