Bathroom Basics: 9 Bathroom Essentials You Need for Your Home
All of the necessities for a neat and tidy bathroom.
Whether you're moving into a new space or simply want to refresh your bathroom, it's important that you gather all of the basics. We've put together a checklist of all the bathroom essentials you'll need to get started, including towels, vanity mirrors, and countertop organizers. These bathroom essentials will help streamline your daily routines, keep everything organized, and create your own at-home retreat.
1. Choose Plush Textiles
Cozy textiles are essential for any bathroom and plush towels are an excellent way to give your bathroom an elevated feel. When selecting towels, choose colors that tie into an existing shade in your bathroom, such as your tile or stone, for a coordinated palette. Another option is all-white towels, which add an extra spa-like feel. Buying towels in sets ensures that you have consistent color and quality for a more polished look.
A cushy bath rug or mat is another great addition to your bathroom. To pull your look together, coordinate the colors and textures of your towels, rugs, and other bathroom textiles. Choose the same color for all your textiles for a clean and serene look, or you can mix things up a bit by combining complementary shades and textures.
A shower curtain is not only a functional piece, but it can also be a way to add character to the bathroom. Shower curtains come in a wide variety of patterns and colors to match the aesthetic of your home. Just make sure that you choose a durable shower liner to keep your shower curtain fresh. Opt for a vinyl or plastic shower liner to ensure that water doesn't escape the shower.
The top of the vanity should have enough space to hold a few bathroom essentials, such as a toothbrush holder and a soap dispenser. Keeping these essentials close to the sink makes it easy to streamline your hygiene routine.
Every bathroom should have space for functional items, such as trash cans, toilet paper holders, and hampers. Though these essentials aren't as glamorous as plush towels or aromatherapy candles, these everyday essentials are crucial for a tidy bathroom.
Whether you're getting ready in the morning or winding down before bed, a mirror is a bathroom must-have. Replacing a small, over-the-sink mirror or medicine cabinet with a large, dramatic mirror can add style and make a small bath feel larger. Strategically-placed mirrors can also make your bathroom lighter, brighter, and bolder.
The right lighting can make your bathroom feel complete. Because there are so many styles to choose from – in all price ranges – it's easy to find the right fixtures for your desired look. Start with light fixtures to illuminate the bathroom vanity, such as vanity lights that are installed above the mirror or bathroom sconces that can be installed beside the mirrors. Then add in overhead lighting to balance the space. Because the bathroom can get steamy from the shower, make sure to choose lights that are damp-rated and can withstand the moisture.
With wall-mounted and freestanding designs, towel racks are a great addition to any bathroom. They make it easier to grab a dry towel when you're getting out of the shower and allow you to drape the towel to dry fully before you need to use it again. Similarly, towel rings are mounted near the sink so you can dry your hands after washing them. They are helpful for hanging hand towels in a convenient spot and keeping you from dripping water all over the vanity.
Banishing clutter is absolutely essential to creating a soothing bathroom environment. When your counters are clear, towels are stacked, and toiletries are stashed, you'll be sure to have the relaxing bathroom experience you're looking for. The good news is: bathroom storage can be just as fashionable as it is functional. Think pretty countertop canisters for organizing smaller items and sleek glass shelves for stacking perfectly-folded towels. Add a freestanding cabinet with shelving to provide storage for extra linens.
Fancy finishing touches are a great way to add polish and flair to your bathroom. Decorate your countertop with a pretty patterned bathroom accessory set. Add a bud vase with a few fresh flowers on your vanity. And if you have some open wall space, use artwork to add personality and interest. By tapping into your creativity and personal style, you'll find these easy-to-make changes can turn your bath into a welcoming, relaxing oasis.
Article by Amy Wright
