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 over 50 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.)
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 Pierce & Ward 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 shopping 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 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, contributor 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 below, 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 Zara.
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.
“It’s one of the few products I’ve come across in my life that works exactly as advertised, absorbing water in less than two minutes. And I mean: a lot of water,” she says. “It’s completely impervious to mold or yuckiness, which I can’t say of any other bath mat. Plus, its simple design blends easily with any style.” For those who still prefer a plush experience underfoot, shopping market editor Kate McGregor has a newfound love for Quiet Town’s hand-woven iteration. “It’s soft yet durable feeling, and the 100% cotton makeup dries in under an hour,” she says. “Plus, I no longer worry about stray fibers clinging to my wet feet like my previous mat.“
The Best Wall Hooks
Keep your towels off the floor for good (and encourage your housemates to do the same) with wall hooks that are too striking to leave empty. Opt for a single hook if you live alone or are short on wall space, or an entire row of staggered sizes to fit your whole family’s belongings at once. We love wall hook options that double as decor, like the vibrant Eames Hang-It-All or the hand-sculpted, twisting shapes from SIN Ceramics.
The Best Hand Towels
Hand towels are often overlooked, despite being one of the highest-use items in your bathroom. However, we strongly believe these are emerging as a new status symbol—and designers agree. “When I see a beautiful hand towel in someone’s home, it tells me that the person living here genuinely cares about the full experience of the space,” says Julia Sobrepeña King of Los Angeles-based Studio Roene. We attribute this change to the rise of designer soaps back in the mid-2010s, which started changing the way we thought about countertop design.
Between drying off your face post-cleanser or guests’ hands, the finest options are durable enough to withstand weekly dinner parties while drying quickly between courses. McGregor swears by Brooklinen's super-plush hand towels. “The ultra-high pile feel quite luxurious without sacrificing on absorption,” she says. ”Even when my home is packed with friends and family, I never find it damp or drenched.”
The Best Laundry Baskets
Look, the chair in your bedroom that you pile clothes on may work just fine, but when it comes time to actually do the laundry, you’ll want a hamper. The best ones come with removable bags so you’re not dragging an entire rattan basket down the hallway (or street). We love the Steele Canvas classic laundry basket with wheels for easy transport.
Those who meticulously sort their whites and colors will want a unit with compartments, like the Joseph Joseph bamboo basket—each side can pull out separately depending on which load you decide to tackle first. Freestanding bins and baskets will always be a bit more sturdy and easier to keep in a bathroom than a laundry bag, but we also included our favorite portable option for those trekking to the laundromat on Sunday afternoons.
Senior shopping editor Nashia Baker is a fan of Zara Home’s rolling laundry basket, which she says has brass wheels to lighten even the heaviest load of laundry. “[It’s] simple, but elevated,” she says in her review. “The wooden frame is sturdy, and the same goes for the cotton basket, which is helpful for someone who stuffs their basket to the brim.” Beyond its function, the vintage-inspired aesthetic provides a durable and chic item to display in your closet.
The Best Wastebaskets
Yes, cute trash cans do exist. For those who prefer every detail to align with their design aesthetic, no accessory is too insignificant. Some of our favorite options serve as a true statement, like Anthropologie’s circus-striped one, which gives a playful vibe, or a more masculine iteration by Saito Wood. No matter your preferences—lid or no lid, step-open or hinged—there’s a bathroom trash bin for all styles and budgets.
The Best Soap Dispensers
It’s time to toss the plastic hand soap pump you picked up at the grocery store and replace it with one that’s actually a piece of bathroom decor. Whether your design scheme is minimal and spa-like (in that case, we recommend a bamboo dispenser like the Ikea one) or a maximalist haven for your 12-step skincare routine (take a peek at Anthropologie’s options), there’s a soap dispenser for your aesthetics. For the germ-conscious, there are even options that operate via motion sensor. We wash our hands a lot; you should enjoy every part of the experience.
The Best Robes
A great bathrobe elevates your post-shower experience, especially if you’re the type to sit in your towel for an hour post rinse. At Shop AD, we have strong feelings about robes, and the best ones feel like a cozy sweater while drying quickly, feeling plush (never itchy), and maintaining their quality after many a washing machine cycle. Harrison touts the Boll and Branch Dream Robe as literally a dream to wear. “The material is lightweight and soft without feeling too precious to wear. I’ve washed this a dozen times at least, and it’s still as good as new,” she says. McGregor, on the other hand, prefers the thick terry of Parachute’s striped robe. “I was a robe skeptic until this one came along,” she says. “It’s warm and drying in the way only cotton terry can be, plus the stripes are a welcome addition to my all-white bathroom.”
The Best Shelving
We can’t all be fortunate enough to have a bathroom stacked with storage, so wall shelving saves the day without taking up valuable floor space. An open shelf is great for keeping your most used products (and extra toilet paper) within arm’s reach, while a closed cabinet (like the spacious one from Ferm Living) can serve as a makeshift medicine cabinet for vanities that are only equipped with a mirror. If you’re looking for multi-purpose storage, opt for one with a built-in towel rack.
The Best Bathroom Storage Cabinets
Bathroom storage cabinets serve a clear purpose, but they present a major decision: to hide or display. We appreciate space-saving designs like Yamazaki’s pull-out bathroom storage cabinet, which can hold your less-than-aesthetically pleasing cleaning and care essentials. But if you have extra space and want to add some color, there are options like Mustard Made’s Mixer cabinet that features fluted glass for a slightly exposed look. Even though it’s technically designed for your kitchen, we’d argue it’s a welcome addition to a bright en suite bathroom.
The Best Towel Bars
Sure, your towels need to get dry, but they should also look good doing it. Some towel bars require hardware for hanging on your wall, like the Arhaus Maxwell Wall Rack, an artisanal piece with a hand-applied brass finish. Others are slightly more low-maintenance, such as the freestanding, tiered linen rack from Yamazaki Home. If space is limited, designers often suggest wall-mounting items and taking up vertical space at or above eye level.
The Best Toilet Paper Holders
Toilet paper has never looked elegant, but there are plenty of holders that make it less of an eyesore. It could be something as simple yet elevated as the Essential Toilet Paper Holder from Hawkins, which comes in nine colors. We’re partial to Klein Blue or Mustard for an unexpected, colorful twist on the classic holder. If you want a more renter-friendly option, there are also standalones like the Savannah Paper Holder from Pottery Barn, handcrafted with sustainable seagrass. The basket underneath provides you with extra storage to stash magazines, bonus rolls, or even a little container of Poo-Pourri.
FAQ
What Are the Latest Trends in Bath Accessories?
Perhaps the most interesting trend this year has been the focus on high-design hand towels as a statement piece in your home. Retailers are catching on, too, presenting contemporary, textural, and patterned creations that bring more whimsy into the bathroom. “A well-chosen hand towel is one of the most quietly eloquent things in a home,” says Silvana Vergara Tobin, founder of Studio Tove in New York. Often a lower-priced detail, these are also a more approachable, low-risk trend to try out in your own space.
Another trend with staying power? People continue loving bidets and bidet attachments. A staple for Europeans, it’s made its way stateside and has been surging in recent years. And while some might be wary to discuss it, many experts are hailing it a necessary bathroom accessory. “Even though bidets can be replaced with contemporary alternatives like bidet sprayers, my clients still prefer a complete bathroom set,” says Milanese architect Franesca Panzeri. “I also find bidets useful aesthetically, because they help to define spaces. Paired with elegant faucets and other fixtures, the result is guaranteed to leave an impression.”