Choosing the right bathroom accessories

A bathroom is not complete without bathroom accessories. Aside from the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in a home. It's where you bathe, shower, shave, apply makeup, relax, and relieve yourself. It’s also where you can showcase your style. A successful bathroom design blends practicality and style, allowing you to do each activity with ease while contributing to the overall look of the space.

When designing a bathroom, the question of what bathroom accessories to choose will surely come up. With so many options available, finding the perfect accessories for your bathroom can be challenging. But not to worry. We've created this guide to help you choose the right bathroom accessories for your home.

What types of bathroom accessories are there to choose from?

There are a few different types of bathroom accessories that every buyer should know. Your search for the right bathroom accessories starts with understanding the different options available on the market. Below, we look at the main types of bathroom accessories.

Toothbrush and soap holders

Handy and functional bathroom accessories, toothbrush holders, and soap holders help keep your bathroom clean and clutter-free. They are both cheap and easy to install. They are also available in a wide range of finishes and designs, so you're sure to find options that suit your bathroom design.

Shower accessories

With the increasing need to separate shower spaces, there's been a huge selection of shower accessories to cater to these. Shelves and shower baskets will save space and keep your shower products organised. You may want to choose fitted units because suction cups tend to come loose when used in the bathroom. To prevent water from splashing onto your bathroom floor and some privacy, you can add shower curtains to your list of shower accessories. Depending on your preference, you can choose curtains with rings or hooks. Lastly, don't forget those handy shower mats. They will not only absorb splashes of water and provide a place to step onto after washing but also reduce the risk of slipping.

Toilet accessories

When it comes to toilet accessories, they can either be fixed or free-standing. Most toilet roll holders are fixed on the wall, although you may find free-standing options. They may also come with a lid, which can be quite handy, especially when your toilet is close to the shower. Toilet paper holders come in different materials, with the most common options being wood, stainless steel, and aluminium. The toilet brush and holder are other necessities that every bathroom should have. You'll find them on both fitted and free-standing options, but you may want to get a fitted ones for convenience and durability.

Bath accessories

If you have a bathtub, you'll be pleased to know that there is a wide range of accessories to choose from. To keep all your bath products close to you, bath caddies are particularly handy. These accessories provide sufficient storage space for your bathroom essentials. They can also hold things like books, glasses, and candles. Some can be used to hold towels when you're not using the tub. Bath mats are also must-have accessories. They prevent slipping and add a luxury touch to your space. Bath mats come in different colours and sizes to suit your needs. You can place them in front of your bathtub or outside your shower.

Bathroom mirror

A bathroom mirror is one of the most important bathroom accessories. We use it for shaving, applying makeup, and checking our appearance. Mirrors are practical and can be used as statement pieces in a bathroom. They also help to increase light in a bathroom, which will, in turn, give the illusion of more space. Bathroom mirrors come in different shapes, sizes, styles, and designs. They can be rectangular, square, round, or oval. You will find them in framed and frameless options.

What is the best material for bathroom accessories?

Bathroom accessories come in different materials to suit your needs. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately the goal is to choose a material that is practical, durable, and easy to maintain. Below, we discuss the materials you can choose for your bathroom accessories.

Stainless steel

This material needs no introduction, as it is common in most household items. The popularity of stainless steel comes down to its resistance to rust. This trait also makes it a great choice for bathroom accessories. Stainless steel can be used with other materials and finishes to create a design that works with most bathrooms. In addition, bathroom accessories made from aluminium are easy to clean and come in a wide range of designs.

Brass

Probably the most popular material for bathroom accessories, brass is versatile, strong, and lasts through heavy use. They are long-lasting and can withstand high wear and tear. In addition, brass is resistant to rust because it contains very small quantities of iron. This makes the material an excellent choice for bathroom accessories, where it comes in contact with water daily.

Aluminium

Aluminium is a great alternative to stainless steel as they are both resistant to rust. Bathroom accessories made from this material are a good option for people living in areas with high airborne salinity, such as coastal regions. Since aluminium is lightweight, it's mainly used to build shelves, towel racks, faucets, and trays. One thing to note about aluminium is that it may not rust but tends to corrode with time. However, you can prevent this by ensuring it's well-maintained.

Plastic

Plastic bathroom accessories are the cheapest. They come in a wide range of shapes and designs. While many homeowners overlook plastic because it looks cheap and can negatively affect the look of the design, it's still a great material to choose, especially when you're on a tight budget. It's also an excellent material for designing homes for rent. They can be used in kids' bathrooms as they are easy to replace.

Chrome

Chrome is a popular metal finish for bathroom accessories. From showerheads to toothbrush holders, chrome is common in many bathrooms worldwide. Bathroom accessories with a chrome finish will give your bathroom a refreshed look. Its shiny, reflective surface will brighten up your space. It is also easy to maintain – you only need a damp piece of cloth to wipe down water spots.

Teak

Teak is a species of wood used to make indoor and outdoor furniture. However, it's also an excellent material for bathroom accessories due to its resistance to mould and bacteria. Its high oil content makes it impervious to water and mould. However, proper care is needed to keep the wood in good condition for many years.

Styling tips for bathroom accessories

The bathroom is often an afterthought when it comes to styling, yet it's the first room we go to in the morning and the last we're in before retiring to bed. Here are a few tips for decorating your bathroom.

• If your bathroom is painted white or cream, don’t add accessories in other colours. However, a cream toothbrush holder or a ceramic soap dish would work.

• For a white bathroom, you can introduce a pinch of red. For example, you can choose a red bath mat, red toothbrush holder, and red toilet paper holder to match.

• Turquoise and gold work well together. Bathrooms with items in these colours look great with matching sets in turquoise. You can also add towel hooks in gold.

• Golden metallic would also make a great choice for a cream bathroom. For example, you can choose a mirror with a gold frame and add two golden wall lights on the sides.

• If you have a pink-inspired bathroom, you can choose accessories in white. You can also combine two bright colours or go bold with pink, white, and black.

Care advice for your bathroom accessories

Knowing how to take care of your bathroom accessories is crucial in keeping them in good condition. Many bathroom cleaning products can be used to keep your bathroom accessories gleaming. Here are a few care tips for your bathroom accessories.

• Toothbrush holder

The toothbrush holder is perhaps the most important bathroom access to clean. Germs and bacteria can easily transfer from the toothbrush holder to your brush and eventually to your body through your mouth. You can clean glass, plastic, or metal holders in the dishwasher weekly.

• Soap dish

You can prevent the buildup of soap scum in a soap holder by choosing models with slits to allow water to run off onto the floor. This prevents water from accumulating under the soap dish. However, if soap scum builds up on your soap holder, soak it in a mixture of baking soda and apple cider vinegar. Repeat this once a week.

• Toilet brush holder

It’s important to clean your toilet brush holder at least once a week. Soak a brush holder in boiling water containing vinegar or bleach for at least one hour. Then use a sponge soaked in a dishwashing detergent to scrub the holder. Place the holder on an old towel to dry, or leave it outside to dry in the open air.

• Shower curtain

You can clean your shower curtain with other household items. If your show curtain is machine washable, you can wash it with towels and other items in a gentle setting. If possible, air dry the shower curtain. Clean it regularly to keep it mould-free.

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