To organize the space correctly and comfortably, use bathroom shelves. They can be made of different materials and vary in size and dimensions. The parameters of such products are determined taking into account the subtleties of the decoration of the room. If you have no special preferences, it is better to choose practical shelves. Plastic tolerates moisture well. Wood and metal should be protected before installation.
How to choose a shelf for the bathroom?
Before purchasing, you need to determine a number of key parameters for yourself. Pay attention to the material and type of construction. Additionally take into account:
- Equipment . A bathroom shelf should be harmoniously combined with the shapes and colors of the room. Simple designs are used more often, but you can choose models with a mirror and fittings. If the shelf is large, it can be equipped with hooks, which will allow you to place towels and clothes.
- Fixation method . When using products made from thin metal rods, it is difficult to hide the attachment points. They are easiest to decorate if the structure is based on wood or glass. In this case, special decorative plugs are used.
- Dimensions . When choosing, you should take into account the size of the bath, the room and the availability of free space. Shelves should not be placed in walk-through areas (for example, near the entrance). If the room is small, consider hanging structures.
Wall shelves
This type of bathroom furniture is considered in demand. There are 3 reasons for this:
- They do not take up floor space, which is already small in the bathroom.
- It can be installed anywhere, the main thing is not to disrupt the functionality of the room.
- Installation can be done at any time. For example, built-in shelves are formed only when renovations are carried out.
Choose a suitable model based on the volume of the bathroom itself. The most important criterion is the capacity of the shelf. It depends on two indicators:
- sizes;
- level.
The larger the hanging shelf, the more levels there are in its design (the indicator varies from 1 to 5), the more spacious it is. Wall shelves are stationary pieces of furniture. That is, they will be located for a long time where they were originally attached.
Most consumers prefer corner designs. The reason is that they take up less space, which is important for small bathrooms. At the same time, the corners of the rooms are rarely used as functional space, so they often remain empty. And with the installation of a suspended structure, two problems are solved at once.
Today, more and more often, niches are being built in bathrooms, where hanging shelves are mounted. It is believed that this is a rational option for using room space. There are a large number of variations on this theme. This could be an open niche covered by doors of various shapes and designs, closed by a false wall, etc.
Shelves in the niche of the room
Main functions
A bathroom shelf should be ergonomic, easy to use and safe. Such products can improve the appearance of the room. They help arrange things conveniently and reduce the likelihood of accidentally dropping containers, cosmetics and personal hygiene items.
Additionally, free space in the room is freed up. If you place all the small items and things on the shelves, you will have space that you can use as you wish.
Design options
When choosing furniture, there are no restrictions on the shape or configuration of individual products. These can be open or closed shelves, stationary and wall-mounted, corner, built-in structures. The bathroom shelf is selected in accordance with personal preferences and the design of the room.
Corner
When installing this design, space is saved. The product is characterized by a triangular shape and is attached to two vertical surfaces. To increase the usable area, use several shelves or racks.
Due to the triangular shape, the size of each shelf is small, but this solution allows you to save free space and provide additional space for storing small items.
There are different designs. They can contain 1, 2, 3 or more shelves, united by walls or racks. In addition, such products are divided into two groups:
- floor corner shelves (stationary);
- wall structures.
Corner shelf
Often, with small dimensions, floor-type products are placed on the wall. If there is a side door on a corner rack, the problem of saving space is not solved, which is a disadvantage of such designs.
There are shelves with suction cups. They do not require hole preparation. However, the reliability of such a structure decreases as other objects are placed on it.
You can consider the option of a telescopic product. At the same time, it becomes possible to reduce or increase the distance between the shelves of the rack. This also affects the height of the structure itself.
Closed corner shelves are rare. Designs of this form are convenient to use if there are no doors. This is due to the need to free up space in the room.
Built-in
Such products are not found in retail outlets. Built-in shelves are created by a master at the stage of finishing the bathroom according to an individual project. Designs of this type are made to order, since the niche can have different dimensions. If a free area appears in the bathroom during reconstruction, then an additional recess is created in the wall.
Built-in shelf in the bathroom
The shelf should be completely built-in; built-in shelving looks more attractive if not a single structural element protrudes beyond the niche.
Stylistic design of classic and corner shelves in the bathroom
The shelf should not only provide convenient storage of accessories, but also fit harmoniously into the overall style of the room. Each interior has certain features that should be reflected in the furniture elements. For bathrooms in a classic style, you should choose laconic storage systems made of natural wood, glass or stone. Tiled bathroom shelves look appropriate. They can be complemented with carved and forged elements, gilded fittings and stands. Rectangular, trapezoidal and square designs fit perfectly into classic interiors.
For a modern design, bathroom shelves can be made of different materials. For a high-tech style, preference should be given to multi-tiered structures and shelving made of metal, combined products using chrome and glass surfaces. For minimalism, shelves made of MDF and glass of simple geometric shapes are suitable. Glass structures will organically fit into Art Nouveau style rooms.
For romantic trends, such as country or Provence, the best option would be oversized glass or wooden shelves in oval, semicircular or round configurations. In rooms decorated in an oriental theme, built-in shelves in a niche in a bathroom made of tiles or mosaics will look most organic.
