Shelves for the bathroom: types and features of choice

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

Due 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 zoned bathroom and make it more attractive, individual in terms of style.

Speaking about the shelves for the bathroom, usually involve not only open shelves fixed to the wall, but also closed cabinets and shelves, bookcases, corner telescopic shelves, metal driers 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 with the size of the estimated dimensions of the bathroom;
• security;
• external attractiveness;
• biostability;
• practicality and functionality.

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

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

Shelves for the bathroom, depending on the method of installation and placement features There are the following types:

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

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

• Shelves are open shelves that are connected by a common metal frame. Shelves allow you to effectively use the space of the bathroom, installed along the walls above the toilet. As a rule, shelves are designed for storing towels and bath sheets. Execution of the bookcase in the angular version is possible - a more ergonomic model.
• Another option for small bathrooms is a pull-out shelf. Her shelves are transformed by changing the size and location, due to which the whatnot becomes more or less spacious. For greater convenience, such models are often equipped with furniture wheels.

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

• Curbstones are not as popular in the bathroom. The exception is the cabinets under the sink, which are closed cabinets with doors.They do not occupy free space and carry out 2 functions at once - they serve as a storage place for hygienic accessories and hide the sink communication system.

• Shelves - these are the same shelves, but more overall. Their height usually exceeds 1 m.

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

• Hangers are similar to structures located in the corridors and hallways. They are made mainly of metal. Towels, bathrobes can be placed on such hangers.

Corner structures are particularly convenient for small-sized bathrooms, because they do not take away free space. Among the most popular variations are shelving and shelves, closed wardrobes and open shelves. They all have a single triangular shape.

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

A variety of corner shelves are suction cup devices. Their advantage is mobility. If necessary, you can quickly change the location of the shelf. For its installation is not required to install mounts and stitched walls.

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

A special kind of corner shelves are telescopic. They are installed in the "blind" corner, where it is impossible to install other structures. As a rule, telescopic shelves are made of plastic, but have a strong attachment, therefore, are practical. If such a shelf has 4-5 tiers, it can easily replace the cabinet.

The important moment - the user can adjust the position of the shelves, changing their height at their 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 (if we are talking about a model on suckers).

Telescopic shelves are convenient to use in the corner above the bath.They will contain the necessary cosmetics for daily use. As a rule, a two-tier or three-tier structure is enough for a family of 3-4 people. Conveniently, if such a shelf in the lower part has hooks for washcloths.

Among the most popular mounted structures for storing things in the bath, there are:

• Dryers. These are usually compact models, however if you store towels and other bathroom textiles on them, the area occupied by the dryer will increase significantly.
• Heated towel rails - stationary devices for drying towels, located on the wall. There are several types of towel warmers:
• The first is a hanger with bars, drying towels on them is carried out under the influence of natural ventilation.
• The second type is zigzag or trapezoidal located pipes connected to the central heating system. Such devices are very convenient, as they allow not only to dry textiles, but also to heat the bathroom.

• There are radiator devices with heating heating elements inside that operate when connected to the mains.
• Lockers are a box with shelves and a door.For ergonomic and practical use, cabinets are usually hung above the sink (then a mirror is attached to the outside of the door) or a washing machine.
• The shelves above the bathroom are similar to the corner ones, but they are rectangular or square in 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. It is believed that this option is one of the most convenient and ergonomic, although the organization of such devices should be carried out at the stage of repairing the bathroom. In the wall near the bowl is a niche with shelves of drywall and metal profiles, which is then reveted 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. Shelf does not take place, does not rise above the bathroom and is easy to clean.

• Hangers are also used for hanging bathrobes and towels. They are hooks attached to the wall. Unlike floor options, wall hangers do not take up much space and do not run the risk of overturning if the position is wrong (one-sided) or an excessive amount of things are on the hanger.However, wall models can tear themselves away from the wall (if they are glued) or break under excessive loads.

