Bathroom shelves: types and features of choice

An obligatory element of the bathroom, in addition to plumbing and communication systems, is furniture for storing bath accessories and accessories. However, the bathroom does not imply an abundance of free space, so shelves are used instead of massive cabinet furniture.

Thanks to the presence of shelves in the bathroom, it is possible to maintain order and make the room more comfortable to use - everything you need is always at hand. In addition, the shelves allow you to zone the bathroom and make it more attractive and individual in terms of style.

Speaking of bathroom shelves, they usually mean not only open shelves fixed to the wall, but also closed cabinets and racks, shelves, corner telescopic shelves, metal dryers and other models.

Regardless of the type and design, all shelves must meet the following requirements:

• resistance to moisture and corrosion (this is due to the increased level of humidity in the bathrooms);
• strength;
• compliance of the dimensions with the expected dimensions of the bathroom;
• security;
• external attractiveness;
• biostability;
• practicality and functionality.

The main purpose of the structures is to store things (as a rule, towels and bath sheets) and hygiene items. With proper selection and placement, the shelves transform the interior, becoming its accent or visually expanding the bathroom.

Shelves differ from cabinet furniture in compactness, ergonomics and ease of installation and fastening. Thanks to the use of shelves, even small-sized bathrooms become multifunctional and more convenient.

Bathroom shelves, depending on the installation method and placement features are of the following types:

• floor (stationary);
• corner tiered;
• wall (or hinged).

Floor structures are usually represented by the following types of furniture:

• The shelves are open-type shelves that are connected by a common metal frame. The shelves allow you to effectively use the bathroom space, are installed along the walls, above the toilet bowls. Typically, shelves are designed to hold towels and bath sheets. The shelf can be executed in an angular version - a more ergonomic model.
• Another option for small bathrooms is a retractable shelf. Its shelves are transformed, changing the size and location, due to which the bookcase becomes more or less roomy. For greater convenience, such models are often equipped with furniture wheels.

• Dryers are used to dry laundry. Unlike wall-mounted and wall-mounted models, stationary dryers are more convenient to use, since they can be folded and put away, for example, in a closet or dressing room. In addition, folding dryers ensure the preservation of the shape of the product, which is important, for example, when drying linen, woolen items.

• Curbstones are not so popular in bathroom interiors. An exception is the cabinets under the sink, which are closed cabinets with doors. They do not take up free space and perform 2 functions at once - they serve as a storage place for hygiene items and hide the sink's communication system.

• Shelves are the same shelves, but larger. Their height usually exceeds 1 m.

• The shelves under the bathroom are usually installed independently and are practical - they do not take up free space, but they allow you to store household chemicals, buckets, rags. All these items are hidden from prying eyes by sliding bath screens. They act as doors.

• Hangers are similar to those found in corridors and hallways. They are made mainly of metal. Towels and bathrobes can be placed on these hangers.

Corner structures are especially convenient for small bathrooms, since they do not take up free space. Among the most popular variations are shelving and shelving units, closed cabinets and open shelves. They all have a single triangular shape.

Compact corner shelves are often placed over a washing machine or bath bowl. As a rule, the model includes 2-3 tiers, the shelves themselves are equipped with small rails, which prevents the bottles and bubbles stored on the shelf from slipping and falling. The most practical are metal and plastic models with perforations.

A type of corner shelves are suction cups. Their advantage lies in their mobility. If necessary, you can quickly change the location of the shelf. For its installation, you do not need to install fasteners and gouge walls.

Wall-mounted structures of the hinged type are actively used in rooms of a small area, where it is possible to accommodate stationary floor storages. For fixing on the wall, the wall models are equipped with awnings.

Telescopic shelves are a special kind of corner shelves. They are installed in a “blind” corner, where other structures cannot be installed. As a rule, telescopic shelves are made of plastic, but they have a strong fastening, therefore, they are practical. If such a shelf has 4-5 tiers, it may well replace the cabinet.

An important point - the user can adjust the position of the shelves, changing their height at his discretion. Telescopic devices are easy to install - they are clamped between the bathroom and the ceiling, or between the wall and another wall perpendicular to it (in the case of a model with suction cups).

Telescopic shelves are convenient to use in the corner above the bathroom. They will hold the cosmetics you need for daily use. As a rule, a two-tiered or three-tiered structure is sufficient for a family of 3-4 people. It is convenient if such a shelf in the lower part has hooks for washcloths.

