Stainless steel shelves for the bathroom: types, tips for choosing
The bathroom is the place where the air humidity is increased. For this reason, accessories specially designed for her are made of materials that are not exposed to water, such as stainless steel. This article will focus on stainless steel shelves for the bathroom.
Features and purpose
Stainless steel is an alloy steel (containing other metals to impart certain properties) steel that is resistant to corrosion. It contains at least 12% chromium and is particularly practical and easy to use.
Most quality stainless steel bathroom shelves have a decorative finish. But it should not be confused with an ordinary steel coating, complemented by chrome. It is better not to purchase such a product from unscrupulous manufacturers, since soon it begins to rust and become covered with scratches.
Shelves coated with bronze or other expensive metals look expensive, elegant and beautiful. But such a shelf, of course, will not cost cheap.
When using a stainless steel shelf, you need to remember some of the rules regarding caring for it. When cleaning it, no substances containing chlorine, soda or acids are used. The best solution for this task is universal mild detergents for cleaning glass, acrylic or ceramics. Sponges or metal brushes will not work either; they can leave unwanted marks.
If you remove old stains, soak them with plain water and then remove them with a soft sponge or cloth.
Products made of stainless steel serve both aesthetic and practical functions in the room. These shelves are durable, spacious and lightweight. They provide many benefits and have a number of features.
- Ensuring the safety of things. With such a shelf, you can be sure that they will be in order. Moreover, being in one place, they will not interfere.
- It is pleasant and comfortable to use certain bath accessories or personal care products when everything is at hand. You can also put or hang towels on the shelf to keep them side by side.
- Compactness. Stainless steel shelves, as a rule, do not require a lot of space compared to massive wall cabinets.
- Aesthetics. This part of the interior is its stylish addition that can emphasize its style and make it cozy.
- The stainless steel shelf, even if it looks delicate and fragile, can bear a lot of weight. The ratio of its quality and price pleasantly surprises buyers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Stainless steel shelves have their pros and cons. Let's take a closer look at them and start with the drawbacks, the main of which is the high price. A good quality stainless steel shelf is more expensive than shelves with the same capacity made of plastic or glass. However, their service life will also be shorter.
Consider the benefits of a stainless steel shelf.
- Water resistance... This is the main advantage of this accessory. Even after being in the washing room for a long time, the metal alloy will not corrode. Accordingly, the shelf will not stain objects or towels on it with rust.
- Strength. The stainless steel shelf does not deform. You will have to try hard to scratch or break this durable product.
- Resistance to temperature extremes. The material will not be damaged or deformed near hot pipes and other heating objects.
- Hygiene. This property applies to the surface of the shelf: the stainless steel structure does not contain pores and microcracks. It does not generate or accumulate dirt or dust.
- External attractiveness... A variety of shapes and sizes helps you choose the shelf that best suits your room style. The metal product is suitable for a bathroom in a classic style, as well as in modern or techno.
Shapes and sizes
As mentioned above, there is a huge selection of shelves made of steel that does not undergo rusting processes on the market today. They vary in shape and size.
- Triangular. Such a shelf is installed in the corners and is usually located near the bath. You can put sponges, washcloths, tubes and the like on it.
- Round (or oval). Such a product cannot be hung in a corner, but it makes the interior softer and more comfortable.
- Square (rectangular). This is a versatile model. It can be placed anywhere and many things can be stored in it. But it should be borne in mind that a shelf of this shape has sharp edges and can be dangerous if you have small children.
By the number of shelves, this accessory is divided into:
- single-tiered;
- bunk;
- three-tiered and more.
Multi-tiered lattice shelves make the room look taller.
By the type of base, the shelves are:
- with mesh base;
- with lattice.
In both cases, the water will not stay on the shelf, and the air masses will circulate freely. Moreover, such a shelf is much lighter.
The width of the product is 30-70 cm, in height - up to 60 cm, depending on how many tiers the shelf has. Its depth is 5-18 cm.
