Types
We are used to seeing standard metal or plastic structures in hardware stores that are not much different from each other. In fact, there are many more original products for storing hygiene products than it seems.
Wall-mounted
Suitable for spacious bathrooms, as it takes up quite a lot of free space. Such a shelf is securely attached to the wall with screws. It is worth making sure in advance that it does not interfere with the passage, as well as the opening door and cabinets.
The photo shows a stylish wall-mounted structure made of wood with a wenge-colored frame.
Floor-mounted
Convenient where there is empty space. A stationary shelf can be narrow or wide, high or low – it depends on the dimensions of the bathroom. It replaces cabinets, but is only suitable for those who are not afraid of open shelves, where a lot of personal items accumulate.
Built-in
Often, to hide plumbing pipes, bathroom owners build a plasterboard structure. In the unfilled spaces, free space appears, into which useful shelves are successfully built. It looks especially beautiful if the items do not stand out from the overall design.
The photo shows a pink bathroom with a built-in structure to the left of the mirror.
Telescopic
An inexpensive spacer model for storing household products in a bathroom or shower. It consists of several mesh shelves with sides connected by a pipe. Equipped with hangers for washcloths. It is easy to install and moisture resistant.
Stand shelf
These are vertical two-tier or multi-tier products. There are models with a fixed frame, as well as with a rotating base.
Folding
A convenient design for the bathroom with a swivel mechanism to save space. The shelf, attached to the wall, is folded out only when necessary. Suitable for connoisseurs of minimalism who prefer to store things behind closed doors and take them out only when in use.
The photo shows a folding brass model, which also serves as a towel dryer.
Roll-out
An interesting design, equipped with rotating wheels. There are shelves that can stand alone or be part of a nightstand.
The photo shows a roll-out shelf in the bathroom, which, if necessary, can easily fill a narrow space.
Material
There is a wide range of models of bathroom shelves, so everyone can choose the right option for themselves.
- Glass. The transparent product is not afraid of moisture, is easy to care for and gives the room lightness and elegance. Products made of frosted glass, which do not allow items to slide, are popular.
- Metal. Bathroom shelves made of stainless steel and brass are resistant to corrosion: this is the right choice for a room with high humidity. The metal mesh does not allow water to accumulate on the surface.
- Made of tiles. The structure finished with tiles is quite strong, easy to clean and fits perfectly into the environment, as if dissolving in it.
- Plastic. The material used in the production of such a shelf must be of high quality, otherwise the budget PVC product will turn yellow or break.
- Wooden. Fans of eco-style choose models made of natural wood for the bathroom, despite the low moisture resistance of the material. To extend the service life of the product, it is protected with special impregnations (varnish, wax, oil), and recently, thermally modified wood or durable bamboo have been successfully used to create shelves.
- MDF / chipboard. An inexpensive option, often visually indistinguishable from wood. It is recommended to use boards with a laminated coating, which are not afraid of water.
- Artificial stone. An acrylic shelf in the bathroom will last for several decades if it is not exposed to mechanical stress. It is usually made to order, so it can have any shape.
- Plasterboard. Hides pipes and evens out awkward corners, serves as a surface for storing things. Moisture-resistant plasterboard can be finished with tiles, mosaics or plastic and turned into an aesthetic shelf.
In the photo in a small bathroom, the shelves are made of laminated chipboard, imitating light wood.
When choosing a suitable model for the bathroom, it is worth making sure in advance whether the product fits into the interior. Glass can echo the doors of the shower stall, metal – with chromed plumbing elements, wood – with the cabinet under the sink.
Shapes and sizes
The choice of design depends on the space allocated for it: in small bathrooms, the corners are usually left free, so a single or double corner shelf will fit into any space. It can be either round (softening the atmosphere) or triangular.
By capacity, shelves are divided into two-tier and multi-tier. The first ones take up little space in the room, can be suspended and are attached with screws or suction cups. They cannot withstand heavy loads.
Multi-tiered ones, on the contrary, require more free space in the bathroom, but they are reliable functional structures: it is easy to place not only bottles and shampoos on them, but also towels.