Among the most popular hinged structures for storing things in the bathtub, there are:

• Dryers. Usually these are compact models, however, if you store towels and other bathroom textiles on them, the area occupied by the dryer will significantly increase.
• Half-heating dryers - stationary towel drying devices located on the wall. There are several types of heated towel rails:
• The first is a hanger with twigs, towels are dried on them under the influence of natural ventilation.
• The second type is zigzag or trapezoidal pipes connected to the central heating system. Such devices are very convenient, since they allow not only drying textiles, but also heating the bathroom.

• There are radiator devices with a heating element inside that work when connected to the mains.
• The cabinets are a box with shelves and a door. For the sake of ergonomics and practicality of operation, lockers are usually hung over the sink (then a mirror is attached to the outer side of the door) or a washing machine.
• The shelves above the bathroom are similar to the corner ones, but have a rectangular or square shape and are placed along the wall, not in the corner. Usually installed near the sink, bath, toilet.

Shelves above the bathroom can be built-in. It is believed that this option is one of the most convenient and ergonomic, although the organization of such devices must be carried out at the stage of repairing a bathroom. A niche is made in the wall near the bowl with shelves made of plasterboard and metal profiles, which is then revetted with tiles (the same as the bathroom wall itself). The resulting shelf is suitable for shampoos and other cosmetics, which should always be at hand. The shelf does not take up space, does not rise above the bathroom and is easy to clean.

• The hangers are also used for hanging bathrobes and towels. They are hooks attached to the wall. Unlike floor-standing options, wall hangers do not take up much space and do not risk topple over if they are placed incorrectly (one-sided) or there are too many things on the hanger. However, wall models can come off the wall (if glued) or break under too much stress.

Depending on the method of fastening, there are shelves that are fastened with Velcro or fixed with spacers or dowels included in the kit. When choosing devices with Velcro, preference should be given to models of Velcro shelves. They are also equipped with suction cups that are fixed to the wall. After that, the suction cup is closed with a special cap, which provides a vacuum. Such devices are able to withstand a lot of weight, they do not slip off rough surfaces.

The shelves are open and closed. The first ones look more massive due to the presence of blind doors, but they allow you to hide stored things from prying eyes, protect them from dust. For convenience, the doors of such designs often have a mirror. Open shelves do not hide what is stored on them, but they take up less space, look lighter and more airy.

Lovers of taking long baths, as well as those who read during this process, will appreciate the tray shelf. It is a small-width "board", which, like a bridge, throws from one edge of the side of the bathroom to the other. It turns out a small table, or tray. Many models are equipped with book holders or recesses, for example, for a glass of wine.

In terms of the material used, bathroom shelves are:

• Plastic. They tolerate moisture well, can have a variety of designs, are characterized by lightness, low cost, but are susceptible to mechanical damage and mold formation. When choosing plastic models, preference should be given to products with a perforated bottom. In this case, moisture will not accumulate in them.

• Metallic. Such durable, attractive outwardly structures, which do not withstand direct contact with water and steam, can become rusty. In this regard, chrome-plated shelves or stainless steel products are considered more practical. Products with a chrome surface look organic in modern interiors.

• Plasterboard. Such shelves are installed at the stage of renovation in the bathroom. They are usually installed in niches and finished with the same material as the wall cladding of the bathroom (usually tiles). Their advantage is ergonomics, durability, the ability to get the shelf that is most convenient for a particular room, and an attractive appearance.

• Ceramic and glass models - these are mainly decorative shelves of small sizes. Such structures are impervious to moisture, but fragile enough.Typically, ceramics and glass are used in combination with other materials.

• Fiberboard and MDF shelves They are durable, lightweight, respectable in appearance, however, in conditions of high humidity in the bathroom, such shelves turn out to be short-lived. An exception is wooden models impregnated with special moisture-repellent compounds. Fastening of structures is carried out by means of brackets, hinges or corners.

Bathroom shelves are designed to "unload" the room and are designed to store things and accessories. However, with the wrong choice or excessive overloading of stored objects, the structures look sloppy and make the bathroom less tidy. In this regard, it is important to correctly select these structures in size.

Narrow wall shelves or shelves can be "run" from floor to ceiling. The room will only benefit from this, since it will visually become taller. For spacious bathrooms, it is better to choose wider options with a height just above the middle of the wall, shelving or whatnots.

In addition to the size of the shelves, it is important to take care of the correct placement. So, shelves and towel hooks should be placed closer to the sink or bathtub. The optimal distance is considered to be 60-70 cm. In this case, the structures are placed slightly lower (at a height of 140-150 cm from the floor), while for the hooks it is better to choose a place higher (160 cm from the floor). For children, it is best to purchase individual hooks and arrange them according to the child's height.

