Bathroom shelves: types, selection and DIY

Any bathroom should not only be attractive, but also as functional as possible. Of course, repairs according to European standards and good plumbing solve some of the problems, however, when arranging a room, it is impossible to do without furniture. This article will focus on functional shelves that play a decorative role in the bathroom.

When it comes to bathroom shelves, images of different designs come to mind. These are open models, closed, floor-standing, wall-mounted, shelving, corner structures, metal products and options with suction cups. Regardless of the external features, all models must meet certain criteria:

• moisture resistance;
• strength;
• appropriate sizes;
• operational safety;
• attractive appearance;
• heat resistance.

The main purpose of the bathroom shelves is to store bathroom items such as towels or body care products. With the right choice of design, the room is transformed, acquires a visual increase.

Depending on the fastening system, the shelves are divided into several groups.

• outdoor, they are stationary;
• corner;
• hinged.

Floor structures have several distinguishing characteristics.

• Shelves can be of open type with a common frame. You can put them along the toilet or near the sink. In such structures, towels and hygienic bathing kits are stored.
• Short pull-out shelves are ideal for small bathrooms. Such shelves lend themselves to transformation, easily change the size and location in the room. Most often, pull-out shelves are supplemented with small wheels for ease of use.
• Closed shelves - cabinets are not very popular when decorating bathroom interiors. An exception is under-sink structures. They are not very convenient as they take up a lot of space. But on the other hand, closed-type pedestals hide communications.
• The racks are shaped like whatnots, only they are larger in size. Accordingly, the installation of shelving is carried out in large bathrooms.
• In the shelves under the bathroom you can keep household chemicals, buckets and rags. And hiding towels and hygiene items there would be wrong and inconvenient.

Corner designs are preferred for use in small bathrooms. They do not take up much space and look very neat. Quite often, corner-type shelves are hung over a washing machine and a bath bowl. Traditionally, corner models have several tiers with an elegant railing made of metal gratings and perforation of the bottom of the shelves.

Among the many types of fixings for corner shelves, they are in great demand suction cup models... The advantage of such structures is that they can be easily repositioned. Also, for such an installation it is not necessary to drill the walls.

Another interesting type of corner shelves is telescopic design, installed in a blind corner... Telescopic shelves are made of plastic material. Such models are practical and safe. In their design, 4 or 5 tiers can be present, so you can refuse from bulky cabinets and pedestals.

Hanging shelves may have a built-in mounting type. Many people claim that the structures recessed into the wall are the most comfortable and ergonomic. True, such an idea can be organized only at the stage of repair.

Bathroom shelf constructions are also divided according to the type of fixings. Products can be fixed on suction cups or using brackets... The Velcro device stays firmly on the wall with smooth tiles. The suction cups themselves are covered with special caps, which gives the design an aesthetic look.

Those who like to enjoy bathing procedures will like it shelf tray... This is a small-width board fixed to the sides of the bathing bowl.

Large bathrooms can accommodate bathroom set with hinged shelves and floor stands. A large mirror is hung in the central part. For maximum ease of use, the set includes a comfortable chair with a soft seat, on which you can relax and put yourself in order.

It is very difficult to decide on the material from which the bathroom shelves should be made. You always want them to be durable, beautiful and inexpensive. And it is extremely difficult to satisfy these needs at the same time.

Shelves made of the presented material are ideal for shower cabins, because plastic does not care about moisture. It is important to take into account that the shelves must have a recess to drain the accumulated water. By type of structure, plastic shelves can be floor, corner and wall. The connecting frame is made of stainless steel.

There are a few more practical points that are very important to pay attention to. If the water in the tap is hard, it is better to choose light colors of the products. Salt deposits do not leave traces on the white and beige shelves.

Glass structures are considered dangerous by many. Of course, even plastic products can be harmful if misused. However, glass shelves and mirror models have not hurt anyone yet.

A distinctive feature of glass and mirrored shelves is the thickness of the material. It is impossible to break the product in half.

The factory sets of shelves contain all the necessary elements for installation. And for self-production of structures, you will have to contact a glass workshop. Craftsmen will not only cut out the required dimensions of the shelves, but will process their edges, as well as make mounting holes of the required dimensions.

Do not forget that there are colored types of glass. And on their surface you can apply a drawing or order an engraving. The only drawback of glass and mirror designs is their high cost.

The most common and most difficult material used in the manufacture of bathroom shelves. Modern metal models are made of stainless steel, chrome-plated steel, brass or powder-coated. Even iron models can be found on the market, but they are not in demand.

The shelves are considered the most durable. stainless steel... A high-quality product will be quite expensive, but it will serve its owners for more than a dozen years. Budget options cannot boast of a high level of durability. After 6-8 years, you will have to change the product to a new one.

