Why You Need A Shower Caddy
A shower caddy is by far the most sensible solution to the problem of how to access all your necessary items once you are in the shower. Most people have had the experience of realizing they have left some essential item on the other side of the bathroom, only when they are half way through their ablutions. Using one of these devices is a neat way to ensure all your required toiletries are to hand.
Of course, convenience is not the only reason for deciding to install a shower caddie. Safety is also a major factor, as the statistics for serious injuries sustained in showers are quite frightening. It is very easy to slip and fall when you are leaning forward, trying to grasp an item which is just out of your reach. The other big incentive for most people is frustration with clutter. The bathroom always seems to be in a mess, especially when used by a number of people, and even more so when children are part of the household. A handy storage space becomes worth its weight in gold.
Variety Of Shower Caddy Designs
To reflect all the different uses for a shower caddy, there is an incredibly wide variety of designs available. You can find a style to suit every type of household, every size of bathroom, and every lifestyle. For instance, you can obtain a portable one to use when on vacation, so that you can keep all your toiletries together in your hotel bathroom. You can also tuck one into your sports bag, to use at the gym or sports facility, so that you can take all your washing items into the showers there.
Corner Shelf
The most common design is a corner shelf, which can be fixed into the angle of the cubicle. If the bathroom is used by two or more people, you can choose a multi-tiered style, or alternatively have several single corner units if space allows. A shower caddy is generally made of either metal – chrome or stainless steel – or plastic. Many people like the metal ones because they look smarter, but you have to be careful to pick one that will not rust. If it is guaranteed rust proof, or if it has a protective coating, the manufacturer will usually state this on the package. The easiest way to fix the corner unit to the cubicle walls is by using suction cups. You do need to check the suction cups are very strong, or else heavy items placed in the unit will bring the whole lot crashing to the floor.
Tension Pole
An alternative to the corner shelf is the tension pole. This is a pole which has several baskets attached, and can be ratcheted to the correct height so that it lodges securely between the base and top of the cubicle. This type of shower organizer does of course require plenty of space, but it is becoming increasingly popular because it looks smart, especially for people with new or renovated bathrooms.
Over The Shower
The other most commonly used design is the over-the-shower style. This type can be hooked over the shower head, and has a flat back to fit against the wall. These units can have several shelves of varying heights for storing bottles of different sizes, plus hooks at the bottom for wash cloths. A variation is the over-the-door style, which can either be fixed to the door with suction caps, or hooked over the top.
A New Idea
Apart from the commonly used styles, a completely different design has been recently patented, described as the rotatable type. This is cylindrical in shape, and has compartments all round it in which to place the various toiletry items. It is attached securely to the wall, and has a vertical rod down the middle, connecting the bottom and top caps. The mid-section can be rotated round the rod so that all the toiletries can be accessed as needed.
Some Popular Models
One very popular model at the top end of the range is Hammacher Schlemmer’s configurable shower caddy. This has four independent shelves, each of which can be clamped anywhere on the chrome and brushed metal frame. Each shelf can be raised, lowered or swiveled into any position and can rotate 180 degrees. This model retails at nearly $90, so is well above the average price, but is popular with those who like a really modern and stylish accessory to the bathroom, with such immense versatility in use.
A more modestly priced model. but one which seems to hold a lot of appeal for many people, is the Dispenser Shower caddy by Better Living Products. This has a shelf at the top for extra storage, plus a soap dish and hooks, and a wash cloth bar. This is combined with a four-chamber dispenser for soaps, shampoos and other toiletry products. Users like the fact that this not only gets rid of a lot of bottles, but prevents wastage by ensuring exactly the right amount is used.
Another product that has proved very popular is the Hanging Basket shower caddy by Umbra. This has four hanging baskets one below the other, and can be hooked over the shower head or the towel rail. Users say it has more space than any other, and the baskets can be adjusted so that bottles of any height can be stored.
Keeping the bathroom organized can seem like a hopeless task, especially with a large family. A shower caddy is such a simple idea, yet once you try it you cannot imagine how you managed without it. There are so many styles and designs out there that there is bound to be one that is ideal for your situation.