A structure designed to hold toothbrushes and toothpaste is usually fixed to the wall between the sink and the mirror. It is advisable that 15 cm remain from the mirror to the shelf, and at least 30 cm between the shelf and the sink.

Natural shades of wood, as well as a brown-coffee palette, will add notes of home warmth and comfort to the interior of the bath. They look good in tiled bathrooms. Tile, as a rule, is associated with a certain coldness, severity. The use of wooden accessories softens this effect. In addition, wooden furniture always looks elegant and respectable.

As for the plastic models, they please with an abundance of colors. At the same time, it is important to choose a product, the plastic of which is colored in bulk. With this technology, the pigment is evenly distributed in the raw material and colors the entire thickness of the product. As a result, a pink shelf or product of any other bright color will retain its hue throughout its entire service life. The disadvantage of colored plastic shelves is that dried water drops are immediately visible on their surface.

Colored shelves tend to become interior accents. More expensive models of shelves may have a finish that imitates chrome, brass or gold-plated surfaces. Having chosen a suitable option, it is convenient to combine such a shelf with plumbing fixtures.

The shape of the shelves should not only allow ergonomically placing the necessary accessories and textiles on them, but also be in harmony with the overall style of the interior.

Each direction is characterized by certain features that should be reflected in the appearance of the furniture.

• For classic interiors, you should select designs of simple geometric shapes - rectangular, square, trapezoidal. Usually shelves made of wood, stone, glass are chosen. They can have carved elements, gilded posts and fittings, forged holders.
• For romantic ones - the same options, but with rounded corners, as well as oval, round, semicircular.

• For minimalistic interiors, choose small glass or MDF shelves.With a small area of ​​the bathroom or the presence of niches in it, you can choose an option on wheels suitable for the size of the niche.
• For high-tech interiors, you can choose metal products or combined shelves that combine chrome or glass surfaces.

• For neoclassicism and art deco, wooden textures are relevant: walnut, stained oak, wenge with metal holders or fittings.
• Tranquil modern interiors allow the use of built-in shelves with tiles or mosaics. If you choose a bright enough mosaic, then such a shelf will complement and decorate interiors in oriental style.

To visually increase the height of the bathroom, furniture with horizontal sections is recommended. And the shelves installed in the form of steps will help to visually expand the premises. For this purpose, you can also use wall cabinets with a mirror on the doors.

Glass shelves, if not cluttered with hygiene products, can also visually expand the space. It is recommended to combine them with other glass surfaces, for example, a translucent shower or bath door.

Metal shelves look equally good in both classic interiors and modern ones. If you choose an accessory of the appropriate type with a brass handle or forged elements, then it will complement the retro interior of the bathroom. Metal products are harmoniously combined with stone, wood and glass surfaces.

Often, plastic or metal corner models are considered a boring and faceless accessory.... This statement is wrong when it comes to designer products. Features of the shape and design of corner models allow us to talk about their external resemblance to the branches of trees. On sale you can find unusual corner shelves in the form of a tree branch with birds. It is safe to say that they look authentic and will decorate even the most modest bathroom.

Since there is constant contact of water with furniture in the bathroom, moisture-resistant products should be preferred. It is also important that the dimensions of the structure correspond to the dimensions of the room. Large shelves and long shelves look ridiculous in small bathrooms.

Before buying, you need to carefully measure the area of ​​the bathroom, transfer it to a suitable scale on paper. Next, you need to try to mark as accurately as possible on the drawing the location of plumbing and communications. After that, you can plan where and what furniture to install.

It is important to decide on the budget and the color scheme of the shelves. The next step is to decide on the type of material from which the shelf will be made. If you buy wood products and plan to file them yourself, buy yacht varnish right away. They will need to process the cuts, thereby preventing moisture from reaching them.

It is irrational to choose shelves for a bathroom made of wood or materials that are prone to corrosion. It is better to give preference to built-in models, finished with tiles. Such a design is ergonomic and safe (a person taking a bath does not risk hitting his head on the shelves), it will last for many years without requiring complicated maintenance.

Sink shelves should not protrude too far beyond the sink and mirror and must necessarily form a unity in terms of style. Otherwise, their choice is complete freedom of creativity. The most common options are plastic or glass shelves.

If you choose a closed design for small spaces, it is better to opt for wardrobes and cabinets with a sliding door. For spacious rooms, you can use both shelves with similar doors and hinged ones.

The powder shelf is usually made of plastic and is installed above the washing machine. It can be combined with other options or matched to the color of the washing machine. Typically this is neutral white.Make sure the shelf and fittings can support the weight of the powder, air conditioners and other cleaning agents.

For shampoos, washcloths and hygiene products, it is better to build a built-in shelf above the bathtub or purchase a corner model. The remaining free wall space can be determined for hanging shelves, shelves or hangers.