In the middle of the price range there are chrome shelves. But their beauty will only be visible for six months. Then the spray will begin to peel off, rust will appear.

On shelves with brass base a greenish tint gradually appears. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get rid of it. Enamelled shelves and powder coated products belong to economy class. They are inexpensive and leave much to be desired in terms of quality.

When choosing manufacturers of high-quality metal shelves, one should consider such well-known brands as Smedbo, Grohe and Hansgrohe... Of course, there are other manufacturers of metal structures, but it is impossible to guarantee that their products will be of high quality.

Wooden shelves for bathroom decoration are rarely considered. Everyone is accustomed to the fact that wood loses its attractive appearance when it comes into contact with moisture. However, today there are special tools that can be used to treat the surface of wood, due to which it loses its sensitivity to moisture.

Shelves treated with oily substance are not covered with a smooth film. Their surface remains rough, but the material ceases to absorb moisture.

A very unusual material that is not afraid of moisture and prolonged contact with water. However, it is important to consider that stone shelves are very heavy... They should be hung on walls with good load-bearing capacity.

It is impossible to purchase stone shelves in the store. You will need to contact a specialized workshop and provide the design of the desired product.

This material is used in the manufacture of open and closed pedestals. The shelves themselves may be based on a different material, but the frame is made of drywall. Only it is impossible to call this material durable. Its contact with moisture after a certain period of time will make itself felt.

There are a lot of manufacturers of sanitary ware, furniture and bathroom accessories. However, not everyone is ready to offer quality products. And so that there are no questions when choosing, we offer you to get acquainted with the most popular brands that produce high-quality shelves.

The undisputed leader in the huge list of European manufacturers of sanitary ware and bathroom accessories. The products of this brand are highly appreciated by consumers for the quality of structures and non-standard design. The Villeroy & Boch collection includes burgundy furniture, semi-circular wardrobes with a bright turquoise color and much more.

The Spanish brand Roca is ready to offer furniture with imitation of a wooden surface. The entire range of the company is created from moisture-resistant chipboard. The manufacturer's product line includes a wide variety of base cabinets and modular sets. All Roca products are divided into 3 price ranges: economy, middle and premium. But despite this, all structures are endowed with moisture resistant properties, a high level of strength and quality.

Another brand that makes bathroom shelves. The products of the Cersanit manufacturer are based on chipboard with a moisture-resistant base. The entire range of the brand is divided into 2 groups: structures for miniature rooms and products for spacious rooms.

The represented brand is engaged in the manufacture of wood and bamboo furniture that allows you to bring an atmosphere of warmth and comfort to the room. The main advantage of this furniture is environmental friendliness and high quality of the material. In addition, a wide variety of shades will allow everyone to choose the right designs for their own bathroom.

The Triton brand is engaged in the production of compact furniture. Most of the products are made of laminated chipboard covered with enamel. The manufacturer's assortment includes a lot of floor and hanging structures.

The best Russian manufacturer of bathroom furniture. All products of the brand are focused only on the domestic consumer, which is why the dimensions of the proposed structures correspond to the dimensions of most Russian bathrooms. The collection is based on wooden shelves, the surface of which is covered with special moisture-resistant enamel.

Chinese manufacturers supply shelves of not the highest quality to the world market, but the Godi brand has managed to change the opinion of society on this issue. The entire range of the brand is distinguished by a high level of durability, versatility, safety, moisture resistance, and elegant appearance. The only drawback of Godi products is the high price.

The represented brand is engaged in the production of glass corner shelves. On the one hand, it may seem that this is a bad option, but in fact everything looks different. The number of tiers ranges from 1 to 4. All the fittings of the products are made of chrome-plated steel, which looks very attractive.

The Tatkraft brand has received high praise from consumers, and the shelves with suction cups are especially loved by customers. Products are tightly fixed on the walls, do not slide down even under heavy loads. The structures themselves are made of plastic, there are models with a chrome base.

A world-famous brand, distinguished by the availability and variety of furniture, including shelves. The brand's specialists develop unique products that are practical and versatile. In a wide variety of Ikea's assortment, there are closed racks, built-in structures under the sink, wood products.

According to statistics, most consumers are looking for furniture for small baths. But there are also those who wish to transform a large bathroom. They need to turn to the Labor Legno brand for this. The assortment of the company includes many floor and wall shelves. They can be high or medium.

The bathroom is a room with high humidity. This means that when choosing furniture, you should give preference to moisture-resistant structures. It is important that the dimensions of the product correspond to the size of the room.

Before you go shopping, you need to measure the room. It is advisable to transfer the sketch to paper, make marks with the location of plumbing and communications. Based on these data and stylistic solutions, it will be possible to choose the most suitable design.

An important factor is the material of the product. If the shelves are going to be made independently, you should purchase all the necessary elements to create the structure. For example, to create wooden shelves you will need boards and yacht varnish... But on the other hand, choosing wood or metal for the manufacture of bathroom shelves is not advisable.

