Most people face certain difficulties during the arrangement of the bathroom. The fact is that this room in standard-plan apartments is often quite small. To place in it all the necessary pieces of furniture is not that problematic, and sometimes even impossible. Therefore, it is recommended to replace racks and cabinets with shelves. For the bathroom, you can currently choose functional models that also have a rather beautiful and original design. Most people in a space-constrained space install corner shelves. Such instances allow you to maximize the use of hard-to-reach places.
The bathroom has a peculiar climate, so when choosing a shelf, special attention should be paid to the material. It must have the following properties:
- strength;
- reliability;
- resistance to moisture and temperature changes.
Only in this case, the furniture will have a long service life and delight the owners with their appearance.
What are the shelves for?
Understanding for what purposes you can use the shelves for the bathroom, you should pay attention to their design. Thanks to openness, a person gets quick access to essentials. What can be attributed to them? Of course, toothpaste and brush. They are used at least twice a day, and some people even more often. Naturally, they should always be at hand, and not hidden somewhere in the depths of the locker. Also essentials are shampoos, shaving and shower gels, machine tools, creams. If placed on a shelf, it will be enough to simply reach out for use, which is undoubtedly very convenient.
Selection criteria
Thanks to a wide range, each person will be able to choose a shelf for the bathroom. The model range is regularly updated with new products that differ in design, size, and construction. There are options that are covered with a special water-repellent paint, which is very important for rooms with high humidity. Models made of stainless steel are popular. They are not only functional, but also do not lose their original appearance for a long time. A mirror with a shelf also looks original. Glass models can be installed in a small bathroom. They do not weigh down the space.
However, in such a wide range, there are notonly advantages, but also disadvantages. Why is that? Not every person can easily understand such a variety. In order not to encounter unpleasant moments during operation, it is recommended to pay attention to the advice of professionals.
- The first criterion is the material. Shelves can be made of wood, plastic, metal, glass. This nuance affects not only the design, but also the length of the operational life.
- The second criterion is the type of construction. On sale there are attached, telescopic and corner shelves for the bathroom. They are also divided into closed and open. Often there are mixed models.
- The third criterion is functionality. Instances of the standard view often have only shelves. In order for such models to be more functional, they are equipped with additional elements, for example, a towel holder, bars, and so on.
- The fourth criterion is the type of installation. This group also has a wide range. You can choose hanging, floor, wall models. Manufacturers have already developed designs that can be installed inside other items.
Bathroom Corner Shelves
In a bathroom of any size, a corner shelf is optimally suited. It can be safely called universal. With the help of this item, not only functionality is increased, but the interior is also enlivened.
In most cases, it is the corners in the room that remain unused. And if the room is very small,then hardly anyone wants to lose square meters. In a room like this, every centimeter counts. In order for the losses to be minimal, you will need to choose a corner shelf in the bathroom. It is she who will help rationally use the available space.
Such shelves are attached in different ways. Most people prefer models with suction cups. This eliminates the need to drill holes in the wall. You can also choose from telescopic specimens. They are installed in a fairly simple way - by stretching between surfaces. However, these fastening methods have one significant drawback - they cannot withstand heavy loads.
Standard Options
What options are considered standard? They differ in the following dimensions:
- height reaches one meter;
- average depth is about 50 cm;
- width can vary from 30 cm to 1 m, and sometimes more.
Standard shelves are quite roomy. You can install them in any bathroom. The only thing, when choosing a certain model, it is important to accurately measure the dimensions of the place where the shelf will be located. It is recommended to pay attention that large structures will optimally fit into medium and large-sized rooms. There is a rule for designers - the optimal ratio of room dimensions and furnishings.
Mounted models
Hinged type bathroom shelves have one feature. Most of the time they are quite bulky. But this hasand the advantage is good capacity. Before installing such a shelf in a small bathroom, you will need to carefully consider the location. In order to use it as conveniently as possible, it is important to take into account even the smallest details.
The best place for such a shelf is above the washing machine, bathroom or toilet. The mounting height is selected depending on its direct purpose (what exactly will be stored on it). If cosmetics used while bathing or taking a shower will be on the shelf, then the structure should be installed in such a way that it is easy to take shampoo or other items from it without making unnecessary movements.
Hinged structures for the bathroom are available in the form of mezzanines. As a rule, they are quite voluminous. Used to store towels, linen and even boxes. Fastening to the wall of such shelves must be very reliable.
It is also important to choose the right size. If only cosmetics are stored on the shelves, then a width of 30 cm will be enough. But for large-sized items, models with a depth of more than 50 cm are perfect.
Floor Models
Floor type bathroom shelves are popular. Such models are usually installed in spacious rooms. Even with the fact that they occupy a certain place in the lower part of the room, where there are already many other items, their advantages cannot be underestimated.
Most often floor models are made of metal. They differoriginal design. Available in different sizes and designs. You can store different things on the shelves - both cosmetics and towels, powders and other items.
When selecting floor models, it is worth considering certain criteria. They will help you achieve maximum comfort. The height of such shelves should be either at the level of the sink, or a little higher.
