Home & Garden Blog » Bathroom

This may seem to fit more in the fashion section, but I would argue that the bathrobe is a household-use object, not a clothing choice. And what better garment to wear on those brisk fall mornings where the shower seems like a terrifying prospect? Or maybe late at night with that warm cup of tea, sitting by the fire (if you’re in the warmer climates, unlike me, and don’t need to turn up the heat past 8 p.m. already, then consider purchasing a bathrobe as an investment in the future). You want to look for function, quality and comfort. Style and comfort of bathrobe are basically unnecessary, and i recommend not matching your bathrobe to your bath towels, which will make you look like Barbie every time you get out of the shower.

Here are some seasonal highlights in bathrobes:

Egyptian Cotton Robes: $39.49

Bamboo Bathrobe: $38.39

Bedhead Robe: $148.0

Shop for more bathrobes at Smarter.com.

Walmart’s newest dedication to using social networking tools and Web 2.0 interfaces may be rooted in capitalism and greedy corporations, but there are some great user benefits that save the college-bound a few hundred in shipping, packaging, or unnecessary double and triple trips back and forth to the local department store. Walmart.com’s new College 09 site has a wonderful selection of thrifty and stylish supplies for the young and the educated, including some “Value Bundles” that should be checked out for their super thrifty status. Featured on their top selling value bundles are:

Kalorik Sunny Morning Basic Kitchen Appliance Set, Tangerine and White: $85.00 Coming with a toaster, a blender, a coffee maker and a kettle, this is a cute set that will brighten any freshman’s smile when they wake up for that first 8 a.m. class.

Another great steal is the Girl’s Twin Bedding and Towel Set at $45.00, with a bright lively pattern for the comforter and sham and 6-piece towel set for all your bathroom needs.

Now what about the boys? While the girls have their bright orange kettles and striped comforters keeping them colorful and hydrated during finals, what will the boys use?

I won’t lie, I’ll suggest the Mainstays Tall Corner TV Stand and Viore 26” Class LCD HDTV Bundle for $349.00 out of experience and necessity. 26″ HDTV with digital tuner and the stand makes this a complete package, and perfect for the Xbox hookup. No joke, these things are a necessity! Video games are a growing market, the boys are doing “research” into a prospective career field. No lie!!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more kitchen appliances and tv stands.
Discounts on towels and twin bedding.

Clean water is a precious commodity.  The way our culture is gobbling up this resource while damaging the systems necessary to create new clean water is terrifying.  Let’s think about a simple, efficient way to save water from your very home: replace your shower heads with low-flow shower heads.  It only takes a few minutes and does not need professional installation; units cost between $10-20, and considering how much money it will save you in the future, it is definitely worth the investment.

Some statistics:  With a normal shower head, you use 2x’s as much water as is necessary for a refreshing, thorough shower.  Every day, three billion gallons of water flow through shower heads in the United States—half of it being unnecessary.  If that does not inspire you, think about it economically:  Every new shower head pays for itself almost 4-fold in it’s first year of use, saving you an average of $50-75 on water bills and $20-50 on energy bills.  Investing in low-flow shower heads is smart, easy, and saves you money fast.

So what does “low-flow” mean?  Low-flow means that the shower head uses approximately 2.5 gallons a minute (or less) of water.  Look for manufacturers that boast “aerating” shower heads (i.e. the shower head mixes air with the water) for a high-pressure boost, so you don’t feel like you’re showering under a trickle, but you’re still saving water.

One thing to watch out for, is that low-flow showers are more easily affected by toilets flushing, washing machines running, dishwashers, etc.  Pressure will drop quickly if someone starts any one of those things while you are in the shower, and may result in scalding water.  There are products and nozzles in the market to prevent against scalding and stabilize low-flow shower heads in those situations.

Top Low-Flow Showerheads on the Market:

Low Flow Shower Head Chrome: 2 for $15.75(green, stylish, and so affordable!)

Massaging Adjustable Low Flow Showerhead: $29.95 (a bit pricier, but certainly worth the shower experience!)

Installing a shower head in relatively simple.  To remove your old shower head, just make sure you have the necessary tools: most importantly, a wrench.  Take a look at these Expert Village videos on how to remove an old shower head and install a new shower head. While you are on Expert Village.com, check out some of the other self-help videos, such as installing a shower bar or even a handheld shower head.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more low flow shower heads.

Some people don’t see the importance of the decor in a bathroom.  So wrong!  The bathroom is as important as any other room of the house, and that’s why it should be decorated. ”But, who would pay attention to my bathroom?”  Believe me, everyone!

So, if you are going to decorate your bathroom, the first thing we should do is chose a nice vanity, which should be seen as the “base” of you decor.  What do I mean by this?  Choosing a vanity with a defined style and then making sure the rest of the furniture and accessories following the same rule.

I don’t like simply telling you what kind of decoration you should have.  You should have as many options and styles as possible in mind so you can select what you like the most.  That’s why today I will show you three different bathroom vanities that would lead to three different decoration styles.

At first I want you to see this freestanding minimalist vanity. Its front is white and the sides are black. I think is very distinguished for the glass it has on the top and the white ceramic sink that, in my opinion, looks amazing.

A vanity like this will give have a very modern and classy appearance to your bathroom. It is a great idea to paint the walls in a strong color, like in the picture because it definitely helps to emphasize its minimalist style.

