11 High-Tech Gizmos and Gadgets for the Bathroom
Ramp up the style and functionality of your bath zone with these cool, intelligent bathroom inclusions
Whether you desire a luxe bathroom with all the bells and whistles; a universal bathing area that suits people of all ages; a bath zone created with comfort and wellness in mind; or an eco-friendly space designed to improve your carbon footprint, there are plenty of cool, high-tech innovations that will help you create a bathroom that fulfils your wants and needs. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up 11 nifty gizmos and gadgets that are possible contenders for your wish list, whatever your bathroom design style. And even if you’re not very tech-savvy or a fan of cutting-edge bathroom devices and accessories, we’re quietly confident that you’ll still find one or two gadgets in our list that may just pique your interest.
2. Tap that
Now, here’s a tap that’s the complete package. Not only is it easy on the eye, but it’s smart, engaging and good with kids, too. The high-tech tap is controlled by electronic sensor buttons and features an LED light that changes colour with the temperature of the water (the warm red light indicates that the temperature of the water is hot, magenta corresponds with warm water, while blue is cool).
This smart tap is great for family homes as it provides visual cues for kids so they know when it’s safe to wash their hands under the water, preventing scalds and burns. Plus, youngsters will love the changing light, which transforms the tap into a statement-making design element, too.
Canyon basin mixer tap: Hansa
Now, here’s a tap that’s the complete package. Not only is it easy on the eye, but it’s smart, engaging and good with kids, too. The high-tech tap is controlled by electronic sensor buttons and features an LED light that changes colour with the temperature of the water (the warm red light indicates that the temperature of the water is hot, magenta corresponds with warm water, while blue is cool).
This smart tap is great for family homes as it provides visual cues for kids so they know when it’s safe to wash their hands under the water, preventing scalds and burns. Plus, youngsters will love the changing light, which transforms the tap into a statement-making design element, too.
Canyon basin mixer tap: Hansa
3. Smart lighting
Want to make your bathroom more energy efficient and safer, too? Installing sensor lights in your bath space is one way to fulfill both of these bathroom design requirements. These smart lighting solutions prevent unnecessary electricity usage, as they automatically turn on or off when the space is not in use, proving very convenient for people (like me) who sometimes forget to switch lights off when leaving a room.
Often go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? An automatic sensor nightlight will prevent you from stumbling into doors and walls, tripping over or stubbing your toes. Rather than using sensor lights that are affixed to the ceiling for this purpose (they generally deliver ambient lighting to the space), install a secondary light that’s softer in intensity and colour, and not positioned in your direct line of sight, as was done in this bathroom. This will ensure the nightlight gently illuminates the room and doesn’t jolt you wide awake.
Want to make your bathroom more energy efficient and safer, too? Installing sensor lights in your bath space is one way to fulfill both of these bathroom design requirements. These smart lighting solutions prevent unnecessary electricity usage, as they automatically turn on or off when the space is not in use, proving very convenient for people (like me) who sometimes forget to switch lights off when leaving a room.
Often go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? An automatic sensor nightlight will prevent you from stumbling into doors and walls, tripping over or stubbing your toes. Rather than using sensor lights that are affixed to the ceiling for this purpose (they generally deliver ambient lighting to the space), install a secondary light that’s softer in intensity and colour, and not positioned in your direct line of sight, as was done in this bathroom. This will ensure the nightlight gently illuminates the room and doesn’t jolt you wide awake.
4. Peek-a-boo privacy glass
Want your new bathroom to capture plenty of natural light and take advantage of a pleasing view, without compromising your privacy? Then you may wish to consider incorporating switchable electric privacy glass in your new bath zone, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. With the flick of a switch, the large floor-to-ceiling window in this bright, airy bathing area glazes over to shield the space from the view of people who may be outdoors.
Want your new bathroom to capture plenty of natural light and take advantage of a pleasing view, without compromising your privacy? Then you may wish to consider incorporating switchable electric privacy glass in your new bath zone, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. With the flick of a switch, the large floor-to-ceiling window in this bright, airy bathing area glazes over to shield the space from the view of people who may be outdoors.
5. Moving mirror image
Wish you could catch up on the news or your fave TV shows when going about your business in the bathroom? Sure, you could prop your tablet up on your vanity or edge of your bath, but the threat of it falling into water or being damaged by steam might just put you off that option. If you have a big enough space and budget, you might like to consider installing a TV mirror in your bathroom. Just make sure you don’t watch anything too scary, thrilling or funny (basically anything that may make you jump or laugh) when shaving, plucking your eyebrows, applying make-up or doing any other tasks that involve putting sharp or pointy objects near your face!
