Fresh Ideas For Shower Organization

In the dynamic world of bathroom design, the spotlight is shifting from traditional shower niches to a more contemporary approach – the exploration of shower niche alternatives. While shower niches have long been favored for their functionality, some designers are embracing recessed shelves and cubbies to infuse a smoother, more modern visual appeal into bathroom spaces. Let’s delve into this design evolution and discover why these alternatives are gaining popularity for shower organization.

Reign Of Shower Niches

Shower niches have been a staple in bathroom design, providing a practical solution for storing shower essentials within arm’s reach. These built-in shelves, typically integrated into the wall, offer a seamless and tidy appearance. The convenience of having shampoo, soap, and other toiletries neatly tucked away within the shower has made niches a go-to choice for many homeowners.

Shift To Recessed Shelves

However, as design trends evolve, so do preferences. Some designers are steering away from the traditional niche concept in favor of recessed shelves. These shelves are integrated into the shower wall, offering a more streamlined and subtle approach. The recessed design maintains the functionality of a storage space while contributing to a clean and uncluttered look.

Sleek And Modern Aesthetics

The appeal of recessed shelves lies in their ability to enhance the modern look of a bathroom. The clean lines and understated design contribute to a sleek and contemporary vibe. This approach is particularly favored in bathrooms that embrace a more minimalist or industrial design language, where simplicity takes center stage.

Versatility In Design

One of the key advantages of recessed shelves is their versatility in design. Unlike traditional niches with predetermined shapes and sizes, recessed shelves allow for more flexibility. Designers can play with the dimensions and arrangement, creating a customized look that complements the overall design scheme of the bathroom. This adaptability opens up a world of creative possibilities for those seeking a unique and personalized touch.

Cubbies As An Alternative

In the quest for innovation, cubbies have emerged as another alternative to traditional shower niches. These cubby-style storage units add an extra layer of visual interest to the shower area. With multiple compartments, they offer a stylish solution for organizing different items without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Seamless Integration Into Tile Design

Whether opting for recessed shelves or cubbies, both alternatives seamlessly integrate into the overall tile design of the shower. The result is a cohesive and harmonious appearance that doesn’t disrupt the visual flow of the space. This design integration is particularly appealing for those who prioritize a unified and well-thought-out bathroom look.

Embracing Change

The shift towards shower niche alternatives is indicative of the ever-evolving nature of design trends in shower organization. While traditional niches remain a classic choice, the exploration of recessed shelves and cubbies showcases a willingness to embrace change and adapt to evolving preferences. This dynamic approach ensures that bathroom design remains fresh, relevant, and in tune with the diverse tastes of homeowners.

Window Treatment Options: Attachment Styles

A consideration when choosing your window treatment is knowing how the window treatment will be hung or attached to the window area.  Some considerations for an attachment style will be how heavy the window treatment is, how strong the wall is that will hold the window treatment, and how the window treatment chosen attaches to the wall. If the treatment chosen is too heavy for the wall that is available you could cause damage to your structure and have the window treatment just fall off the wall as well.

Rod Pocket

One way that window treatments can be attached to the wall is through the use of a rod pocket. This allows for the curtain rod to run through a sleeve created in the window treatment.  This means that there is less hardware involved because there would be no hooks or mechanical operations to hang the curtains. This will allow for a cleaner look for your décor. There are many styles and patterns to choose from with this option.

Grommet and Eyelet

Another attachment style is the grommet and eyelet. These are shown through metal reinforced holes in the top of the window treatment that hold the hooks or the rod that runs through them. The metal reinforces the window treatment which can reduce the amount of tearing of the fabric and allows a heavier window treatment to be hung. This choice has more parts so there are more things that could need to be replaced over time.

Window Brackets

Window brackets can be used with blinds or curtain and drapes. They will look different when used with each, but they both hold the rod or track that will hold the window treatment. This allows for a heavier window treatment to be used because the reinforcement will spread out the weight.  The brackets can be used inside the window, for a smaller window treatment, or outside the window, for drapes or curtains.

