Bathroom

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

This bathroom essentials checklist covers all the functional must-haves, plus nice-to-have luxuries, cleaning supplies and everything in between. Let's get started.

The bathroom might not be the first thing your guests see when they walk into your home, but they'll likely go in there at some point during their stay. And beyond the impression it has on visitors, optimizing this space can make your everyday life a little more efficient and enjoyable.

The right bath linens, storage solutions, self-care products, accessories and design tweaks can make a world of difference. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to spruce up your current space, taking a look through all the bathroom necessities below will help get your wheels turning.

This bathroom essentials checklist covers all the functional must-haves, plus nice-to-have luxuries, cleaning supplies and everything in between. Let's get started.

Functional Bathroom Necessities Checklist

You should never have to compromise style for functionality — or vice versa. With this in mind, the essential items outlined below are not only useful but also aesthetically pleasing. This includes bath towels, a bath mat, an area rug, a shower curtain, storage baskets, a trash can, a soap dispenser, a toothbrush holder and a hamper.

Find buying tips and design considerations below.

Bath Towels

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.

Bath and Shower Accessories and Self-Care Products Checklist

Once you have all your bathroom essentials, think about adding in a few bath accessories and self-care products.

Bathrobe

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.