Bathroom hardware includes an extensive range of bathware products and
accessories that are used to organize, decorate as well as to beautify the
bathroom. Available in a number of designs, styles and finishes bathroom
hardware offers great value to the bathrooms representing the unity of
beauty and art.
Smart selection in bath hardware can be an all important design decision in
creating a ideal new bathroom. From Bathroom Shower and Sanitary Fittings to
Towel racks and Grab Bars, the wide line of bathroom hardware products come
in a variety of designs, style and material choices to compliment any decor.
With the heavy use, which comes with household bathrooms, the bath hardware
products are designed to withstand typical wear and tear.
Some of the important categories of bathroom hardware products include -
Materials & Finishes
Chrome, brass and steel are some of the most popular materials used to
manufacture stylish and luxurious bath accessories. They come in a variety
of possible colors and finishes to satisfy individual tastes and
preferences.
While stainless steel, oil rubbed bronze and satin nickel finishes are most
popular, demand is growing for other finishes as well. A move towards
darker, warmer finishes has been witnessed over the recent years along with
growing demand for gold finishes. Some other finishes that manufacturers use
for bath hardware products include - brushed satin nickel, polished chrome,
darker browns with copper patina, bronze and antique Englishes finishes,
etc.
Trends in Bathroom Hardware Industry
Bathroom hardware has come a long way from its use as merely a basic
functional hardware to a decorative accessory with ability to give bathrooms
a stylish update, tie a design together, or help furnish the perfect
finishing. However, industry experts give significant importance to
functionality as well, as it makes the bath space work more efficiently.
Some of the factors that are influencing the current trends in bathroom
hardware industry are - ergonomic issues, open floor plans, streamlined
design trends, new technology and demands of consumer for ease of use.
Though the trend in decorative bath hardware is towards a cleaner, simpler
look, its use to inculcate the personal style of individuals into their
baths is also on the rise. More and more people are using decorative bath
hardware as a way to add some personality to their bathrooms and a variety
of new designs and finishes available in the market exactly do that.
While many manufacturers are witnessing increasing demand towards
simplicity in decorative hardware; ornate, lush look are still in trend.
With the degree of eco-protection awareness increasing among the people,
manufacturers are actually making commendable attempts to design products,
including flooring, and surfacing, with sustainable or recycled materials
such as bamboo and cork. The green theme carried over into the toilets
designed to reduce wastage of water, using "low-flow", which
adopts some kind of mechanism to contain the opening duration of the
flapper.
Developments in technology have considerable impact on many aspects of
design in the bath, and hardware is no exception. In recent times,
soft/silent closing has been a highly boasted innovation - so much so that
manufacturers say it is now looked at as standard, even at low price points.
Growth Drivers - Bathroom Hardware Industry
Some of the key growth drivers of bathroom hardware industry are -
- Rising Income of the people and businesses
- Increasing urbanization, which is resulting in growing demand for
bathroom hardware
- Rising investment in the construction sector both by domestic players
as well as MNCs.
- Growing awareness among the people regarding the decorative aspects
of bathroom hardware
- Advertisement especially is a key factor in creating product
awareness and hence the demand.
Industry Overview
Bathroom hardware industry comprises establishments that are primarily
engaged in the manufacturing, supply and trade of bathroom and sanitary
hardware, fittings and accessories. A fast growing sector, bathroom industry
has a market size of over US$ 15 billion in 2006 and this is expected to
grow in coming years.
With every passing year, companies are coming up with innovative products
or old products with new designs and features. With the increasing world
population, the demand for more houses and hence bathroom hardware products
is also growing. Government as well as private sector is making huge
investments in the bath hardware sector. Rapid urbanization and growth of
number of residential facilities are also deriving the demand for bath
hardware products. Rising personal incomes and increasing purchasing power
parity are also contributing to the growth of this industry.
Third world countries, especially India and China are fast emerging as
major markets for bathroom hardware and fittings.
The size of global bathroom hardware market was over US$10 billion in 2002
that crossed US$ 15 billion in 2006. In sales terms The growth rate was over
2%. By volume the market has grown at around 4%.
The above pie-charts are clearly stating that the market is growing at a
steady rate. Bathroom fittings followed by bath and basins forms the largest
market share.
Major Markets
Major markets for bathroom hardware products include -
- USA
- France
- UK
- Germany
- China
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