Tab Tops

Like the rod pocket, the tab tops attachment style can have the rod go through the tab tops. The tab tops are pieces of fabric, individual loops that hold the rod. These tab tops can be seen above the window treatment, or they can be hidden by being sewn to the back of the window treatment so that when the treatment is hung, you cannot see them.  There are many different styles of tab tops to choose from along with different colors and patterns of window treatments. Your personal preference will dictate which style you choose.

Window Treatment Options: Blinds

The windows in your home have many functions. They can be used to bring a little fresh air in from outside, be able to see the rain that is coming down outside without getting wet, allow you to keep an eye on your children playing in the backyard, and many more uses. A way to finish off your windows is to add a window treatment. There are many options to cover your windows, and this time the focus will be on adding blinds to your windows. Some of the options that you have for this window treatment are material, size, and the directions that the slats go in. Here is an in-depth look at options.

Vertical Blinds

A vertical blind is a window covering that has slats that go up and down. These blinds can be used on larger windows or patio doors and can be made of plastic, fabric or metal. For patio doors or doorways in general, the vertical blinds can allow the door to be open while still maintaining some privacy. The slats can be opened or closed by rotating them in place to allow air to circulate or light to be let in. The slats can also be moved to one side to have a larger open space. The blinds can be as long as from close to the ceiling to the floor.

Mini Blinds

A mini blind is a horizontal blind, side to side, that is normally half the width of a regular Venetian blind. The slats are held together with a string that goes through each side, and sometimes the middle, which allows for the blinds to be opened, closed or folded up out of the way. If the strings are long enough on these blinds (the string gets longer when the blinds are folded up), there could be the issue of tangling of the strings that fold up the blinds with the strings that control the opening and closing of the blinds. Like the vertical blinds, the material can be metal, fabric or plastic. These blinds can be seen

Wood Blinds

Another material that can be used with blinds is wood or faux-wood. This blind can be several different varieties with the rich dark wood adding a touch of elegance and/or depth to the room. With real wood blinds, then care will need to be taken to maintain the wood to keep it in its best condition. A wood blind can utilize a different opening than string and instead of folding up, it can just be opened or closed. A long piece of thin wood can be attached to the end of the slats as a means to open or close the blind.

Window Treatment Options: Curtains/Drapes

One of the ways that you can finish off your windows is by using curtains or drapes. While quite a few people think that a curtain and a drape are the same thing, they are not. Curtains are normally a lighter fabric with no lining, and they can be sheer and thin. Drapes are made of a heavier fabric with a lining and are used to block light out of the room, keep the cool or heat in the room, and for privacy purposes. This is something to keep in mind when choosing your window treatments. Make sure that you are getting exactly what you want and there is no misunderstanding about what you are asking for. Here are some options:

Curtains

With curtains, there are choices with colors, sheerness, and patterns. One of the distinctions between the various types of curtains is how the finish of the curtain looks. There are various pleat patterns that can be chosen based upon personal preference. Curtains can be hung on a rod, have a rod running through the fabric at the top or be attached to a track. The way the curtain hangs is determined by the design of the curtain chosen. Additionally, curtains can be varying lengths from short to spilling into the floor for an elegant look.

Blackout Drapes

Blackout drapes are chosen for their ability to keep the light out of the room and make it as dark as possible. These drapes are foam-backed and opaque. Blackout drapes do not need to be black; they come in a variety of colors and patterns. The blackout part is merely to let you know that as much light as possible will be kept out when the drapes are closed completely.

Thermals

Thermal drapes are chosen for their ability to insulate a room. Heating and cooling costs can be controlled better with these types of drapes. Because of their thickness, they can have blackout qualities and noise reduction abilities as well.  As with blackout drapes you do not need to compromise style and quality for thermal abilities. There are many choices available to suit your decorating needs.

Panels

Panels can be chosen for drapes or curtains. Panels are pieces of fabric that hang from the top of the window treatment to the floor. You can have one panel or multiple panels hanging on your windows, it is personal preference, along with the size of the window you would like to cover. You can have curtains under the drapes if you like, or just curtains if you are looking for a light covering.