8 Things Every Bathroom Needs, According to Interior Designers

Outfit your bathroom with these essentials.

Our bathrooms are truly our sanctuaries. Whether you’re taking a relaxing bath or, if you're a parent, perhaps the bathroom is the only place where you can be alone. So, what do you need to make your bathroom a more aesthetic and efficient place?

Surprisingly, it’s not the big things like marble tile or a soaking tub that make the difference, but rather a few subtle touches. Here are eight things that every bathroom needs, according to interior designers.

Meet Our Expert

• Jack Ovadia, interior designer of Ovadia Design Group

• Emma Beryl, interior designer

Handheld Showerhead

Interior designer Jack Ovadia of Ovadia Design Group says every bathroom needs a handheld shower. He explains, “This makes life easier by seamlessly blending functionality with style. It also provides an easy way to clean your shower and bathe kids or pets when needed.”

This is a fairly easy switch most of the time and doesn’t require a great deal of plumbing knowledge. All you need to do is remove your old showerhead and swap it out. If you’re truly worried, hire someone to help or watch a video on YouTube.

Related: The Best Showerheads We've Ever Tested

Countertop Organization

Whether you’re a beauty junkie or just like to keep out a few products, Ovadia says having organizers on hand is a must for every bathroom. “Keep your bathroom neat and tidy with organizers that provide designated spaces for toiletries and essentials,” says Ovadia.

However, according to interior designer Emma Beryl, that doesn’t mean you need to use those clear plastic organizers. Beryl loves ceramic canisters—they're sophisticated-looking and add a little more character to your bathroom countertop.

A small but decorative serving tray you may already have at home can also do the trick.

Plush Towels

No matter your decorating style, Beryl says every bathroom needs plush towels. “Having a super soft towel after a shower feels like a much-needed hug. Pottery Barn's classic organic towels are amazing and come in all sizes and great classic colors.”

Don’t forget to add a monogram to give your towels a more personal look. Even just monogramming your hand towels can make a big difference.

Related: The 12 Best Bath Towels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Robe Hook

Simple and easy to install, Ovadia says every bathroom needs a robe hook. “A well-placed robe hook near the shower or bath is not only convenient but keeps your robe within easy reach, helping to avoid any unnecessary dampness throughout the bathroom.”

Whether it’s a simple piece of hardware or something more ornate and decorative, it’s a smart touch.

Exhaust Fan

There’s nothing worse than a damp or steamy bathroom that never gets dry. “An efficient exhaust fan is crucial for ventilating moisture and preventing mold growth in the bathroom,” reveals Ovadia.

If you don’t have one or can't add one because you rent your home, opening the window while showering or taking a bath can get the job done.

Good Lighting

Ovadia says, “Proper lighting from sconces or integrated mirror lights enhances visibility and adds an elegant touch to your bathroom. Sconces on either side of the mirror create a warm and inviting ambiance, while integrated mirror lights bring a modern aesthetic.”

Beryl is also a fan of sconces. “Having an alternative to overhead lighting is not only good for ambiance, it is practical for avoiding the shadows that overhead downlights can cause.”

Related: 'Layered Lighting' Is the Game-Changing Decor Trick Designers Swear By

Electric Outlets

Whether you need to charge your electric toothbrush, blow out your hair, or plug in your phone, a bathroom without enough outlets (or poorly placed ones) can feel frustrating and inefficient.

Ovadia advises having one above the counter by the sink as well as one inside the medicine cabinet. “Installing outlets inside the medicine closet provides a hidden solution for charging devices while maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic,” he explains.

Toilet Paper Holder with a Small Shelf

Let’s admit it—we all check our phones while using the toilet. Ovadia advises swapping out your current toilet paper holder for one with a top shelf for your phone. While this may sound fancy and expensive, there are inexpensive yet aesthetic options available from Amazon.

Related: 5 Bathroom Organizing Hacks You Probably Haven’t Heard of—Until Now

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