If you’re designing a new bathroom or refurbishing your existing space this year, you might be looking for some inspiration.
From warm earthy tones and sustainable elements to spa-like aesthetics and Scandinavian chic, there are already so many great ways you can transform your space into something wonderful.
However, by far one of the biggest trends of the coming years is going to be the integration of AI and IoT devices into your home.
Hang on, are we really suggesting that you start introducing technology into your bathroom?
You bet!
Of course, we don’t necessarily mean large flatscreen TVs – unless that’s your style. Instead, we mean smart technology that can enhance your bathroom experience, benefit your well-being and even save you money.
So if you’re going to be planning your dream bathroom in the next few months, here is our guide to the most popular types of tech and why you should introduce these in your home.
Table of Contents
Introduce Underfloor Heating
Let’s start with one of the most common types of bathroom technology and one that has been around for a while now and that is underfloor heating.
Is there anything worse than getting ready in the morning and having to step on cold tiles, especially if you’ve just got out of a nice warm shower? Well, underfloor heating can put a stop to that.
Not only does it make your day-to-day routine far more comfortable, but if you’re using your floor as your primary heat source in the bathroom, this can also be a great way to save space.
So, if you’ve got a small bathroom and large radiators or heated towel racks that can take up precious space, this is certainly something you should consider.
Although heated flooring systems have been around for a while this technology is only growing in popularity. Not to mention it is getting smarter and far more effective.
Now you can control your underfloor heating from your smart phone, so that your bathroom can be nice and toasty before you even get out of bed. No waiting around for it to get warm.
Install a Digital Shower
Over the last decade or so showers have replaced baths in many bathrooms and there are several reasons for this. For one thing, showers take up far less space than a bath does and for another, showers use less water so they are more cost-effective.
As a result of this increased popularity, showers have become smarter. So, if you plan to install a brand-new shower in your bathroom or your existing shower needs a little TLC, why not try a digital option?
Lots of new digital showers will come with their own dedicated app so that you can personalise your shower experience. In most cases this means you can set your ideal temperature, you can even save money by setting the duration of your showers to a time limit.
Not only can this help to keep you on time (no more missing the train), but it can also be a great way to cut down on your water usage and save on your bills.
Some smart showers will even come with features that allow you to pause the water while you’re shampooing, using soap for anything else to further reduce water wastage.
Finally, lots of models also have built-in sensors that detect when the water has reached the right temperature and automatically shut off the heating device. This can save energy usage and once again, cut down on your bills.
Add Some Sensor Devices
Another technological advancement that has become hugely popular in the home and commercial spaces is sensor devices. What we mean by this is those devices that can be started with the wave of a hand.
You are probably most familiar with these in a commercial setting like automatic hand dryers in a public toilet, but these can also be used at home as well.
Some of the most stylish sensor devices for your home can include taps, lights and even soap dispensers.
Not only do these come in a range of attractive and stylish finishes, but these are another great way for you to save money and waste. By having your water and lights on the sensor they will automatically turn off when there is no movement and they are no longer required.
This can cut down on the amount of water and electricity you are using. It also reduces the risk of you (or a family member) leaving a tap or bathroom light on by accident. The same applies to soap dispensers. Having these on a sensor can reduce the amount of soap you use and waste.
A final benefit is that using sensor devices like this can contribute towards a far more hygienic bathroom as you and your guests will touch less of the surfaces. This stops bacteria from building up and can also reduce the spread of germs.
This can be a huge bonus for many, particularly now we’re living in a post-Covid world.
Shop Smart Accessories
As we increasingly introduce smart devices around the home, these have extended as far as the bathroom and there are several great accessories you might wish to include in yours.
These accessories range from practical devices to those that are just nice to have, especially when you live a busy lifestyle.
For example, smart thermostats can be installed in your home, including your bathroom to help you control the temperature and monitor your energy usage. Whereas introducing smart speakers with voice interaction can simply be a welcome addition to your bathing experience.
Picture this, you install a smart speaker in the bathroom and now you’re sitting in the bath and using your voice alone to start a relaxing spa track. Alternatively, you could blast out your favourite hits while you’re in the shower getting ready to go out.
Then there are devices like heated mirrors that can defog themselves. Sure, you could live without this technology but it can also make your morning routines much more enjoyable. So in the long run you can leave the house feeling far more relaxed, and that is something everyone deserves.
So what are you waiting for why not introduce some new smart technology to your bathroom this year?