Shelves built into the wall
Built-in bathroom shelves are mounted only during renovation. They look pretty interesting. The interior is complete. But there are downsides to this as well. First of all, for installation you will need to use the services of professionals. Of course, this will slightly increase the cost of repairs. However, the result will meet all expectations. Such designs cope well with heavy loads.
Before you make built-in shelves, you will need to draw up a drawing. Calculate the optimal dimensions (width, height, depth). It should be understood that moving such a shelf to another place will not work, you just have to do the repair again.
Telescopic instances
Telescopic shelves for the bathroom - an original option that can significantly transform the room. They differ not only in beautiful design, but also intricate design. Telescopic models look quite expensive.
Those who want to make the bathroom space comfortable and functional should pay attention to just such instances. Their main advantage is transforming details. ATthe structure has a base to which the shelves are attached. The latter move easily. If necessary, it is very easy to change the height or position (left, right). The base is made of either plastic or metal. Installed in a simple way. It is enough to place the base of the shelf on a hard surface and press the spring mechanism with a slight movement. The second edge of the structure will be securely fixed on the opposite side. It is important to pay attention that the model has a reverse lock. In this case, the possibility of loosening is almost completely eliminated.
Bathroom glass shelves
For bathrooms that are decorated in a calm classic style, glass models are perfect. Even with the fact that they do not have bright elements, such specimens look quite impressive. Decorated, as a rule, with chrome elements that act as a base. Thanks to the classic combination of glass and metal, such designs exude high cost and luxury. Also, the indisputable advantage is that they do not make the space heavier, they look almost weightless. It is glass shelves in the bathroom that are chosen by those people who live in small apartments.
Various models are available for sale. If necessary, you can choose a shelf with a mirror. Corner designs are also popular. For a small bathroom, a model with the following dimensions will fit:
- height - about 50 cm;
- depth - from 25 to 30 cm;
- optimum height between shelves is 20-22 cm.
In theseModels use durable glass. It is able to withstand a large load, so you should not worry that the shelf will break at the slightest push. However, you still have to take care of the fastening. Most often, installation is carried out on special bolts.
Models with mirrors
In a small room, you can combine a bathroom mirror with a shelf. This will save precious square meters without compromising functionality. The design of this model uses a plastic or metal base. There is a shelf at the bottom and a mirror in the center. There are also more complex options. They consist of several shelves. Often, manufacturers also build in fixtures.
Also, mirror shelves can be made like glass ones. They look pretty chic. Modern technologies allow mirrors to retain their original appearance for a long time.
Such shelves perform not only the main purpose, but also decorative. For example, with the help of mirrors, you can visually enlarge the space, double the lighting, which will positively affect the interior design as a whole.
If you make a sales rating, then it is the bathroom mirror with a shelf that occupies a leading position. Their popularity is due to the strict but spectacular design, as well as the ability to combine two important elements of the room. The dimensions of such shelves are not important. They can take up the floor of a wall or be quite compact.
Plastic shelves
An inexpensive option for a bathroom would be a plastic shelf. It fits perfectly into the space, decorated in a minimalist style. Currently, there are a lot of different models. Manufacturers also provide a wide range of colors. Although plastic is not a natural material, it has all the necessary properties:
- strong enough;
- not afraid of prolonged contact with water;
- does great with heavy loads;
- resistant to mechanical damage;
- can be cleaned with any detergent;
- not afraid of exposure to steam.
In terms of design, plastic shelves, of course, cannot compete with mirror and glass models, but in the interior they look no worse than expensive options and are quite functional. Their indisputable advantage is ease of maintenance. If the glass and the mirror need to be constantly rubbed so that there are no traces of drops and stains, then the plastic shelf can be simply wiped with a damp cloth.
Metal options
Stainless steel bathroom shelf is the most practical option. It is this model that will easily become the highlight of the interior. This material is very durable. It is characterized by long service life and reliability. Manufacturers make real masterpieces that, in addition to beautiful design, also boast functionality.
However, people who choose a metal shelf should consider onefeature is the formation of corrosion. In order to protect the material as much as possible, manufacturers chrome the surface. However, in some cases this is not enough. Therefore, in order to avoid loss of gloss and rust stains, special attention will have to be paid to surface care.
Reviews
By studying the comments of customers, you can rank the most popular bathroom shelves. If we evaluate by the criterion of design, then glass and mirror models deserve the championship. However, for all their beauty, they require laborious care. In second place, buyers put stainless steel shelves. They look original outwardly, are produced in different designs. As for the latter, the corner options are most in demand. They fit perfectly into any room, are functional and do not take up much space. In the third position are copies made of plastic. They, of course, do not make a splash with their appearance, but in operation they showed themselves only from the good side.
Which kind of shelves to choose for the bathroom, everyone will decide for themselves. The main thing is not to forget about the recommendations of professionals. Before you decide on the design, you need to choose the right material. Only in this case, the owner will enjoy this piece of furniture for a long time.
