Bathroom Essentials: Every Necessity You Need for a Stylish & Functional Bathroom

Towels need almost no introduction. They absorb water, help you dry your hair and keep you warm in the interim between hopping out of the shower and getting dressed. Virtually everyone uses bath towels, putting them at the top of our checklist for bathroom essentials.

You can elevate even the softest towels with a spritz of relaxing linen mist. You’ll feel like you’re wrapping yourself in peace and luxury after every bath or shower.

Read our blog to learn How to Fold and Style Your Towels Like a Luxury Hotel.

How to Choose the Right Towels for You

Of course, not all towels are created equal. There are ultra-plush luxury options made of classic Turkish cotton, super-soft ribbed bath sheets, flat-woven fouta, waffle weaves and even organic cotton bath linens. Each material has a unique look and feel, so the choice is mostly a matter of personal preference, but some fabrics fold more compactly than others.

For additional tips on choosing a set for your bathroom, see our article, What Are the Best Towel Materials, and What Sizes Should You Buy?

Bath Mat

Towels may be at the top of the must-haves list, but a bath mat is a close second. The absorbent material helps keep your floors dry, ultimately preventing moisture damage, while tying in different colors and adding a hint of texture.

How to Choose a Bath Mat

Bath mats come in various shapes, materials, weaves and colors. If you're not sure what style to get, consider a design that matches your other bath linens. For instance, you can get a Turkish cotton tub mat in the same color and terry cloth weave as your towels. You could also match the color but opt for a different weave, like light grey ribbed towels with a light grey mat featuring a unique motif.

Learn How to Wash, Dry and Care for Bath Mats in our blog.

Bathroom Rug

A bathroom rug is one of those bath essentials that's often overlooked. While it doesn't necessarily safeguard your floors from water damage, it can provide softness underfoot, insulation, sound absorption and a decorative touch.

See our guide for a deeper dive into the difference between Bath Mats vs. Bath Rugs.

How to Choose a Bathroom Rug

Bathroom rugs are generally smaller and flatter than the area rugs you might use throughout the rest of your home. Depending on the shape of your bathroom and your available space, you might place one or two small bath rugs on the floor below the vanity, a circular rug in front of the toilet or a long runner down the length of the room.

Check out these 17 Rug Styling Ideas for inspiration.

Shower Curtain

Not all bathrooms call for shower curtains, but if yours has a bathtub and no glass door for the shower, this item is a must for privacy and steam control. And don't forget the liner. This waterproof layer helps keep water off your bathroom floors while preventing mildew growth.

How Often Should You Replace Towels, Shower Curtain Liners and Other Bathroom Essentials?Read our article to find out.

How to Choose a Shower Curtain

Just because shower curtains are bathroom necessities doesn't mean they can't enhance the design of your space as well. You can choose from light and airy cloud cotton, flat-woven Turkish cotton with hand-knotted fringe, brilliantly textured waffle weave and subtle speckled patterns for those who want to add just a hint of interest.

See our Guide to Shower Curtains for more buying tips.

Soap Dispenser

Soap dispensers are important bathroom necessities. This goes without saying, but it's important to be able to wash your hands after using the bathroom — or any time throughout the day. You can go with liquid hand soap in a refillable pump-style dispenser or opt for an all-natural cold-process bar soap with a design-forward dish.

For a unique touch of stylistic flair, consider a handmade soap dish with artistic sensibilities like the Ko Soap Dish. Who says bathroom decor needs to be boring?

It’s always a good idea to keep a luxurious hand cream ready to go next to your sink so you can rehydrate after washing your hands.

Toothbrush Holder

Consider buying a toothbrush holder that coordinates with your soap and any other countertop accessories. From ceramic cups and modern mounts to metal racks and decorative stands, there's an option for every design taste.

Some electric toothbrushes come with their own charging stations, which double as a holder. Since cords aren't aesthetically pleasing, you might plug in your toothbrush under the sink if possible, on a shelf or somewhere else where the cord won't show.

Storage Baskets and Bins

Woven baskets and canvas bins are just the thing for storing and organizing your bathroom items. You can place folded or rolled-up towels in them, extra toilet paper rolls, hot hair tools, guest toiletries and any other bathroom necessities you like.

Baskets and bins are great for under-the-sink storage, whether hidden behind cabinet doors or in plain sight. You can also place them on open shelves and put larger ones directly on the floor.

See our article for more expert tips on Getting Organized.

How to Choose Baskets and Bins for the Bathroom

Undyed palm leaf and jute-woven baskets are exceptionally versatile, offering a laid-back, organic touch in any bathroom. The same goes for undyed canvas bins. When selecting storage containers, consider the different sizes and quantities you need, then get a matching set in the same color and material. Alternatively, you can choose two materials of a similar color or one material in two contrasting hues, like black and natural palm leaf baskets.

