Bathroom accessories are essential elements that can greatly influence the ambiance, style and overall aesthetic of your bathroom. By choosing the right accessories, you can transform your bathroom into a cosy, chic, glamorous, minimalist or any other look you desire.
These accessories come in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic and stainless steel, and serve different purposes. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect bathroom accessories, from budget-friendly options to the most stylish, to enhance the functionality and visual appeal of your bathroom.
More to learn: How to Buy Bathroom Accessories: A Complete Guide
What Should I Do Before Choosing My Bathroom Accessories?
Create a bathroom budget
Setting a budget for your bathroom accessories is a crucial step in making informed choices for your home. By determining your budget in advance, you can create a bathroom that not only meets your functional needs but also reflects your style preferences and is something you will be proud to show off to guests.
While it’s important to stay within your budget, try to avoid compromising on quality and aesthetics for the sake of cost. Your bathroom accessories are elements that you’ll use and see every day, and you want to ensure that they enhance your bathroom experience rather than serve as a constant reminder of concessions.
Make a list of what you need
Each customer’s bathroom space and needs are unique, so not everyone prefers to buy a complete bathroom set. The choice between a set or individual bathroom accessories depends on the layout of your bathroom and your specific requirements. Since bathrooms vary in size and design, you are the best judge of whether a complete ensemble or individual accessories are the right choice for your space. Consider the size and style of your bathroom and the functions you want the accessories to perform.
Think about interior design
Maintaining a cohesive interior design throughout your home is important, including when choosing bathroom accessory sets. To ensure that your bathroom accessories match or complement the existing interior design, it’s often a good idea to choose neutral colours or tones.
A white bathroom accessory scheme is a classic and versatile choice that can blend seamlessly with a variety of design styles. If white isn’t your colour of choice, choose a bathroom accessory set with colours or patterns that harmonise with your existing décor to create a well-coordinated and visually appealing bathroom.
Should I Choose Fitted or Freestanding Bathroom Accessories?
Fitted bathroom accessories:
- Fitted accessories, such as soap dispensers and toothbrush holders, require installation, which often involves drilling holes in the tiles.
- They are considered more convenient and tend to be more durable as they are subject to less wear and tear.
- Built-in accessories can support heavier items.
- Note that some accessories come with suction cups, which offer a less permanent installation option.
Freestanding bathroom accessories:
- Freestanding accessories can be placed on any available surface in your bathroom, offering flexibility in placement.
- You can easily move and rearrange them until you find the perfect spot.
- However, freestanding accessories may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance due to their exposed location.
The choice between built-in and free-standing bathroom accessories depends largely on your preferences, the space available, and the level of convenience and durability you want for your bathroom. Consider these factors when deciding which type of accessory best suits your needs and complements your bathroom design.
A General Overview of Popular Bathroom Accessories
Soap and toothbrush holder sets
Many consumers prefer to purchase accessory sets designed to keep soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste organized and easily accessible. These sets are available in a wide range of styles and colors. Choosing the ideal set for your needs depends on identifying materials that either match or enhance the aesthetics of the bathroom in which these holders will be placed.
Shower accessories
Shower curtains are usually made from polyester and you may need to purchase a rod separately. Depending on your personal preference, you can then choose a curtain with hooks, rings or one that is lined for a cleaner look. If you choose a fabric shower curtain, make sure it is waterproof.
Shelves and shower baskets can be effective space savers and help organize your shower essentials. It is advisable to opt for built-in options, as suction cups can lose their grip when exposed to water.
Bath and shower mats are typically made from PVC or rubber and have suction cups on the underside to ensure they stick to the tiles. They help reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Towel rails and hooks
These compact accessories are extremely practical for hanging up towels or, if they have a shelf, for storing them. It’s important to place them in a convenient location, ideally near the shower exit. You can choose between freestanding and wall-mounted options to suit your preference.
Toilet accessories
Toilet accessories come in both freestanding and wall-mounted versions, and the most common include:
- Toilet paper holders: These are usually wall-mounted, although there are ingenious freestanding models for those who don’t like to drill. Some can be fitted with a lid, which is handy if your shower is close by. Materials are plentiful, with stainless steel, aluminum, and wood being the most common and stylish choices.
