Bathroom Accessories to Try Designing Using 3D CAD Software

Bathroom Accessories to Try Designing Using 3D CAD Software
Designing bathroom accessories with 3D CAD software is a fun way for hobbyists to combine creativity, problem-solving, and practical making. Unlike designing purely decorative objects, bathroom accessories give you plenty of opportunities to explore useful features such as wall mounting, snap-fit connections, drainage, storage, ergonomics, and customizable shapes.

Whether you plan to 3D print your designs, create prototypes, or simply improve your CAD skills, the bathroom is full of small objects that make excellent design projects. Here are eight bathroom accessories worth trying.

1. Toilet Paper Holder

https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/301f4e3j5d362e196t3u3h3m3o1ye171s3b4

A toilet paper holder is a simple project with plenty of room for creative experimentation. You can start with a basic wall-mounted design and gradually add features such as a removable spindle, a cover, or storage for an extra roll.

When designing in 3D CAD software, pay attention to the holder's mounting system and the amount of clearance needed for the toilet paper roll to rotate smoothly. You can also experiment with different styles, from minimalist geometric forms to more playful designs.

For hobbyists, this is a great beginner-to-intermediate project because it combines basic shapes with practical mechanical considerations.

1. Drawer Dividers

https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/uf124e2y506l2u531a3u1q1v4x6z6v2j4k12

Bathroom drawers often become cluttered with small items such as toothbrushes, combs, cosmetics, razors, and grooming accessories. Custom drawer dividers are an excellent CAD project because they can be designed to fit precise dimensions.

You can create a modular system made up of separate compartments that snap together or arrange them as one custom organizer. The advantage of designing the dividers yourself is that you can tailor every compartment to your specific needs.

This project is especially useful for learning how to work with measurements, repeated features, modular components, and parametric design.

1. Candle Holder

https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/586c58601a1k1b1h125z82p3x1k5j1z4k5px

A candle holder offers more freedom for creative and decorative design. You can experiment with curved surfaces, patterned cutouts, organic shapes, and geometric structures.

For example, you might design a holder with a honeycomb pattern, a twisted exterior, or a series of openings that create interesting shadows when a candle is lit. A CAD program makes it easy to test different proportions and patterns before creating a physical prototype.

When designing a candle holder, always consider heat and fire safety. Depending on the material and the type of candle, a 3D-printed plastic holder may not be suitable for direct exposure to heat. For safer projects, consider designing a holder for an insert made from a heat-resistant material.

1. Wall Hook

https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/f2t3py5q4y4jt2m6i5y1g3t2m551n1x5l703

A wall hook is another practical accessory that is easy to customize. It can be designed for hanging towels, robes, brushes, loofahs, or other bathroom items.

The main challenge is creating a hook that is both attractive and strong enough for its intended use. In CAD software, hobbyists can experiment with different hook profiles, mounting plates, curves, and reinforcement features.

You can also create a series of matching hooks with different sizes or shapes. This is a good project for learning about strength, wall mounting, and design for 3D printing.

1. Trash Bin

https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/5e2f2476f3e4x6v6u5u292h7358686r6t2y2

Designing a small bathroom trash bin can be a more ambitious project. It allows you to explore larger forms, removable components, lids, ventilation, and structural design.

You could create a compact bin with a removable liner, a hinged lid, or a simple push-to-open mechanism. Another interesting option is a collapsible or modular design that can be easily stored or transported.

A trash bin is a good opportunity to think about usability. Consider how easy the bin is to empty, clean, and move. If you plan to 3D print it, you may also need to divide the design into multiple parts depending on the size of your printer.

1. Towel Hook

https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/3j3e4c6h3q40505o5e6dw274l4h4ls283c47

Although similar to a general wall hook, a dedicated towel hook provides a chance to focus on ergonomics and everyday use. A good towel hook should hold a towel securely while allowing it to be removed easily.

You can explore designs with rounded edges, multiple hanging points, or a decorative backplate. A set of coordinated towel hooks can also help you create a consistent design theme throughout the bathroom.

This project is ideal for hobbyists who want to practice designing objects that balance appearance, strength, and ease of use.

1. Soap Holder

https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/2e4o3e365j4f231o3f19684476b5z2c3g1u3

Soap holders are small but surprisingly interesting CAD projects. A basic soap dish can be developed into a more advanced design featuring drainage channels, raised supports, removable trays, or wall-mounted storage.

Drainage is one of the most important design considerations. A soap holder should allow water to escape so that the soap does not remain in a pool of water. You can experiment with slots, holes, angled surfaces, and raised platforms.

This is also a great project for exploring different surface patterns. A simple soap holder can become a stylish bathroom accessory through thoughtful use of texture and form.

1. Bucket Bag

https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/4p733p2104b6ev61121a6y5f3y6w3i3z4422

A bucket bag can be an interesting project for hobbyists who want to move beyond rigid bathroom accessories. The term can refer to a flexible, bucket-shaped storage bag designed for carrying or organizing bathroom items.

In CAD software, you can design components such as a structured base, handles, clips, fasteners, or decorative attachments. If you are working with fabric, the CAD model can also help you plan the overall dimensions and shape before creating a physical version.

Another option is to design a hybrid bucket bag with 3D-printed components, such as a rigid base, handle connectors, or custom closures. This makes the project especially interesting for makers who enjoy combining digital fabrication with traditional materials.

Design Tips for Bathroom CAD Projects
When designing bathroom accessories, think beyond appearance. A successful design should also be practical, easy to clean, and appropriate for the environment in which it will be used.

Here are a few factors to consider:
Think About Moisture
Bathrooms are humid environments, so consider how water will interact with your design. Avoid unnecessary areas where water can collect, particularly in soap holders, organizers, and containers.

Make Cleaning Easy
Smooth surfaces and simple forms are generally easier to clean. If you include decorative grooves, holes, or patterns, make sure they do not create difficult-to-reach areas where dirt and moisture can accumulate.

Consider Material Selection
The material you choose will depend on the accessory. Some designs may work well with common 3D-printing materials, while others may require more heat-resistant, water-resistant, or durable materials.

Design for the Manufacturing Process
If you plan to 3D print your design, consider print orientation, support structures, wall thickness, tolerances, and the limitations of your printer. Designing with manufacturing in mind can save you from making changes later.

Use Parametric Design
Parametric modeling is especially useful for bathroom accessories. By creating adjustable dimensions, you can quickly resize a drawer divider, change the diameter of a candle holder, or adapt a wall hook to different mounting requirements.

Conclusion
Bathroom accessories are excellent projects for hobbyists learning or improving their 3D CAD skills. They are small enough to design and prototype without requiring a major investment of time or material, yet they offer plenty of opportunities to explore practical design challenges.

From a simple toilet paper holder or wall hook to a more ambitious trash bin or bucket bag, each project can help you practice different aspects of CAD modeling. The best part is that the final result can be something genuinely useful in your own home.

So, choose an accessory that interests you, start with a basic concept, and use your 3D CAD software to turn the idea into a functional design.