Whether you're redecorating an existing bathroom or adding the finishing touches to a new bath, you may need a little help deciding which bathroom accessories are the right choices to complete the look. This bathroom accessories buying guide will help you as you search for the perfect bathroom items.
With so many choices when it comes to bathroom accessories, how do you decide on what you need in your bathroom? Start with these items, and you'll have all of the bath accessory basics you need for any home, apartment, condominium or town house.
Shower curtains will save you from the headache of wet floors and the damage that could result. They can be decorative as well as practical, so be sure to choose a shower curtain with a color or design that suits your bath. A shower curtain color that picks up hues in your flooring or countertops will look stylish. Or choose a shower curtain that coordinates with your towels and wall color for a striking look.
Fabric shower curtains
Fabric shower curtains come in a variety of colors and patterns and can be used with a regular shower curtain rod or a decorative one. The only problem you may face with a fabric shower curtain is water soaking through; for the best water protection, combine your fabric shower curtain with a shower curtain liner to prolong the life of your shower curtain, prevent water from soaking through and keep water overspray off your bathroom floor.
Vinyl shower curtains
Vinyl shower curtains combine style and water protection. Vinyl shower curtains come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and are great for adult and kid's baths. The longevity of vinyl shower curtains can't match that of fabric, but they make up for it with a lower price.
Shower curtain sizes
Shower curtains come in two sizes, so you'll want to measure your shower before you buy one:
Shower curtain rods
Both vinyl and fabric shower curtains require a shower rod with rings or hooks for hanging the shower curtain. There are many decorative rods, rings and hooks available so you can match one to your bath decor style. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're shopping:
Although shower curtains are designed to prevent water from reaching the floor, some water will probably make it down there now and then. A bath mat or bath rug will soak up water from the shower as well as water from wet feet stepping out of the shower. Bath mats are a safety feature because you can prevent accidents on slippery floors with a non-slip bathroom rug.
Measure your bathroom floor to ensure that you select the right size of bathroom rug:
Bathroom rug sets are a great way to find coordinating bath mats, contoured rugs for beneath the toilet, seat covers and a bathroom rug for the floor beneath the sink. Some shower curtain sets include a bath mat that will match your shower curtain, making it easy to have a stylishly coordinated bathroom.
Once you've found a shower curtain and bath mat to catch dripping water, the next step is to add towels. Towels can be a great luxury as they soak up water from your skin and hair. Wrapping yourself or your kids in a big, fluffy towel helps retain heat and absorb water. Decorative fashion towels add another level or decor to a bathroom, so you may want to have a few of those, too, especially in a guest bath.
Towels are made to soak up water, so durable and absorbent cotton is usually the fiber of choice for bath towels. Cotton is made into terrycloth, which has small loops that can absorb large amounts of water. The most commonly used variety of cotton is traditional American upland cotton. Another popular choice is Egyptian cotton. Egyptian cotton has long fibers which result in towels with high absorbency and a luxurious feel. Supima, or Pima, cotton is also extremely absorbent and soft.
Towel sizes
There are many different sizes of towels for the bathroom. These are approximate dimensions since manufacturers may vary their towel sizes slightly. From largest to smallest, they are:
Now that you've found the perfect towels, it's time to finish the look with some bathroom decor. Look for coordinated sets to make decorating easy.
With all of these bath accessories in place, you're sure to love your bathroom.
How do I care for my towels?
Start by washing all towels before their first use. For the next few washes, wash your towels separately from other fabrics to avoid transferring lint. Machine wash towels in warm water with like colors to avoid color bleeding and do not use fabric softeners, which can reduce the absorbency of towels. Tumble dry and fold your towels immediately.
How do I clean my shower curtain?
You can wash most fabric shower curtains in the washer, just make sure to read the manufacturer's care instructions beforehand. To dry your fabric shower curtain, tumble dry it on low heat and hang it back up. You can even wash a durable vinyl shower curtain in the clothes washer. Make sure to wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle and remove the shower curtain right after the spin cycle and hang it in the shower to dry. Be sure to add a few towels to the wash to soften the curtain during spinning. If the curtain is not as durable or you are worried about tears, soak it in the bath tub.
For soap scum, wash shower curtains with detergent and one cup of vinegar.
For mildew and mold, wash your shower curtain with detergent and one cup of bleach, letting it soak for around 20 minutes. To prevent mold or mildew, soak your shower curtainsin a mild vinegar and water solution before you use them.
Create a haven
Give family and guests a luxurious bathroom that is full of personality. Updating your bathroom hardware will give your bathroom a new look. And when you shop for mirrors, towel rods, toilet paper holders, robe hooks, or even a towel warmer on Overstock.com, you can update your bathroom for less.
Bring the world to your bath
For bathroom accessories with an international flair, shop in the Worldstock Handcrafted store. The bath decor items there are made by talented artisans from around the globe. When you want a look that is truly unique, decorate your bathroom with help from Worldstock.
At home with the "O"
Overstock.com has all the supplies you need for the enhancement of your home, and we have it all at low, discount prices. Take advantage of the savings and fill your house with the things that make a house a home.