Varieties
At the place of installation, stainless steel shelves are divided into hinged, corner, located in a niche or under the bathroom, folding.
Hinged (wall-mounted) is the most common option. They are attached in any convenient place and are used to store lightweight items.
Corner shelf installed at the junction of two walls. It can be triangular or rectangular. The model is very convenient, as it does not take up much space and allows you to use the free space with benefit. It is easy to place it directly next to the bathtub, keeping the necessary accessories on it.
Niche shelves are a more interesting option. They are located inside a niche, so they themselves and everything that is put on them are not exposed to external influences.
Stainless steel shelf arrangement On the floor no less interesting. It allows you to use the available space in the room as much as possible. Since the shelf rests on the floor surface, heavy items can be placed on it. To keep it out of sight, you can install it behind a plastic or textile curtain.
Folding shelves are fixed to the door. They consist of crossbars and hooks on which you can conveniently hang clothes or a towel.
Usually, stainless steel shelves are attached to the wall with self-tapping screws, which are part of the kit, but there are also models that are held on suction cups. The latter option is popular with owners of bathrooms with ceramic tiled walls. Its smooth surface does not always allow screwing in screws, which can lead to cracks and chips.
The main advantages of suction cup shelves include the following.
- Ease. Everyone can install the shelf quickly and easily.
- Versatility. The shelf can be moved if its first location is not very convenient. There are both corner and front shelves on the suction cups.
- Manufacturability. The suction cups do not damage the surface. After removing the product, the tile remains the same as it was before.
Another method of fastening is with vacuum screws. They are particularly durable. Moreover, a shelf of any size and type will be able to withstand heavy loads.
Selection recommendations
It is really difficult to choose this or that model among the multitude of stainless steel shelves. Designers offer more and more new products, each of which has its own advantages.
When choosing a shelf, you should rely on:
- the place that you are ready to take for its installation;
- the type of surface on which the choice of fastening depends;
- the functions that the regiment will have to perform;
- the style in which the bathroom is decorated;
- value for money - for many, this is a key factor influencing the final decision.
It is also important to consider that the shelf is produced by a reliable manufacturer, otherwise it will quickly deteriorate. Consider several models popular with buyers.
Model FX-837-2 Is an oval bunk shelf from the German company Fixsen. It has a chrome coating, high sides, its size is 37 × 12 cm, the type of base is lattice.
Kaiser large - a corner model from the Chinese manufacturer Tatkraft. The three-tier shelf reaches 58 cm in height and 23 cm in width. It has a four-layer antibacterial coating.
Escala - stainless steel shelf from Axentia. It is also installed in the corner, but has bumpers. Number of shelves - 3, dimensions - 20x20x42.5 cm.
Bonja - also a product from Axentia. The model has one tier and harmoniously combines bamboo and stainless steel details. Dimensions - 26.5x8.5x11.3 cm.
K-1433 from Wasserkraft brand from Germany - very nice and comfortable shelf in three tiers, with lattice base and hooks. Its dimensions are 32.63x13x59.2 cm. The manufacturer gives a 5-year warranty.
Shelf Modern 065-00 by Vanstore has three tiers and can support up to 15 kg. Reaches 46 cm in height, 25 cm in width.
Bunk model 075-00 brand Duschy made in China has an interesting design. Its upper base is more spacious than the lower one. The product reaches 30 cm in height and 27 cm in width.
FX-861 - bathroom shelf from the Fixsen brand, which also has 2 tiers. It is very roomy and additionally has a small soap dish.
Product Kristall by Top Star has one tier with a lattice base. Attaches to beautifully designed vacuum suction cups. Dimensions - 18x18x6.5 cm.
SWR-072 from Swensa - a 2-tier corner shelf with beautiful wavy sides and hooks. Its dimensions are 22.5x22.5x43.5 cm.
A stainless steel shelf is a nice and useful bathroom accessory.Each such shelf, with proper care, will serve you for a long time and will delight the eye every day.
For an overview of the bathroom shelf on Hasko vacuum suction cups, see the following video.