In a competitive market, differentiation is everything. While bathrooms have long been recognised as critical selling points, the finer details – particularly electrical accessories – are often overlooked. Yet these elements offer a chance to enhance buyer appeal and support premium pricing. Knightsbridge offers a few pointers.
Traditionally, bathroom lighting has received the lion’s share of design attention. Recessed spotlights, wall lights, illuminated mirrors and mood lighting are now standard fare, supported by a well-developed market of IP-rated luminaires that meet 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and Part P of Building Regulations.
By contrast, accessories such as switches, shaver sockets, extractor fans and integrated mirrors have historically been treated as functional afterthoughts – often supplied as basic white plastic boxes that meet minimum technical requirements but fall short on visual appeal.
That’s changing. Just as living rooms and kitchens have embraced decorative finishes and smart technologies, bathrooms are now catching up. Homeowners increasingly expect their bathrooms to reflect the same design sophistication as the rest of the home. This shift is driving manufacturers to extend premium ranges – featuring screwless plates, metal finishes, USB charging and smart controls – into the bathroom space.
For developers, this evolution presents an opportunity. A bathroom fitted with thoughtful, design-led accessories creates a perception of quality that directly supports property value.
Matching the bathroom’s aesthetic to the rest of the house can be a key differentiator in a crowded market.
Modern homeowners demand convenience and connectivity. Integrating smart controls, dimmable LED drivers, occupancy sensors and USB chargers into bathroom accessories delivers future-proofed spaces that resonate with tech-savvy buyers. For example, USB outlets can now be embedded into illuminated mirrors or shaver lights – ideal for charging grooming devices and smartphones.
These enhancements not only elevate buyer perception of value but also reduce the need for aftermarket upgrades. As pedigreed specifications, they help shorten snagging lists and minimise onsite variations, improving build efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Compliance
Technical compliance remains nonnegotiable. Bathrooms must be wired in accordance with the 18th Edition, with particular attention to zoning requirements. Understanding bathroom zones is essential to ensure safety and avoid costly rework: Specifying accessories with the correct IP rating and RCD protection from the outset reduces site delays and simplifies sign-offs at inspection. SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) products remain the only acceptable solution in Zone 1, while Zones 2 and 3 allow for greater flexibility with IP-rated devices.
Sustainability and efficiency
Energy efficiency is another rising priority. LED technology, smart sensors and lowenergy EC motors in extractor fans contribute to reduced household energy consumption and help developers meet Part L of the Building Regulations. Moving away from short-life plastic fittings towards durable, efficient products aligns with both regulatory drivers and customer expectations.
Design led
Manufacturers are responding with a wide array of design-led products. Knightsbridge, for instance, offers over 30 shaver socket models across screwless, flat plate and square edge designs in finishes ranging from brushed steel and polished brass to on-trend matt black. This breadth of choice allows developers to differentiate between entry-level and premium plots while maintaining design consistency throughout the home. Innovative products such as curved shaver lights, discreetly incorporate dual USB chargers alongside traditional dual-voltage sockets – catering to both legacy grooming appliances and modern devices. For younger buyers, the ability to charge devices in every room, including the bathroom, is an expectation rather than a luxury. Extractor fans are also evolving. Once purely functional, modern fans now feature LED backlighting, aesthetic finishes, and humidity-sensing functions.
Available in white, stainless steel, black and grey, these fans meet airflow performance standards while contributing positively to the overall design scheme. These added-value items present significant commercial opportunities. While basic white accessories offer limited margin, premium versions – especially those integrated into coordinated ranges – provide attractive upsell potential.
Developers specifying USB-equipped lighting or decorative extractor fans are not just meeting functional needs but also, to an extent, fulfilling lifestyle goals. The bathroom is no longer a utilitarian afterthought – it’s a lifestyle space. Upgrading electrical accessories is a move that enhances buyer appeal, supports premium pricing, and streamlines the build process. By carefully specifying finishes, integrating smart functionality, and ensuring regulatory compliance, developers can deliver bathrooms that meet the expectations of today’s discerning homeowners. As the sector continues to focus on differentiation, customer satisfaction and compliance, bathroom electrical accessories are set to play an increasingly important role.
To discover the full Knightsbridge bathroom offering, be sure to download its latest e-brochure: The Complete Bathroom & Kitchen Guide here.