Beautiful wrought iron shelf with mirror and towel holder
Materials used to make shelves
Regardless of where you install the shelf, you first need to decide what properties this accessory should have. The type of material determines wear resistance, attractiveness, strength and service life. Only if you make the right choice can you count on a long period of operation without losing the properties of the structure.
Glass
This bathroom shelf is fragile, although products made from durable glass are made for installation in this room. It requires careful maintenance, as limescale deposits will be clearly visible during operation.
The advantages of such structures include attractiveness and the ability to visually increase space. In addition, this material is combined with metal and wood. The design of the shelves may be unusual.
Glass bath shelf
Plastic
It is characterized by lightness, wear resistance, moisture resistance and ease of maintenance. Thanks to such a property as fusibility, it becomes possible to create products of various configurations.
For a bathroom, this option is the most preferable, because it is safe to use and resists moisture, thereby extending the service life of the structure.
However, plastic shelves are not always attractive. In addition, it is advisable to purchase products with small holes so that water does not stagnate on the surface.
Plastic shelf
Design options:
- corner plastic shelf;
- rectangular.
Wooden
The disadvantage of the material is its instability to moisture. Wood is characterized by hygroscopicity; upon contact with water, it expands and deforms, and after the moisture evaporates, the original shape is restored, but the quality of the product deteriorates. As a result, the service life of the shelf is reduced. There are different types of products:
- wooden corner shelf;
- rectangular.
Wooden shelf
When caring for wood, do not use aggressive detergents. To obtain a structure with a long service life, it is recommended to consider models made of moisture-resistant species (oak, beech, larch). They must be varnished.
Metal
Such products are used for a long period. However, for this they need to be protected with paints and varnishes. In terms of attractiveness, these shelves can be compared to glass or wood.
Making a shelf with your own hands
To create a product of the required dimensions, first take measurements of a free section of the wall in the bathroom. If you plan to make a glass shelf, the blanks can be sent to a workshop for cutting, after which all that remains is to install the product on a vertical surface.
Decorative holders are used for this. At the place where they are mounted on the wall, holes are made at the required height. The next step is fixing the glass product. It can simply be placed on top or secured with decorative elements.
It is difficult to make metal shelves with your own hands, because this will require a grinder and a welding machine. In addition, it is impossible to obtain a chrome-plated product at home; you will have to cover the structure with paint and varnish material. Homemade metal shelves for the bathroom are significantly inferior in terms of attractiveness to their glass, plasterboard or wooden counterparts.
If you plan to create a structure made of wood, in this case the work will be completed faster. The material must be cut, sanded, and treated with an antifungal compound.
Holes are made in the board; their diameter should be smaller than the size of the screws. In the bathroom it is better to install shelves coated with varnish. In this case, paint is used less often, and products with such a coating do not last long.
If you plan to make a rack, you need to prepare the material for the racks. You can use a beam of small cross-section. All dimensions are determined taking into account the expected load.
The larger it is, the thicker the shelf should be, and the fasteners should be more reliable. When making a rack, the racks are placed on four sides. If the shelf is corner, then there should be 3 of them. Nails or self-tapping screws are used to fasten wood.
Materials
It is difficult to decide on the material from which the shelf is made. As usual, we want it to be high quality, beautiful and inexpensive. You probably understand that only two out of three requests can be satisfied at the same time. Everyone has their own concept of beauty, but if your taste is not so refined as to deny plastic, then it is quite possible to combine all three requirements in plastic. But “inexpensive” is relative to, say, stainless steel. And very cheap ones can hardly be called durable.
Shelf made of glass and metal
Plastic
The good thing about plastic bathroom shelves is that you can safely hang them in the shower stall. They feel great under running water. At least put it in a bath of water. Just to ensure there are no problems with cleaning, make sure that there is a possibility of moisture drainage. There are a variety of models - floor-mounted, corner-mounted, and wall-mounted. Moreover, mounting on suction cups is available. Few people, unfortunately, hold up well. But if the tile is smooth, without relief, chances are you're in luck.
Plastic shelves can be of different shapes and installation methods
If we talk about special designs, then, perhaps, only plastic and stainless steel are used to make shelves on the sides of the bathtub. But the price of stainless steel is like that of an airplane wing. We can’t find them here, but it’s a very convenient thing. There is another option - mounted ones. These are models that can be hung on the shower partition if it is not up to the ceiling (pictured below left). Such options can still be found among metal ones, but the word “cheap” does not apply to high-quality models.
This shelf is installed on the sides of the bathroom. Everything is at hand and you don’t have to get up for soap or a washcloth
A couple more practical points. First. If your water is hard, it is better to take light shades - salt deposits are not so visible on them. The second point also concerns the choice of shelf color, but the approach is from a design point of view. If the design turns out to be boring, you can add some color with bright plastic accessories - you’ll get a “cheerful” bath. If you prefer a more restrained style, choose gray, brown, black. Play with contrasts.
