If you’re constantly cussing at your shower accessories (or lack thereof), you’re not only NOT alone, you’re not NUTS either!
Perhaps you’re fighting a one piece fiberglass tub/shower surround with shallow ‘ledges’ (supposedly) designed to hold your shampoo bottles. However, your bottles are continually falling onto your shower pan…or foot. Ouch!
Or your cheap ‘dollar-store-special’ plastic shower caddy is a complete embarrassment.
Or your shower head could be found in the dictionary (and do people even use dictionaries anymore?) under the definition of ‘wimpy shower pressure.’
Or you’re worried your ‘suction cup’ grab bars or shelves are not only flimsy but also are an accident waiting to happen because they fall off so frequently.
If these – or other shower accessory problems (like moldy shower curtains, hard to clean/ behind-the-times, shower doors, or you have no seating) have you griping about your shower, you’ve come to the right article.
Below I’ll list the 15 best shower accessories. At the end, I’d love to learn which would be the top 3 to include in your existing shower, new home, or remodeled shower and if any of these shower accessory ideas are ones you’ve never heard of. This list isn’t ‘ranked ,’ because the most important should be determine by what you and your family need for your shower to function well. Let’s look at the list.
Best shower accessory #1 – A hand-held shower to shave, or shower, while seated. And why not also use it to wash the dog also?
Once you install a handheld shower – just like American Express might say, “You won’t leave home without it.” OK, maybe that’s not true since it’s attached to the shower wall, but that’s another story.
Most people find handheld showers are soooo functional. For example, if you’ve got a fold down shower seat (see accessory #2), you can relax, shower, or shave while seated using your handheld shower. This can be essential if you have a family member whose balance IS NOT as good as your yoga instructor!
Also – handheld showers make it (somewhat) simpler to chase your dog around the shower to finally get the stink off them.
Best shower accessory #2 – A fold down shower seat
I’ll come clean (yes, bad shower pun intended….) and admit I HATE, HATE, HATE fixed shower bench seats. I don’t like those annoying ones built into cheap fiberglass one piece surrounds, or those big custom built-in ‘boxes’ jutting into tile showers.
First, with the fiberglass one piece surrounds, (which have bench seats molded into the shower pan), they take up too much room and aren’t necessarily the right height for everyone in your family using them. In addition, they aren’t deep enough to fit YOUR back side (and if your back side is larger than you’d wish, you know what I’m saying).
And with tile shower bench seats – they’re notorious for leaking, expensive to build, and a pain to maintain.
So, what’s a better shower accessory solution if you want seating without the negatives associated with fixed fiberglass or tile bench seats?
I’m a big fan of fold down seats. Put them down when they’re needed and fold them up when they’re not. Also – if you get a stylish fold down seat it won’t look like the ‘geriatric specials’ (sarcasm intended) you’ll find at drug stores or durable medical equipment stores. And besides, who wants to hang out in durable medical equipment stores anyways?
Best shower accessory #3 – Sturdy corner shower shelves which ARE NOT thin wire baskets which are easy to hate
Corner shelves can be wonderful…..or annoying!
If you’ve ever been in a hotel shower with cheap wire basket corner shelves you know how frustrating it is for soap to slip through the thin wires and ‘escape’ to the floor of the shower pan. Or it’s a pain when shampoo bottles wobble to and fro on these thin wire shelves.
And although there are corners shelves which can make you want to scream, there are also shelves, like these sturdy 1” thick solid surface shower shelves, which are installed with brackets and won’t be a pain to use.
Best shower accessory #4 – A shower rain head which isn’t ‘wimpy’
If it takes forever to get shampoo rinsed out of your hair, and you’re already late for work, you may have already know the most stylish shower head, isn’t necessarily the one which’ll perform the best.
And if you want a rain shower head, which isn’t a source of frustration, look for one which has a higher GPM (Gallons Per Minute) flow rate or choose one with a smaller shower head which will concentrate the pressure. Why shouldn’t you enjoy luxurious bathroom accessories which function flawlessly?
