Should I have open or closed shelving in the bathroom?

When designing or renovating a bathroom, one of the most common questions homeowners and designers face is whether to install open or closed shelving. Both options have their unique benefits and challenges, so understanding which type of storage works best for your bathroom's aesthetic, function, and your personal habits is crucial. This article delves into the pros and cons of each type of shelving, helping you make an informed decision. From bathroom storage shelves to more specific styles like wall-mounted bathroom shelves, freestanding bathroom shelves, corner bathroom shelves, and adjustable bathroom shelves, we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the right shelving for your bathroom.

What is Bathroom Storage?

Before diving into the debate between open and closed shelving, it’s important to first understand what bathroom storage entails. Bathroom storage shelves are essential for organizing toiletries, cleaning products, towels, and other bathroom essentials. Good storage not only helps keep your bathroom looking tidy but also enhances its functionality. Properly chosen shelves can provide storage without sacrificing the aesthetic of the space.

Bathroom storage comes in various forms, including wall-mounted, freestanding, and corner shelves, each catering to different space and organizational needs. The two main types of shelving in bathrooms are open shelving and closed shelving.

What Are Open Shelves in the Bathroom?

Open shelving refers to shelves that do not have doors, allowing you to easily see everything stored on them. These shelves create a sense of openness and accessibility, which is particularly beneficial in smaller bathrooms where visual clutter can make a space feel cramped.

Benefits of Open Shelving

1. Easy Access: One of the most significant advantages of open shelving is the ease of access. With open shelves, you can see everything at a glance, making it simple to grab what you need without opening a cabinet or drawer. This is especially useful for frequently used items like hand soap, towels, and toiletries.

2. Visual Appeal: Open shelving can enhance the bathroom's aesthetic by displaying attractive items like decorative soaps, plants, and fancy towels. This type of storage adds personality and style to the space.

3. Maximizes Space: In bathrooms with limited storage or smaller layouts, open shelving can help to maximize space. Since these shelves are often mounted on walls, they don’t take up valuable floor space, making them ideal for compact bathrooms.

4. Air Circulation: Open shelves allow for better air circulation, which helps in preventing the buildup of moisture. This is particularly important in the bathroom, as excessive humidity can lead to mold and mildew.

Drawbacks of Open Shelving

1. Clutter: While open shelves can look aesthetically pleasing when organized, they can quickly become messy if not kept tidy. Items like toiletries and cleaning supplies may accumulate dust, making it harder to maintain the cleanliness of the bathroom.

2. Limited Storage: Open shelving doesn’t provide the same volume of storage as closed cabinets. There is only so much you can store before the space starts looking crowded or disorganized.

3. Exposes Items: Items stored on open shelves are always visible, which can be problematic if you prefer a cleaner, more minimalistic look or have clutter-prone items that you want to keep out of sight.

What Are Closed Shelves in the Bathroom?

Closed shelving refers to shelves that are enclosed with doors or panels, keeping everything stored inside hidden from view. This type of storage is more traditional and is common in most modern bathrooms.

Benefits of Closed Shelving

1. Conceals Clutter: One of the main advantages of closed shelving is that it hides clutter. If your bathroom items are not always neatly arranged or if you prefer to store less aesthetically pleasing items like cleaning products or spare toilet rolls, closed shelves can keep them out of sight.

2. More Storage Capacity: Closed shelving typically offers more storage space than open shelving because you can store a greater variety of items inside without worrying about their appearance. You can store larger, bulkier items without them detracting from the bathroom’s overall design.

3. Cleaner Look: With closed shelving, your bathroom will have a more polished, sleek appearance. Since all items are concealed, the bathroom remains tidy, even if it’s not perfectly organized.

4. Less Dust: Unlike open shelves, closed shelving keeps dust and bathroom humidity from reaching your stored items. This makes it easier to keep toiletries and towels fresh, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Drawbacks of Closed Shelving

1. Reduced Accessibility: The biggest downside of closed shelving is that you can’t instantly see what’s stored inside. You’ll need to open a door or drawer to find what you need, which can be inconvenient if you frequently use certain items.

