A bathroom renovation is one of the most exciting home projects you can take on. It’s where practical engineering meets personal style, and the results can transform your daily routine. But with hundreds of product ranges, tile types, finishes, and brands to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Here’s the secret: high-quality materials don’t just look better—they perform better, last longer, and save you money in the long run.

This is especially important in Kingston upon Thames, Surbiton, Long Ditton, Claygate, Esher, Weybridge, Cobham, and the surrounding Surrey areas, where homes range from Victorian terraces to contemporary builds, each with unique structural and environmental needs.

In this guide, we’ll help you select the right:

• Tiles
• Brassware (taps, showers, valves)
• Sanitaryware
• Baths & shower trays
• Vanity units & storage
• Radiators & towel warmers
• Glass & screens
• Paint, sealants & grout
• Accessories & finishing touches

…and understand what truly makes a material worth the investment.

Let’s start with the star of most bathrooms: Tiles.

Section 1: Tiles — The Foundation of Bathroom Design

Tiles are both the aesthetic and functional backbone of your bathroom. The material, size, finish, and installation method affect:

• Durability
• Slip resistance
• Waterproofing
• Heat retention
• Cleaning ease
• Timelessness of design

Choosing tiles isn’t just about beauty—it’s about performance for 10–20 years.

Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain Tiles (Recommended for Most Kingston & Surrey Homes)

Pros:

• Extremely durable and water-resistant
• Scratch-resistant
• Excellent for underfloor heating
• Suitable for floors and walls
• Consistent colour throughout the tile
• Long lifespan

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive
• Heavier, requiring a strong substrate

Best For: High-use family bathrooms, wet rooms, luxury spaces—anywhere durability is key.

 

Ceramic Tiles

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Ideal for walls

Cons:

• Less durable for floors
• Can chip easily

Best For: Feature walls or budget-conscious renovations.

Natural Stone Tiles: 

Beautiful but demanding..  Materials include marble, limestone, slate, and travertine.

Pros: Luxury aesthetic, unique patterns, timeless appeal
Cons: High maintenance, needs sealing, sensitive to chemicals, higher installation cost

Tip: For busy households, porcelain tiles that mimic stone provide the look without the upkeep.

Tile Size & Finish

Large Format Tiles (600x600mm–1200x600mm)

• Minimal grout lines
• Sleek, modern look
• Easier cleaning
• Installation requires perfectly level walls/floors

 

Smaller Tiles (Metro, Mosaic, Patterned)

• High visual interest
• Excellent grip
• Great for feature walls or character properties

 

Tile Finish:

• Matt: Slip-resistant, modern, watermark forgiving
• Gloss: Reflective, best for walls, shows watermarks
• Textured: Anti-slip, good for wet rooms, slightly harder to clean

 

Adhesive & Grout

Many bathroom failures happen here. Use flexible, water-resistant adhesive.

Grout:

• Epoxy: Waterproof, stain-resistant, premium
• Cement (flexible): Fine with sealing

Colour matters: Light grout for a clean look, dark for drama, matched for seamless modern finishes.

Section 2: Brassware — Quality You Feel Every Day

Taps, shower valves, rainfall heads, and mixers are used multiple times daily. Cheap brassware won’t last.

High-Quality Brassware Benefits:

• Stronger valves & better flow
• Smooth operation & temperature control
• Long-lasting finish
• Strong warranties (5–15 years)

Recommended Brands for Kingston & Surrey:
Crosswater, Hansgrohe, Grohe, Vado, Bristan (mid-range), AXOR, Dornbracht (luxury).

Popular Finishes: Polished chrome, brushed nickel, brushed brass, matt black, bronze/antique brass.

Section 3: Sanitaryware — Toilets, Basins & More

Key Considerations: Easy cleaning, durability, quiet operation, efficiency, beauty.

Toilets:

• Close-coupled: cost-effective
• Back-to-wall: hides pipework
• Wall-hung: modern, space-saving
• Rimless: hygienic
• Soft-close seats: standard in quality bathrooms

Basins: Countertop, semi-recessed, wall-hung, integrated—choose based on room size and daily use.

Section 4: Baths & Shower Trays

Baths: Acrylic (durable, warm), steel (rigid, premium), freestanding (showstopping).

Shower Trays: Acrylic, stone resin, or wet-room floors (high skill, but worth the investment).

Section 5: Vanity Units, Storage & Furniture

Good storage turns a chaotic bathroom into a calm space.

Materials: Moisture-resistant MDF, hardwood plywood, anti-swell coatings. Avoid cheap chipboard.

Styles: Wall-hung (modern), floor-standing (classic), built-in, mirrored cabinets with lighting.

Colours & Finishes: Matt white, taupe, navy, black, wood effect, real wood veneer.

Section 6: Glass, Screens & Shower Enclosures

Look for: 8–10mm toughened safety glass, easy-clean coating, anti-limescale treatment.

Styles: Frameless (modern), black/brass frames (on-trend, mixed-material bathrooms).

Section 7: Radiators & Heated Towel Rails

Correct sizing is essential.

• Mild steel: mid-range
• Stainless steel: top-tier, rust-resistant
• Dual-fuel options for convenience

Section 8: Paint, Sealants, Silicone & Grout

Paint: Moisture-resistant from Dulux, Farrow & Ball, Little Greene.

Sealants/Silicone: Anti-mould, colour-matched, replaced every 3–5 years.

Grout: Epoxy for premium, cement with sealing acceptable.

Section 9: Accessories & Finishing Touches

• Flush plates, robe hooks, slimline shelves, LED mirrors, magnetic storage, floor mats
• Subtle luxury makes a functional bathroom feel high-end

 

Section 10: Hard-Water Considerations in Kingston & Surrey

Hard water affects taps, showers, finishes, and appliances.
Tips: Quality brassware, easy-clean screens, optional water softeners.

Section 11: Balancing Budget & Performance

Invest in: Brassware, shower systems, tiles, waterproofing, toilet frames, vanities, glass enclosures.
Save on: Paint, simple basins, standard lighting, mid-range tiles, acrylic baths.

Section 12: Design Consistency — The Secret of High-End Bathrooms

High-end bathrooms are defined by:

• Matching finishes
• Coordinated brassware
• Texture and colour consistency
• Symmetry and lighting balance

 

A professional renovation ensures every detail contributes to a cohesive design.

Next Up: Fixtures, Features & Luxury Add-Ons

From rainfall showers to spa-style features, Post 5 covers:

• Smart bathroom tech
• Hotel-inspired layouts
• Wellness-focused design
• Bespoke joinery and luxury lighting

Planning a Bathroom Renovation?

We offer expert guidance and full-service bathroom renovation across Kingston & Surrey. Get help choosing the perfect tiles, brassware, finishes, cabinets, lighting, layout, and luxury features.

Explore our Bathroom Renovations:  https://www.paintersanddecorators.co/services/bathroom-installations/