6 inexpensive ways a 3D printer can help upgrade your bathroom

Though a bathroom can be elegant and relaxing, it also has to be functional. With the help of your 3D printer, you can create both elegant and functional objects.

Material choices matter

Especially in wet and humid environments

One thing you should be aware of when printing any objects that are designed to live in humid environments (like a bathroom) is how moisture can affect the print over time. The most common 3D printing filament is PLA, since it’s cheap, relatively non-toxic, and easy to use. Unfortunately, PLA doesn’t hold up particularly well when it comes to moisture (or UV).

If you want your prints to last, we recommend printing them with PETG, which is comparable in price to PLA and only marginally more challenging to print with. You could also use engineering-grade filaments like ABS or ASA, but these will push the price up and can give off some toxic gases that will need to be accounted for.

Hooks galore

Hang almost anything, anywhere

Hooks might make for a relatively boring 3D print, but they’re incredibly useful in the right environment. One thing you should be aware of when printing a hook or any item designed to withstand weight over time is PLA creep. Thankfully, PETG is far less susceptible to this effect than PLA.

One of my favorite bathroom prints is the over-glass shower hook, which allows you to hang towels and robes over your shower screen or door. Alternatively, grab a pressure-locked towel hanger and fix it to the wall with either a screw or double-sided tape (or a stronger 3M strip).

Radiator hooks are another excellent print, as long as your radiator doesn’t get too hot for the material you’re printing with. You can even get parametric radiator hooks that will fit any design.

Toothbrush and other item holders

Make the most of the space you have

Credit: Helust / MakerWorld

I have a small bathroom, so making the most of all available space is important. Many of us only have small amounts of storage in these spaces, like a small vanity cupboard and limited under-sink drawers. At the same time, toothbrushes can look messy. So why not tidy them up with an organizer?

You can print wall-mountable individual toothbrush holders with covers, a “SnapBrush” auto close and open cover, a three-in-one holder for the whole family, and holders for Oral B electric brushes or designs that can accommodate toothpaste and other products.

You can even print holders for other bathroom implements like razors, hairbrushes and combs, or the surprisingly useful tweezer rack. Alternatively, you can go full novelty and 3D print a LEGO-themed toothbrush holder.

Organizer caddies

Everything in its place

Credit: PDFYYC / MakerWorld

3D printing is somewhat synonymous with organization thanks to projects like Gridfinity, and for good reason. This extends to spaces like the bathroom, with modern self-draining organizers, parametric drawer organizers, wall-mounted caddies, and modular makeup and toiletry organizers.

These organizers come in all shapes and sizes, including designs for holding hand soap and face cloths. Best of all, you can match anything you make to a single color scheme by using the same filament to print each. You could even add a bit of flair to your prints by adding a layer-based color change.

Shower organizers

Printing with PETG is really important here

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Shower organizers are going to get wet, so if you’ve taken a chance on PLA for a few other items in your bathroom, you’ll want to avoid doing so here. Thankfully, PETG is perfect for bathroom organizers which—if we’re being honest—tend to get grubby and need to be replaced every so often anyway.

How you attach your shower organizer depends on what you have available. There are designs that attach to “most standard shower poles” on which adjustable shower heads are mounted. Others attach to your shower glass and use a hanging design. There are even corner shelves that depend on black magic double-sided tape that requires time to set and holds firm even in moist environments.

If your shower is an over-bath design, there are stackable modular corner shelves, and then there are ultra-minimalist self-draining soap dishes.

Japandi everything

The world’s gone Japandi mad

Credit: Milumi / MakerWorld

“Japandi” is a portmanteau of “Japan” and “Scandinavian” and it refers to a design style that combines Japanese aesthetics with Scandinavian sensibilities. It’s everywhere in 3D printing, and for good reason. The ribbed design of most Japandi items is remarkably good at hiding layer lines, disguising the fact that the item came from a 3D printer rather than a fancy homewares range.

Basically everything on this list comes in Japandi flavor if you search for it. There are whole bathroom sets, toothbrush holders, Q-tip holders, toothpaste squeezers, and even toilet roll holders. At least you can commit to one elegant look, if that’s what you’re going for.

Device-specific prints

Holders for hairdryers, shavers, and more

Credit: Tuny / MakerWorld

One nice thing about 3D printing is that the hobby attracts a community of enthusiasts from far and wide. There’s bound to be someone out there, with the same toothbrush charger as you, who has decided to custom print a holder to make using it a more pleasant experience. That’s definitely the case with Oral-B electric brushes, anyway.

There are wall mounts for Dyson hairdryers and Philips OneBlade clamping and freestanding holders. There’s also a whole range of generic device attachments, including hair straightener holders, hairdryer mounts, and more just waiting to be discovered.

Your 3D printer can also be used to improve your kitchen and enhance your bedroom.