The photo shows a bathroom with a low but roomy openwork shelf on the side of the sink.
Color range
White shelves remain the most popular models: they are universal, look unobtrusive and are ideal for light bathroom interiors.
Second place is occupied by beige products: most often they repeat the texture of wood. The combination of beige and white can be called traditional: it is an interweaving of airiness with natural elements.
Models in chrome are the easiest to find in stores: they are practical and match the metallic shine of the faucet and shower.
The photo shows an exquisite combination of white products with gold-colored fasteners.
Black shelves are much less common, since few people risk decorating small bathrooms in dark tones. But they look great in contrast in modern interiors of rooms with loft elements. But for bright, cheerful bathrooms, products in rich shades (blue, green, red) are suitable: it is difficult to relax in such a room, but cheerfulness and a good mood are guaranteed.
Placement in the room
If you use your imagination, you can always find a suitable place for a functional shelf – even if at first the solution seems unexpected.
Above the bathtub
In typical apartments, the wall above the long side of the bathtub is left empty: it often serves as a shower, and nothing should interfere with the person standing under the streams of water. A good place for storage is the wall opposite the shower.
In the photo blue bathroom with tiered shelves that are used for decoration.
Above the washing machine
If the washing machine is located in the bathroom, it is worth protecting its surface, and at the same time using additional storage space.
The photo shows a wooden structure above the washing machine, turning into a shelving unit with additional shelves.
In the corner
Corners in bathrooms are often not used, and yet they are worth paying attention to: corner shelves are ergonomic and visually unite the space.
Under the sink
If the pipe from the sink in the bathroom looks aesthetically pleasing, it does not need to be hidden in a closed cabinet. This allows you to arrange open shelves below. This design looks great due to its unusual shape and gives the furniture a weightless effect.
The photo shows a bathroom that has no closed storage spaces, but the room does not look cluttered.
In a niche
A niche is a convenient space for placing one or more shelves inside it.
The photo shows a shower with a shelf inside. from a niche and finished with porcelain stoneware.
Under the mirror
It is appropriate to store brushes, toothpaste and cosmetics here: it is convenient when everything is at hand to put yourself in order.
Above the door
The unusual location of the shelves above the door in the bathroom does not harm them functionality: they are used to store things that are not needed every day, such as spare towels and hygiene products.
On the mixer
A shelf on the mixer is suitable for those who take care of every free centimeter of the bathroom.
Design ideas
Sometimes a shelf for the bathroom becomes a real decoration of the interior. Niches decorated with mosaics look very elegant and picturesque. If the bathroom is designed in a high-tech style, shelves with built-in lighting are ideal.
The photo shows a beautifully decorated niche made of golden decorative mosaic.
Marble shelves in the bathroom look expensive and elegant, and forged structures in the form of grates give the interior a special character. Suspended products with a rope base attached to the ceiling, as well as shelves in the form of stairs, look original and distinctive.
The photo shows open shelves located on the side of the bathtub. By changing the contents, you can add color accents and transform the look of the room.
Photos of bathrooms in different styles
Some models of shelves are universal and suit any style, for example, straight wooden ones, which will perfectly fit into both a natural eco-style and a cozy Provence. In a loft room, it is appropriate to add rough decor to such products in the form of metal pipes.
The photo shows a wall shelf that connects the floor and walls, which imitate the texture of wood.
In the classic direction, the most important thing is the exquisite form and expensive materials, so products made of acrylic stone, glass or with curved details will emphasize the belonging to a luxurious style.
In a modern style, functionality is valued on a par with beauty, so shelves “with a twist” in such an interior play an important role.
The photo shows a snow-white eco-style bathroom with wooden shelves that match the parquet.
Now reading:
- Stalin-era buildings: features, advantages and disadvantages, comparison with Khrushchev-era and Brezhnev-era buildings.
- Soft roofing: its types, advantages, disadvantages and selection tips
- White ceilings: 80 modern ideas and the best photos for your interior.
- Your Essential Guide to Buying Skoda Used Cars
- Silk-screened wallpaper: varieties, 50 photos in the interior, color solutions and advice on gluing