Best shower accessory #5 – A shower window (or skylight) which makes your shower safer and brighter
Dark bathrooms (without windows or skylights) are dangerous bathrooms. They make it difficult to see what you’re doing (and can lead to a cut, or two, or three if you like to shave in the shower). In addition, dark showers (or bathrooms) cause falls which can be catastrophic for an aging parent. And without the improved ventilation bathroom windows provide, your shower (especially if it’s tile grouted) can become moldy.
A smart idea is to include a window in your shower. If you’re worried about privacy put the window near the ceiling (this type is called a transom window) or replace your existing (see-through glass window) with a high-privacy glass block shower window.
And if installing a window is too expensive – another option (depending on what floor the bathroom is on), is to add a skylight, or to use LED lighting (see best shower accessory #14 to learn more about LED lighting).
Best shower accessory #6 – A waterproof shower window trim kit to waterproof around the perimeter of the window
While a shower window can be a nice feature, a bad material used for framing which holds the glass, or for the trim around the window, can lead to waterproofing nightmares which can be expensive to fix.
It’s for this reason accessory #5 should be joined at the hip (like a Siamese twin) with accessory #6, the waterproof window trim kit.
A trim kit is the material(s) used on the sides and bottom of the window to keep moisture directed towards the shower pan – and not behind or underneath your shower walls or shower pan.
The best window trim kit are made of solid surface, acrylic, stainless steel, or waterproof composites. And yes you should stay away from wood trim– or grouted tile shower window returns if you can. To learn more read How to Remodel a Bathroom with a Window in the Shower or Tub Alcove.
Best shower accessory #7 – Horizontal recessed niches
If you (or your better looking partner who has your shower LOADED with lotions and potions) needs storage and lots of it, and you have a reasonably wide shower (48” or more), then horizontal recessed niches can be just what the doctor ordered.
These units are premade in sizes up to 58” wide, and if you get them made from stainless steel they’re simple to clean. You can even get oversized niches in 10 finishes which are luxury bathroom accessories taken to the next level.
Taller shower niches come with shelves and are wide enough to fit between studs (which are 16” apart). They can be made from solid surface, stainless steel, or even from SMC (Sheet Molded Compound) if you need a more cost-effective solution.
Best shower accessory #9 – Stylish grab bars….and yes, there IS such a thing!
Grab bars and stylish are not terms (normally) used in the same sentence. However, if you know where to find them it’s possible to add safety grab bars which don’t scream out ‘Grandma Lives HERE!’
Similar to the ZZ Top video below (She Has Legs and She Knows How to Use Them), if you have grab bar knowledge and you know how to use it, you CAN have stylish grab bars which are ‘hidden in plain sight’ – meaning they’re not a safety eyes sore.
Best shower accessory #10 – An anti-fog shaving mirror
Your shower should make your life more convenient. And if you like to shave in the shower and your mirror is continually fogged, you know how frustrating this can be (and you’ve got the nicks and cuts to show for it).
To combat against this problem, choose an LED heated anti-fog mirror which is more fog resistant.
Image Credits: AJFM.org
When selecting this accessory compare the mounting, suction systems, and make sure the mirror is made of shatterproof plastic.
Best shower accessory #11 – A good quality shower door vs. curtains
While shower curtains have their place (they’re perfect for rental properties, since you take a glass door with you, and/or for showers where a loved one needs a caregiver) shower curtains can AND DO get nasty, moldy, and generally (technical term coming here) …..YUCKY!
It’s for this reason a high-quality shower door can be a godsend. And today with more stylish materials, better designs (using thicker glass, water-spot-repelling glass and doors without evil U channels at the bottom which are a pain to clean), even the most-popular sliding shower doors can be something you actually enjoy.
Best shower accessory #12 – Shampoo and soap dispensers
If you’re a neat freak, like to save money, and want a ‘hotel experience’ in your personal shower, then shampoo and soap dispensers are an option to consider.
This accessory gives you a uniform look (eliminating assorted bottles) on your shower shelves or niches. They make it possible to buy liquids in larger containers which saves money. In addition, shampoo dispensers are simple to use with a quick squirt and minimize waste.
If the slick tile shower floor (or acrylic shower pan) has you worried you’ll ‘get the call’ and mom or dad is being rushed to the hospital due to a fall, this shower accessory may be the cost-effective (and health care ‘insurance plan’ in addition to grab bars) you’ve been looking for. And this accessory is shower mats.
