Today, we’re talking about the bathroom. It’s a special room. It’s sometimes very small. And we often want it to be functional on a daily basis. On top of that, it’s a wet room, often covered in large quantities of tiles. So how do you take care of the details in your bathroom? What bathroom accessories can help us make it more our own? To create a setting that reflects who we are? In the following article, I propose a few ideas that I hope will help you perfect and sublimate your personal space.
Bathroom accessories: mirror above vanity
Let’s start with the bathroom mirror. There’s no need to explain its practicality – we all know it’s an essential. On the other hand, the mirror can be a decorative element in its own right, and not just a functional one.
Mirrors generally come in two forms: the mirror cabinet, which allows you to store (hide away) your daily essentials, or the flat mirror, simply fixed to the wall. The cabinet is a little thicker than a simple mirror, which is something to bear in mind. The trend in recent years has been towards simple mirrors without storage.
On the other hand, when it comes to mirrors, the shape, size, and framing must be chosen with care. For some years, round mirrors have been a popular choice. However, a new trend is emerging with an increasing preference for rounded, arched, or oval-shaped mirrors. By opting for these shapes, the idea of softness associated with roundness is retained, but with a little more slenderness.
Moreover, vintage mirrors found at flea markets, with softened angles and discreet, sober framing, hold a special appeal. They evoke the spirit of a barber’s mirror and bring a touch of nostalgia. Incorporating such mirrors into your bathroom decor adds a unique personality to the space. It’s a style choice that exudes charm and character.
Bathroom accessories: fixtures near the bathroom mirror
Not far from the mirror, you’ll often find one or more light fixtures that provide additional light for make-up application or shaving. This is essential to create a comfortable wet room, and this type of fixture complements the main light, usually a ceiling light. Today, I’m only going to look at fixtures close to the mirror.
Forget the ugly, eye-stinging neon lights above the mirror in the morning (by the way, social landlords should really stop putting them in their apartments!). Instead, there are a whole host of solutions available to you: a backlit mirror, an adjustable wall light above the mirror, two wall lights (one on each side), hanging lights that reach down far enough to see your reflection in the mirror precisely…
Please note one important point before you buy your new bathroom fixtures: there are safety standards to be taken into account for everything to do with electricity in a shower room, and fixtures are one of them.
Choose a new faucet for a breath of fresh air in the bathroom
Even if we use them without necessarily paying attention to them, faucets are central to your bathroom. In fact, a bit like mirrors, they’re an essential element. After all, without a faucet, it’s harder to wash!
Furthermore, depending on the style of decor you want to emphasize, the faucet will play a significant role in asserting your chosen style. Whether you prefer a vintage and classic look or have a fondness for antiques, you’ll find yourself scouring flea markets and antique shops in search of those charming faucets with a little dot indicating hot and cold water.
You may want a feminine, glamorous, and elegant ambiance. In that case, there’s a huge choice of brass faucets and showerheads with a classic style, where the old is revisited. However, if you prefer a more contemporary bathroom with a sleek, recessed style, you’ll opt for a minimalist mixer.
On the other hand, I seriously advise against going for black… Black and hard water don’t mix! In the same vein as the faucets, don’t forget to pay particular attention to the basin or bath plug, as well as the shower drain plate. A small detail that will have a big impact on even the smallest shower room!
Bathroom accessories: bath linen & bathroom textiles
So far, I’ve talked about decorating details that require a bit of DIY (without necessarily doing major renovation work). However, in the bathroom, it’s possible to take care of the details easily, just by going the extra mile or so.
For example, what do you do with your towels and bath sheets? You can use them as decorative elements. The ugly ones stay in the cupboard. On the other hand, pretty embroidered towels in the same colors as your bathroom can be a decorative asset! So we’re going to look at the color, the way they’re folded, the way they’re stored, the way they’re hung to dry…
Towels, bathrobes and bath sheets aren’t the only textiles found in this room. There are shower curtains, for example, and bath mats. They too have a role to play in your decor.
Bathroom accessories: towel racks and hooks
Towel racks and hooks are indispensable accessories that combine functionality with aesthetic charm. Moreover, opting for sleek designs crafted from high-quality materials like chrome or brass can lend a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
These accessories not only keep your towels organized but also add a subtle hint of luxury to the overall ambiance. Additionally, there are various types of towel racks and hooks available for bathroom decor. To provide a comprehensive overview, here are some common options:
Bathroom accessories: Wall-Mounted Towel Bars
Wall-mounted towel bars are a classic choice for hanging towels. Furthermore, they typically consist of a long bar that extends horizontally from the wall, providing ample space to hang multiple towels.
Over-the-Door Towel Hooks
Over-the-door towel hooks, on the other hand, hang over the top of a bathroom door, allowing for convenient placement without the need for drilling or mounting. Additionally, they are ideal for utilizing the available space without the need for any drilling or mounting. These hooks are particularly useful for bathrooms with limited wall space or for temporary hanging solutions.
Bathroom accessories: Freestanding Towel Racks
Freestanding towel racks are self-supporting units that do not require wall mounting. They often feature multiple bars or tiers for hanging towels at different heights. Freestanding racks offer flexibility in terms of placement and allow for easy movement as needed.