Enhanced Series television mirror: Seura
Wish you could catch up on the news or your fave TV shows when going about your business in the bathroom? Sure, you could prop your tablet up on your vanity or edge of your bath, but the threat of it falling into water or being damaged by steam might just put you off that option. If you have a big enough space and budget, you might like to consider installing a TV mirror in your bathroom. Just make sure you don’t watch anything too scary, thrilling or funny (basically anything that may make you jump or laugh) when shaving, plucking your eyebrows, applying make-up or doing any other tasks that involve putting sharp or pointy objects near your face!
Enhanced Series television mirror: Seura
6. Feel the heat
If you have curious youngsters who like to touch and play with anything within reach, and worry that a heated towel rail might not be a smart or safe addition to your bathroom, why not integrate a towel warming drawer in your bath area instead? It provides the same function, but thanks to its design, you won’t have to worry about your kids coming into contact with the hot element. Most models offer a child-safety lock, too, for added peace of mind.
If you have curious youngsters who like to touch and play with anything within reach, and worry that a heated towel rail might not be a smart or safe addition to your bathroom, why not integrate a towel warming drawer in your bath area instead? It provides the same function, but thanks to its design, you won’t have to worry about your kids coming into contact with the hot element. Most models offer a child-safety lock, too, for added peace of mind.
7. Shower superstar
Are you a shower karaoke superstar, audiobook lover, or an avid news or talk-back show listener? Then we’re pretty sure this innovative showerhead will strike your fancy. Though it may look fairly basic upon first glance, the compact showerhead actually features a removable waterproof speaker that connects wirelessly to MP3 players, smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Not only designed for bath-time entertainment, the showerhead also performs well in terms of functionality and the showering experience it delivers, too, as it boasts an easy to clean silicone sprayhead and 60 angled nozzles that provide a full, relaxing spray. With a three-star WELS rating, the showerhead is also extremely water efficient, which is another tick in its favour.
Moxie showerhead and wireless speaker: Kohler
Are you a shower karaoke superstar, audiobook lover, or an avid news or talk-back show listener? Then we’re pretty sure this innovative showerhead will strike your fancy. Though it may look fairly basic upon first glance, the compact showerhead actually features a removable waterproof speaker that connects wirelessly to MP3 players, smartphones, tablets and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Not only designed for bath-time entertainment, the showerhead also performs well in terms of functionality and the showering experience it delivers, too, as it boasts an easy to clean silicone sprayhead and 60 angled nozzles that provide a full, relaxing spray. With a three-star WELS rating, the showerhead is also extremely water efficient, which is another tick in its favour.
Moxie showerhead and wireless speaker: Kohler
8. Clean machine
Do you, like me, find pump soap dispensers a bit icky? After all, the whole purpose of using one is to get soap so you can wash your hands, but after touching the canister, you end up getting more germs on your skin and also transfer dirt or bacteria back onto the bottle anyway. A simple way to overcome this problem is to ditch your pump dispenser and replace it with a touch-free soap-dispensing device instead. Not only are they a more hygienic solution for the bathroom (or kitchen, as seen here), but they also prevent wastage as the device can be set to dispense a specific amount of liquid, which will prove more economical for you.
Sensor pump: Simplehuman
Do you, like me, find pump soap dispensers a bit icky? After all, the whole purpose of using one is to get soap so you can wash your hands, but after touching the canister, you end up getting more germs on your skin and also transfer dirt or bacteria back onto the bottle anyway. A simple way to overcome this problem is to ditch your pump dispenser and replace it with a touch-free soap-dispensing device instead. Not only are they a more hygienic solution for the bathroom (or kitchen, as seen here), but they also prevent wastage as the device can be set to dispense a specific amount of liquid, which will prove more economical for you.
Sensor pump: Simplehuman
9. Digital age
Why opt for standard shower taps or mixers when you can choose a high-tech digital control instead? Electronic shower systems, like the one pictured in this luxe bathing area, allow users to customise the temperature and spray of their shower with the press of a button. The device can also be used to control lighting (such as recessed lights or LED-illuminated showerheads, like the one seen here) and in-built audio speakers, too. Digital shower systems are ideal for every home, particularly dwellings that house people with mobility issues, who may find it difficult to operate twist or lever-style tapware.