- Bathroom waste bin: These bins come in a variety of materials and sizes, but the key feature is that they should have an easy-to-operate pedal for hygienic use.
- Toilet brush and holder: A bathroom essential, toilet brushes and their holders can be either freestanding or built-in. However, opting for a built-in one is highly recommended for its convenience and durability.
Choosing Materials and Finishes
The choice of materials and finishes for bathroom accessories is important for the appearance, durability, and maintenance of your bathroom. In this section, we’ll look at how to choose the right materials and finishes to ensure your bathroom accessories harmonies with your overall bathroom décor.
Choosing the right materials
Choosing the right materials is a key factor in ensuring the durability and appearance of your bathroom accessories. Here are some common material choices:
- Metal accessories (chrome, stainless steel, copper): Metal bathroom accessories often offer durability and a modern look, especially stainless steel and chrome. They are rust-resistant, easy to clean and work with a variety of bathroom styles.
- Wood and bamboo accessories: Wooden bathroom accessories are often suitable for rustic, vintage or nature-themed bathrooms. They add a sense of warmth and natural elements but require extra care to prevent moisture and damage.
- Glass and acrylic taps: Glass and acrylic fittings are often used in modern, minimalist and transparent bathroom styles. They offer a clear, transparent look but may require more frequent cleaning to keep them stain free.
- Plastic and resin options: Plastic and resin bathroom accessories are often affordable options for temporary or budget-conscious bathroom decor. However, they may not be as strong as metal or other materials.
Consider the finish
In addition to materials, surface treatments and finishes have a profound effect on the look of bathroom accessories. Here are some common finishes:
- Shiny finish: A glossy finish is often the hallmark of metal bathroom accessories, such as chrome and stainless steel. They provide a mirror-like shine and are suitable for both modern and traditional bathrooms.
- Matt or satin finish: Common on metal and glass accessories, these finishes provide a softer shine that helps reduce reflections and are suitable for bathrooms with lower lighting.
- Paint or color: Bathroom accessories are often available in a range of colors and finishes. You can choose a color to match your bathroom decor or an interesting coating for an added decorative effect.
- Natural textures from natural materials: When it comes to wood, bamboo and stone bathroom accessories, natural textures are important as they add to the feel of natural elements.
How Do I Match Bathroom Accessories to a Colour Scheme?
Matching bathroom accessories to a colour scheme is a great way to enhance the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Here are some tips and ideas for matching bathroom accessories to specific colour schemes:
Cream and white bathroom
- Stick to a cream and white colour palette.
- Choose cream ceramic soap and toothbrush holders to maintain the colour scheme and create a cohesive look.
All-white bathroom with a pop of red
- Introduce a touch of red to add contrast and visual interest.
- Choose a red shower mat, red stainless steel toilet roll holder and red waste bin for a vibrant and contemporary look.
Turquoise and gold combination
- Complement existing turquoise or gold elements in your bathroom.
- Use matching sets in turquoise for a harmonious look, or choose gold towel hooks and rails for an elegant touch.
Cream bathroom with golden metallics
- Combine cream with luxurious gold accents.
- Consider a gold-framed mirror and add two golden wall lights on either side for a sophisticated and timeless look.
Pink inspired bathroom
- Choose a white accessory set for a clean and classic look.
- Go bold by mixing two bright colours, such as pink and teal, or combine pink with white and black for a vibrant and contemporary feel.
Coastal vibes with blues and light woods
- Create a coastal atmosphere with light blue, turquoise, teal and navy.
- Pair these shades with light wood and rattan accessories to create a beachy, tranquil feel in an all-white bathroom.
If you are a hotel person, about bathroom accessories you can also check out this blog: The Essential Types of Hotel Bathroom Accessories
Conclusion
Choosing the right bathroom accessories is a crucial step in ensuring that your bathroom is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By considering the style of your bathroom, its functional needs, materials and budget, you can create an impressive bathroom space, whether it’s traditional, modern, vintage or otherwise. At George Bathroom, you can also pick up high-quality bathroom accessories. Most importantly, don’t forget to install and maintain them correctly to ensure that your bathroom accessories last.