Adhesive Hooks
Adhesive hooks, in contrast, are a versatile option for towel hanging. Notably, these hooks have adhesive backing, enabling you to attach them directly to the wall or tile surface without the need for drilling. This makes them particularly suitable for renters or situations where drilling into the wall is not desired.
Suction Cup Hooks
Suction cup hooks are similar to adhesive hooks but use suction to adhere to smooth surfaces like glass or tile. You can easily attach and remove them without leaving any residue. Suction cup hooks are suitable for lightweight towels or temporary hanging needs.
Bathroom accessories: Towel Rings
Towel rings are circular holders that allow you to hang a single towel in a loop. Typically, people mount them on the wall, providing a compact and space-saving solution, especially for smaller bathrooms or powder rooms.
Decorative Hooks
Decorative hooks, meanwhile, come in a wide range of styles, shapes, and materials, offering you the opportunity to incorporate a unique and personalized touch to your bathroom decor. Notably, these hooks can feature intricate designs, novelty shapes, or stylish finishes that beautifully complement your overall bathroom theme.
Soap Dispensers and Dishes: Infusing Charm and Practicality
Soap dispensers and dishes, in addition, are essential elements that contribute to both the visual appeal and practicality of your bathroom. It is worth exploring decorative options with intricate designs or choosing minimalist styles that blend seamlessly with your chosen theme. Remarkably, these accessories effortlessly elevate the overall decor while effectively serving their intended purpose.
Stage perfumes, make-up & small objects
In the bathroom, you’ll always find a host of small, more or less practical items. Because they’re small objects, they don’t seem intrusive when taken as a unit. On the other hand, when you add them all up, it quickly becomes a mess. Here are a few pointers to follow:
- Try to sort out what’s essential and useful on a daily basis, and what isn’t (the latter can find a place elsewhere, in the vanity unit for example).
- Give everything a place – this will simplify your life when it comes to tidying and cleaning the bathroom.
- Jars, boxes and small baskets are your allies. They help you avoid spreading things all over the place, and hide things that don’t look so good.
Baskets, shelves, trays, sideboards and small pieces of occasional furniture come in handy for small items you use on a daily basis.
Bathroom accessories: where to put children’s toys?
It’s hard to talk to parents about bathroom design without mentioning the toys that keep children busy in the bath, and that also take up space! In a small bathroom, a net suspended from a hook or suction cup on the tiles can be very effective. If you have a little more space, a tray with holes (so that the water drains away) may be the solution.
Bathroom accessories: laundry basket & bathroom garbage can
A point that’s not necessarily very glamorous: the dustbin and dirty laundry. Even if it’s not a glamorous theme, it’s part of the décor and part of everyday life! We might as well make it a little more aesthetically pleasing.
Plants and Greenery that goes with your bathroom decoration
Integrating plants and greenery into your bathroom decoration, indeed, brings a breath of fresh air and natural serenity. In this regard, it is essential to choose plant varieties that thrive in humid environments. By doing so, you not only add a touch of green to your decor but also improve air quality, creating a refreshing and inviting atmosphere.
When it comes to choosing plants and greenery for the bathroom, it’s important to consider the high humidity and low-light conditions often found in these spaces. Consequently, here are some plant options that thrive in bathroom environments:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are known for their resilience and ability to tolerate low light conditions. They have tall, upright leaves that come in various shades of green and can add a striking vertical element to your bathroom decor.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are known for their air-purifying properties and ease of care. They have long, arching leaves with green and white stripes, creating a visually appealing look. Spider plants can tolerate varying light conditions and prefer slightly moist soil.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its ability to thrive in low-light environments. It has trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green. Pothos is easy to care for and can add a touch of cascading greenery to your bathroom.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants are known for their glossy, dark green leaves and their ability to tolerate low light and neglect. They are an excellent choice for bathrooms with limited natural light. ZZ plants have a unique, waxy texture and can bring a sense of lushness to the space.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are well-suited for bathrooms as they thrive in high humidity. They have feathery, arching fronds that add a touch of elegance to any bathroom decor. Boston ferns prefer indirect light and consistently moist soil.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera plants, in addition, not only thrive in humid conditions but also have medicinal properties. Moreover, they have succulent, fleshy leaves that store water, making them highly tolerant of occasional neglect and low light. Consequently, incorporating aloe vera can add a sculptural and functional element to your bathroom.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen plants are known for their ability to tolerate low light conditions and high humidity. They come in various shades of green, often with attractive patterns or variegation on their leaves. Chinese evergreens are relatively low-maintenance and can add a pop of color to your bathroom.
Artwork and Wall for bathroom decoration
Artwork and wall decor, undoubtedly, enable you to infuse your personality and style into your bathroom sanctuary. It is crucial to select pieces that resonate with your preferences, be it abstract paintings, framed photographs, or decorative wall decals. By doing so, these accessories add character and uniqueness to your space, making it truly your own.
When it comes to selecting artwork and wall decor for your bathroom, it’s important to consider pieces that can withstand the high humidity environment.