The leader among European manufacturers is the German brand Villeroy & Boch. In addition to the manufacture of sanitary ware, the manufacturer produces bathroom accessories and shelves. The products will appeal to those who value high quality and are looking for non-standard solutions.

In the collections you can find wine-burgundy furniture, semicircular wardrobes, bright turquoise sink cabinets. However, there are also quite traditional options - white, beige models, as well as shelves with an imitation of a wooden surface. Most of the accessories are available in 4-5 color variations, which allows you to find the most suitable shade.

These shelves have quality Austrian and German fittings. Handles - chrome-plated, brass, there are models with handles in bronze, gold. The service life of the products is from 5 to 10 years (depending on the model). The disadvantage is the high cost.

If you like the cosiness that natural wood gives to the rooms, pay attention to the collection of shelves from the Spanish (or rather the joint Spanish-Russian) manufacturer Roca... Furniture made of moisture-resistant chipboard is produced in 3 price ranges - economy, middle and premium classes. Collections for the most part are represented by floor cabinets, cabinets, pencil cases, as well as modular sets (their elements can be easily changed among themselves, which allows you to vary the resulting appearance of the set). The advantages are the ergonomic dimensions of the furniture, a moisture-resistant durable coating, the presence of chrome and brass fittings and mechanisms for smoothly closing doors.

Another brand in the collections of which you can find shelves and other bathroom furniture made of wood is Cersanit... The basis of the products is chipboard with a moisture-resistant coating, the main palette is all shades of wood, as well as white. Conventionally, all manufactured products can be divided into 2 groups - for small-sized rooms (for example, sink cabinets with a width of 36 cm) and for spacious rooms (under a sink with a width of up to 2 m).

Wooden, or rather bamboo products Umbra aquala, have a unique structure and also fill the room with an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Their advantage is not only in the environmental friendliness and durability of the material, but also in the variety of shades - from light woody to almost black tones. The brand's products boast a variety of choices (about 25 collections) and a wide price range.

If you are looking for compact bathroom furniture, check out the offers of a domestic company Triton... Most of the products (and this is about 50 collections) are made of laminated or enameled chipboard. The average size of the shelves is 45-120 cm. There are many floor-standing as well as hanging models (which is not often found in Russian manufacturers). The price of products is much lower than the cost of Western counterparts. However, according to users, the shelves can swell from frequent contact with water.

Furniture for "Khrushchev" and similar small-sized premises can be found in the line "AquaRodos"... The brand's products are pleasing with the optimal quality and the price affordable for the average buyer.

One of the best manufacturers of classic-style shelves is a Russian brand Aquaton, which is a link of the above-mentioned Roca company. The products are aimed at the domestic buyer, so the sizes of the products offered are suitable for most bathrooms. The basis of the collections is wooden shelves covered with moisture resistant paints or enamels.

Inexpensive Chinese kits tend to fail quickly. And the safety of some plastic shelves raises strong doubts. The only exception is the manufacturer Godi, whose products are distinguished by their durability, functionality, resistance to abrasion and high humidity, as well as an elegant appearance. Its disadvantage is its high cost.

Corner shelves are considered the most compact. The leading manufacturer of such structures is the brand Harmoni... The basis of the collections are shelves made of durable glass with a matte surface and chrome fittings. The number of tiers varies from 1 to 4. In addition to glass models, the catalog also contains metal shelves-lattices, which also have 1-4 tiers.

Corner shelves were also highly appreciated by customers. Tatkraft... Thanks to the suction cups, they do not slip even on rough surfaces and fit perfectly into small spaces. The model has a chrome base, the shelves themselves are made of plastic. The latter is characterized by a variety of colors, which allows you to choose an option suitable for the bathroom interior.

The well-known brand boasts a variety of affordable and original bathroom furniture, including shelves. Ikea... The specialists of the brand, based in Sweden, create attractive, practical, functional shelves for both small and spacious bathrooms. In the latter, shelves from the Hemnes collection will look good. It is represented by closed shelving with mirrored and glass shelves, spacious designs for a sink made of stone and wood.

Collection Silveronon the contrary, it includes pencil cases, bookcases and shelves for small bathrooms. The same can be said about the collection Lillongen... Despite the compactness of the products, such a bathroom looks attractive and stylish. Exquisite shelving with forged elements is the main distinguishing characteristic of the brand's collection Rjonser. Stylish metal towel rails, hangers and hooks can be found in the Hrundtal range.