These 23 Basket Decor and Storage Ideas can help get your wheels turning.

Trash Can

Trash cans are often brushed off as non-decorative bathroom necessities. While they are indeed necessary, that doesn't mean they can't be stylish.

Don't leave your visitors hanging without a trash can, and see our Guest Bathroom Essentials checklist to make sure you have everything else your guests may need.

Hamper

Not everyone keeps a hamper in the bathroom. Still, it can be nice to have a place to toss used towels and dirty clothes before getting in the shower.

Check out our blog on How to Wash and Properly Care for Towels to ensure your bath linens last as long as possible.

How to Choose a Bathroom Hamper

Bathroom hampers don't necessarily have to look like receptacles for soiled linens. For instance, you can get a sophisticated lidded palm leaf laundry hamper to match your other storage baskets. Prefer to keep things simple? You can't go wrong with a canvas bag and a collapsible metal frame.

Here's how to Keep Your Towels Fresh and Get Musty Smells Out.

Robes aren't exactly bathroom necessities, but it's definitely nice to have a high-quality one on hand. From extra-long laid-back linen to earth-friendly organic cotton, mid-length waffle weave, fluffy cloud cotton and spa-inspired plush terry cloth, there's a perfect robe out there for everyone.

Here’s some helpful guides for finding the right robe for you:

Robe Quiz: Choose Your Perfect Robe

Best Bathrobes for Women: Materials, Sizes, & Colors to Consider

Best Organic Robes: What to Look for in Eco-Friendly Bathrobes

Slippers

The sheer luxury of comfy slippers can't be understated. Whether you prefer traditional slip-ons, clog-style house shoes, cozy booties or even slipper socks, your feet will thank you.

What style should you get? Here are the Best Slipper Materials and Colors to consider.

Makeup Towels

If you're serious about skincare, designated washcloths are a must. Not only do these makeup towels help you separate your hand towels from your face cloths, but they also look chic in a neat stack next to your sink. Plus, the black color conceals makeup stains.

Learn more about how upgraded bathroom necessities can rejuvenate your Skincare Rituals.

Body Oil

You can use high-quality body oil both in and out of the shower. This seaweed-infused elixir features a blend of sunflower, linseed and grapefruit peel oils to nourish and firm your skin, while offering a dose of invigorating aromatherapy.

Introduce a touch of luxury when you travel with a compact set of bath essentials that’s small enough to stash in your carry-on toiletry bag.

Body Balm

When you get out of the shower or tub, reach for a moisturizing body balm. This plant-based concoction contains coconut and rice bran oils, plus marine extracts to simultaneously soften and tighten your skin from the neck down. The soothing scent is a nice touch too.

Biodegradable Sea Sponge

Trying to incorporate more sustainable products into your home? Swap out your plastic loofah for an all-natural sea sponge. This wool sponge (aka Spongia officinalis) is not only 100% natural but also biodegradable and antimicrobial, so you won't have to worry about it harboring bacteria.

Pumice Stone

A pumice stone is another excellent addition to an eco-friendly bathroom. Sourced from real volcanic rock, this sustainable scrubbing device is surprisingly good at sloughing off calluses. Like the sea sponge, it's also naturally antimicrobial.

Rope Soap

When you prefer to keep the products in your shower streamlined and organized, a rope-style bar of cold-processed charcoal soap is an attractive and simple solution. With an all-natural rope made of coconut husk, you can hang your bar to dry after each luxurious lather.

Bath Brush

You may be surprised by how useful and pampering a bath brush can be. This handmade beauty features an extra-long, oil-treated oak handle and soft yet durable horse hair bristles for gentle yet effective physical exfoliation.

Learn How to Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa with the right tub accessories.

Bath Salt

Attention all bath-takers! If you love a good soak, bath salt can help you take the experience up a notch by softening your skin and gracing you with relaxing aromatherapy.

Here are 3 DIY Bath Salt Recipes to Calm Your Mind and Body.

Shower Mist

Shower mist is a great way to turn your daily shower into something special. Turn on the water, spritz it generously into the steam, then step into a calming, spa-like oasis. Choose from the energizing scents of ginger, lime, and sweet orange for a burst of morning energy, or the tranquil, calming scents of lavender and bergamot to help you wind down before bed. 

Discover more ways to Upgrade Your Bedtime Routine in our blog.

Essential Oil Diffuser

If you have the available counter space, think about getting an oil diffuser for your bathroom. This sleek cordless model from Vitruvi helps you minimize clutter and achieve a modern, streamlined look — just add your favorite essential oils.

Check out these 27 Bedroom Essentials for Creating a Relaxing At-Home Oasis.

Loungewear

While we wouldn't call loungewear a bathroom necessity, investing in comfy-cozies can really elevate your morning and nighttime routines. You'll find a range of high-quality pieces at Parachute, including pajama pants, t-shirts, joggers, crewneck sweatshirts, linen button-downs, lightweight tanks, super-soft shorts, sleep shirts and house dresses.

