If you're on the lookout for a new bathroom, you'll be wondering two things. One: what should I buy? And two: how can I keep it looking good once I've bought it?

Whether your bathroom is large or small, if you favour ample storage space and a coordinated look, bathroom furniture could be the solution for you. With petite and luxuriously sized models available to fit any bathroom from the smallest to the largest, it is a sensible solution which provides you with both storage space and an elegant finish to your bathroom.

When applied to bathroom furniture, 'handed' is a term that's there to help you distinguish between one product and its mirror opposite. You may have noticed this description on, for example, an offset quadrant shower enclosure. The same model will be made in two versions: left and right handed. The left handed version has its door(s) on the left; the right handed version has its door(s) o the right. Other than that, they are identical.

When you're choosing your furniture, then, keep an eye out for references to left and right handed. They are there to allow you greater flexibility when you're choosing a product: you can pick a left or right handed design to fit best into the space you have available.

In terms of aftercare, handed items should be treated the same as any other type of bathroom furniture. It should be looked after well to ensure that it lasts and retains its looks. Ensure your bathroom is well ventilated to prevent the build up of damp and mould: this will help the longevity of your bathroom furniture, as well as making your bathroom into a more pleasant place to be.

All bathroom furniture should be cleaned regularly. Not only will this keep the surface looking clear and well cared for, it will prevent any build up of dust and dirt from becoming engrained and scratching the surface of your furniture. If your furniture is constructed from solid wood or covered in a wooden veneer, it will also need polishing periodically. Check what your furniture is coated with: this will be important in selecting the right polish to use. A good polish every three months should be sufficient: if you polish too frequently, or with a type of polish that's wrong for the coating on your wood, you'll begin to get a filmy build up that will detract from the appearance of your furniture.

In addition to maintaining the surfaces of your bathroom furniture, you should ensure that hinges and drawer runners are kept well lubricated. Clean and lubricate hinges periodically. If squeaking occurs and persists, the alignment of your hinges may be at fault: correctly aligned, well-lubricated hinges will not squeak. Keep drawer runners clean so that they run smoothly; wax hardwood runners periodically to maintain the wood.

If you look after it properly, your bathroom furniture will serve you well for years to come.

Helen Davies is a senior content writer for Better Bathrooms, suppliers of a wide selection of bathroom furniture, including handed bathroom furniture.

Related articles

• Aftercare and Maintenance of Your Freestanding Bathroom Furniture
• Aftercare and Maintenance of Fitted Bathroom Furniture
• Left and Right Handed Bathroom Furniture
• Tips for the Correct Installation of Fitted Bathroom Furniture
• Introducing More Storage to Your Bathroom With Bathroom Furniture