At what height should the soap dish be mounted? It may seem that this is a trivial question and a problem not worth discussing. Nothing could be further from the truth! The placement of sanitary fixtures and small bathroom accessories determines not only the appearance and aesthetic of the bathroom but, above all, the comfort of its use. What should we remember before we start drilling holes in the tiles to install the soap dish?
Where should we place the soap dish to ensure comfort for all users?
The soap dish is one of the basic elements of every bathroom. 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 one? Exactly! When installing dispensers or traditional soap dishes, one should also consider the space under the shower. Accessories for storing soap or gel are also needed there.
In order for each of these soap dishes to properly fulfill its function and provide a sense of comfort to users, it should be installed at the appropriate height. So, what height would be appropriate? There are certain guidelines and standards that specify the height of installing fixtures and other bathroom equipment, but ultimately, everything depends on the height and individual needs of the users. Additionally, the situation looks different when arranging a bathroom for children or people with disabilities, as the heights will be completely different. And the water connections and drainage location are also significant.
Does the height of the sink influence the installation height of the soap dish?
Of course, it does, and to a great extent. The height of the sink installation determines the location of the soap dish. European guidelines, taking into account the current height of the population, specify at what height from the floor level the sink should be located. This height is 85 - 90 cm (measured from the top edge of the bowl to the floor). However, it should not be completely relied upon proposed guidelines or recognized standards. The installation of the sink should primarily consider the height of the users.
For taller individuals (170+), the optimal height is 95-100 cm, while for children with a height of 120 cm, the sink should be installed at such a height that the top edge of the bowl is 60 cm above the floor. The installation height of the sink for disabled individuals is shaped somewhat differently. In this case, appropriate space should be provided under the sink so that disabled persons can approach the sink with a wheelchair or get closer to the fixture using a walker.
At what height should the soap dish be mounted?
The height of the soap dish installation depends on the chosen model. Nowadays, there is a shift away from models placed on the edge of the sink, as they are considered uncomfortable. Not only do they slide off the counter, but they also leave an unsightly soap residue and complicate hygiene activities at the sink. A more rational solution is wall-mounted soap dishes, attached to the wall. They can be installed using suction cups or in a permanent way by screwing them to the bathroom wall. There is also a mounting system based on waterproof adhesive that allows for problem-free attachment of items without damaging the substrate.
Regardless of which model we choose and what installation we decide on, the soap dish must absolutely be located near the sink. It is recommended to place it at a height of 12-14 cm above the top edge of the sink bowl. If instead of the soap dish we choose a dispenser, it is best to mount it at such a height that it allows for easy placement of hands while preventing water from running along the wrists. In both cases, it is also important that the devices do not extend beyond the edge of the sink. This way, we can avoid splashing the floor while washing hands.
Countertop sink with a functional soap dish
The countertop sink is mounted somewhat differently than freestanding, suspended, or inset sinks. However, the standards specifying the installation height are the same as for the other models. The top edge of the countertop sink should be positioned at a height of 85-90 cm. With a bowl depth of about 10-15 cm, it is recommended that the counter be positioned about 75-85 cm above the floor. The countertop sink for disabled individuals should be located at a height that allows for wheelchair access under the counter.
The installation height of the appropriate soap dish depends on the width of the countertop and the height of the countertop sink installation. Like all other sinks, it must be adapted to the height of all household members, including disabled individuals. It is also worth taking care to ensure that the soap dish is not placed too close to the mirror, due to the risk of it getting dirty. In bathrooms used by left-handed people, it would be beneficial to place the soap dish on the left side of the sink.
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