As bathrooms increasingly resemble personalized spa-like sanctuaries, stylish bath accessories that keep clutter at bay and maximize storage are in high demand.
David Emmons, director of marketing for Brasstech, says, “One of the things we see trending is an increase in demand for products that serve multiple functions.” One such product is a glass shelf with a towel holder below. The glass shelf adds a decorative element and “provides a convenience by keeping things off the counter,” he notes.
Hotel shelves, which allow users to stack clean towels on top and hang used ones below, are a popular storage solution that provides easy access and can lend an upscale look to a space, says Krista Rogan, bath accessory product manager at Moen.
Manufacturers are also outfitting toilet paper holders with shelving to provide a place to park cell phones. Signature Hardware offers several models, including a couple with brackets for users to attach a custom shelf to, say, match a vanity, Casey Williams, product manager for Signature Hardware, says.
In vanities, drawer inserts with vari-sized compartments, as well as hair appliance holders and electrical outlets, reduce countertop clutter and organize items. Shari McPeek, Rev-A-Shelf’s advertising and public relations manager, says pullout waste containers and laundry hampers are among the company’s best sellers.
With freestanding tubs in vogue, homeowners are turning to bath caddies to store bathing essentials within easy reach. Alternatively, “We’re doing more little tables or ottomans, so people can sit,” says Cheryl Kees Clendenon, owner and lead designer of Pensacola, Fla.-based interior design firm In Detail.
Because not all showers have built-in niches, wall-mounted shower baskets and shelves have been doing brisk business, notes Emmons. “They provide a lot of flexibility in terms of storage and organization,” he adds. Schluter-Systems has also introduced shower shelves with decorative patterns for installation in niches or a wall.
Thanks to the emphasis on personal comfort and style, basic must-have accessories are now available in a dizzying array of designs. Toilet paper holders, for example, can be single- or double-post, accommodate one or two rolls, and use a spring-loaded or pivoting arm.
As to aesthetics and finish, accessories are taking their cues from plumbing. Styles run the gamut, but transitional, industrial, Art Deco, and contemporary looks are going strong. Chrome and satin nickel are still tops, but brushed gold and matte black are surging. Textured details are also finding favor among consumers and designers.
And what of the future? Probably voice activation. “If you have a system inside the cabinet that’s plugged in, I’m going to assume people are eventually going to make it respond to voice, but we’re not there yet,” McPeek says.
Until then, here are nine bath accessories you can use now.
1. Rev-A-Shelf
The 441 Maple L-shaped Vanity Organizer is designed to fit around plumbing in sink base cabinet. Designed for 24-inch and 30-inch cabinets, it glides on full-extension Blum Tandem 90-pound-rated slides with soft-close functionality and comes with six acrylic bins and a vinyl-lined lower shelf.
2. Keuco
Edition 90 is a contemporary collection of bath plumbing and accessories featuring a square-on-circle design. Accessories include robe hooks, fixed and swing-arm towel bars, a shower shelf, and more..
Shelf-E is a 4-mm-thick brushed stainless steel corner shelf designed for new and retrofit tiled shower wall applications. It installs without drilling into the grout joint via two anchoring tabs and comes in three shapes.
4. Ginger
Multifunctional accessories, such as this 12-inch glass tray paired with a towel bar from the London Terrace collection, are in high demand. The dual-function design provides convenience, saves space, and enhances aesthetic appeal.
5. Brizo
The classic-inspired Invari Bath Collection includes a single robe hook, cabinet knobs and pulls, an open-post toilet paper holder, and towel bars. A variety of finishes, including a new Brilliance Gold (8-inch towel bar shown) is available.
6. Richelieu
Designed for sink base cabinets, the Banio Modular Organizer is a U-shaped drawer system with a cutout to accommodate and conceal the plumbing from view. Translucent acrylic containers can be arranged as desired.
Edison is a collection of industrial-style bath faucets and accessories such as a towel bar, a towel ring, a double robe hook, and toilet paper holders with or without a shelf bracket for users to attach a custom shelf.
8. Moen
The Flara bath collection offers a full complement of accessories, including a double robe hook; a toilet paper holder; mini, single and double towel bars; a grab bar; and more. Items are available in a variety of finishes, including Lifeshine Brushed Gold (shown).
9. Boffi
Designed by Keiji Takeuchi, Twig is a minimalist accessory collection featuring Iroko solid wood, Cristalplant, leather and metal components. It includes a wide selection of options, such as freestanding towel holder, robe hook, toilet paper holder, and more.
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