What should you know about fixtures and fittings?

Realistic bathroom interior design with lighting, brown furniture, dark washbasin and tub, glossy floor

Whether you are looking to sell or renovate your home, it’s important to understand what fixtures and fittings are. An effective way to determine if an object is a fixture or a fitting is by considering what would happen if your house were turned upside down. If the object would be fixed in place, then it is a fixture, if it would fall out of place then it is a fitting.

What are Fittings?

Fittings are the freestanding or semi-attachable items, anything that can be easily removed from your home. When you move or sell your home, fittings are not typically included unless you come to an agreement with your buyer.

Examples of fittings include:

  • Beds
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • Blinds
  • Mirrors
  • Fridge/ Freezer
  • Kitchen appliances
  • Washing machines
  • Desks
  • Decor such as paintings

What are fixtures?

Fixtures are defined as the permanently attached or fixed objects that cannot be easily removed or are integral to your home such as carpets, curtains, or light fixtures. These items will typically be included when you sell or lease your home, unlike fittings.

wooden wall cabinets in laundry

Examples of fixtures include:

  • Built in wardrobes
  • Electric sockets
  • Plumbing
  • Light fittings
  • Baths
  • Cupboards
  • Fireplaces
  • Internal doors
  • Air Conditioning units
  • Central heating systems
  • Vanity units
  • Integrated appliances
  • Kitchen units

Are curtain rails a fixture?

If you are going through the sales process, you might come across the dreaded question of whether curtain rails are a fitting or a fixture. To decide this, you need to look at the fixtures and fittings definition. By most standards, a curtain rail will be fixed into place with screws or a wall mount, thereby making the curtain rail a fixture not a fitting.

It is generally assumed that a curtain rail is a fixture, but it is always useful to identify on your fittings and contents form supplied by your estate agent what is or isn't a fixture when you are listing your home.

Finding the right bathroom fixtures and fittings

Are you wondering what are fixtures and fittings in a house or how to style your room? Finding the right fixtures and fittings can be hard, especially if you need to consider the needs of any future buyers.

Black tower table in a white marble bathroom

Your bathroom fixtures and fittings will help set the theme for your room and can add or retract value to your home. Your bathroom fittings will include any decor, paintings, hanging mirrors or free-standing towel stands. Your bathroom fixtures will include your vanity unit, shower, toilet, sink, bathtub, or wall mounted mirror cabinet. To find the right blend of fittings and fixtures for your bathroom, some key things to consider include:

  • Your colour palette
  • Quality of furnishings
  • Size of furniture
  • And a cohesive style

It’s also important to ensure that your bathroom fittings and fixtures match your tile or wall colours. Read more about how to find the best tile combination for your bathroom.

Bathroom vanity fixtures

What are fixtures and fittings for your bathroom? A bathroom vanity unit is one of the most common bathroom fixtures. Consider the size of your bathroom and the style that you have in mind. For smaller rooms, a wall hung vanity unit is always a terrific way to maximise floor space, while for larger rooms, a floor mount vanity can be an impressive feature.

Bathroom mirror cabinet fixtures

While most mirrors are included as a fitting, a wall mounted mirror cabinet is a fixture. Mirror cabinets are a fantastic way to improve your bathroom by adding the practicality of storage. With a wide range of styles and colours available, it is easy to add a new mirror cabinet to suit your bathroom.

Start designing today

For homeowners listing their home on the market, or first-time buyers, it’s always beneficial to be aware of the ins and outs of property terms. An important note to remember is the difference between fittings and fixtures:

  • Fittings: Easily removable items in your home.
  • Fixtures: Permanently attached to your home.

You can start designing your ideal bathroom fixtures with our Smart Designer. Start designing your bathroom today.