Glass and mirror
Glass shelves are considered dangerous by many. Maybe so, but think about it, have you ever heard of someone hurting themselves with a glass shelf? It’s just that shelves in the bathroom are usually located in places where they are difficult to damage. Above the sink, in the corners of the bathroom. In addition, thick glass is used, which is difficult to damage. Of course, if you have children who are fidgety and experimental, then it’s probably not worth it. But if everyone is past the age of unrestrained exploration of the world, you can hang glass shelves in the bathroom without any problems.
It is impossible to split such thickness
Why are they so good? Because they look good in both large and small spaces. In small ones they provide an additional plus, since they do not visually clutter up the space. They are almost invisible. Only the holders stick out from the wall, and the shelves themselves are “weightless” and transparent.
When buying a glass shelf, you can safely look for ones with stainless steel holders and “swing” at good companies. There is not too much stainless steel there, so beauty will result in a small amount. If the price of the assembled shelf still shocks you, look for holders for glass shelves in furniture fittings stores. You can also find limiters there if you want to install them.
The models are not particularly complicated, so you can easily make them yourself
Ask the shelf itself to be cut in a glass workshop. There they will process the edges and make holes for you. Just be sure to clarify that you need it. By the way, there are colored glasses and frosted ones. So “transparency” is optional. Mirrors can also be used. Or patterned glass, and to reduce cleaning problems, turn the “patterned” side down.
From a maintenance point of view, glass is a normal material. But if the water is hard, marks and stains remain. In this case, do not take “transparent” ones, it will be easier with frosted ones.
Metal shelves
The most popular and perhaps the most difficult type to choose. It's not about the form, but about the choice of manufacturer. Metal bathroom shelves can be:
- made of stainless steel;
- chrome plated (regular steel or brass with a coating layer);
- enameled;
- with powder coating.
Shelves made of metal
The most durable are shelves made of stainless steel. But high-quality ones are very expensive, and there are no “average” ones in price. The assortment includes cheap ones and then very expensive ones with a sharp price gap. Prices differ by 5 times or more. Cheap ones are stainless steel that rusts. First at the welding points, then further, because there are few alloying metals, and during welding they also burned out. Well, the expensive ones are those that are made of metal with normal properties, and even welded in a protective environment.
In the middle of the price range are chrome shelves. Everything is fine for the first six months. And then, if the quality is not too high, the coating will peel off and rust will appear. This is if the steel is coated with chrome. If it is brass, then over time a greenish tint appears, which cannot be removed by anything. Domestic shelves suffer from this. European manufacturers don’t have this problem, but the price is almost the same as good stainless steel, so there’s no point in buying them. I just liked the model.
The variety of designs is also not too great - usually grids
Enameled and powder-coated metal shelves are an economical option. They cost quite a bit, but they don’t last long either. In theory, powder coating should hold up well, but somehow we haven’t seen any good ones yet. It will climb in literally six months.
If we talk about manufacturers of metal shelves for the bathroom, you can buy expensive ones without much doubt. In the sense that they are usually of good quality. If you want the ones that have already been tested, here they are:
- SMEDBO (Smedbo) has an average price range (as for high-quality products), good quality and a wide range (in the catalog it is definitely wide).
- Groe is more expensive, but beautiful and lasts a long time.
- Hansgrohe - very beautiful and high quality, but very expensive.
Of course, there are other manufacturers of metal bath shelves, but there is no reliable operating experience, so we will not name them. If you have any proven brands, please write in the comments. Or, conversely, there is a negative operating experience. In any case, it will be useful for everyone.
Wooden
We practically do not consider wooden shelves. We are used to the fact that wood in the bathroom is impractical. But it is used outdoors, used to make decking around the pool. The operating conditions there are much worse. It’s just that now there are means that can make wood insensitive to water. And these are not varnishes. Or rather, not only them.
Although we don’t associate wood with a bathroom, it looks great here
Wood treated with special oil is not covered with a film, remains “rough” to the touch, but ceases to absorb moisture. She is not afraid of either water or steam. The wood texture remains, the color is optional. You can leave it “native”, you can make it darker/lighter, or add some shade. In general, there are options.
Made from artificial stone
Another unusual material for bathroom shelves is artificial stone. There are no more questions here - he is definitely not afraid of water. It’s just heavy, so such shelves require walls with good load-bearing capacity. They can be installed on brackets or embedded studs.
Shelves made of artificial stone. The color can be chosen as desired, as well as the size and shape
They are not on sale, but you can order them according to your size and desire from companies that make sinks. Just check with them about the technology. An artificial stone in which the mineral component (crushed stone, quartz sand, etc.) will be at least 80% will be used normally. The remaining 20% is a synthetic binder. And it’s good if it’s acrylic resin (copolymers).
Conclusion
The bathroom shelf is selected taking into account the interior style, dimensions and personal preferences of the home owner. The appearance of glass and metal structures will not change over a long period. Wooden and plasterboard products can be easily restored if necessary and make it possible to slightly change the design.
Plastic shelves are a simpler and more budget-friendly option. However, it is impossible to extend their “life” due to the properties and structure of the material.
