Bathroom Accessories

The most important rule is to match your accessories to your existing tapware finish. If your basin mixer, shower mixer, and spout are in matte black, your towel rails, robe hooks, and toilet paper holder should be in matte black too. Mixing finishes can make a bathroom look uncoordinated. Common finishes include:

• Chrome — classic, easy to clean, suits most styles
• Matte black — modern and bold, the most popular choice in contemporary bathrooms
• Brushed nickel / gun metal — warm, understated, and fingerprint-resistant
• Brushed gold — a premium look for luxe or hamptons-style bathrooms

A well-equipped bathroom typically includes the following accessories:

• Towel bar or rail — for hanging bath towels (usually 600mm or 800mm wide)
• Towel ring or hand towel holder — next to the basin for hand towels
• Toilet paper holder — wall-mounted beside the toilet
• Robe hook — on the back of the door or near the shower for robes and clothes
• Shelf — for toiletries near the shower or above the basin

For a coordinated look, buy accessories from the same range so the design language and finish are consistent across all pieces.

A heated towel rail is an electrically powered or hydronic rail that warms your towels. Benefits include:

• Warm, dry towels ready to use after every shower
• Reduces dampness and musty odours from towels drying slowly
• Helps prevent mould growth in humid bathrooms
• Adds gentle warmth to the bathroom during cooler months

Electric heated rails are the most common in Australian homes — they plug into a standard power point (installed by a licensed electrician) and are relatively low-cost to run.

While there are no strict rules, these are the standard recommended heights for Australian bathrooms:

• Towel bar / rail — 900mm to 1200mm from the floor
• Towel ring / hand towel holder — approximately 1000mm from the floor, within easy reach of the basin
• Toilet paper holder — 660mm from the floor, 200–300mm in front of the toilet
• Robe hook — 1500mm to 1700mm from the floor
• Shelf — 900mm to 1200mm from the floor, depending on use

Always check for hidden pipes and electrical wiring before drilling into walls. Use a stud finder and, where possible, fix into a stud or use appropriate wall anchors for a secure mount.

Most bathroom accessories like towel rails, robe hooks, toilet paper holders, and shelves can be installed as a DIY project — they are simply screwed into the wall and do not involve any plumbing or electrical work. You will need a drill, appropriate wall plugs or anchors (for tile and plasterboard), a level, and a tape measure.

The exception is heated towel rails — if they need to be hardwired, this must be done by a licensed electrician. Some heated rails come with a plug-in option, which can be plugged into an existing power point without an electrician.

Proper care depends on the finish:

• Chrome — wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry to prevent water spots. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Matte black — clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid bleach-based or acidic cleaners as they can damage the coating.
• Other finishes — wipe with a damp microfibre cloth. Most specialty finishes are more forgiving with fingerprints but still benefit from regular cleaning.

For all finishes, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, scouring pads, and abrasive sponges. A quick wipe-down after use is the best way to prevent water marks and soap buildup.