Ten Green Bathroom Ideas

Bathroom renovations are included in about one-third of all home improvement projects. Money spent on bathrooms increase the value of homes and is more recoverable than any other home investment. To ensure an investment adds to the value of a home, property owners should employ bathroom remodel ideas that are eco-friendly and make the bathroom universally accessible for wheelchairs and walkers. Some of the best ways to make the bathroom eco-friendly include the following 10 ideas.

1. Change old sink faucets and showerheads. New faucets use 30 percent less water and save energy.

2. Make sure pipes are well insulated. These help hold in heat and reduce energy needed to heat water.

3. Consider eliminating water heaters. Heaters keep a large tank of water hot 24 hours a day, but this water is often unused for long periods of time. Inline water heaters heat only the water being used, and consumers do not waste water by running it through the taps until it gets hot.

4. Radiant floor heat warms the entire room and lingers after being switched off, unlike forced air, which immediately ceases to warm a room when air is no longer being delivered.

5. Sustainability is very important. Bamboo is an attractive decorating material and is eco-friendly. It grows more quickly than other kinds of wood, producing lots of oxygen, and harvesting bamboo does not kill the mother plant. Bamboo can be used for floors, walls, furniture and accessories in the bathroom.

6. Consider refacing or refinishing old cabinets and fitting them with new hardware. The results can be stunning when new life is given to old material.

7. Tiles made from recycled glass are quite attractive, and these colorful materials can be used for walls, backsplashes, or decorative purposes. Homeowners can create a distinctive pattern or artistic design on a wall and highlight it as the focal point of the room.

8. Skylights and windows allow homeowners to take advantage of natural light in the bathroom whenever possible. Regular lighting can be slaved to a dimmer switch. When connected to a remote control, bathroom users can easily raise and lower lights as needed to set the right mood for relaxing soaks in the tub. When more light is needed, lights are easily brightened. These energy savings may be small, but they add up over time.

9. Decorators can retool any quality piece of furniture for use in bathrooms. Old vanities, light fixtures and claw foot bathtubs make great vehicles for period restorations. Fixtures can be re-glazed, and new faucets can be added. Virtually any substantial item can be recycled and reused.

10. Consumers should be conscious at all times of their water and energy use. Avoid running water when not needed. Turn off lights when not in use. Use energy efficient products whenever possible.

Keep Reading and Check out these Articles:

1. Green Network
2. 10 Easy Steps to Live Green
3. Bathroom Remodeling
4. Replacement Windows
5. Oak Park Green Remodeling

4 Responses to “Ten Green Bathroom Ideas”

1. Terry says:

   January 17, 2012 at 8:58 pm

   I am amazed by the styling and design shown on the pictures. I would really love to have a bathroom like that. I would live in it if I did. Combining the luxury style with green efficiency shows class!

   Reply
2. Jane says:

   January 17, 2012 at 9:41 pm

   One more thing to add – water saving shower heads. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, so they can perfectly fit your style and in the same time this gadgets can reduce your water use. 100% works

   Reply
3. FirenzeZ says:

   March 19, 2012 at 8:38 am

   I’ll totally consider your ideas. Perhaps this would make my bathroom more comfortable and soothing. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

   Reply
4. Patrick R says:

   April 3, 2012 at 8:14 am

   I’ve seen an amazingly incredible bathroom before and it really widens my eyes because of how it looks.

   Reply