3D printing for the bathroom: holders, organisers and accessories

The bathroom is one of the hardest rooms in the home to organise. Standard accessories from the shop often don’t suit the size, colour or shape you need. And if the bathroom is small, finding a compact solution becomes a real quest. This is where 3D printing helps: you can create any accessory exactly for your needs and dimensions.

In this article we look at which bathroom items can be printed on a 3D printer, which material to choose and what to pay attention to when ordering.

Which bathroom accessories can be printed

Toothbrush holders

One of the most popular bathroom items. 3D printing lets you create a holder for the number of brushes you need, with separate slots for each family member. You can include holes for water to drain, a wall mount or a stand for a shelf. Such a holder fits perfectly into the space by the sink, even when room is tight.

Soap dishes with drainage

Ordinary soap dishes collect water, so the soap goes soggy and gets used up quickly. A printed soap dish with drainage holes or a ridged base solves this problem. The water drains away, the soap stays dry and lasts longer. The shape and size can be matched to a particular soap or dispenser.

Cosmetics organisers

Tubes, bottles, jars of cream — all of these need convenient storage. A 3D-printed organiser can be designed with compartments of different heights and widths so that every product has its place. These organisers can sit on a shelf, be fixed to the wall or go in the cabinet under the sink.

Towel hooks

Drilling into walls isn’t always possible, especially in rented homes. 3D-printed hooks can be designed to hang on a door, the edge of a shelf or a curtain rail. They’re light, strong and don’t damage surfaces — and they hold the weight of a towel without any trouble.

Shower shelves

A corner shelf for a shower cubicle is a classic example of an item that’s hard to find in the shops. Corner angles vary, and a standard shelf often won’t stay put or won’t hold the bottles you need. A printed shelf is designed for the specific corner and mounting, so it fits perfectly.

Drain covers and grates

Lost the drain cover or need a grate in a non-standard size? 3D printing solves this in a few hours. Just measure the diameter of the drain opening and you get a part that fits perfectly. You can add a fine mesh to catch hair.

Shower head holders

A broken or badly designed standard shower head holder is a common problem. A printed holder can be made for the specific diameter of the shower head and the way it mounts: on a rail, on the wall or on the edge of the bath. It’s cheaper than buying a whole set for the sake of one part.

Hair dryer stands

A hair dryer often lies on a shelf or hangs from a hook by its cord, which is inconvenient and unsafe. A dedicated stand or wall holder for the hair dryer provides convenient storage. The design takes the hair dryer model into account, so it’s held securely and is easy to take out.

Shower curtain fittings

Rings, clips and fittings for a shower curtain often break or get lost. Instead of hunting for a replacement in the shops, you can print as many fittings as you need for your rail. It’s quick, inexpensive and practical.

Which material to choose for bathroom accessories

The choice of material is the key question for items that are in constant contact with water and humidity. Not every 3D printing plastic is suitable for a bathroom.

Why PLA isn’t suitable for the bathroom

PLA is the most common 3D printing material, but it’s definitely not suitable for the bathroom. Here are the main reasons:

• Sensitivity to moisture. PLA gradually absorbs water, which makes the item swell and lose its shape.
• Low heat resistance. PLA starts to deform at just 55–60 °C. Hot tap water can reach 50–65 °C, so a PLA holder near the mixer tap or a shelf in the shower risks warping within a few weeks.
• Biodegradability. PLA is a biodegradable plastic, and in a damp environment the degradation process speeds up. The item becomes brittle and may break.

If you need an item that will last for years in the bathroom, PLA is the wrong choice.

PETG — the best material for damp rooms

PETG is the material made for exactly these conditions. Its advantages for the bathroom:

• Water resistance. PETG absorbs practically no water, so the item keeps its shape and strength even in constant contact with moisture.
• Heat resistance. It withstands temperatures up to 80 °C without deforming — hot tap water is no threat.
• Chemical resistance. It doesn’t react to soap, shampoo, cleaning products or the other household chemicals found in every bathroom.
• Strength and elasticity. PETG isn’t brittle — it flexes slightly under load, which matters for hooks, mounts and holders.
• A smooth surface. PETG items have a pleasant semi-gloss surface that’s easy to clean and doesn’t collect dirt.

For most bathroom accessories, PETG offers the best balance of price, quality and durability.

Practical tips when ordering

To get a perfect result, keep a few things in mind:

• Accurate measurements. Measure the space where the item will go. For rail mounts — the rail diameter, for shelves — the angle of the walls, for holders — the size of the items.
• Mounting method. Decide in advance how the item will be fixed: with screws, double-sided tape, suction cups or simply standing on a surface.
• Colour. PETG comes in many colours — white, black, grey, clear and others. Choose a shade that suits your bathroom.
• Drainage. For soap dishes, stands and shelves, include holes to drain water — this significantly extends the life of both the item and whatever sits on it.

How much does it cost

3D printing bathroom accessories is an affordable solution. Small items such as hooks or drain covers cost just a few dozen hryvnias. Larger items — organisers, shelves, holders — come out noticeably cheaper than factory equivalents in stainless steel or quality plastic. Most importantly, you get something made exactly for your needs rather than a compromise from the shop.

Summary

3D printing opens up wide possibilities for organising a bathroom. From simple hooks to complex organisers — everything can be made to your dimensions and wishes. The main thing is to choose the right material: for the bathroom that’s definitely PETG, which isn’t afraid of water, heat or household chemicals.