We’ve all been there, standing in a store, or browsing online, and something catches our eye, a gadget or accessory that promises to simplify our lives or glam up our bathrooms. More often than not, we yield to the lure and before we know it, we’re stuck with a product that is not only a waste of money but also of space.
The bathroom, one of the most functional areas in a home, is no exception to this. This is a compilation of 12 items that I wish I’d never bought for my bathroom, a list born out of regret, some laughter, and a lot of lessons learned.
1. Over-The-Toilet Storage Rack
The over-the-toilet storage rack seemed like a fantastic idea at first. More storage space in a small bathroom is always welcome, right? Well, not really. It turned out to be a constant source of irritation. The items stored were always at the risk of falling into the toilet and it was a nightmare to clean. Plus, it made my bathroom look cluttered and smaller than it actually was.
My advice? Invest in shelves or cabinets that you can attach to the wall or select a vanity with ample storage. Floating shelves can add a modern touch to your bathroom and keep your toiletries within reach without the risk of them taking a dive into the toilet bowl.
2. Cheap Plastic Shower Curtains
In an attempt to save some money, I once bought a cheap plastic shower curtain. Big mistake! The smell of plastic was overwhelming and it clung to me like a magnet. Even worse, it would mold easily, requiring frequent replacement.
It’s worth spending a bit more on a fabric shower curtain. They’re more durable, easy to clean, and add a touch of elegance to your bathroom. You can also invest in a washable liner to protect your fabric curtain from water damage.
3. Toilet Brush with a Flimsy Holder
The toilet brush is obviously a necessity, but the holder it comes with? Not so much. I bought a set with a flimsy holder that would tip over at the slightest touch. Not only was it inefficient, but it was also a hygiene hazard.
Choose a sturdy, well-designed toilet brush holder. Some modern designs are discreet and can blend with your bathroom decor. Alternatively, you can opt for disposable toilet brushes that come with their own storage box.
4. Fancy Soap Dispenser
I fell for a fancy soap dispenser that promised to add a touch of luxury to my bathroom. It was beautiful but completely impractical. The pump would get clogged easily and it was difficult to clean.
A simple, easy-to-clean soap dispenser works best. It’s also worth considering a wall-mounted soap dispenser to save counter space. Plus, they’re easy to refill and maintain.
5. Bath Mat that Slips
A slippery bath mat is an accident waiting to happen. I learned this the hard way when I bought a beautiful, plush mat that had no grip at the bottom.
When choosing a bath mat, safety should be your top priority. Look for mats with a rubber backing to prevent slipping. They’re also machine washable, making them easy to keep clean.
6. Bulky Towel Rack
I thought a large, bulky towel rack would be a great addition to my bathroom. I was wrong. It took up too much space and made the room feel cramped.
Opt for a sleek, wall-mounted towel rack or a heated towel rail. They save space and add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.
7. Novelty Toilet Paper Holder
A novelty toilet paper holder might seem like a fun addition to your bathroom, but it’s really not. Mine was a conversation starter, but it was difficult to use, and changing the toilet paper roll was a hassle.
Keep it simple and practical when it comes to toilet paper holders. The less complicated, the better.
8. Toothbrush Holder with No Drainage
A toothbrush holder with no drainage is a breeding ground for bacteria. It was one of the most regrettable purchases I made for my bathroom.
Choose a toothbrush holder with good drainage to prevent water buildup. Better yet, opt for a wall-mounted holder to save counter space.
9. Bathroom Scales
I thought a bathroom scale would be a great motivator to keep my weight in check. Instead, it was a constant reminder of the pounds I needed to shed, adding unnecessary stress.
If you must have a scale, choose a slim, easy-to-store model that you can tuck away when not in use.
10. Too-Small Trash Can
In an attempt to save space, I bought a tiny trash can for my bathroom. It was too small and had to be emptied almost daily.
Buy a trash can that is the right size for your bathroom. Consider one with a lid to keep things tidy and odor-free.
11. Fragile Glass Shelves
I thought glass shelves would add a touch of elegance to my bathroom. They did, until they broke and created a mess.
Opt for durable, easy-to-clean materials when choosing bathroom shelves. Floating wooden shelves or metal racks are great alternatives.
12. Poor Quality Plungers
A cheap, poor quality plunger is a disaster in the making. Trust me, you don’t want to find out the hard way.
Spend a few extra dollars on a good quality plunger. It’s worth the investment and can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
