Creating a Nautical or Oceanic Themed Bathroom

Decorating a bathroom may prove to be one of the greatest challenges faced by a homeowner because of the lack of free space and permanent placements of the fixtures. Remodeling a bathroom is a lengthy and costly process – sometimes taking several weeks to nearly a year to complete depending upon the extent of the renovation. While this is sometimes a necessary route when plumbing is bad, fixtures are damaged or there is another significant problem with rotting or damaged tiling – a simple revamp can be a quick and inexpensive solution to a bathroom that is simply dated or past its prime.

A standard “full bath” in the United States typically refers to a room with a bath/shower combination (although this is not required – sometimes only a shower is available), toilet and a sink. Depending on the style of bathroom it may have a small cupboard or shelves installed. Since space is limited in most bathrooms, most bathroom hardware is designed to be small, provide storage and attach to the walls. Common hardware includes towel bars or rings, toothbrush holder, soap dish, robe hooks, cabinet knobs/drawer pulls and tissue holder.

Creating a common theme in the bathroom is a great way to unify the look of a disorderly bathroom. This can be easily accomplished with the use of a common design, finish or general theme. Since the bathroom is focused around water, there is no better place in the home to introduce a fun and novel ocean theme! This can be easily accomplished by replacing dull cabinet knobs with a fun pewter starfish design or installing a new towel bar with a clamshell pattern. When creating a theme it is limited only by the imagination – using a mixture of knobs will create an eclectic pattern that will tie together without being over done. Introducing blue bath towels or small nautical patterns on guest towels can tie the look together even further.

When choosing a finish for the bathroom the most popular choices are polished brass and polished chrome – these provide a mirror like surface and are relatively easy to match when using different hardware from different manufacturers. Other great choices could be brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze or even an antique brass. The advantage of these less common but still beautiful finishes include a less cleaning and maintenance (a shiny surface will show water droplets and fingerprints more easily). Please remember that these finishes are not standardized as well and different companies finish may vary.

Helpful Hints:

 If you are replacing existing hardware measure all pre-drilled holes carefully. Not all hardware is the same size and the center to center spacing will need to be the same if you plan to use the original holes.
 All the hardware in the bathroom should be the same finish – including the doorknob. If your bathroom finish is different than the rest of the home search for a “mixed finish” door knob set that will allow you to use one finish on the interior side of the door and a completely different finish on the exterior.
 Branch out in your decorating style – if oceanic themes don’t work create an exotic look with Japanese Bamboo patterns or a classic roped design.

Oceanic and Nautical Theme Hardware for the Bathroom

Pewter Dolphin Cabinet Knob

One of the most popular themes in bathrooms today is an elegant nautical theme. Oceanic and nautical hardware can add subtle touches of detail to enhance your theme beyond shower curtains and towels and serve as a very creative touch. Pewter bathroom cabinet knobs, pulls, robe hooks, towel bars, tissue holders and bathroom accessories are available in a variety of oceanic and nautical themes and can be a fun way to introduce new and unexpected designs into your bathroom or any room in house.

Conch Shell Knob (Antique White Finish)

One of the great advantages of choosing a general theme like Oceanic/Nautical is the wide variety of choices available and the opportunity to use different shapes and patterns in the same room. Cute fish knobs on your cabinets can be accented perfectly with a shell pattern towel bar or tissue holder. Beautiful shell design knobs can be mixed and matched so that every cabinet has a different look but still ties itself together into a beautiful theme. Depending on the hardware chosen optional finishes can include Pewter Matte, Pewter Bright, Satin Pewter, Brushed Pewter, Matte Black, Bronze, Rubbed Bronze, Antique White, Antique Copper, Verdigris, Antique Brass Gold, Iron Red, Rust, Black Terra Cotta and Black Copper Wash.

When you decide to redecorate any room in your house with an oceanic or nautical theme you are sure to create a unique design that reflects your creative personality and personal interests. Pewter bathroom hardware gives you the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of designs and work with your current bath hardware (such as faucets and showers) when selecting complementary finishes. There are a few simple steps to remember before replacing the hardware in any room however. First, remember that different manufacturers finishes can vary slightly so even if two items are ordered in the same finish they can appear slightly lighter or darker than each other. Second, if you are replacing existing hardware – measure carefully! Not all pulls and knobs are the same size so if you are using pre-existing holes (this is especially important in items that have a center to center measurement) know what size you need. Home decorating magazines can offer some great tips on how to further enhance your theme as well. Remember that different designs within the same theme will tie themselves together nicely.

This oceanic/nautical themed home hardware is available through LookInTheAttic & Company and they offer free design assistance and help. It is often the smallest touches that make complete a room and by using oceanic hardware you can be sure that your room will be beautiful transformed with a few small and elegant touches.