Transform your bathroom with space-saving accessories that add comfort and luxury
You might have spent a lot of time picking out fixtures and tile, but no bathroom is complete without some well-curated accessories. The best bathroom accessories can elevate your space, transforming a nice remodel into a relaxing oasis. These accessories are the perfect marriage of luxury, utility, and aesthetic.
Grab bars are primarily used as safety features to prevent slips and falls. Everyone can benefit from a grab bar, especially because most people prefer showers.
While grab bars are particularly helpful for avoiding accidents, they have so much more to offer. Multi-function grab bars can double as towel racks, shelving, and storage. If placed near a toilet, some can even serve as a toilet paper holder and shower hook.
Forget the shower benches of yesteryear. Many homeowners opt for shower benches because they add a luxury aesthetic to the bathroom (e.g., the teak benches you sit on at the spa). They also provide a place to sit while you’re shaving your legs and give your shower a custom feel. There are three types:
Built-in benches
Folding seats
Removable benches and chairs
Built-in benches tend to be the sturdiest and typically run between $275 and $425, but costs can increase depending on the size and material. The most affordable option is a removable bench or chair. You can pick one up at most home or hardware stores, and most cost between $100 and $300, but you can find some for even less.
Alternatively, those with a small shower may opt for a folding seat to save space. Folding shower seats are more expensive than the other options (typically running upwards of $500 plus the cost of installation) and are prone to breaking and malfunctioning.
A shower niche or corner shelf serves a couple of purposes. First, you get some extra storage. Second, a niche can add style, especially with decorative tile. Third, a foot niche can make shaving your legs easier.
When it comes to a shower niche, you can have one built in, which typically costs $250 or more, or you can purchase removable shelving. If you’re not looking to do a shower remodel, opt for a free-standing unit or one that works with suction cups. Make sure it matches your fixtures for a streamlined look.
If you want to protect your shower curtain and prevent water from splashing around your bathroom, shower curtain liners are a must—but one with pockets takes it to a whole new level. This sneaky storage, which you can use to hold loofahs and other shower accessories, is subtly hidden behind your shower curtain. A shower curtain liner with pockets is particularly helpful for a smaller bathroom with fewer storage options and works to maximize the space in your bathroom.
Soap dishes and dispensers are functional, but they also serve as a decorative accent. A glass soap dispenser is a great way to reduce bathroom waste and can create an air of opulence when placed next to a sink. On the other hand, a colorful soap dish can tie together your bathroom’s accent colors.
If you want a soap dish built into your shower, you should look to spend around $100 to $150. Built-in dispensers, which are increasingly trendy, may be more trouble than they’re worth. In addition to higher costs, built-in dispensers are hard to remove and prone to malfunction. You’re probably better off building in storage space unless you’re looking for an eco-conscious option and really like how they look.
Love singing along to your favorite hits in the shower? It’s possible to build audio and digital features into your bathroom remodel, but these can come with additional costs and potential maintenance issues if the technology breaks or becomes outdated. Instead, opt for a good set of wireless, waterproof speakers with Bluetooth capabilities.
Music lovers have long championed Bluetooth speakers for their sheer portability, and some are made specifically for the bathroom. These typically have suction cups to help them stick to tile, but others are built into multi-function accessories.
A large, fluffy bath towel is the pinnacle of bathtime luxury, but the standard bath towel dimensions are typically only around 27 inches by 52 inches. That’s great for wrapping around your hair, but if you want a truly luxurious experience, opt for a bath sheet. Bath sheets span dimensions as large as 40 inches by 70 inches—and they’re extra-absorbent.
Towel racks and stands tend to take up a lot of space, which isn’t ideal in a small bathroom. This is where bathroom hooks can help. Bathroom hooks work to give you usable storage space on a wall, the back of your bathroom door, or even in your shower. Typically, they’re hung alone or in pairs. Use them to hang a bathrobe, clothes, a towel, a laundry basket, and more.
Bath mats are another bathroom accessory that does double-duty. Not only does it prevent you from slipping on wet tile, but it can also become a decorative focal point of your bathroom. The right bath mat will tie together the different colors and textures in your space. You can opt for muted tones or a whimsical design—the sky’s the limit.
Most bathmats and bathroom rugs are made of hardy materials like cotton, bamboo, or synthetic fibers. Nylon and microfiber tend to repel mildew while still being absorbent. It’s important to choose a mat with rubber backing to prevent slipping and sliding.
At one point or another, most busy families have fallen into the trap of laying their toothbrushes all around the sink or using a plastic cup to keep things in order. A toothbrush holder instantly tidies—and elevates—-the space. Plus, it’s more sanitary, keeping your toothbrush in a position where it can easily dry and won’t be accidentally knocked onto the floor (or worse, into your toilet).
Swapping out your showerhead is a small change that can make a big difference. Banish bad water pressure and opt for a luxury showerhead with multiple spray options. There are even showerheads that come with LED lights to help you create the ultimate bathtime mood.
Showerheads don’t have to be expensive, either. You can nab a new fixed showerhead for as little as $30. You may even be able to install it on your own without the help of a plumber—it just depends on how big of a change you want to make.
