Bathroom accessory ideas
Bathroom design doesn’t end with the suite and fixtures; the accessories play a huge role in the overall look of the space too. Accessories not only improve aesthetics, but they can also have an impact on functionality. So, let’s take a look at some bathroom accessory ideas, allowing you to inject some personality into your bathroom, creating a stylish and comfortable space.
Some bathroom accessory ideas to enhance your everyday include a light-up mirror to illuminate the room and help you with everyday tasks, storage solutions like floating shelves to display trinkets and humidity-friendly plants, and rugs and mats to warm up the space while adding interest through texture.
Considering your bathroom's theme
Before you think about what type of accessories would work in your bathroom, you’ll need to consider the current or desired theme of your bathroom. Here’s an insight into some common themes to establish the look you want to achieve.
Modern
A modern bathroom will often use neutral tones such as black, white, grey and beige and materials like chrome, polished nickel, glass and sleek ceramic to create a simple but effective aesthetic. Expect abstract decor, the use of lines and an overall clean look.
Traditional
Traditional bathroom design offers a much more warming atmosphere, tying in materials like brass, bronze, ornate ceramic and wood for a cosy and inviting look. Natural patterns tend to complement the antique features, such as florals and woodland landscapes.
Minimalist
Minimalist does what it says on the tin. It’s a decor trend that uses clean lines, organisation and bright colours to produce an uncluttered sanctuary. Tones to use include matte black, white, brushed steel and wood tones, complemented by a muted colour palette of white, grey and sophisticated earth tones.
Coastal
Coastal is very on theme for a bathroom. It draws in natural elements like water, sand, wood and shells to create a relaxing atmosphere, especially when paired with blues, greens and sandy beiges to replicate the beauty of the coast.
Industrial
Industrial is a modern interior theme which combines rustic tones with exposed pipes, concrete and other metal components to create a unique but eye-catching aesthetic. To finish off the look, add some distressed wood within your storage solutions.
Latest trends in bathroom accessories
We’ve seen several bathroom accessory trends hit the shelves recently. Firstly, items made from sustainable materials have emerged for the ethical shopper, whether it’s a bamboo soap dish or a recycled cotton string bag to hold toilet rolls. Then we have smart bathroom accessories which tie in nicely with making the home more interactive, convenient and user-friendly. These include smart mirrors and smart light bulbs, which can be controlled by your smartphone.
Tips for choosing accessories
Once you’ve decided on your theme, there are more factors to determine which kind of bathroom accessories will work best in the space you’re working with.
Functionality First: When shopping for bathroom accessories, we recommend focusing on items that serve a practical purpose first, with the vision to dress the space after. For example: toilet roll holders, soap dishes and bathroom hooks.
Match Finishes: It’s easy to mix and match the finish of your accessories, but by matching them up, you’ll create a cohesive look that’s both eye-catching and stylish.
Consider Scale: Make sure you consider the size of your bathroom space whenever purchasing anything for it as you’ll want your accessories to be proportionate to the size of the room and the fixtures within it. Large items can overwhelm a small space, whereas tiny items may get lost in somewhere bigger.
Durability: Quality is key in everything you purchase for the bathroom. As they’re very humid, high-moisture environments, you’ll want to opt for accessories that’ll withstand these conditions. For instance, look for materials that are resistant to moisture and rust.
Personal Touch: Don’t be afraid to express yourself. Your bathroom is a space you’ll be in daily, so take the opportunity to make it personal to you and your style.
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What accessories does every bathroom need?
Let’s talk the essentials first. You’ll tend to find the same core accessories in a bathroom, designed to add convenience to your everyday while keeping the room tidy.
Towel rails and rings: Towel rails and rings are essential for keeping your towels organised and dry, but you’ll need to keep in mind how much space you have to play with before you purchase them. How many towels do you have to hang up? Is there still enough space for movement once a rail is installed?
Soap dispensers and dishes: Items like soap dispensers and dishes allow you to be a bit more playful with your choices. You’ll want to opt for ones that’ll complement your bathroom’s style or stand out by adding a pop of colour.
Toothbrush and toilet brush holders: Both toothbrush and toilet brush holders are designed to keep your bathroom organised and hygienic, while still looking the part. Choose from wall-mounted toothbrush holders and matching brush holders for a modern touch.
Toilet roll holders: A functional and often overlooked accessory. Many modern toilet roll holder designs integrate a small shelf for a phone or air freshener.
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Enhancing Style and Ambience
Beyond the essentials, we’ve put together some bathroom accessory ideas that are designed to mostly elevate the look, while still giving you a helping hand in the everyday.
Mirrors: Mirrors tend to be a focal point in many bathrooms, and are used for day-to-day tasks, making them essential. Whether you opt for a large abstract mirror or a light-up mirror that’ll beautifully illuminate the room, the options are endless.
Lighting: Bathroom lighting has a lot to speak for when it comes to the ambience of the room, as well as the overall visibility. Whether you opt for spotlights that’ll brighten a specific area of the bathroom, or you go for something more decorative for extra personality, it’s what works for the size and style of the space.
Task Lighting: Often around the mirror for grooming.
Ambient Lighting: General illumination for the entire space.
Accent Lighting: To highlight specific features or artwork.
Storage solutions: Keep your space neat and tidy with innovative storage solutions, such as floating shelves, a cabinet that tucks in nicely around your pedestal sink or baskets dotted around the room, which can store things like extra towels, toilet roll or bath toys.
Rugs and mats: Another effective accessory idea for a bathroom is floor coverings like rugs and mats. They’re a great solution for warming up the space, as well as adding a splash of colour or visual interest through the room through texture. They’re also comfortable and handy to dry your feet on, especially after a long soak in the tub.
Plants and Greenery: Add a touch of nature to your surroundings with some greenery. There’s a lot of plants that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns and orchids.
Art and Decor: There’s no easier way to inject your own personality into a space than with artwork and little trinkets that’ll bring it to life. Things like vases, candles and ornaments can make a huge difference in the overall aesthetic of the room. Bathroom wall accessory ideas include framed prints and wooden art.
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What are some small bathroom accessories ideas?
If you’re trying to accessorise a small space, this can be a bit more challenging. But often, there’s space-saving variations of each type of bathroom accessory. Things like wall-mounted shelves, hooks and a compact bin will all optimise your everyday without cluttering the space.
We hope our bathroom accessory ideas have inspired your next purchase. Whether you’re going coastal themed or prefer something rustic, create a space that ticks all your boxes, in both aesthetics and functionality. If you found this article helpful, discover our advice on maximising bathroom space.
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