Suite success: coordinated bath accessory collections make upgrading easy

Building Products, March-April, 2004 by Celia Kuperszmid Lehrman

While bath accessory installation has never been too complicated, manufacturers have made a few improvements. Many now include bilingual directions. In addition, some offer templates that can be put on the wall so homeowners can choose exactly where each accessory should be placed. Product engineering also has been stepped up.

"We use bushings on the towel bars so that when a homeowner pulls a towel off, the bar doesn't rattle," say Mark Ayers, Baldwin's senior product manager for bath products and accessories.

When specing bath accessories, don't forget the details. Homeowners can continue the coordinated look with towel bars and rings, shelves, soap dishes, toothbrush holders, robe hooks, toilet paper holders, mirrors, lighting, and medicine cabinets.

High-end plumbing companies were the first to offer coordinating bath fixtures, fittings, furniture, and accessories. Their success has enticed moderately priced plumbing lines and bathroom accessory companies to pay attention and expand their offerings, too.

Zehnder. Towel Radiators feature a Swiss-precision controller with wireless connection between the thermostat and the radiator's heating element; the controller has a programmable countdown timer and offers eight levels of heat. The line is offered in a range of colors as well as chrome. Accessories such as hooks, towel bars, and wash racks are available. 888-778-6701. www.zehnderamerica.com. Circle 195.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

American Standard. The Standard collection of bath accessories includes designs from 1922 that have been recreated to meet modern performance standards. A tub caddy, a mirror, a toothbrush holder, a soap dish, and a lotion dispenser coordinate with the vintage-style lavatories and faucets. The accessories are available in polished chrome and satin. 800-524-9797. www.americanstandard-us.com. Circle 196.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Kohler. Purist accessories boast simple design lines and are perfect for home spa environments and bathrooms with minimalist aesthetics, the company says. The line includes 18-, 24-, and 30-inch towel bars, a toilet tissue holder, towel ring, robe hook, soap dish, and glass shelf. Accessories are available in a variety of finishes. 800-456-4537. www.kohler.com. Circle 197.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Price Pfister. MatchMaker Bath Coordinates offer a complete remodeling system for the bathroom, including lighting and faucets as well as toilet tissue holders, robe hooks, and towel bars and rings. The line provides shopping convenience and a guaranteed style match, the firm says. Accessories are available in three product designs and a variety of finishes to match the company's faucets. 800-732-8238. www.pricepfister.com Circle 199.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Baldwin. The Estate Bath 2003 collection includes four designer styles: Arts and Crafts-inspired Richland, Victorian-style Peyton, classic Springfield, and graceful Edinburgh. Each suite offers accessories such as double towel bars, toilet tissue holders, shower has kets, and towel shelves. Finishes include polished brass, chrome, and nickel; satin nickel and brass; Venetian bronze; and distressed Venetian bronze and antique nickel. 800-566-1986. www.baldwin hardware.com Circle 200.