Need pointers on pairing different pieces? These guides to Linen Lounge Styling Tips and the Best Eco-Friendly & Organic Clothing will help get you started.

You should be up to speed on the most critical bathroom essentials and optional accessories by now, but what if you're renovating your space or designing it from scratch? The main components include a vanity, a mirror, a toilet, a tub, tile, cabinets, shelving, fixtures, lighting, window coverings and artwork.

Choosing a Bathroom Vanity

A vanity offers a place to keep various things in your bathroom, like hair tools, skincare products and makeup. Depending on the layout of your space and the style you choose, it might house your sink or be a standalone unit with its own mirror and stool.

The right design and features can help you Make the Most of Your Morning Routine. See our blog for more self-care ideas.

Choosing a Bathroom Mirror

Some vanities come with a mirror, and your bathroom may already have one on the wall. However, the size, shape and frame style can make a big impact on your decor scheme, so it might be worth shopping around.

Here's How to Decorate With Mirrors Across Your Home.

Choosing a Toilet

Toilets are functional bathroom necessities, but they're not all created equal. There are a range of different bowl styles, seats and lids to choose from, plus optional features like built-in bidets.

Choosing a Bathtub

While you might not give your bathtub much thought, you'd be surprised how many options there are. Think free-standing tubs, claw-foot basins, built-ins and oversized jacuzzis — to name a few.

Here are 9 Beautiful Bathtub Ideas for a Stylish Bathroom.

Choosing Bathroom Tile

Tile isn't just for flooring. It can be used for bathroom backsplashes, shower walls, bathtub surrounds and even accent walls. And you can find virtually any color, shape or design imaginable.

Choosing Bathroom Cabinets and Shelving

Cabinets and shelving aren't merely for storage. They're also a major factor in a bathroom's overall appearance. Whether it's a statement paint color, cabinetry that blends in with the walls, a natural wood finish or floating shelves, there are endless routes you can take.

See our guide on How to Create an Interior Design Mood Board for step-by-step pointers on designing a space from scratch.

Choosing Bathroom Fixtures

Bathroom fixtures in a unique color, finish or shape can offer subtle character, setting your space apart from cookie-cutter interior design. This includes everything from the showerhead, faucets and towel rods to drawer pulls, cabinet handles and doorknobs.

These 56 Bathroom Decor Ideas are proof that small changes make a big difference.

Choosing Bathroom Lighting

Lighting is also vital in a bathroom. Be sure to have ample overhead and vanity lighting so you can see clearly while getting ready, plus some dimmable fixtures or mood lights for setting a perfect ambiance.

Choosing Bathroom Window Coverings

If your bathroom has windows, you'll want to add some window coverings. Blackout materials are best suited for bedrooms, but privacy is still important, so look for something that effectively filters light without being too sheer.

For more bathroom necessities and must-haves for around the house, see our New Home Checklist.

Choosing Bathroom Artwork 

Since bathrooms are among the smallest spaces in the home, it's easy to overlook artwork. But just because the walls are narrower doesn't mean they shouldn't be adorned with decorative accents.

When it comes to adorning your walls, framed pictures are far from your only option. Wallpaper, shiplap, tile, floating shelves and hanging plants can offer character without cluttering the space.

Here are 37 clever Ideas for Decorating a Blank Wall in Your Home.

Hooded towels can make it easier to dry off infants and toddlers while ensuring they stay warm after a bath. You should also have plenty of small washcloths on hand for cleansing and drying. Beyond that, you don't need much more than mild hair wash, tear-free conditioner, soothing lotion and a small comb or brush.

Read our article to learn the Best Way to Wash, Dry, and Care for Baby Bedding and Baby Towels.

Why Choose Organic Products for Your Bathroom?

Lots of folks prefer organic products because they're sustainably sourced and generally better for the environment. Others want to make sure only the purest, gentlest materials come into contact with their skin.

See these blogs for more detailed insight:

Best Sustainable and Organic Bathroom Products

What Is Organic Cotton? Sustainable Cotton Fabric Guide

35 Eco-Friendly Home Products: Necessities for a Sustainable Household

What to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Color

Color is a crucial aspect of choosing bathroom necessities. Think about the design scheme throughout the rest of your home, and opt for shades that play off that theme. Every color doesn't have to be an exact match, but all rooms should look cohesive. When in doubt, start with a neutral color like grey, black or ivory, and choose two more complementing hues.

Check out these 35 Stylish Bathroom Color Schemes for ideas and inspiration.

How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom?

It’s important to clean your bathroom at least once a week, as germs accumulate every day — even more so in bathrooms used by multiple people. Your bathroom cleaning schedule might include weekly vacuuming and a wipedown of all surfaces, then a deeper clean every other week.