Depending on the method of mounting, there are shelves that are attached with velcro or fixed to the struts or dowels supplied. When choosing devices with adhesive tape, preference should be given to models of shelves with adhesive tape. They are also equipped with suction cups, which are fixed to the wall. After that, the suction cup is closed with a special cap that provides a vacuum. Such devices are able to withstand a lot of weight, they do not slide off rough surfaces.

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

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

In terms of material used, bathroom shelves are:

• Plastic. They are well tolerated by moisture, can have a diverse design, are characterized by ease, low cost, but are subject to mechanical damage, the formation of mold. When choosing plastic models, preference should be given to products with perforated bottom. In this case, they will not accumulate moisture.

• Metallic. Such durable, attractive exterior designs that cannot withstand direct contact with water and water vapor can become rusty. In this regard, chrome shelves or stainless steel products are considered more practical. Products with a chrome surface look organic in modern interiors.

• Plasterboard. These shelves are mounted at the stage of repair in the bathroom. Usually they are installed in niches and finished with the same material as the lining of the bathroom (as a rule, it is tile). Their advantage is ergonomics, durability, the ability to get the most convenient for a particular room shelf, attractive appearance.

• Ceramic and glass models - these are mainly decorative shelves of small sizes. Such constructions are immune to moisture, but quite fragile. As a rule, ceramics and glass are used in combination with other materials.

• Shelves made of hardboard and MDF differ in durability, small weight, respectable appearance, however in the conditions of the increased humidity of a bathroom such shelves appear short-lived. The exception is wooden models impregnated with special water-repellent compounds. Structures are fastened by brackets, hinges or corners.

Shelves for the bathroom are designed to "unload" the room and are designed to store things and accessories. However, with their wrong choice or overloading with stored objects, the structures look sloppy and make the bathroom less tidy. In this regard, it is important to choose the right design data by size.

Narrow hinged shelves or shelves can be “started up” from floor to ceiling. From this room only benefit, because visually it will be higher. For spacious bathrooms it is better to choose wider options with a height slightly higher than the middle of the wall, shelving or shelves.

In addition to the size of the shelves, it is important to take care of their proper placement. So, shelves and hooks for towels should be placed closer to the sink or bath. The optimal distance is 60-70 cm.In this case, the structures are placed slightly lower (at a height of 140-150 cm from the floor), while for hooks it is better to choose a place higher (160 cm from the floor). For children it is better to purchase separate hooks and arrange them, given the growth of the child.

The design for storing toothbrushes and toothpaste is usually fixed on the wall between the sink and the mirror. It is desirable that 15 cm from the mirror to the shelf remain, and at least 30 between the shelf and the sink.

Natural shades of wood, as well as a brown-coffee palette will make it possible to bring in the interior of the bath notes of home warmth and comfort. They look good in tiled bathrooms. The 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 are pleased with the color abundance. It is important to choose a product whose plastic is painted in bulk. With this technology, the pigment is evenly distributed in raw materials and stains the entire thickness of the product. As a result, a pink shelf or a product of any other bright color will retain its shade throughout the entire life cycle.The disadvantage of colored plastic shelves is the fact that dried water drops are immediately noticeable on their surface.

Colored shelves tend to become accents to the interior. More expensive models of shelves may have a coating that simulates chrome, brass or gold-plated surfaces. Having chosen a suitable option, it is convenient to combine such a shelf with sanitary ware.

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

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

• For classic interiors, it is necessary to select constructions of simple geometric shapes - rectangular, square, trapezoid. Shelves are usually chosen from wood, stone, glass. They can have carved elements, gilded racks and fittings, forged holders.
• For romantic - the same options, but with rounded corners, as well as oval, round, semicircular.

• For minimalist interiors, small shelves should be chosen from glass or MDF. With a small area of ​​the bathroom or the presence of niches in it, you can choose a suitable option for the size of a niche on wheels.
• For high-tech interiors, you can pick up metal products or combination shelves that combine chrome or glass surfaces.

• For neoclassicism and art deco, wooden textures are relevant: walnut, bog oak, wenge with metal holders or fittings.
• Calm modern interiors allow the use of built-in shelves lined with tile or mosaic. If you choose a bright enough mosaic, then such a shelf will be a complement and decoration of the interior in oriental style.

