Hanging shelves in the bathroom: an overview of types and interesting models
Since bathrooms are rarely spacious, it is important to make optimal use of the available space. Indeed, in addition to plumbing and a washing machine, you need to place a large number of other things in it, which are necessary in order to put yourself in order. For this, all kinds of hinged shelves are most often used - they are quite easy to pick up and place in the right place.
Varieties
In order not to get confused in the range of stores offering shelves, they can be divided into several groups with similar characteristics.
Depending on the design, they can be open or closed.
- Open. The simplest model, it can consist of only one part - the bottom, on which the objects are installed, and the sides along the edges. This option looks more compact.
- Closed - in the form of a small wall cabinet with a door. Unlike open ones, they look more bulky, but better protect the contents from dust and splashing water.
Hanging shelves can be placed both along the wall and in the corner. Corner models allow more space and are more spacious than conventional models.
In addition, the corner arrangement is the most convenient, does not clutter up the walls and does not interfere with movement around the bathroom.
Hanging shelves can be of different shapes - from the most familiar semicircular and rectangular to intricately curved. They can include one or several tiers. For the latter, it is very important to calculate the load and choose reliable fasteners.Suction cup models are suitable for a tiled bathroom - they can be used temporarily and can be easily changed to new ones. Usually, such products can withstand only a slight load. To fasten the shelf more thoroughly, use a drill and self-tapping screws. But when you replace it or move it to another place, there will be holes that will have to be masked.
Material
Hinged shelves in the bathroom differ in the material from which they are made. It affects not only the appearance of the product, but also its practicality. For the manufacture of shelves, several types of raw materials are most often used.
- Plastic. Such a shelf will be light and convenient to use - it is easy to wash it. Another plus is the low price combined with an unusual appearance, because shelves of any shape and color can be made of plastic. However, with careless handling or increased load, individual parts of the structure may not withstand and crack.
- Wood... Despite its natural appeal, it is used less and less in bathrooms. Wooden products are clearly not cheap, they crack and swell from changes in humidity, and can also become a place for mold to appear.
Liquids are easily absorbed into such surfaces and it is rather difficult to wash them.
- Glass. It attracts with its unusual appearance, especially if tinted or satin varieties are used. Tempered glass is hard to break or scratch, it is quite durable and safe. But such a surface will have to be constantly kept clean, since drops of water and other dirt will be clearly visible on it.
- Metal (most often stainless steel is used). Suitable for bathrooms only with anti-corrosion coating. Withstands heavy loads, durable and wear-resistant. Chrome parts, like glass ones, will have to be wiped down frequently.
- Stone. It is rarely used as hinged shelves because of the high cost and weight, for which you will have to select the appropriate fasteners. However, the stone surpasses all previous materials in terms of reliability. In addition, like any other natural material, it looks beautiful and comes in a wide variety of varieties.
Where to place?
Hanging shelves cannot be placed on every wall. First of all, you need to find out how suitable it is for this particular weight and mounts. The thickness of the wall is important here, the material from which it is made and the finish. For example, if the wall cannot withstand such a load, or there is no suitable drill for the tile, it is better to pay attention to the lighter shelf on the suction cups.
It is best to place shelves with everything you need near the places where they are most often used.... All kinds of hygiene or care products should be located near the sink or bathtub. And at such a distance and height so that it is as convenient as possible. Even if at first it seems that one or two steps to the side will not be difficult, with everyday use the unnecessary movements will seem tedious.
Also, keep in mind that bathroom surfaces can be slippery and touching something can cause injury.
Wall-mounted shelves with large accessories are often positioned so that they do not interfere with easy access. For this, the corner farthest from the bath is ideal. You can use the space above the toilet or washing machine. For things that are rarely used, storage over the door is suitable. To prevent the contents from spoiling from moisture, suitable closed containers will help.
How to choose?
To choose the right shelf, you need to take into account a number of nuances.
- Its size and design depends on the purpose.... To accurately determine this, you can make a list of things you need for a bathroom, or at least divide them into groups by purpose or size.
- Single-tier are suitable for a glass with brushes or soap.... Since tall bottles may not fit on multi-tiered shelves, you can choose several regular ones and place them one above the other at the desired distance.
- It is important to correctly calculate the load... Metal fasteners are much more reliable than polyethylene suction cups.
- The easier the shelf is mounted, the better. An alternative is the hanging shelves, which can be attached to a hook, curtain rod or special holder.
- Since the bathroom is almost always humid, and water can get on the shelf, you need to choose a material that is resistant to these factors. In addition to its external qualities, it must be hygienic and safe.
Design options
To prevent the shelves from cluttering the walls, it is better to give preference glass models. They look more elegant and perfectly complement the interior in any style. This option is universal. In this case, the sides or holders for them can be made of contrasting material.
Shelves made of chrome-plated metal are suitable for the bathroom in a modern style... Metal details in bronze or gold, on the contrary, will emphasize the design in retro style. The large number of shiny surfaces in the bathroom is especially advantageous.
Most shelves made of plastic look simple. One of the options for how to diversify the interior is to use shelves of different shades that go well with each other. Such a touch in the bathroom will definitely cheer you up.
Another win-win option is backlit shelves... In addition to beauty, lamp shelves will serve as an additional source of light, which is important for a closed room.
For information on how to hang a corner shelf in the bathroom, see the next video.