Some advice on recessed shelving in the bathtub surround:

• More is better, when it comes to shelving. I swear I am not a bathing beauty diva… I am very low maintenance in this regard… and even so, I have: shampoo, conditioner, super conditioner to keep my hair from getting all static electricity-y, shower gel, shaving cream, clearasil face wash, clearasil super scrubber, buffer cream stuff I got on a trip 2 years ago, etc. etc. etc. Now, aren’t you glad you know what’s in my bathtub.
• Also, if you have the choice, recess the shelves at the far back of the bathtub – not on the side. That way, when the shower curtain is open, you are not staring at the shelf.
• Oh and there’s more: I was told by the guy who installed the tiles in my tub surround, that after you shower, you should indeed leave the curtain open for as long as practical. This encourages the water on the tile and grout to evaporate, which will preserve the whole situation longer. I believe it.
• One last tip: Seal the grout in your shower/tub surround, too, he said.

Here’s the link to the HCP Industries webpages.

Related posts:

1. 4 places to find recessed soap dishes and ceramic bathroom fixtures — including both vintage and new Here is another source to check for recessed soap dishes:...
2. 12 recessed porcelain ceramic soap dishes, TP holders, towel bars Update: Here is my new favorite go-to place for these...
3. 75 sets of MIB NOS ceramic towel bars, soap dishes & toilet paper holders, in 7 vintage colors Vintage bathroom towel bars, soap dishes, toothbrush and toilet paper...

Update: Here is my new favorite go-to place for these kinds of recessed dishes –> Recessed soap dishes in white and lots of colors from World of Tile … Tell Chippy (the co-owner) that I sent you!

WHEN I WAS RENOVATING my three bathrooms, I searched high and low for recessed soap dishes like this. I finally found them at a small Ohio Company, Apple Creek. (Separate post to come at some point.) But now, SableMable has also spotted this online site, Eclectic Ware, which seems to carry a big lineup of Lenape recessed bathroom ceramics – in white and a small selection of other basic colors. I’ve seen Lenape at Home Depot (I think) and at my flooring/tile store — but what’s great about this site is that they seem to have a much larger selection — included “recessed” and “semi-recessed”. The stuff is not cheap — but definitely a great detail for your bathroom retro renovation. Please note, that for the toilet paper holder, I kinda prefer chrome (or stainless steel, as per the Franklin Brass lines.) Thanks, Sable Mable!

And click through to see more photos.

Related posts:

1. 75 sets of MIB NOS ceramic towel bars, soap dishes & toilet paper holders, in 7 vintage colors Vintage bathroom towel bars, soap dishes, toothbrush and toilet paper...
2. Ceramic towel bars, soap dishes & more from Rejuvenation With the recent introduction of my easy-breezy category thumbnails, I...
3. A complete 1925 catalog of recessed soap dishes, towel bars and medicine cabinets To be sure, I am over-the-hill in love with mid-century...

Related posts:

1. Vintage Witco tiki bar – the greatest one ever? This vintage Witco tiki bar – with a real cultural...
2. Witco tiki wall panels — unused, he thinks A big set of Witco tiki wall panels — the...
3. The fabulous Witco tiki bar goes to: Reader “Ghost of Elvis” GHOST OF ELVIS (aka Arne) recently scored the fantastic Witco...