Shower accessories are often treated like the ugly stepchild of a shower remodeling project. The decision on what accessories should be used is often figured out late in the building process (a thoughtful decision made in the design process will usually create a better result). Watch the video below and read these 7 tips to make better accessory decisions (this will make your next shower or bath remodeling project not only more functional – but more decorative and interesting as well).
Tip 1 – Gain space using recessed niches – Sometimes showers can be tight spaces. A way to have a safer and roomier shower is to put shampoo and soap niches inside the wall cavity. There are expanded and extruded polystyrene niche systems that do an excellent job creating a waterproof niche that is recessed into the wall.
Tip 2 – Increase safety with a decorative grab bar – Since showers are wet spaces they can be the cause of slips and falls. To improve the showers’ function for– and to add a nice look as well – consider using a decorative grab bar. These units come in stylish curved designs in chrome, brass, oil rubbed bronze and acrylic styles and can add style and safety at the same time.
Tip 3 – Improve comfort and luxury with the right shower head or body spray – If you want a spa like experience (or just a good old fashioned shower head) there are a multitude of shower head options to choose from. Rain shower heads (that provide a gentle stream of water) have gained in popularity as well as body sprays and hand held showers (which can provide additional safety for accessible universal shower designs).
Tip 4 – Don’t forget the right shower valve – Most consumers don’t understand the value of an improved shower valve because it is hidden behind the finished shower wall surrounds. One of the advantages of a modern valve is many of them offer anti-scald features to reduce the chance of young children or adults with eye impairments being hurt by water that is too hot.
Tip 5 – Choose a shower door that fits your budget – Shower doors are available in virtually any price point or design option. If you’re creating a high end remodeling project the most luxurious shower door is the frameless style (which does not have hardware around the door), the mid-price option is a semi-frameless door and the most cost effective design is the framed door (which has hardware around the door and the shower enclosure system as well). There are many options in the glass to choose from including clear, obscure, rain, patterned and even etched glass.
Tip 6 – To maximize comfort and function choose the best shower seat – Like the doors mentioned above the options in shower seats can be daunting as well but to simplify your decision consider the following:
For smaller showers use a fold down seat. This seat can fold away when it’s not in use allowing more room for those who don’t want to sit and shower. There are many design options in fold down seats from the very luxurious Brazilian Walnut and teak designs to the cost effective plastic seats.
For mid-sized showers use a corner bench seat. These seats provide the ability for one person to sit while in the shower and don’t take up too much room because they are in the corner of the shower space. A way to waterproof this type of seat is to use an expanded polystyrene base that is finished with tile or solid surface materials.
For a larger shower consider the long bench seat. In a larger space you can create a seat that runs the length of the shower to not only sit on but also to lay on (space permitting).
Tip 7 – Think about a leg ledge for shaving – If you don’t want to allocate the space for a shower seat but you still want to minimize the need to bend over too far to shave your legs, a leg ledge can be put into the corner of a shower space which only takes a space of approximately 11” x 11”.
With the right planning shower accessories can greatly improve the safety, comfort and style in a bathroom remodeling project.
What do you think about the tips and video above? Please comment below.
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
