Wet rooms offer many benefits for people with mobility challenges. The open, barrier-free design means you don’t need to step over bathtub edges or shower thresholds, helping to create a safer bathing environment.
However, for all their benefits, the main drawback of wet rooms is their lack of dry storage. We all know storage is essential in any bathroom – otherwise, where are you meant to store all your lotions, potions, and loo roll?
The good news is that unearthing practical yet stylish wet room storage ideas doesn’t need to be a chore. Read on to discover wet room storage solutions that will enhance your mobility-friendly bathroom.
1. Hooks and pegs
Sometimes, the simplest wet room storage ideas are the most effective. Putting up some durable hooks and pegs in strategic places will give you plenty of storage with minimal investment.
Key benefits:
- Keeps your items off the floor and away from standing water
- Allows towels, flannels, and dressing gowns to air dry efficiently
- Makes it easy for you to find items at a glance.
- This is one of the most budget-friendly wet room storage strategies!
- Adding hooks or pegs is a quick and simple DIY job that doesn’t require professional installation.
When buying hooks and pegs, choose robust, corrosion-resistant products designed for wet environments. Position them at easy-to-access heights and consider adding coloured backplates or distinctive designs if you have vision problems.
2. Elevated units
Your wet room is bound to see a lot of water and moisture, so the last thing you want is drawers, cupboards, or baskets on the floor being ruined by water. Elevating your storage units a few inches above the floor will help protect them from standing water.
Key benefits:
- Limits the risk of water damage to your storage units.
- Elevating your storage makes it much easier to clean underneath it.
- Elevated vanity units allow for improved air circulation, reducing mould and mildew in your bathroom.
Make sure the gap between the floor and the unit isn’t big enough to create a hazard for mobility aid users. The plinth should be clearly visible and designed to prevent walking sticks and frames from getting trapped.
3. Wall-mounted shelves and rails
These practical fixtures can be fitted directly to your wet room walls, keeping them a safe distance from wet floors.
Key benefits:
- You can position shelves and rails at just the right height for your specific needs, taking into account whether you’ll be accessing them from a seated position in a wheelchair or a standing position.
- Choosing this option helps to keep the floor area clear for easy maneuverability.
- Quality wall-mounted units are usually made with moisture-resistant materials, so they’re ideal for wet rooms.
- Wall-mounted storage solutions utilise vertical wall space without imposing on the open layout of your wet room. You can also choose corner wall shelving if you want to make use of otherwise wasted space.
Looking for wet room shelving ideas? Opt for stainless steel or waterproof composite storage products with smooth edges, and consider shelves with a slight lip or rail to stop items from falling off.
4. Recessed wall storage
Another clever storage solution for wet rooms is building recessed shelves or ledges into your walls. An alcove in the walk-in shower area can be used to store your shampoo and shower gel, while a recess by the sink can hold toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Choosing recessed storage removes the need for extra materials in the bathroom, which could be damaged by moisture. You maintain the smooth lines of the tiles but reduce the amount of furniture in your wet room, which means fewer hazards and objects to negotiate around.
Key benefits:
- Streamlined appearance
- Fewer hazards as it eliminates protruding elements
- Can be positioned exactly where your most frequently-used items need to be kept
- Works with (rather than against) the wet room concept
5. Recessed cabinets
Recessed cabinets take the niche concept one step further by incorporating doors that protect contents from moisture. They’re especially useful if you want to store items that need to stay totally dry in a high-humidity environment.
Key benefits:
- The doors shield contents from humidity and water spray
- Cabinets with doors help you to keep personal items concealed for a tidier appearance.
- Recessed cabinets use wall cavity space, rather than extending into the room.
- Interior shelving allows for better organisation of your bathroom essentials.
Choose recessed cabinets with easy-to-operate handles or touch mechanisms that don’t need too much manual dexterity. You can also install cabinet doors with mirrors if you want to make your storage more functional.
6. Moveable Storage Solutions
If you’re looking for more flexible wet room storage ideas, choose something that’s portable. This type of storage is a great choice for shared bathrooms or people whose needs might change over time.
Key benefits:
- Portable storage can be easily repositioned.
- You can move them away from water when the shower is being used.
- Perfect for rental properties or other situations where making permanent bathroom modifications isn’t possible.
- Works alongside built-in options for optimal organisation.
Look for portable storage trolleys or caddies with wheels that can be locked in place for stability. Water-resistant materials like aluminium, certain plastics, or sealed bamboo offer durability in wet environments, but they’re lightweight enough to move around easily.
7. Shower Seats with Built-in Storage
Multifunctional items are always a good choice, especially in accessible bathrooms! And shower seats with integrated storage certainly fit the bill. These clever designs combine essential, safe seating with practical storage space.
Key benefits:
- This option means you’ll have storage that also serves as a safety feature.
- You can keep all of your shower essentials like soap and shampoo within easy reach.
- Removes the need for separate storage fixtures in the shower area.
- Provides sturdy seating while bathing, reducing the risk of falls.
Some models feature lift-up seats with waterproof storage compartments underneath, while others have shelving at the side or slots designed to hold shower supplies. When choosing, make sure the shower seat is suitable for your weight and features non-slip surfaces for added safety.
These wet room storage ideas should make it easier to create an accessible bathroom design that meets all of your needs. At BMAS, we take care of everything from the materials to the installation. Whether you’re looking for advice on installing a walk-in bath or researching bath aids for elderly people, get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store things in a wet room?
If you need to keep things totally dry, consider recessed cupboards with doors or water-resistant containers placed on elevated shelving. If your budget is low, opt for water-resistant pouches hung from hooks or pegs. Remember to always keep electronics (like electric toothbrushes and razors) in waterproof containers and away from water sources.
Can you have cupboards in a wet room?
Yes, but you will need to think carefully about the size, type, and location. Choose wall-hung vanity units that provide knee clearance for wheelchair users and make sure they’re elevated from the floor to prevent water damage. Consider open shelving beneath the sink rather than enclosed cupboards for improved accessibility. Vanity units and cupboards must be installed at a height appropriate to the mobility needs of the primary user.
How do I clean my shower head in a wet room?
To clean your shower head in a wet room, fill a plastic bag with equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Secure it around the shower head with an elastic band, then let it soak for up to two hours. If you have a removable shower head, detach it and soak it in a sink filled with the white vinegar and warm water solution. After soaking, use an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn mineral deposits and rinse thoroughly.