2. Less Aesthetic Flexibility: Since closed shelves hide items, they may not offer the same design opportunities as open shelves. For those who enjoy displaying decorative items, closed shelving may feel limiting.

3. Potential for Clutter Behind Doors: While closed shelving hides clutter from view, it can also lead to the creation of hidden clutter. Without visible reminders of what’s inside, it’s easy to forget about things, resulting in disorganized, cluttered storage behind closed doors.

Types of Bathroom Shelves

Regardless of whether you opt for open or closed shelving, various styles are available to fit your bathroom’s needs. Here are some popular bathroom storage shelf options:

1. Wall-Mounted Bathroom Shelf

Wall-mounted bathroom shelves are attached to the walls, saving valuable floor space. They are often available in both open and closed styles. Wall-mounted shelves are ideal for small bathrooms, as they don’t take up any floor area and can be installed high or low depending on your storage needs.

Benefits:

• Saves space.

• Can be installed at different heights.

• Available in both open and closed styles.

2. Freestanding Bathroom Shelf

A freestanding bathroom shelf does not need to be mounted on the wall, making it versatile and portable. This type of shelf can be moved or relocated, providing flexibility in storage options.

Benefits:

• Easy to move.

• Available in both open and closed designs.

• Can be placed anywhere in the bathroom.

3. Corner Bathroom Shelf

Corner bathroom shelves are specifically designed to fit in the corners of a bathroom. These shelves are an excellent solution for bathrooms with limited space, allowing you to make use of often-overlooked areas.

Benefits:

• Maximizes unused space.

• Ideal for smaller bathrooms.

• Available in both open and closed styles.

4. Adjustable Bathroom Shelf

Adjustable bathroom shelves offer customizable storage solutions. You can alter the shelf height to accommodate different items, which is particularly useful in bathrooms with varying storage needs.

Benefits:

• Flexible and customizable.

• Ideal for storing a range of bathroom items.

• Can be adjusted as storage needs change.

Should You Choose Open or Closed Shelving?

Now that we’ve explored the pros and cons of open and closed shelving and highlighted different types of bathroom shelves, let’s discuss when to choose each option.

When to Choose Open Shelving

• If you prefer a more open and airy feel in your bathroom.

• If you like displaying your bathroom essentials or décor.

• If you don’t mind maintaining a tidy and organized shelf.

• If you want to make use of limited space, such as small or awkwardly shaped bathrooms.

When to Choose Closed Shelving

• If you prefer a more streamlined, minimalist look in your bathroom.

• If you have many items that you don’t want on display.

• If you want more storage capacity to store larger or less aesthetically pleasing items.

• If you prefer a low-maintenance option that’s easier to keep clean.

FAQs About Bathroom Storage Shelves

1. How do I keep open bathroom shelves organized?

To maintain a tidy appearance, consider using baskets or decorative containers to store smaller items on open shelves. Regularly clean the shelves and only display items that are frequently used or aesthetically pleasing.

2. Are wall-mounted shelves better than freestanding shelves?

It depends on your bathroom’s size and layout. Wall-mounted shelves save floor space and provide a more streamlined look, while freestanding shelves offer flexibility and can be moved around as needed.

3. Can I install corner shelves in a small bathroom?

Yes, corner shelves are an excellent solution for maximizing space in small bathrooms. They utilize unused corners, allowing you to store essential items without sacrificing floor space.

4. What is the most durable material for bathroom shelves?

Materials like stainless steel, glass, and treated wood are all durable and water-resistant, making them ideal choices for bathroom shelves. Avoid materials that may warp or rust in humid conditions.

In conclusion, the choice between open and closed shelving depends on your personal style, storage needs, and the functionality you require in your bathroom. Open shelves can create an airy, accessible atmosphere, while closed shelves provide a more streamlined and organized look. Regardless of your choice, it’s important to select the right type of bathroom storage shelf—whether wall-mounted, freestanding, corner, or adjustable—to ensure the best use of your space.