At what height should you install a soap dish?

At what height should you install a soap dish? It might seem like a trivial question, and a problem not worth pondering. Nothing could be further from the truth! The placement of sanitary fixtures and small bathroom accessories affects not only the look and aesthetics of the bathroom, but more importantly, the comfort of using it. What should you bear in mind before drilling holes in the tiles to mount a soap dish?

Where to place a soap dish to ensure convenience for all users?

A soap dish is one of the basic elements of any bathroom's equipment. In a functionally arranged bathing space, there should be at least three. One is installed right next to the sink, another near the bathtub, and the third? Exactly! When installing dispensers, soap holders, or traditional soap dishes, you should also consider the space in the shower. Accessories for storing soap or gel are needed there too.

For each of these soap dishes to properly serve its function and provide comfort to users, it should be installed at the correct height. So, what height is appropriate? There are some guidelines and standards that specify the height for installing fittings and other bathroom equipment, but ultimately it all depends on the users' height and individual needs. It also varies in bathrooms arranged for children or individuals with disabilities, as the heights will differ there. And plumbing connections and drainage locations are not insignificant.

Does the sink height affect the soap dish installation?

Of course, it does, and significantly. The sink height influences where the soap dish is mounted. European guidelines, considering the current average height, specify the sink should be 85 - 90 cm from the floor (measured from the upper edge of the basin). However, you shouldn't strictly adhere to proposed guidelines or recognized standards. The sink installation should primarily consider the users' height.

For taller individuals (170 cm and above), the optimal height is 95-100 cm, while for children with a height of 120 cm, the sink should be installed so the upper edge of the basin is 60 cm from the floor. Installation heights differ for disabled individuals. In such cases, adequate space under the sink must be ensured for wheelchairs or walkers.

At what height to install a soap dish?

The installation height of a soap dish depends on the model chosen. Currently, stand-alone models on the sink edge are considered less practical. Not only do they slide on the surface, but they also leave unsightly soap residue and hinder hygiene activities at the sink. A more rational solution is wall-mounted soap dishes, which can be mounted using suction cups or securely screwed into the wall. There is also a mounting system based on waterproof adhesive mass that allows trouble-free attachment without affecting the foundation.

No matter which model is selected, the soap dish should absolutely be near the sink. It is recommended to place it 12-14 cm above the upper edge of the sink basin. If you choose a dispenser instead, it should be mounted at a height that allows easy hand placement while preventing water from flowing along the wrists. In both cases, it's also crucial that the devices do not extend beyond the sink edge to avoid floor splashing during handwashing.

Countertop sink with a functional soap dish

A countertop sink is installed slightly differently than stand-alone, wall-mounted, or embedded sinks. However, the standard installation heights are similar to those for other models. The upper edge of the countertop sink should be 85-90 cm high. With a basin depth of about 10-15 cm, the countertop should be 75-85 cm above the floor. A countertop sink designed for disabled individuals should be positioned to allow a wheelchair under the countertop.

The proper soap dish height depends on the countertop width and the countertop sink installation height. Like all other sinks, it must be adjusted to fit all household members' heights, including disabled individuals. It's also important that the soap dish isn't too close to the mirror to avoid dirt. In bathrooms used by left-handed individuals, placing the soap dish on the left of the sink is an advantageous solution.