Bathroom technology - the latest and best

10 hi-tech bathroom innovations

Turn your space into a haven of relaxation with these state-of-the-art solutions

By Paula Woods |

The latest bathroom technology can transform your space into a spa-like wellness haven. From seamless audio systems to steam generators and voice-controlled blinds, embrace high-tech bathroom design with these impressive innovations.

1. Wellbeing boost

With a steam generator you can transform an enclosed shower cubicle or wet room into a luxury hammam. The Effegibi Easy Steam generator with touch and app control, from £6,235, Effegibi Fit Box Hammam is available in two sizes or made to measure from CP Hart.

bathroom technology power shower in large marble space

Photo: CP Hart

2. Speak and tell

Fixtures such as lighting, heating, sound systems and blinds can be switched on and adjusted via a plug-in voice-activated gadget such as Alexa. Some furniture comes with a device built in. One example is this Dandy Plus oak veneer vanity unit with wall-mounted built-in Alexa Task Bar including smart speaker, sockets, USB ports, LED lighting, hanging storage and accessories, from £5,000, Scavolini.

Oak veneer vanity unit with sinks and exposed wood

Photo: Scavolini

3. Clever cupboard

Connected mirror cabinets can incorporate an entertainment centre, charging station, light fitting and storage in one compact unit. Many also have an automatic demisting feature. Pictured below, the Dimension LED Bluetooth Speaker cabinet, from £749 from Hib.

bathroom technology LED speaker cabinet in dark bathroom with marble worktop

Photo: Hib

4. Added value

Look for dual-purpose bathroom technology that combines ease of use with adaptability and saves space. One example is this LED light with integrated speaker, which is recessed in the ceiling. Pictured below: Lumisonic connected speaker and ceiling light costing £375 from Zuma.

bathroom technology ceiling speakers above freestanding bath

Photo: Zuma

5. Window treatment

For an app-enabled retrofit motor for blinds, try Soma. Or opt for a ready-integrated system. Both can be app or voice controlled. This PowerView automation and app system with Pebble remote, £312, is available across all made-to-measure window treatments including Sonnette energy-efficient insulating shades from Luxaflex.

Panelled bathroom with automated bathroom technology blinds

Photo: Luxaflex

The latest bathroom technology can transform your space into a spa-like wellness haven. From seamless audio systems to steam generators and voice-controlled blinds, embrace high-tech bathroom design with these impressive innovations.

1. Wellbeing boost

With a steam generator you can transform an enclosed shower cubicle or wet room into a luxury hammam. The Effegibi Easy Steam generator with touch and app control, from £6,235, Effegibi Fit Box Hammam is available in two sizes or made to measure from CP Hart.

bathroom technology power shower in large marble space

Photo: CP Hart

2. Speak and tell

Fixtures such as lighting, heating, sound systems and blinds can be switched on and adjusted via a plug-in voice-activated gadget such as Alexa. Some furniture comes with a device built in. One example is this Dandy Plus oak veneer vanity unit with wall-mounted built-in Alexa Task Bar including smart speaker, sockets, USB ports, LED lighting, hanging storage and accessories, from £5,000, Scavolini.

Oak veneer vanity unit with sinks and exposed wood

Photo: Scavolini

3. Clever cupboard

Connected mirror cabinets can incorporate an entertainment centre, charging station, light fitting and storage in one compact unit. Many also have an automatic demisting feature. Pictured below, the Dimension LED Bluetooth Speaker cabinet, from £749 from Hib.

bathroom technology LED speaker cabinet in dark bathroom with marble worktop

Photo: Hib

4. Added value

Look for dual-purpose bathroom technology that combines ease of use with adaptability and saves space. One example is this LED light with integrated speaker, which is recessed in the ceiling. Pictured below: Lumisonic connected speaker and ceiling light costing £375 from Zuma.

bathroom technology ceiling speakers above freestanding bath

Photo: Zuma

5. Window treatment

For an app-enabled retrofit motor for blinds, try Soma. Or opt for a ready-integrated system. Both can be app or voice controlled. This PowerView automation and app system with Pebble remote, £312, is available across all made-to-measure window treatments including Sonnette energy-efficient insulating shades from Luxaflex.

Panelled bathroom with automated bathroom technology blinds

Photo: Luxaflex

6. Cable guide

Wireless automation relies on a strong Wi-Fi signal for consistent connectivity. Investing in a wired system sidesteps this issue and offers greater long-term flexibility for add-ons and upgrades. This Gira System 3000 intuitive one-touch controls and app for heating, lighting and blinds, from £240 from Gira.

Photo: Gira

7. Tune into the tub

Surround sound bathroom technology takes on a whole new meaning with the Sound Wave. It’s an audio system that can be fitted to any of the company’s steel enamel baths at the point of installation and operated by any digital device. One example is the Sound Wave system, £780 from Meisterstück for a Centro Duo bath.

white curved bath tub with bathroom technology

Photo: Meisterstück

8. Personalised service

App control allows you to switch on a digital shower or bath from your mobile or by connecting it to a smart speaker. You can also create preferred temperature, timer and flow rate settings for each member of your household. The Quartz Touch app/voice-controlled smart shower, from £764, is also available with smart bath filler, from £960, Aqualisa.

Smart shower with white tiles and blue feature wall with red furniture

Photo: Aqualisa

9. Auto wash

An amazing example of bathroom technology is hi-tech loos include features such as automatic flushing, a heated soft-close seat and warm water sprays that do away with the need for toilet paper. The RG Washlet, with self-cleaning warm water nozzle, heated seat, energy-saver mode and remote control costs £2,832 from Toto.

Self cleaning water nozzle in power shower

Photo: Toto

10. Improved efficiency

App-monitored and controlled electric radiators let you keep tabs on your energy consumption. You can turn them on and off from a smart device, and change the temperature with ease. The Campastyle Holiday radiant glass towel radiator with booster fan, smart app control, open window and presence detection, from around £1,300 from Campa.

Glass towel radiator in black bathroom with white marble surface

Photo: Campa

Make the switch

Wired lighting systems advice from Piero De Marchis, director of Detail Lighting…

  • It is possible to use your existing electric cables to transition to wireless operation via a smart home system. Standard switches can be retrofitted with smart keypads.
  • A Bus (binary unit system) is where the keypads and all the cabling is wired to a central hub, which guarantees reliability. It also makes future changes easy and less costly to upgrade than wireless systems.
  • Manufacturer-specific installations such as Crestron and Lutron require the use of the company’s own control systems. Standard wired installations such as KNX can be used with almost any control system. A good installer can be found via the Cedia database and should be happy to explain all the options in detail and answer queries.
  • I recommend dimmable white light. It can be set to an invigorating 5,000K or a more relaxing, extra-warm 2,700K as required.
  • Smart systems demand expert knowledge, so do your research and always use an experienced lighting designer and supplier. Many lighting designers will work alongside architects, contractors and installers to produce lighting layouts and sketched schemes, as well as specify suitable products and offer bespoke solutions.

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