Shower built in shelf

Types built-in shower shelves

Shower shelves are generally available in diverse types suitable for all types of bathrooms. These are the common types of built-in shower shelves.

• Cubbies

  Cubbies are mostly square or rectangular in shape and can be used to store diverse items, from shampoo bottles to bars of soap. Cubbies are spacious and intended for sizable storage. They can be fixed at different heights, in this way making it possible for users to pick the level that best suits their needs, shower habits, and whether they use them for storage or decoration.

• Corner built-in shower shelves

  To provide a corner shelf that would fit even in the least spacious shower areas, manufacturers designed the corner built-in shower shelves. These are attractive solutions for rounded walls that have minimal available space because they are designed to fit within the 90-degree angle formed by two walls.

• Linear built-in shower shelves

  The linear built-in shower shelves, as the name suggests, are long and have shallow depth. These shelves are particularly good for storing smaller, slimmer objects like shampoo and conditioner bottles or bars of soap. Even these shelves can be positioned at varying heights. The linear built-in shower shelves can be placed at horizontal levels close to the users' hands so that the important items can be stored within easy reach.

• Built-in shower benches

  These shelves offer people a place to seat themselves while showering and hence are very spacious. These benches, besides providing seating, have built-in storage space beneath for towels or other small items. Shower benches with built-in shelves will occupy large space but are very useful to users who require some area to sit during a shower.

• Square or rectangular built-in shower shelves

  The simple shape of square or rectangular built-in shower shelves gives them versatility. These shelves can be used to place large storage items like baskets or small storage items such as a few candles or a loofah. Based on dimensions, square or rectangular shelves can also be positioned at different levels throughout the wall. One significant advantage of square or rectangular shelves is that they are easy to incorporate into existing designs and can be located or used to replace a currently existing shelf.

Materials used to make built-in shower shelves

The type of material used decides the strength, visual, and functional features of the shower shelves. The following is a list of the frequently used materials to make the built-in shower shelves:

• Marble

  This stone is known for its attractive veining and many color options. Many people prefer them because they are sophisticated and classy. However, marble can be considerably porous, implying that it requires frequent sealing to prevent water absorption and staining.

• Solid surface material

  Custom-built shower shelves are made of solid surface materials. Such materials are created from acrylic or polyester resins and a mixture of mineral fill. Solid surface materials are available for use in diverse colors and patterns and remain attractive for longer. They are not porous. Hence, no sealing is required. Their fabrication allows very easily for an integrated look if the built-in shower shelves are to be introduced with other fixtures.

• Glass

  One less common option is that built-in shower shelves are made of glass. Many people prefer them because they are less heavy and more transparent. This option also provides for more light and space perception. Glass shelves, despite requiring periodic cleaning to remove stains or water spots, are often tempered for toughness and safety. In that case, any mishap will cause it to shrink into small blunt pieces.

• Chrome-plated brass

  Chrome-plated brass is used to make built-in shower shelves. Chrome-plated brass shelves are shiny with good resistance to rust and tarnishing. This is another prevalent hardwearing and lightweight alternative for modern and minimalist interiors. Its reflective properties help to foster brightness in the space, though it often requires minimal maintenance to avoid discoloration due to soap deposits and water.

• Ceramic or porcelain tiles

  Porcelain and ceramic tiles are usually used for much more prominent built-in shower shelves. Both tiles are durable, waterproof, and available in many designs and colors. They also give options for personalization. So users can choose a style that complements the tilework or other elements in the shower enclosure.

How to choose built-in shower shelves

Choosing the ideal built-in shower shelves can be a challenge since it is necessary to consider the following key factors:

• Material

  When choosing the material for built-in shower shelves, there are two factors to consider: durability and compatibility. For instance, it is advisable to use non-porous materials such as stone or quartz for moist areas such as showers as they will not absorb water. It is also advisable that the particular material used match with other existing features in the bathroom or offer a pleasing look.

