Recent bathroom fixtures are equipped with more water-saving and ergonomic features.

China suppliers of bathroom fixtures continue to move toward high-value manufacturing. Rising external demand and production outlay are encouraging more companies to fortify their positions in the midrange and upscale segments, which have better margins.

	This toilet paper holder from Atget comes in polished or satin finish.

In R&D, this strategy has led to the advancement of environment-friendly designs. Greater user safety and convenience are also highlights of recent releases.

Showerhead manufacturers, for example, are increasing the number of aerated models in their selections. Such products provide water savings of at least 10 percent by adding air to the spray and increasing its velocity by 20 to 30 percent.

In the high end, suppliers are introducing more designs fitted with LED lights that turn green, blue or red, depending on the water temperature. Some of these have controllers that can be programmed to remember preferred heat and cold water levels, and a few have MP3 playback functions.

Hongkong Double Win Electronic Technology Co. Ltd is among the enterprises offering LED showerheads. Its selection includes the DW-MMP01A model, which has a built-in MP3 player and an amplifier.

The unit’s lights turn green when water temperature is 32 C or lower, blue when it is between 33 and 41 C, and red for higher levels.

In simpler bathroom fittings such as towel holders and grab bars, the trend for greater safety and convenience is reflected in the increasing number of fold-up or down constructions. Anti-slip designs are also on the rise.

Product gallery

Products & prices

China exports a range of bathroom fixtures for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Among the popular lines are showerheads, hoses, grab bars, and towel, toilet paper and soap holders.

Showerheads, hoses & panels: The showerhead selection comprises overhead and handheld types. Most come in ABS, but models in other materials are also available.

For handheld designs, domestic ABS is the material most often used. The use of imported grades is limited to upscale versions since the materials are 20 to 30 percent costlier than local types.

Models are offered starting at $1. Those not exceeding $4 are typically chrome-plated, while higher-priced versions can come with a nickel finish. Units with LED lights to indicate temperature levels go for at least $5.

Hoses may be bundled with each showerhead. These come in plastic such as PVC and EDPM, but some can have a metal exterior. Designs are usually 1.5 to 1.8m long.

Prices range from $0.30 to $30 per piece, depending mainly on the materials adopted. Metal types are 10 to 20percent more expensive than those made of plastic.

Shower panels often come with at least one showerhead and a 1.5m hose. Sets between $50 and $80 are mostly aluminum types with three spray jets. Upward to $200, models are made of 304 stainless steel and fitted with four to six jets.

Grab bars, towel & toilet paper holders: These bathroom fixtures are primarily in metal.

For grab bars, the 200 and 300 stainless steel grades dominate. Chrome electroplating is the typical finish.

Models between $5 and $12 come in the 201 or 202 types with a tube diameter of 25 to 32mm. Larger designs made of the 304 or 306 variety are $12.50 or higher.

In towel and toilet paper holders, the selection includes aluminum, zinc, stainless steel and copper designs. Quotes start at $2 and may exceed $10.

Soap holders & dispensers: Soap holders are commonly meant for household use, while dispensers target commercial areas such as hotels, office buildings, plazas and shopping malls.

In the former, models constructed from plastic such as ABS and PP are priced at least $0.30, while those in aluminum, steel or copper start at $2. Soap dispensers usually exceed $15.

Product gallery Atget Decoration & Hardware Co. Ltd Model: AD01-460 MOQ: 500 pieces Delivery: 15 days Description: Soap dispenser; stainless steel; polished or satin finish; 800 or 1,200mL capacity; 130x105x203mm Guangzhou Pinya Industries Co. Ltd Model: V8483 MOQ: 50 pieces Delivery: 7 days Description: Recessed paper towel dispenser; 304 stainless steel; satin finish; with waste receptacle; 350x750x150mm Hongkong Double Win Electronic Technology Co. Ltd Model: GR-S012A MOQ: 120 units Delivery: 3 to 15 days Description: Showerhead; ABS body; green, blue and red LED temperature indicators; two spray modes; 295x130x66mm Logoo Sanitary Wares (Fujian) Co. Ltd Model: LG031307 MOQ: 200 pieces Delivery: 30 days Description: Tumbler holder; solid brass Logoo Sanitary Wares (Fujian) Co. Ltd Model: LG031312 MOQ: 200 pieces Delivery: 30 days Description: Toilet paper holder; solid brass; with cover Xiamen Clease Industries Co. Ltd Model: N94030 MOQ: 300 pieces Delivery: 30 days Description: Toilet paper holder; brass Xiamen Dusun-Veel Co. Ltd Model: HS24201 MOQ: 1,000 pieces Delivery: 15 days Description: Handheld showerhead; ABS body; chrome-plated finish; four spray modes; 4in or 100mm face diameter Xiamen Dusun-Veel Co. Ltd Model: SH20201 MOQ: 500 pieces Delivery: 15 days Description: Showerhead; ABS body; 12x12in or 300x300mm face; 11mm thickness Note: This article "Upmarket movement remains strong in bathroom fixtures line" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research. All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates' respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.