
Installing a bathroom yourself
The right style of bathroom
Fitting a bathroom in a style to suit you
How you design your bathroom largely depends on your personal style. There are many different ways to adapt bathroom furnishings to your taste, for example through the colour scheme or a maritime theme. Whatever you decide, the functional features and decorative elements should go hand in hand and achieve a harmonious look overall.
Here, we share how to effortlessly bring your personal style to your bathroom with the help of the Villeroy & Boch Collections. You will find matching bathroom ceramics and furniture for every style. Whether you are looking for clean lines, romantic shapes, or outstanding designs, you will find it at Villeroy & Boch.
Must Have Furnishings
What should no bathroom be without?
If you are fitting your bathroom and are looking for ideas on the key furnishing elements, we’re here to help. Of course, there are a few things that are a must in every bathroom. Firstly, there are the bathroom ceramics, i.e. the washbasin, toilet, and bath or shower. If you have a large bathroom you can, of course, include both a bath and a shower, as well as a bidet or shower toilet.
It also makes sense to place a few cupboards or shelves in the bathroom to store towels, toothbrushes, creams, and other everyday items. This makes it much easier to keep the bathroom tidy and organised. Most bathrooms have at least one mirror cabinet with doors. This is often illuminated, which is why there is usually a connection for lighting above the washbasin.
Tip:
There are a few things to consider when installing bathroom ceramics and cabinets. Firstly, the water connections. When planning a bathroom, decisions are made about where the toilet and other fixtures will be subsequently located. Changes can be made later on, but may involve a lot of effort and expense. Secondly, make sure that you will not need to drill the holes for screws in cabinets and mirrors directly into the tiles, or there is a risk of the tile cracking. Drill either in the grouting between two tiles or above the backsplash.

The washbasin
There are several types of washbasin to choose from. In addition to classic washbasins fitted to the wall, such as the rectangular Avento washbasin, there are built-in models such as the elegant Loop and Friends or surface-mounted washbasins such as the modern Artis washbasin. Many models are available in a range of colours.

Finding the right shower
For the shower, combine your favourite shower tray with a shower fitting. At Villeroy & Boch, you will find both rectangular shower trays, such as the customisable Squaro Infinity tray, and square versions such as the Architectura shower tray. Combine them with the elegant concealed single-lever shower mixer from the Subway 3.0 Collection.

A mirror can make a small bathroom look larger
Will it be a mirror or a mirror cabinet? It is entirely up to you! A high-quality mirror is an essential item in any bathroom. In addition, a small bathroom benefits from a large mirror, because it will make the room appear bigger. Choose a mirror with lighting so that you always have the light you need for your everyday bathroom routines.

Equipping the bathroom: the furniture
Furniture is naturally an important factor when equipping your bathroom. Washbasin vanity units are a classic example. These can be perfectly paired with a washbasin, as our top seller, the Venticello vanity unit, shows. Shelves provide space for decoration items or important appliances. The Finion shelf modules are available with lighting as an option.

Toilets
Of course, a bathroom is not complete without a toilet. Villeroy & Boch offers a range of wall-hung toilets, such as the rimless washdown toilet from the Subway 2.0 Collection, plus floor-standing toilets such as the classic O.novo Collection. You will also find accessible toilets and the ViClean-I100 shower toilet.
The finishing touch
Decorating the Bathroom
Elevate your bathroom style with decorative features that invite you to linger and relax. For example, LED candles that cast a flickering light on the walls while you take your bath will add a particularly cosy feel. Plants have also become very popular in the bathroom. Quirkier bathroom ideas can include striking murals, eye-catching decorative sculptures, and the like.



Tips for your bathroom planning
Plan first, furnish after
You now know how to furnish your bathroom in a modern way to suit your style. Next, use the Villeroy & Boch bathroom planner to help you create the perfect bathroom design. With it, you can visualise what your finished bathroom could look like. It also provides inspirational ideas and templates from professionals, which you can use to start designing your bathroom.
Use the floor plan of your bathroom, including the water connections, as a basis and select the bathroom ceramics and furniture that best match your personal taste and style. You can now arrange the furniture and sanitary fittings using the bathroom planner and get an instant view of what goes well together and where you would rather make changes. The advantage of using an online service when planning your bathroom is that you can try out different options in just a few clicks at no extra cost! When you’re ready, you can draw up your bathroom plan with a Villeroy & Boch partner in your region.

What to remember when planning your bathroom
Beyond the design and feel-good factor, functionality and practicality are crucial in the bathroom. Pick out a variety of elements so that everything you store in the bathroom can be organised logically and practically. Your bathroom furniture should offer enough space for tidy away all your bits and pieces.
Good lighting is essential in the bathroom. First, wet areas around the shower and bath should always be well lit. In addition, spotlighting elements around mirrors or the washbasin are very practical. Stylish mood lighting helps create a relaxing vibe. Combine your bathroom ideas with the existing lighting for maximum impact.
Tips for using our online bathroom planner
Enter the structural features, connections, and all other factors as accurately as possible in the bathroom planner to get a realistic picture of your bathroom later on.
Consider the areas in which you will need to move around in the bathroom. These are essential, and not only for a fully accessible bathroom.
Decide on a style before you start planning your bathroom. A contemporary bathroom decor complements a variety of bathroom furniture better than a lavish design.
First, gather all your bathroom ideas and use the bathroom planner to test which ideas work well together. Save potential furniture or installation ideas as you go.
Have different variations of your bathroom design sent to you by email and compare them directly in the bathroom until you decide on your perfect version.
How much does a new bathroom cost?
The cost of a new bathroom depends largely on what you are hoping for and the current structural conditions. Basically, three factors determine the price: the sanitary ceramics and bathroom furniture you choose, the cost of the necessary installation components and materials, and the cost of external labour and skilled tradespeople.
You will set a budget in advance to cover the cost of the sanitary fittings and furniture. At Villeroy & Boch, you will find a collection to match every budget. All Villeroy & Boch Collections are renowned for their high quality and meticulous design. The specialist retailer in your region will be happy to advise you on the right collections for you.
Many people are keen to renovate or rebuild their bathroom on their own. It is still highly recommended to have certain jobs carried out by a specialist company. The question of how much a new bathroom should cost depends on the company’s estimate and the work you intend to do yourself. A plumber will charge between £50 and £70 per hour (€50-€100), as will a good electrician.
Note:
The installation components you need depend on the sanitary items you choose. If it is a new build, you will need pipes, power cables and water lines, sockets, tile adhesive, grout, and much more. This can quickly add up to four-figure costs.
The dangers of fitting a bathroom yourself
If you are designing the bathroom yourself, you should exercise caution in certain areas. If you are not a trained electrician, it is better to have a professional lay the cables and install the sockets. Otherwise, life-threatening mistakes can be made. The same applies to plumbing installations. A plumber will work faster, safer, and, in some circumstances, more neatly.
If you want to refit an existing bathroom, you can let your imagination run wild and do it yourself. Installing bathroom furniture, adding decorative features and replacing mirrors or lighting elements are jobs that can also be done by most DIY enthusiasts and amateurs. Even without new sanitary facilities, you can give your bathroom a whole new look with furniture, towels, bathroom rugs, and decorations.