For a small-sized bath, it is better to choose built-in models. Firstly, they are ergonomic, and secondly, they are safe. A shelf above the bath bowl provides easy access to hygiene products while bathing.

Someone buys plastic or glass structures to house shampoos and other cosmetics. Others need shelves to store powders or towels. But even closed models must match the color scheme of the bathroom.

The main purpose of bathroom shelves is to store hygiene products and detergents. But in addition to functionality, the design must match the overall style of the interior. Each direction has its own distinctive features, expressed in furniture design:

• for classic style for the interior, it is necessary to choose simple forms of shelves made of wood, stone or glass;
• for romantic style the absence of sharp corners of the structure is important;
• minimalism involves the use of small shelves made of glass or MDF;
• high tech implies cubic furniture;
• neoclassic and art deco require the presence of wooden elements.

To visually increase the height of the bathroom, it is necessary to install furniture with horizontal sections. Glass shelves will help to visually expand the space.

Bathroom shelves should be freely accessible to all family members. Better if they are located above the bathroom. So while bathing, it will be more convenient to get the necessary hygiene products.Others want to hang shelves above the sink, mount structures in a box, or install them above the toilet.

You can carry out installation work with your own hands, without the help of masters. And in order for everything to go smoothly, it is necessary to determine in advance the location of the structure.

The next step is to develop a consistent installation plan. The essence of the work entirely depends on the material. If the choice fell on a tree, the sequence of actions will proceed as follows:

• on the extreme sides of the rail, pencil marks are made in accordance with the required dimensions;
• using glue, identical blocks are fixed at the set marks;
• marks are also made in the central part of each block where holes will need to be drilled;
• then the structure is assembled and the product is fixed on the wall;
• finished shelves are varnished.

In the case when the shelves were made by hand, it is very important to think over their decorative design. "Naked" designs look uninteresting.

There are a few rules to follow when decorating bathroom shelves.

• An openwork construction of several floors will look ridiculous, especially in a modern-style room.
• The original design will add flavor to the bathroom.
• To decorate wooden shelves, it is advisable to use paint on top of which an interesting image can be applied.
• As an additional decoration of the room, you can use a small vase with artificial flowers or an aquarium. The main thing is to choose one thing, too many decorative elements can make the bathroom ridiculous.
• Decorative mosaics in the design of open hinged shelves can add an oriental flavor to the interior. Laconic lighting will help to complement such beauty.

Modern bathrooms are increasingly being converted into comfortable, functional spaces. Now there is no need to go to spa-salons. You can receive a full range of procedures without leaving your home. but the secret of comfort and coziness lies not in plumbing equipment, but in decorative items, where shelves and cabinets play an important role. You can put cosmetics on them, decompose bath accessories, put various oils, lotions, balms. At the same time, a shelf installed near the bath facilitates the procedure for caring for your own body.

Finding a suitable place for mounting shelves is, in principle, easy. However, each individual structure requires the placement of certain hygiene means.

• Over the sink. Quite a practical place to put a glass with a toothbrush and toothpaste, spread out some cosmetics and some accessories.

• Under the sink. Shelves can be either open or closed. It is these models that help to effectively use the space under the sink. For example, put towels on them, put detergents or powder.

• Above the bathroom. It contains soap, shampoo and all the necessary products for taking a bath. The structure should be placed in such a way that, when standing up, a person does not hit the corner or the bottom of the shelf.

• In the shower. These shelves can be straight or angled, suspended from brackets, or mounted on the wall with suction cups.

• Above the washing machine. Very often the wall above the washing machine remains unclaimed, but this is fundamentally wrong.White space should be used to its fullest. The sturdy structures above the washing machine can accommodate powder and other laundry detergents.

• Above the door. In the recent past, niches were made above the bathroom door, where you could fold bath textiles. Today, this trend of the past allows you to make decorative shelves with an original design and lighting.

The existing variety of bathroom shelves allows you to properly organize the space of the room. Overall, the shelves are ideal for organizing your hygiene products.

Wall-mounted shelves are easy to install. All you need is a drill and fasteners that are included with the purchased headset.

Built-in shelves are designed for small spaces. For ease of use, additional illumination with a separate or general switch is provided in the recessed niche.

Perfect execution of the corner shelf model. Glass bottom, steel frame, safety sides. The design is very convenient and practical, especially if it is located above the bathroom.

The wooden structure, processed using a special technology, does not absorb moisture. Outwardly, it looks impressive, in perfect harmony with the Art Deco style.

A great way to place bath textiles in one place. The shelf above the door does not interfere with the passage, does not clutter up the space and looks elegant and aesthetically pleasing.

How to make a simple shelf for the bathroom, see below.