Shelves add a unique storage aspect to your bathroom design. In order to properly utilize space effectively, shelves can be implemented in various parts of a bathroom. In addition, bathroom shelves are some of the most convenient and efficient ways to increase storage space in a bathroom design.
Importance of Bathroom Shelves
Bathroom shelves serve two main purposes in a bathroom design. The first is to give your bathroom an extra area to store some of your essential bathroom items. The second is to display whatever beautiful pieces of décor, which can also be any accessories you may have. Because shelves are so versatile, they are important components of any bathroom design.
Bathroom Shelving and Storage Ideas
The main purpose for bathroom built in shelf ideas is to serve as a storage unit. Shelves can hold many small accessories and items in your bathroom including soaps, shampoos and most other toiletries. Shelves can be incorporated in your shower as well as on your bathroom walls. Due to the versatility of bathroom shelves, they can come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and qualities, giving you plenty of options as to which shelves you think would work the best in your bathroom design. One of the most overlooked places for a shelf is a shower, which is perfect for storing your every day shower items. Because storage is so important for the overall functionality and accessibility of your bathroom, shelves can be one of the most important fixtures for keeping your bathroom organized and clean.
Decorative Bathroom Shelves
Not only do shelves serve a useful purpose as a storage aspect, but they can be a beautiful piece of decor as well. Shelves come in different colors and styles, so you have many options to choose from. Bathroom shelves for small spaces and large spaces alike, are commonly made of wood and metal on the high end, but more budget materials are available as well.
Metal and wood are going to be the most durable and reliable materials to use, so they are definitely worth considering first. Décor in your bathroom is one of the most overlooked but important aspects to any bathroom design in, due to the effective it has at making your bathroom a comfortable and visually pleasing. You also have the freedom to put decorative items on your bathroom shelves for small spaces, matching with the shelf itself. There is a multitude of ideas you can put into practice with your bathroom shelves in order to make them look beautiful.
Built-in Bathroom Shelves
One of the most convenient and stylish types of shelves is the bathroom built-in shelf idea. Built-in bathroom shelves are recessed into the wall, creating an incredibly subtle yet effective way to store your smaller bathroom items. Another great benefit is the ability for this type of shelf to help optimize the bathroom space by essentially creating more space. The only drawback of bathroom built-in shelf ideas is that they are a bit difficult to install due to the nature of the shelf. However, it is an amazing option if you can implement it in your design.
Freestanding Bathroom Shelves
If you want to make more of a statement in your bathroom design, freestanding bathroom shelves can be the perfect option for you. Freestanding bathroom shelves are great because they can be moved to a desired location without having to install anything with hardware or self-adhesive. In addition, freestanding shelves can have multiple shelves built into one item, making it great for extended storage. This would be a good option for a bathroom that has a decent amount of space, due to the floor space it requires.
Wall Mounted Bathroom Shelves
Perhaps the most common type of bathroom shelving, wall mounted shelves are some of the most versatile as well. Wall mounted shelves can be mounted essentially anywhere you need them due to the size and mounting options. For example, wall mounted shelves can be mounted will either hardware, suction cups or self-adhesive most commonly. This allows you to mount your shelf on almost any type of surface. In addition, wall mounted bathroom shelves for small spaces can be corner shelves as well, just adding the already vast amount of options.
Towel Racks
Although it is not strictly a bathroom shelf, towel racks can serve the same purpose and more. Towel racks can hold multiple towels at once, while still serving as a helpful alternative to a bathroom shelf. In many cases, towel racks will be bigger, allowing for large items to be stored. However, it is also true that towel racks won't have a solid surface due to the bars used to hold towels. As long as the items you will be storing are large enough, a towel rack can absolutely be used as a bathroom shelf.
Choose from a vast selection of bathroom shelves:
Where Should Bathroom Shelves Be Placed?
When placing shelves in your bathroom, its essential to know where the best placements are. Typically, the best places for bathroom shelves are right by your main fixtures, being sinks, toilets and showers. The reason for this is for easy accessibility to things on those shelves such as towels, toilet paper, soap, and other toiletries. You should definitely put accessibility at the top of your list of priorities as far as your shelf placement goes in order to have the most comfortable and easy bathroom experience as possible. Make sure your bathroom shelves are no higher than around your eye level to ensure that you do not have to reach too high to reach anything you might need.
Bathroom Shelves Ideas Over the Toilet
One of the most common places for a bathroom shelf to be installed is right above the toilet. This is beneficial for a number of ways. Firstly, this is a great place to keep towels, toilet paper and air fresheners, among other things. Because a toilet will generally not have built-in storage, a shelf mounted above it will be a great option to consider. You should also consider using multiple shelves mounted in a vertical fashion. This will give your bathroom a great storage solution that is also aesthetically pleasing.
Shower Caddies and Shower Shelving
A shower is one of the most important spaces in a bathroom to make comfortable and accessible. The last thing you need is your shampoo bottles all over the floor. The inclusion of a shower caddy or a shower shelf will give you a place that can securely hold your items while keeping them accessible at the same time. If using a shower shelf, you may want to get one with a lip on it in order to help ensure that items won't fall off of the shelf itself. Many shower caddies will work similarly to shower baskets, making them very reliable options.
Medicine Cabinets and Columns
Although they are not technically shelves, medicine cabinets and columns are essentially the same type of storage solution. Medicine cabinets are great option to consider due to the added benefits it offers. Medicine cabinets can have inside storage and a mirror, making them incredibly useful. Column are great because they offer a series of shelves in a thin storage unit, usually with a door to conceal the items inside. These two options are perfect if you need a slightly larger amount of storage space.
Installing Shelves in the Bathroom and How Much Should They Cost?
There are three main installation methods for bathroom shelves. These three methods are adhesive, suction or screws. These three installation methods will work in different areas, and shouldn't be used everywhere. For example, if you want to incorporate a shelf next you your vanity, you want a sturdy and secure shelf installation because you will most likely not be moving it. If you want a shelf in your shower, consider a shelf with suction cups for a stable yet movable shelf.
Depending on what you personally desire, you may want to consider different installation types for different areas of your bathroom. As far as prices go, bathroom shelves will be some of the most affordable fixtures you can find. Depending on the type of shelf you want, (material, size, installation type) a bathroom shelf will cost around $100. High quality shelves be higher in price, so expect to pay around $300 to $400 for the best of the best.
Final Considerations for Utilizing Bathroom Shelves
Bathroom shelves can add a creative aspect to your bathroom while adding an effective way to store bathroom essentials. Storage is incredibly important in a bathroom design, and bathroom shelves are great solutions. Luckily, bathroom shelves are available in a wide variety of shapes, designs and mounting types, so you will definitely find one that fits your design well.