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The 10 Best Accessories to Upscale Your Bathroom Remodel

November 2nd, 2022 | 4 min read

By Michael Flory

Updated bathroom with freestanding tub and barn door

We are always asked, “What are the best bathroom accessories I can add to my bathroom remodel?” If this sounds like you, we’re here to help.

Custom Built designs and builds dream bathroom spaces for Mid-Michigan homeowners. We understand the bathroom is one of the most used spaces in a home, so we want to help you understand what accessories are available to you.

In this article, you'll learn the best 10 bathroom accessories we recommend for all of our clients in the greater Lansing, MI area.

Circular bathroom mirror with white tile backsplash

PC: Backsplash

1. Add a bathroom towel warmer

 Bathroom towel racks/warmers are a great way to elevate your bathroom.

Bathroom towel warmers  

They are available in a variety of styles, finishes, and sizes to match any design. 

Because the towel warmer must be mounted to the structural framing studs, it is important to decide on this selection while planning the remodel. Proper planning needs to be done to ensure studs are placed correctly to accommodate the model of towel warmer you select.

Bathroom towel warmers typically range in cost from around $100 on the low end, up to $1,000 on the higher end.

2. Insert a recessed shower niche

Adding a recessed shower niche is a practical storage solution to avoid a rickety metal shower caddy hanging in your shower space or shampoo bottles on the floor. Additionally, a recessed niche creates a great contrast design element in your shower.

Recessed Shower ledges

Recessed niches can be designed in any number of ways to meet your primary bathroom style or functionality.

Deciding to add a recessed niche to your shower must be done during the design process. Framing in the wall needs to be adjusted to accommodate the indentation a niche requires.

3. Choose a double-sink vanity

Choosing a double sink vanity is a fantastic full bathroom wall upgrade. It creates additional space when sharing a bathroom. It’s effective and a nice touch for any bathroom remodel.   

Double sink vanity with dark gray drawers

PC: Home Depot

Double-sink vanities can often be worked into your bathroom space. There are many size options, the sinks can be as close or as far apart as you desire. The vanity above has sinks approx. 5 ft apart whereas the vanity below has sinks that are about 1 ft apart.

Wooden bathroom vanity with double sinks

PC: Home Depot

Double vanities are designed to be any size, shape, and color to fit your desired bathroom style. To upscale your bathroom, consider adding this as a bathroom remodel idea.

Bed-Bath-Beyond_2023-10-16_TopBathroomAccessories-Blog-04

PC: Bed, Bath, and Beyond

4. Select a bidet

Bidets have grown in popularity over recent years. Their toilet paper waste reduction is a great solution for creating a healthier environment. Additionally, health professionals recommend using a bidet as an alternative because of its health benefits:

  • Limits the spread of germs

  • Is more hygienic than toilet paper

  • Is gentler on skin

  • Is easier to use for those with arthritis or mobility issues

bidet style toilet in tile floor bathroom custom built michigan

Some bidet models have options for additional features like heated water and seats, oscillation functions, and warm air dryers.

For anyone who is looking to reduce their impact on the environment, a bidet is a great solution.

5. Add shower grab handles for stability

Adding a grab handle in your shower is will allow for increased stability.

Similar to the recessed shower niche, the safety bar attaches to structural framing in the wall. To place the studs correctly, deciding to have a safety bar must come in the design phase of a bathroom remodel.

Shower stability bars

Safety bars come in a variety of finishes and styles to fit your bathroom design. 

Shower grab bars that are intended for safety must meet ADA requirements to be used in homes.

6. Incorporate storage into your bathroom

Bathrooms have a tendency to be cluttered spaces, full of personal items. Incorporating well-designed storage solutions into a bathroom remodel is the difference between a cluttered and clean space.

Options for bathroom storage solutions:

  • Vertical vanity cabinets

  • Medicine cabinets

  • Functional under-sink drawer

  • Built-in shelves

  • Vanity storage along the mirror

Bathroom storage ideas

7. Choose a rotating bathroom mirror

A rotating mirror is a great option for creating an accessible reflection for everyone. They are also perfect for small bathrooms because of their sleek design appearance.

tiled bathroom with rotating mirror flowers sink custom built michigan

PC: Wayfair

8. Install heated floors

Including heated floors in your bathroom is a great way to upscale your space. Heat transforms an often functional experience into a cozy one.

This will need to be decided on during the design process of your bathroom remodel.

To heat the floor of a single room, such as a bathroom, the best option is electric heating mats.

Electric heating uses wiring under the flooring to distribute heat evenly across the floor surface. A wall-mounted thermostat allows for temperature control. Additionally, electric heat has a safety feature that never allows the temperature to reach dangerous levels.

electric floor heaters remodel flooring options custom built michigan

Electric floor heating is compatible with many types of common bathroom flooring which include,

  • LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)

  • Ceramic tile

  • Porcelain tile

  • Natural hardwood

  • Engineered hardwood

  • Natural stone

9. Select a handheld showerhead

Handheld showerheads are a great accessory for people who want to increase the usability of their shower. They are great for cleaning:

  • Hard-to-reach areas

  • Kids and pets

  • The physical shower space

Handheld showerheads are also great at conserving water through reduced water pressure technology and shortened shower times. 

Handheld showerheads come in a wide variety of styles and finishes.

Natural stone shower with handheld shower headShowers with handheld showerheads

Prices and quality range greatly from brand to brand for handheld showerheads.

10. Add a standalone bathtub

Having a place to relax and unwind is a great way to end your day. A standalone bathtub will give you that added level of luxury.

standalone bathtub in bathroom remodel with plant and marble custom built michigan

Standalone bathtubs come in many styles, shapes, sizes, and materials. 

Some common styles of standalone tubs include:

Clawfoot Tubs

Clawfoot standalone bathtubs

Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding bathtubs 

Pedestal Tubs

Pedestal style standalone bathtubs 

Each style of tub comes in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Single & Double Slipper tubs

Single and Double Slipper Standalone bathtubs 

Double-ended

Different sized standalone bathtubs

A standalone bathtub is a great bathroom accessory to upscale your bathroom. Whether you are looking for a place to get away or bring grandeur to your en-suite bathroom, they are a great choice for you.

Different shapes of standalone bathtubs 

Next steps to elevate your bathroom remodel

Now that you know 10 great accessories and design elements to upscale your bathroom remodel, you can take your design vision to the next level.

bathroom remodeling services design build firm custom built michigan

Want to learn more about bathroom remodeling? You will be interested in learning about:


Michael Flory

Michael brings over 2 decades of building and remodeling experience to his position as the Owner and Visionary of Custom Built. Michael’s passion to make an impact on the home building industry has led him to serve for over ten years at the local and state Home Builders Association, culminating as President of the HBA of Michigan in 2020.