DTV II digital showering system: Kohler; WaterTile Ambient Rain overhead rain shower: Kohler
Why opt for standard shower taps or mixers when you can choose a high-tech digital control instead? Electronic shower systems, like the one pictured in this luxe bathing area, allow users to customise the temperature and spray of their shower with the press of a button. The device can also be used to control lighting (such as recessed lights or LED-illuminated showerheads, like the one seen here) and in-built audio speakers, too. Digital shower systems are ideal for every home, particularly dwellings that house people with mobility issues, who may find it difficult to operate twist or lever-style tapware.
DTV II digital showering system: Kohler; WaterTile Ambient Rain overhead rain shower: Kohler
10. Fog fighter
Do you find it annoying when you hop out of the shower and move over to your vanity so you can shave, apply make-up or style your hair, only to find that your bathroom mirror is foggy thanks to the steam lingering in the air? Then it may be worth adding a bathroom mirror or mirrored medicine cabinet with an in-built electric defogger (like the one pictured in this traditional bathing zone) to your wish list, as the nifty device will save you time, effort and frustration.
Do you find it annoying when you hop out of the shower and move over to your vanity so you can shave, apply make-up or style your hair, only to find that your bathroom mirror is foggy thanks to the steam lingering in the air? Then it may be worth adding a bathroom mirror or mirrored medicine cabinet with an in-built electric defogger (like the one pictured in this traditional bathing zone) to your wish list, as the nifty device will save you time, effort and frustration.
11. Fit for royalty
This tricked-out throne is the Lamborghini of toilets. The sleek, cutting-edge sanitary creation boasts an automatic lid and flush; a bidet function; an integrated air dryer; a deodoriser to flush out bad odours; a heated seat and foot warmer; colour-changing illuminated panels; plus it connects to Bluetooth-enabled devices, allowing you to stream music through the toilet. Oh, and did we mention that it’s remote operated?
I, personally, would be seriously overwhelmed if I had to use this high-tech toilet (I’d be stressed about pressing the wrong button, wouldn’t you?), so I think I’ll just stick with my standard no-frills model for now… Where do you stand on this snazzy toilet design?
Numi toilet: Kohler
TELL US
Would you incorporate any of these high-tech bathroom additions into your bath zone? Or are there any gadgets that you wish were on the list? We’d love to know, so share your thoughts in the Comments.
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This tricked-out throne is the Lamborghini of toilets. The sleek, cutting-edge sanitary creation boasts an automatic lid and flush; a bidet function; an integrated air dryer; a deodoriser to flush out bad odours; a heated seat and foot warmer; colour-changing illuminated panels; plus it connects to Bluetooth-enabled devices, allowing you to stream music through the toilet. Oh, and did we mention that it’s remote operated?
I, personally, would be seriously overwhelmed if I had to use this high-tech toilet (I’d be stressed about pressing the wrong button, wouldn’t you?), so I think I’ll just stick with my standard no-frills model for now… Where do you stand on this snazzy toilet design?
Numi toilet: Kohler
TELL US
Would you incorporate any of these high-tech bathroom additions into your bath zone? Or are there any gadgets that you wish were on the list? We’d love to know, so share your thoughts in the Comments.
MORE
Over-the-Top (but Seriously Sexy) High-Tech Home Improvements
10 Design Moves to Borrow From These Tricked-Out Bathroom Cabinets
Safety First: Look-Ahead Design Strategies for a Future-Proof Bathroom
You can do pretty much anything on your smartphone these days, thanks to the endless number of apps that are available to download, from shopping online to paying bills via your bank’s mobile app and keeping track of your health and fitness progress and goals. There are even app-controlled smart home automation systems, like the one used in this bath zone, that allow you to wirelessly control your living environment, too. Pretty nifty, huh?
While this luxe bathroom makes a striking first impression, it’s what you can’t see on the surface that’s really impressive. With the touch of a button on a smartphone or tablet, the owners can wirelessly control the temperature of the bath zone, the volume and type of music that’s streaming from its in-built speakers, and also turn on and customise the ambient and accent lighting options. This means they can set up their desired bathing environment before they leave the cosy comfort of their bed each morning, or make changes to the music, lighting or temperature when they’re already relaxed, settled and soaking in the tub.
App-controlled home automation system: Control4