Bathroom Accessories That Last: What to Look For

Bathroom accessories are the small items that make a bathroom comfortable: towel bars, towel rings, soap dispensers, tissue holders, robe hooks and shelves. They look minor, but buy the wrong ones and you will be drilling new holes within a year.

Rust is the enemy

Bathrooms are wet every day, and in areas with borehole water the mineral content makes rust even worse. Look for stainless steel or solid brass with a good chrome finish. Avoid very light accessories that feel like tin. If it feels too light in your hand, it will not last on your wall.

Think about who uses the bathroom

• A family with children needs a sturdy towel bar, not a delicate ring that bends when pulled.
• For a bedsitter or guest bathroom, a simple corner shelf and two hooks may be enough.
• Grab bars are worth adding if elderly parents visit or live with you. Fit them properly into the wall, not just into tiles.

Plan before you drill

Lay everything out before the fundi starts drilling. Hold the towel bar at a comfortable height, check that the tissue holder is within reach, and make sure shelves do not block the shower spray. Moving holes after tiling is expensive and messy.

Match the set

Buying accessories as a matching set keeps the bathroom looking tidy. Chrome goes with almost everything, which is why it remains the most popular finish in Kenyan homes. You can see our full range of bathroom accessories and pick pieces that work together.

Care tips

Wipe accessories dry after cleaning the bathroom and avoid harsh scouring powders that scratch the chrome. A soft cloth with mild soap keeps them shining for years. For water safety and quality guidance in Kenya, the Water Resources Authority has useful information on water quality by region.