To visually increase the height of the bathroom recommended furniture with horizontal sections. 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 they are not cluttered with hygiene products, are also able to visually expand the space. It is recommended to combine them with other glass surfaces, for example, with a translucent door of a shower cabin or bath.

Metal shelves look equally good in both classic and modern interiors.If you choose an accessory of the appropriate type with a brass handle or forged elements, 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.. Such a statement is erroneous when it comes to design products. The features of the shape and design of the corner models allow us to speak about their external similarity with 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 adorn even the most modest bathroom.

Since the bathroom is constantly in contact with water furniture, you should give preference to moisture-resistant products. It is also important that the dimensions of the design match the size 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 as accurately as possible to mark on the drawing the location of plumbing and communications. After that, you can plan where and what furniture to install.

It is important to determine the budget and colors of the shelves. The next step is to determine the type of material from which the shelf will be made. If you purchase wooden products and plan to file them yourself, immediately buy yacht varnish. They will need to process the cutting sites, thereby preventing access to moisture.

Shelves for the bathroom is not rational to choose from wood or materials prone to corrosion. Preference is better to give embedded models, trimmed under the tile. This design is ergonomic and safe (a person taking a bath does not risk hitting his head on the shelves), will last for many years without requiring complicated care.

Shelves for the sink should not protrude too much beyond the sink and mirror and must necessarily form unity in terms of style. For the rest, their choice is complete creative freedom. The most common option are shelves made of plastic or glass.

If you choose a closed design for small rooms, it is better to stop the choice on cabinets and sideboards with a compartment door. For spacious rooms, you can use shelves with similar doors and swing doors.

The shelf for powders is usually made of plastic and is installed above the washing machine. It can be combined with other options or to choose the color of the machine for washing clothes. As a rule, it is neutral white. You should make sure that the shelf and fasteners can withstand the weight of the powder, as well as air conditioners and other means for cleaning things.

For shampoos, washcloths and hygiene products, it is better to build a built-in shelf above the bath or purchase an angular model. The remaining free space of the wall can be identified under the mounted shelves, shelves or hangers.

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

In the collections you can find furniture of wine-red color, semi-circular cabinets, bright turquoise cabinets under the sink. However, there are quite traditional options - white, beige models, as well as shelves with imitation of a wooden surface. Most accessories come in 4-5 color variations, which allows you to find the most appropriate shade.

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

If you like the comfort that the room gives natural wood, pay attention to the collection of shelves from the Spanish (or rather the joint Spanish-Russian) manufacturer Roca. Made from moisture-resistant chipboard furniture, is available in 3 price ranges - economy, middle and premium classes.Most of the collections are represented by floor stands, wardrobes, cases, and also modular sets (their elements easily change among themselves, which makes it possible to vary the resulting appearance of the set). The advantages are the ergonomic size of furniture, moisture-resistant durable coating, the presence of chrome and brass hardware 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 products - chipboard with a moisture-resistant coating, the main palette - all shades of wood, as well as white. Conventionally, all manufactured products can be divided into 2 groups - for small premises (for example, cabinets for a sink 36 cm wide) and for spacious rooms (under the base for a sink up to 2 m wide).

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 environmental friendliness and strength of the material, but also in the variety of shades - from light wood to almost black tones. Brand products boast a variety of choices (about 25 collections) and a wide price range.

If you are in search of compact bathroom furniture, check out the proposals of the 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 and also suspended models (which is rarely seen 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 premises can be found in the line AquaRodos. Brand products are pleased with optimal quality and affordable price for an ordinary buyer.

One of the best manufacturers of classic style shelves is the Russian brand. Aquaton, which is the link of the above mentioned Roca company. Products are focused on 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.

Cheap Chinese kits, as a rule, quickly fail. And the safety of some plastic shelves raises strong doubts. The only exception is the manufacturer. Godi, whose products are durable, functional, resistant to abrasion and high humidity, as well as an elegant appearance. Its disadvantage is the high cost.

