Bathroom items - the essentials checklist

Your bathroom has a variety of bath towel needs. It's also a nice way to bring in some style to the look of the bath.

Quality towels can be an investment, but one that's worth it as you step out of the bath or shower into a soft, plush towel.

You'll want bath towels, hand towels and washcloths. Most people use a towel for several days before getting a clean one.

This means you'll likely need a few sets for each family member per week.

Related article: Bath sheet vs bath towel - which is right for you?

To keep your shower looking tip-top, you want the water from your shower to stay in the shower area.

You need both a shower curtain and a shower curtain liner. The two pieces get hung on a rod with shower curtain rings.

The shower curtain is another way to bring colour and style into your bathroom furniture.

If you have glass doors on your shower, then a shower curtain isn't needed.

Related article: 8 types of shower screens in Australia: pros, cons and more

Your bathroom is likely where you'll get ready for your day. You'll want a large bathroom mirror to help you preen for your day.

Sometimes bathrooms will come with one large mirror above a vanity that's permanently attached to the wall. You can also add style to your bath by adding framed mirrors above your vanity and sink area.

One necessity for the bathroom is the soap you'll use. You'll want to decide if you want to use a liquid soap that you put into a soap dispenser or if you prefer using bar soap.

You'll need soap by the bathroom and sink and in your bathing area so plan to get enough for both locations.

If you prefer using bar soap, you might also consider a soap dish that helps contain the soap and the mess from it.

Just by the nature of what happens in the bathroom, you already know you need soap to wash your hands.

You can actually get decorative soap dispensers for your vanity by the bathroom sink. You can also get them for shower gel to keep right in your shower.

You can then buy larger containers of soap and just refill the soap dispensers too.

Candles are a nice aesthetic addition to your bathroom.

A lovely scented candle can help eliminate any unwanted bathroom odours that might pop up. They help mitigate humid air that sometimes arises in the bathroom.

If you are creating your dream bathroom, then you probably also have a luxury bathtub too. Placing a few candles around the tub that you can light while you soak adds a relaxing ambience.

Another important necessity for your well-stocked bathroom is cleaning supplies, a toilet brush and a stylish holder to place it in.

If you're setting up a dream bathroom, you also need the supplies to keep it looking pristine. You'll need cleaning products for counters, the shower, toilet and floors. You also want a quality toilet brush for regular toilet cleaning.

For added convenience be sure to keep them in spaces that allow for easy access.

Another nice thing to coordinate with your soap dispenser is a toothbrush holder. A toothbrush holder, as the name implies, holds your toothbrush when not in use.

It helps to keep it off a potentially germy bathroom counter. It also allows the toothbrush to air dry when it's not in use.

Your bathroom holds a lot more of your belongings and products than you realise and you’ll quickly find you need an effective system for organising them all.

From personal care items, towels, and cleaning supplies, you’ll need a way to organise it all. Consider how often you use the products and what kind of access you'll need to them on a daily basis. Then organise accordingly.

Your bathroom will also need a trash basket to get rid of things and keep the space tidy.

Related article: 17 neat bathroom storage ideas for Australian homes

There is a wide range of personal care items you'll need in your bathroom. From makeup, shampoos, shavers and nail care to body scrubbers and toothbrushes, toothpaste and medications.

Personal care items can quickly clutter your space and make it look messy if you're not careful with the organisation. Be sure to think about when you'll use them and plan accordingly for where you put the items.

Your bathroom will at some point hold wet towels and perhaps a bathrobe too. One smart organisation tip is to install either hooks on the bathroom door or on a bathroom wall.

You want a place to hang up wet towels after use so they can dry out before you need them again.

You might think of a soft, fluffy bathrobe as a typical bathroom item. But having a bathrobe available in your bathroom when you step out of the shower or bath takes your daily experience to the next level.

It's a nice transition while you dry off and can help to keep you feeling both warm and cosy too.

While your pristine tile bathroom floor might be gorgeous, it can also be dangerous with wet feet coming out of the shower or bath. You want a bath mat to place next to the tub or shower where you'll be stepping out.

Depending on the size of your bathroom, you may also want a rug in front of your vanity area. It makes it soft and comfortable while you're in the bathroom getting ready. A decorative rug can also add some colour and style to the space.

Finally, sometimes things just don't go down the way they're supposed to. All bathrooms need to have a plunger ready to do their job when needed.

You certainly don't want to leave your toilet plugged and sitting unattended for obvious reasons. Having a plunger will allow you to deal with the situation quickly and easily without having to wait for a professional.

Your bathroom is an important functional space that will be at its best when well stocked with all these essential bathroom items. Equipping your bathroom properly will make your day-to-day life easier and your bathroom experiences more enjoyable for you and your family.

Related article: Modern bathroom ideas for 2024 and beyond