Planning a bathroom renovation involves details such as choosing the perfect colors, fixtures, tiles, and lighting. But, eventually, a remodeling project will get to the point where all-important accessories need to be added to finish the job. That means selecting and installing items such as mirrors, towel bars, soap dishes, shelves, and a toilet paper holder.  

These small items can impact the bathroom’s finished look and use. If the installation is poor, accessories may be inconvenient to use and need to be removed and reinstalled. Fortunately, all it takes is a few decorator tips to get installation right. 

Towel Bars and Rings

Anyone who has ever visited Bathroom Remodel Showrooms knows that designers might include towel rings and bars nearly anywhere in a bathroom. However, each homeowner will want to consider their tastes and needs when deciding on placement.  

Rings and bars need to be within reach of the shower or bath and sink. Most design professionals suggest installing a ring or towel bar 48 inches from the floor. This is an average height, so homeowners should adjust the height to accommodate taller people or children.  

Toilet Paper Holder 

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) states that wall-mounted toilet paper holders should be mounted on center and 26 inches above the floor. On center means that the center of the fixture, rather than the top, is 26 inches from the floor. This placement works well for standard and handicapped needs.

Per home improvement guide SF Gate, the holder should also be placed on center and eight to twelve inches from the toilet on a facing wall. Consider the average height of household members during installation. Place the fixture eight to ten inches from the front of the bowl for short users and ten to twelve inches in front of the bowl for taller members.

Soap Dish and Shower Niche

Per This Old House experts, the ideal placement for a soap dish is about 16 to 20 inches below and to the side of a showerhead. That ensures soap doesn’t become a soggy mess. Shower niches to hold soap and other items are very trendy, too. Professionals suggest adding a niche at about eye or chest level, which is about 48 to 60 inches for adults. It should be adjacent to or on the opposite wall from the showerhead. 

Wall Shelving 

Bathroom wall shelves are ideal for small spaces with little or no counter space. Homeowners can use them to hold personal items or for towel storage. The best place for shelves is wherever they are most convenient for users. Shelves directly above the sink are convenient, and they also work on the wall above the toilet. Shelving installed next to the toilet in a tiny bathroom adds storage and helps keep the space organized.

Bathroom Mirrors

At least one mirror is typically installed over a vanity and 38 to 48 inches above a finished bathroom floor. However, mirrors can be added anywhere that is convenient. You might want to use mirrors as decorator accents in spaces with no windows, and a full-length mirror can often fit well in a larger bathroom. 

Well-placed bathroom accessories help to create an appealing, user-friendly space. With that in mind, it is crucial to correctly install mirrors, towel bars, shelving, and toilet paper holders. The placement of a soap dish and shower niche is also important. Professionals offer standard guidelines, but you should always install accessories with the needs of household users in mind.

Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.

-Diego

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