• Height and position

  The height and placement directly affect the convenience and accessibility of the shelves. Ideally, built-in shower shelves should be positioned at an easily reachable height. Likewise, they should not obstruct movement within the shower area. To facilitate easy access to the items that are mostly used like shower gels or shampoos, it is advisable to fix the shelves at waist height or a little above waist height.

• Size and layout

  For a proper selection of built-in shower shelves, the size and layout are key. It is essential to assess the available space in the shower enclosure before shopping for built-in shower shelves. This will avoid getting options that overfill or look sparse in the shower area. The design or shape of the shelves, which can be rectangular, rounded, or corner-fit, should also match the details of the shower space well.

• Weight capacity

  This is an important factor to consider, too, as it will determine the possible items that can be stored on the shelves. For example, some shelves are designed to hold only a few items like soap and shampoo, while others are strong enough to support heavy items like large storage baskets. More importantly, users should ensure that the selected shelves can adequately support the expected weight of the stored items.

• Style

  For a more cohesive and pleasant look, it is critical to pick built-in shower shelves in style with the current decor of the bathroom. Further, it is crucial to select a finish that complements the fixtures, like faucets and showerheads. Actually, the style and finish can be modern, traditional, or contemporary, helping to create an atmosphere that matches one's individual preferences and views.

The benefits of built-in shower shelves

There are several reasons why buyers would benefit from investing in built-in shower shelves. These include:

• Space optimization

  As the built-in shelves are fixed within the walls of the shower, they allow users to take up the otherwise wasted space on the corners or areas between the walls. By doing so, more usable floor space is incorporated into the bathroom. Hence, they are particularly advantageous in small or densely packed shower areas.

• Design cohesion

  Integrated shower shelves are usually manufactured to be in-synch with the design theme and materials of modern bathrooms. Therefore, it provides for a more uniform and costly appeal. Further, bespoke solutions can be designed to address an individual's unique architectural features or preferences, hence, much personalized touch.

• Increased storage capacity

  Most of the built-in shower shelves have a much larger height and volume compared to the common removable shower caddies. They can, therefore, provide sufficient space for several items, including shampoos, soaps, and other bathroom essentials, keeping them organized and easy to access to avoid cluttering the space.

• Durability and stability

  Since built-in shower shelves are entrenched into the walls, they are made of strong materials and are intended to be used. In addition to this, they have a longer lifespan than hanging baskets or portable shelves. They are more difficult to topple or move in the shower, therefore, remaining steady and secure as the user goes about their activities.

• Customizability

  Buyers can opt for the size of their preference since built-in shower shelves are customizable. They can also choose the position and style. Thus, they can design shower shelves that will match the other designs in their bathrooms or accommodate their specific needs. For example, corner shelves may be ideal for small spaces, while larger, tiered shelves can easily store many items.

Q&A

Can built-in shower shelves be installed by oneself?

It requires some degree of professional knowledge to install built-in shower shelves. Particularly, because it involves cutting tiles or stone and creating recesses in walls, one may need to hire a professional for the job if there are no pre-existing recesses. This may be costly because it will involve labor and material costs. Still, it can become a do-it-yourself project for someone who has the right tools and skills.

How to clean built-in shower shelves?

It is necessary to frequently clean built-in shower shelves with non-abrasive cleansers to avoid the deposition of soap or mildew. It is also advisable to wipe off the water after each use to minimize this buildup. This may be done using a soft cloth or squeegee and water. However, the treatment method is dependent on the actual material used in the shelves.

Are built-in shower shelves suitable for small showers?

Small showers can be hard to handle, but corner shelves or linear niches can efficiently use just a small space. More so, due to their integrated feature, they do not protrude into the space, meaning that they enable a clutter-free area that appears extremely spacious.

How long do built-in shower shelves last?

For as long as proper maintenance is done, built-in shower shelves can last as many years as the normal life of bathroom fixtures, which is 20-30 years. The type of material and the level of care also determine the durability. For instance, solid surfaces or tiles may last longer than glass if no chipping or cracking occurs.