There are several things to consider before trawling through endless showrooms when selecting Fixtures and Fittings for a new build or home renovation.

Begin by looking through online resources such as Instagram, Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, and the websites of specific designers. These can inspire you with global trends and provide you with an ‘end result’ vision of how your property might look.

The goal is to achieve a consistent, cohesive, contrasting, and complementary look throughout the property. This begins with the exterior materials and colors and should extend into the interior.

What Exactly Are Fixtures And Fittings?

If you’re into home improvement, you’ve probably heard the terms ‘fixtures’ and ‘fittings’ thrown around a lot, but what exactly do they mean?

What’s The Distinction Between Fixtures And Fittings?

The two terms may be used interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between them.

When people talk about fixtures, they usually mean anything that is permanently attached to your property. Fittings, on the other hand, are items that are not physically attached to – or fixed to – the house.

Fixtures can include free-standing furniture and other non-removable free-standing items such as boilers, central heating systems, carpets, doors, and kitchen units. Fittings are typically free-standing items such as furniture, light fixtures, washing machines, curtain rails, and kitchen appliances.

Fixtures are considered a part of the property transaction, which means they are included in the inventory when purchasing a home.

Fittings, on the other hand, are not included in the purchase price. Instead, they remain the property of the person selling the house and will be included in the sale.

It is generally assumed that when you leave your home, you should leave any fixtures for the next owner. You are free to take any fittings you want.

Fixtures and Fittings List:

Here’s a list of some of the most common fittings and fixtures you might have in your home to help you understand what they are.

A. Fixtures and fittings for the bathroom

Bathroom fittings examples:

• Bath
• Toilet
• Sink or basin
• Shower
• Taps
• Fitted furnishings

Bathroom fittings examples:

• The toilet seat
• Curtains for showers
• Toilet paper holder
• Dispenser of soap
• Bathroom furniture can be freestanding or wall-mounted.
• Waste from the sink or bath
• Shelves that are removable

B. Fixtures and fittings for furniture

Furniture fixtures include the following:

• Cupboards
• Built-in closets
• Radiators
• Fireplaces
• Carpets

Furniture fittings examples:

• Furniture that stands alone
• Beds
• Sofas
• Curtains
• Blinds
• Tables
• Paintings
• Mirrors
• Shelving/storage

C. Fixtures and fittings for lighting

Examples of light fixtures include:

• Lighting that is recessed
• Lighting for the porch
• Integrated lighting

Light fittings examples

• Shades for table lamps
• Luminaires de Nuit
• Lamps for the floor
• Garden lighting

D. Fixtures and fittings for windows

Examples of window fixtures include:

• Window
• Windowsill
• Window fittings examples:
• Curtain rods
• Curtains

E. Fixtures and fittings for doors:

Door hardware examples:

• the knocker on the door
• The doorbell
• The actual door

Door fittings examples:

• Decorative door hardware

F. Electrical Fixtures and Fittings for the Doormat

Electrical fixtures include the following:

• Outlets for electricity
• Light fittings
• Alarm systems for security
• Aerials for televisions and satellite dishes
• Alarms for fires
• System of hot water
• Radiators

Electrical fittings examples:

• Plugs 
• Ovens
• Refrigerators
• Machines for washing and drying clothes
• Lamps and their shades

G. Fixtures and fittings for plumbing

Plumbing fixture examples include:

Bathtubs, bidets, toilets, sinks, and showers all have channel drains in the bathroom suites.

H. Fixtures and fittings for the kitchen

Kitchen fixture examples:

• Kitchen cabinets
• Oven
• stove
• Sinks
• Any other built-in appliances that are not free-standing

Kitchen fittings examples:

• Refrigerators that stand alone
• Freezer
• Appliances for the kitchen
• Ornaments
• Pictures
• Tables and chairs
• Furniture

Three Things to Consider When Choosing Fixtures and Fittings

1. Understand and adhere to your home’s style/theme:

For example, if you’re going with a specific home style, make sure that your tapware, cabinetry, flooring, colors, and lighting all match.

Although you may adore matte black tapware, it is inappropriate for a Hamptons-style home.

If your project requires a specific house style, a specialist will gladly assist you in making your decision.

2. Your financial situation will be critical:

Fixtures and fittings prices vary greatly and can easily shoot out your home renovation budget if not handled correctly. There are wise options you can make without sacrificing the overall look you’re going for.

The total cost of a house renovation or extension can vary greatly, so you must be cautious at every stage. Pay attention to and follow your contractor’s advice on everything from fixtures and fittings to other building materials. This is why having a good relationship with your builder is critical to the success of your project.

3. Complementary, Cohesive, and Contrasting: 

There should be some kind of link between each room in a house, whether it’s a color or a material, and everything should work together to create a harmonious feel.

Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, a kitchen, or any other space, you can experiment with contrasting styles and items to add interest and make your space memorable!

Keep it simple, classy, and fashionable.

To summarize, there is some planning to be done before contacting builders for quotes on new construction or renovation. Selecting fixtures and fittings with the help of an interior designer can save you money in the long run because they will guide you to the best option for your home and budget.