Shower mats can be custom sized. And a bonus is there’s nothing which needs to be installed, just throw them in. Yahoo!
Image Credits: Aqua Grip
Best shower accessory #14 – LED lighting
While I love LED lights, I’ll fess up and tell you I’m NOT an electrician and don’t play one on TV, or in real life. Therefore, before adding LED lights – talk to someone smart about this (‘er not me – ha! ha!). However, there are cool applications for LED lights in showers I’ve found the bathroom remodeling dealers we sell to – and owners using in greater frequency. These LED shower applications include:
LED lights inside recessed niches – This is a cool feature. It can make your shower look special and add a fun (and safety) feature as a ‘night light.’
LED lights in the ceiling – The less lights which need to be replaced (says the guy in my household responsible for jumping on the ladder to replace them), the better! I’m sure you’ll agree with me on that.
LED lights inside a shower head – This is a fun feature. However, I wonder how vibrant these lights are in practice. I’d love input (in the comments below) from those who have added an LED shower head and if they felt the investment was worth it.
Best (close to the shower) accessory #15 – A heated towel rack
Nothing say luxury like a heated towel rack. I know this is one feature I love using when my wife Rose and I visit our favorite hotel, Nemacolin. We go there when we really want to splurge and spend down our kids inheritance F-A-S-T. Ha! ha!
Putting a heated towel rack in your home can give you the spa-like feeling every day for a lot less money than a one night reservation at an uber-expensive luxury resort hotel!
Image Credits: Nemacolin.com
Which of the best 15 shower accessories are ‘must-haves’ for your shower? Do you need help figuring out a shower or bathroom remodel?
So – which of these 15 shower accessories would you choose as your top 3? Why did you make these three selections? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
And while I know doing a shower remodel can be mind-blowing (and shower accessories are just one small part of the whole process), I’m here to tell you, you don’t have to go it alone.
Call a Shower Specialist from Innovate Building Solutions (and I’ll admit this is a shameless plug for the members of my team, most of which you’ll be glad to know ARE NOT as wacky as I am) to get design and product input, wholesale pricing, or referrals to a contractor in your area. Call 877-668-5888 or click for a Free Design Consultation.
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
Bob – thanks for your question. For this one what I think would be best would be to send us pictures of your current situation. It’s a little hard to picture everything from your description.
Thanks – Mike
Bob Wexler
I live in a mobile home with a small corner shower (my butt opens the door when I reach for my feet) and a fiberglass roman tub. There is a side by side verticle window on one wall. One end has a short pony wall and vanity.
On the other end I plumbed in a shower. There is a 2 handle tub faucet on the open corner of the tub and a step built into the outside of the tub.
I custom built a shower curtain rod from 3/4″ EMT.
How can I replace the the shower curtain with glass doors and add a fold down seat, without a major bathroom remodel.
Absolutely – fashion needs to follow function – although it’s nice in shower accessories if you can get both.
Mike
Nano Banana API
I love that you highlighted the importance of function over just aesthetics. We often forget how much more pleasant a shower can be with the right accessories, like a decent towel bar or a shower organizer. It’s about the little things!
Mike Foti
Bob – thanks for your question. For this one what I think would be best would be to send us pictures of your current situation. It’s a little hard to picture everything from your description.
Thanks – Mike
Bob Wexler
I live in a mobile home with a small corner shower (my butt opens the door when I reach for my feet) and a fiberglass roman tub. There is a side by side verticle window on one wall. One end has a short pony wall and vanity.
On the other end I plumbed in a shower. There is a 2 handle tub faucet on the open corner of the tub and a step built into the outside of the tub.
I custom built a shower curtain rod from 3/4″ EMT.
How can I replace the the shower curtain with glass doors and add a fold down seat, without a major bathroom remodel.
Mike Foti
Absolutely – fashion needs to follow function – although it’s nice in shower accessories if you can get both.
Mike
Nano Banana API
I love that you highlighted the importance of function over just aesthetics. We often forget how much more pleasant a shower can be with the right accessories, like a decent towel bar or a shower organizer. It’s about the little things!