The most compact are the corner shelves. 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 includes metal shelves-lattices, which also have 1-4 tiers.

Corner shelves have also received high customer valuation. Tatkraft. Thanks to vacuum suction cups, they do not slip even on rough surfaces and fit perfectly into small rooms. 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 a suitable option to the bathroom interior.

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

Collection Silveronon the contrary, it includes canisters, shelves 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. Refined racks with forged elements - the main distinguishing characteristic of the brand collection Rjonser. Stylish towel holders, hangers and metal hooks can be found in the Hrundtal series.

In addition to high-quality and practical furniture, the company boasts a user-friendly website. Going into one of its sections, you can use the bathroom design program. Find as close as possible to your bathroom and simply insert one or another shelf or accessory into it.Change its color or look for a more suitable analogue in size, “collecting” the perfect bathroom.

As a rule, most buyers are looking for small shelves and furniture for small rooms. However, such accessories are not suitable for spacious rooms. The lucky owners of large-sized bathrooms are recommended to pay attention to the manufacturer from Italy Labor Legno. In the catalogs you can find a variety of options for shelves, made mainly in the classic design.

When choosing floor structures, make sure that they have rubber feet. This will protect the floor from damage and prevent the device from slipping. Shelves and shelves are installed on the floor, but require additionally mounting to the wall. Otherwise, their use is unsafe. Models made of wood (including those treated with water-repellent compositions) should be placed as far as possible from moisture sources. The same applies to electric towel rails. If liquid gets onto them, a short circuit may occur.

If it is necessary to attach the structure to the tile, special drills should be used to make holes in it, which prevent cracking of the tile covering.At the same time, the construction should be carefully measured in height and width, since it will not work to make several holes nearby on the tile (the probability of splitting the material is high, and it looks like an unaesthetic look).

All kinds of shelves, hangers and wardrobes are not only an opportunity to place all the necessary accessories and objects 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, the countertop for the sink. This creates the effect of completeness, unity, a certain monumentality. For the shelf in this case, it is recommended to use an artificial marbled stone, porcelain stoneware.

A safe and convenient to use is the option of built-in shelves that can be made with your own hands. To do this, during a major overhaul in the bathroom, you must make a niche in the wall of plasterboard. The resulting shelves can be lined with the same tile as the walls of the room. These shelves are distinguished by reliability, ergonomics and ease of maintenance. They are usually located near the bowl of the bath.

When choosing cabinets under the sink 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 bring elements of palace luxury into the interior. For small premises, it is better to choose vertically oriented pedestals. The combination of open and closed shelves allows to avoid the effect of clutter.

For interiors in a minimalist style, thumbs will fit simple geometric shapes made of modern material. A fine solution for the interior of the photo was a cabinet without handles with closed shelves, without any decor and glass inserts.

On the wall above the cabinet and the sink they usually hang a mirror. It can also be framed by shelves that are convenient for storing small creams and cosmetics. Nearby you can attach miniature hooks for a hairdryer and a small towel.

When buying hanging shelves, make sure that 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 tables, but also open shelves, adding to them 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 the stylish boxes and wicker boxes. They can sort the necessary accessories, put towels. The drawers stored on the shelves look stylish and homely.

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

Create a refined style allows forged floor shelf. As a rule, it is performed in black color, which makes it concise or refined rigor. Analogue in white shade looks more solemn, but no less stylish. This kind of shelves as harmoniously fit into the style of Provence.

For this style, as well as for interiors in a classic or Scandinavian design, you can also choose a wooden bookcase.For the Scandinavian and Provencal style, it is desirable to choose light shades of tile or wood trim. 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 on the shelf the necessary, but not used daily items. Behind the door it is advisable to make hooks.

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

For combined bathrooms, you can choose convenient 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 complete and stylish, it is better to abandon the placement on the shelves of assorted tubes and cans, and use the same dispensers and storage containers. Of course, it is irrational to pour expensive cream into such a container, as well as to purchase many identical 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.

How to make a glass shelf for the bathroom, you can see in this video.