Your bathroom’s design features are usually quite literally set in stone. While you can paint the walls and spruce things up with houseplants or photo frames, the best bathroom accessories are there to help round out the dampest, most dimly lit space in your home. Shower curtains and bath mats are an obvious way to bring in color and texture, but even something as small as a toothbrush holder or soap dish can make up for an unfortunate rental situation (the dreaded Home Depot cabinets, perhaps) or a lack of counter space. Combined, the right accessories can transform a drab bathroom into your dream GRWM set-up. No matter your stance on bath mat material or towel hooks vs bars, we’ve gathered 40 bathroom accessories vetted and beloved by AD editors and contributors to help elevate every aspect of your space. (Yes, there are even design-forward trash cans.)
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The Best Shower Curtains
Whether you’re looking for a waterproof option that can function sans liner, or a breezy fabric that will make the utilitarian room feel more aesthetically pleasing, a shower curtain’s impact can’t be understated. After all, it’s the largest swath of color or pattern you’ll likely have in the room. The textile’s endless options can easily flit between decor styles, like the eclectic prints of Nickey Kehoe or the minimalist textures of Quince’s linen option. “I was hesitant about the aesthetics of a plastic shower curtain, but I actually love the fact that it’s transparent,” says commerce writer Julia Harrison of Quiet Town’s sun shower curtain. “It makes our teeny tiny bathroom feel bigger, and it lets in light so I don’t feel like I’m showering in a dark cave.”
The Best Bathroom Organizers
Bathrooms rarely have enough storage, especially if you’re sharing the space with a partner or roommate. The right bathroom organizer, whether a freestanding cart or an in-shower shelving system, can set aside nooks and crannies for every component of your 12-step hair care routine. Senior commerce editor Nashia Baker recently tested Quiet Town’s The Spot, a flexible system that you can customize to suit your routine. “My shower organization has honestly never looked better. The Spot’s modular design is eye candy in and of itself, but the extra storage accessories take its style over the top,” Baker says. ”I have the beige shower caddy with coordinating accessories in warm tones to match my sunset-inspired shower curtain. They’re all interchangeable and easy to move around to best fit toiletries like soaps and shampoos.”
In smaller spaces or stall showers, we recommend a hanging or wall unit to help keep the floor clear of bottles. If you’re blessed with floor space, opt for a closed cabinet or cart that can keep clutter out of sight.
The Best Bath Towels
Like bedsheets, bath towels are incredibly subjective. Some people prefer a high-pile cotton that envelops them like a hug post shower, while others like a thinner waffle weave that dries in minutes. One of our favorites is Brooklinen’s Classic bath towels, which digital features editor Katherine McLaughlin uses daily. “The first thing I noticed when using the towels is how quickly they absorb water and dry you off,” she says. ”It takes less than a minute to dry myself completely and only one ’towel pass’ per body area. This is definitely the best towel I’ve used for drying my hair.”
For those looking for an option for sensitive skin, commerce director Rachel Fletcher vouches for the softness of Parachute’s waffle towels. “A rough towel never does me well, but the Parachute towels feel great against the skin. They don’t cause any redness or irritation. I have tried many waffle towels in the past, and these are by far the softest,” Fletcher says. Regardless of your textile preference, we think that bath towels should look as good on the hook as they feel on your body.
The Best Toothbrush Holders
It may seem unnecessary, but even your toothbrush needs a place to rest. The best holders or cups keep your brush away from countertop germs while allowing the bristles to dry thoroughly between cleanings. Single toothbrush stands, like the ceramic one from Etsy, are great for smaller medicine cabinets or sink surfaces. If you share a bathroom, choose a larger unit that can house everyone’s brush and toothpaste of choice in an organized manner, like the stainless steel option from Joseph Joseph.
The Best Soap Dishes
Ensure your countertop stays suds-free with a stylish soap dish. Our favorite options keep your hand soap in one place while eliminating any slipping, sliding, or unsightly puddles from taking shape after you wash your hands. For the traditionalist, a pewter pedestal can give any old bar a regal air, while a marble option leans more eclectic. If standing water is a concern, choose a freestanding soap dish with a slight slant or slats that allow excess water to drain back into the basin.
The Best Bath Mats
There are few things more annoying than a perpetually damp bath mat. Luckily, we’ve tested dozens in order to find the ones that actually dry quickly, without leaving your bathroom floor riddled with puddles. While terry cloth and flatweaves tend to be the most common materials, a new wave of stone and wood mats is reinventing the usually soft surface. Harrison is a stone bath mat convert after testing the Dorai.
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