In addition to high-quality and practical furniture, the company boasts a user-friendly website. Having entered one of its sections, you can use the bathroom design program. Find the most similar to your bathroom and simply insert this or that shelf or accessory into it. Change its color or look for a more suitable analogue, "collecting" the perfect bathroom.

Typically, most buyers are looking for small shelves and furniture for small rooms. However, these accessories are not suitable for spacious rooms. Happy owners of large bathrooms are advised to pay attention to the Italian manufacturer Labor Legno. In the catalogs, you can find a variety of shelf options, made mainly in a classic design.

When choosing floor structures, make sure they have rubberized feet. This will protect the flooring from damage and prevent the device from slipping. Shelves and bookcases are installed on the floor, but require additional fixing to the wall. Otherwise, using them is unsafe. Models made of wood (including those treated with moisture-repellent compounds) should be placed as far as possible from sources of moisture. The same applies to electric heated towel rails. If liquid gets on them, a short circuit may occur.

If it is necessary to attach a structure to a tile, special drills should be used to make holes in it to prevent cracking of the tile covering. In this case, the structure should be carefully measured in height and width, since it will not work to make several holes nearby on the tile (there is a high probability of material splitting, and this looks unaesthetic).

All kinds of shelves, hangers and cabinets are not only an opportunity to place all the accessories and objects necessary in the bathroom, but also a great way to make the interior more interesting and non-standard.

For example, here the shelf is an element of the wall framing and at the same time is a countertop for the sink. This creates the effect of completeness, unity, a kind of monumentality. For the shelf, in this case, it is recommended to use an artificial marble-like stone, porcelain stoneware.

A win-win and convenient to use is the option of built-in shelves that you can do yourself. To do this, during a major overhaul in the bathroom, it is necessary to make drywall niches in the wall. The resulting shelves can be tiled with the same tiles as the walls of the room. These shelves are reliable, ergonomic and easy to maintain. Usually they are located near the bath bowl.

When choosing a cabinet under the sink, you should take into account the dimensions of the room. For large rooms, you can choose a cabinet that is slightly elongated in width, which will add elements of palace luxury to the interior. For small rooms, it is better to choose vertically oriented pedestals. A combination of open and closed shelves allows you to avoid the effect of clutter.

For interiors in a minimalist style, drawers of simple geometric shapes made of modern materials are suitable. A perfect solution for the interior in the photo was a cabinet without handles with closed shelves, without any decor and glass inserts.

A mirror is usually hung on the wall above the cabinet and sink. It can also be framed by shelves, convenient for storing small creams and cosmetics. Nearby, you can attach miniature hooks for a hair dryer and a small towel.

When purchasing hanging shelves, make sure they match the color of the rest of the furniture. This is the only way to achieve unity of style and visually expand the space. By the way, under the sink, you can install not only cabinets, but also open shelves, supplementing them with a heated towel rail.

If it seems to you that storing towels and shower accessories on an open shelf is unhygienic and inconvenient, then pay attention to stylish boxes and wicker boxes. You can sort the necessary accessories in them, put towels. The boxes stored on the shelves look stylish and cozy at home.

Elegant glass shelves should be combined with other glass or mirrored surfaces such as mirrors and frosted glass vanity doors. Built-in glass shelves in the interior are sometimes equipped with lighting. Soft light emphasizes the glass texture, and in combination with green mosaic fills the room with softness and comfort.

A wrought-iron floor stand allows you to create an exquisite style. As a rule, it is performed in black, which gives it laconic or refined rigor. An analogue in a white shade looks more solemn, but no less stylish. This kind of shelves will harmoniously fit into the Provence style.

For this style, as well as for interiors in a classic or Scandinavian design, you can also choose a wooden shelf. For the Scandinavian and Provencal style, it is advisable to choose light shades of tiles or wood-like finishes. In classic interiors, the bookcase can be placed against a darker wooden wall.

A great option for small bathrooms is to place an open shelf above the door.This simple solution allows you to put items you need on the shelf that you don't use every day. It is advisable to make hooks behind the door.

It is important not to overload the shelves. Designers recommend using the shelves not only for their intended purpose, placing towels on them, for example, but also do not forget about decorating structures. To do this, complement them with accessories, natural or artificial flowers.

For combined bathrooms, you can choose comfortable shelves placed above the toilet seat. The main thing is that they do not interfere with its use.

In order for the interior to look holistic and stylish, it is better to refuse to place different-colored tubes and cans on the shelves, and to use the same dispensers and storage containers. Of course, pouring an expensive cream into such a container is irrational, as well as purchasing many of the same containers for creams and other small-volume products. In this case, they can be hidden in a box that matches the overall style of the interior.

You can watch how to make a glass bathroom shelf in this video.