Freestanding Vanity with Glass Top and White Countertop Ceramic Sink: $1,770

                   Second, check out this oriental style vanity. I believe this piece is extremely stylish, and would help to create a very original look.

This vanity set has an incredible design.  It is made of solid wood, it’s mahogany finished and has the most practical sliding doors. From my point of view, the best thing about it is the oval porcelain basin which I think, gives the perfect oriental touch.

Aqualine Wood Bath Vanity Set in Mahogany Finish:  $3,275.00

Last but not least, I bring you this antique vanity.  Why do I like it so much? Because it is different.  I find it quite special.  It’s not an ordinary thing you will find in every bathroom.  It’s hand crafted like fine furniture and hand painted.

You must be wondering how should you decorate the rest of the bathroom in case you get a vanity like this.  There are two options:

1) You create an antique decoration following the style of this furniture, which would look original.

2) You can go wild and get a totally modern and colorful design.  Why? A piece like this looks great by itself and it doesn’t need to be surrounded by antique stuff.  I think that taking it out of context will make it stand out even more, and your bathroom would be the most original one ever!

Dreamline Antique Brown EuroDesign: $949.50

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more bathroom vanities.

I’m always glad to see companies make a conscious effort to “go green”.  Kimberly-Clark makes paper products you and I use on a daily basis:  toilet paper, paper towels and napkins.  They recently launched a new link called “Scott Naturals” which are made from a blend of recycled, virgin fiber and fiber from sustainable resource.

Here are some paper supplies found on Smarter.com from paper companies that have already jumped the “go green” bandwagon:

Marcal Recycled Two Ply Embossed Bathroom Tissue: $23.03/48 rolls

Now, I’m not sure exactly how smooth recycled toilet paper’s gonna be on your bum.  Has anyone tried it?

Fluff Out Recycled White Facial Tissue: $54.73/36 boxes

Seventh Generation 13721: 100%  Recycled Paper Towels: $11.99/6 rolls

Last night I purchased a pack of gum at a convenience store I thought, “Gosh so much paper is wasted on small purchases like this.”  Don’t you notice when you go to the grocery store and only purchase a few items, your receipt is sooooo long?  I think they need to implement a policy where they have to use recycled paper for receipts.

Source:  DallasNews.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more recycled paper products.

What would you say? Write us your caption and post them in our comments!

What I like about this Cast Iron 6 Bar Organizer from Pottery Barn is the multiply functionality and simple classic style!

Not only could you install the bar in your bathroom to hang assorted towels and robes; but I personally would install the cast iron bar in my closet as a quick and handy tool to hang my jeans, ironed pants, scarves or belts!

The uses are truly limitless. 

Plus only as an “internet only” special the price is currently reduced from $59.99 to $49.99!

If you are interested in checking out the 6 Bar Organizer from Pottery Barn, click here.

If you want to check out even more great deals from Pottery Barn, click here.

I am tired of throwing away my cheap, threadbare bath mats when they start to shed and leave little cotton dust balls all around my wooden floors! Bleh!

I tend to lean towards dark colors for my bathroom mats because I don’t like how quickly fair colors tend to look dirty. Plus, like I said I tend to purchase the cheaper variety and they literally fall apart in the wash, which is why when they start to get really snarly I just end up chucking them! It’s a wasteful cycle to say the least.

The time has finally come for me to be an adult and purchase higher quality bath mats.

I like the World Class Bath Mats from Frontgate.  These premium bath mats are tufted from polished cashmere cotton select woven from a superbly soft high pile offset by a band of low loops, these cotton bath rugs acquire a more lush texture with every machine washing.

• made of 100% combed cotton yarn
• custom-dyed for vibrant no-fading hues
• sprayed latex backing prevents skidding
• luxury bath rugs are hand-sewn
• (machine washable)

Costs $129.00

The price may seem steep to some of you, but you are buying quality. If I calculate how much I have spent buying the cheaper versions and then chucking them it adds up to about the same.

If you are interested in purchasing the Frontgate Bath Mats, click here.

I use to think that all towels were equal, in other words I would always choose the cheaper one regardless of quality.

Ahh, but there are some lessons you learn early and quickly in life. If I had a nickel for all the times I toweled off with a dark cheap towel only to leave my freshly bathed body with hundreds of tiny flecks of lint!

Well never let it be said that I don’t learn from my mistakes. I still don’t feel comfortable paying too much for towels but I do now take into consideration the quality of the towels.

Prism Towels by Christy from Bloomingdale’s are great bath towels. They are extremely absorbent and stylish to boot. They have a hemmed edge with signature dobby, they are simple and elegant and can adorn any bathroom. Constructed from 100% zero-twist cotton.

Originally $20.00 On Sale for $14.99

If you interested in purchasing the Prism Bath Towels from Bloomindale’s, click here.

I think these Polka Dot Towels are simply adorable. They are reversible so you can choose which color you want to feature. They are made from a 100% cotton so they are super plush and absorbant.

Personally I like that the colors are young and spunky.  Plus you honestly can’t be the price.

Polka Dot Jacquard Towels only cost $12.00!

If you want to shop or purchase the Polka Dot Towels, click here.

Still want to look for more great deals on towels, click here.