Shower Shelving Elevated: Aesthetic and Functional Storage Solutions
Ah, the eternal bathroom dilemma – to have a medicine cabinet or not? It’s a debate that has raged on in the design world, dividing even the most seasoned experts. As a self-proclaimed style aficionado, I’ve always leaned towards the “no medicine cabinet” camp, preferring the timeless beauty of a statement mirror over the convenience of those dingy little shelves. But alas, function must sometimes triumph over form, especially when it comes to the practical nature of our daily rituals.
So, here I am, once again grappling with the age-old question – how can we achieve the perfect balance of style and storage in our bathrooms? The answer, my friends, may just lie in the humble (but oh-so-versatile) shower shelf. Bathroom fitting experts will tell you that shower shelving can be the unsung hero of bathroom design, providing a stylish and functional solution to all your storage woes.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Dilemma of the Medicine Cabinet
I’m not going to sugarcoat it – I’ve had a long-standing aversion to the classic medicine cabinet. Something about those bulky, builder-grade models just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it’s the jarring interruption of an otherwise sleek and cohesive mirror, or perhaps it’s the way they can make even the most luxurious bathroom feel a tad utilitarian.
But I know I’m not alone in my medicine cabinet disdain. In fact, I’ve had many a spirited discussion with fellow design enthusiasts, including the likes of Nate Berkus and Amber Lewis, who share my distaste for these storage solutions. As Berkus so eloquently put it, “I’ve always avoided them, but now the trade-off for storage has me slowly converting.”
Sigh. I suppose there are times when function must take precedence over form. And let’s be honest, those little shelves can be incredibly handy for storing all the daily essentials – toothpaste, face creams, contact lens solution, and the like. They’re the recliners of the bathroom, the microwaves of the kitchen. But oh, how they irk my inner aesthete.
Exploring the Alternatives
So, if I’m so averse to the classic medicine cabinet, what’s a design-conscious homeowner to do? Well, my friends, the answer may lie in the humble (but oh-so-versatile) shower shelf.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Emily, won’t those just become cluttered catch-alls for our shower products?” And to that, I say, not if you do it right.
One of my favorite storage solutions is the custom or ready-made mirror with hidden shelving on hinges. It sounds a bit complicated, I know, but bear with me. Imagine a gorgeous, full-length mirror that conceals a shallow storage space behind it. Genius, right? It’s the perfect compromise between form and function, allowing you to display your most beautiful bathroom accessories while keeping the everyday essentials neatly tucked away.
And the best part? It doesn’t have to be a complex, custom-built affair. I recently stumbled upon a brilliant DIY example from the talented Dabito of Old Brand New, who took a standard ready-made mirror and cleverly carved out shelves behind it, mounting it on piano hinges. Talk about a game-changer!
Optimizing Shower Shelving
Of course, the shower shelf is not just a pretty face – it’s a workhorse in its own right. When done right, these little storage oases can become the unsung heroes of your bathroom design.
The key is to think beyond the basic shower caddy and consider more thoughtful, built-in solutions. Recessed shelves, for example, can provide ample storage while keeping your products neatly tucked away. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, you could even explore the idea of a custom, hinged mirror system above the vanity – the perfect blend of style and substance.
But let’s not forget the power of those freestanding shelves, either. Rustic wood or sleek metal can add a touch of industrial chic, while elegant glass or ceramic accents can lend a more refined, spa-like vibe. The options are endless, limited only by your imagination (and, perhaps, your contractor’s patience).
Striking the Right Balance
At the end of the day, the key to successful shower shelving is finding the perfect balance between form and function. It’s about creating a space that not only looks beautiful but also works seamlessly with your everyday needs.
Sure, those built-in solutions may require a bit more effort and investment, but the payoff can be truly stunning. And for those of us who simply can’t stomach the sight of a bulky medicine cabinet, these alternatives may just be the answer to our design prayers.
So, the next time you find yourself staring down that mirrored abyss, wondering if you should succumb to the storage gods or hold fast to your style-driven sensibilities, remember the humble shower shelf. It may just be the perfect compromise, elevating your bathroom design to new heights of aesthetic and functional glory.
Bathroom fitters will tell you that with a little creativity and the right approach, you can create a space that’s as beautiful as it is practical. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get those shelves shining!
