Bathroom time: ‘Chill’ for health, beauty, and relaxation

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Published Date 2/13/2024

Is it the epitome of decadence? TV screens embedded behind a mirror. Stand-up Jacuzzis. Colored lights around a tub. What else might America’s bathrooms include?

How about a minifridge?

According to Realtor’s Larissa Runkle there are plenty of reasons you might consider hopping on board this latest decorating must-have du jour—and not a single one involves needing your favorite snacks within arm’s reach of the throne.

You see, some people spend a lot of money on things like top-shelf serums and creams and prefer to keep them in a chilled space without the risk of their ten-year-old spreading them on a sandwich and cursing your name forever. “Whatever the reason, trust us when we say this latest trend is more than a little intriguing,” says Runkle, who goes on to explain everything you need to know about bathroom minifridges and how to add one to your space.

Of course, it began in the beauty industry. Also called a skincare fridge or a beauty fridge, this newest home decor trend began, naturally, with the beauty industry, reports Runkle. “More specifically, it emerged in the highly influential world of Korean beauty trends, also known as K-beauty.”

Koreans are known to have the corner on skincare, now leading trends like glass skin, everyone has a minifridge close at hand for all their eye creams, serums, and de-puffing tools. And cold air makes them all last longer.

“Although many oil-based products shouldn’t be kept in the fridge (due to separation), many water-based ones with ingredients like vitamin C and A derivatives (including retinol) are said to last longer if stored in the fridge,” says Runkle. “And considering the high price tag attached to some of these products, it makes perfect sense that people are listening.”

Beauty isn’t the only reason some are adding this tiny appliance to their bathroom, however. Health ranks up there are as well. It’s a great place to store certain medications or keep fresh drinking water handy in larger homes. “We love adding some chilled wet towelettes to the minifridge for a steam shower,” says designer Bianca Ecklund, who adds that they’re also great for families with young children, as you can avoid going to the kitchen in the middle of the night when your kiddos need water.

So let’s move onto minifridges for bath rituals that involve an adult beverage or two. “You’ll always have a chilled bottle of bubbly to enjoy while soaking,” says Ecklund.

If this idea intrigues you and you’re ready to chill your eye puff pads, Runkle gathered up some tips from the experts to ensure you pick the right one and know how to style it.

Placement of this little luxury is important in terms of convenience, aesthetics, and safety. Expert advice says to tuck your minifridge in a closed cabinet to keep it out of view or neatly next to your vanity so you can pamper your skin without moving a muscle. Avoid putting your fridge (or anything plugged in for that matter) anywhere near where water might touch it.

Ideally, it should sit on a raised surface off the floor, making bathroom linen closets and cabinets a great choice.

Once you start hunting for your minifridge, you’ll find that there is no shortage of them from which to choose (a subculture indeed), but some are better than others when it comes to being used in a bathroom setting. Runkle likes both the Chefman portable mirrored beauty fridge and the AstroAl minifridge, both available for less than $65. The mirrored variety has a full-sized mirror on the front panel of the fridge, and the other has nearly 40,000 reviews praising its petite size with powerful chilling capacity.

If you’re using your minifridge for drinks, add a chic pair of glassware. If you’re using it for beauty products, place other products nearby in cute trays and organizers. Then? Simply chill.

Realtor, TBWS

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This communication (including attachments) is for information purposes only. It is not an offer, solicitation, recommendation, or commitment for any transaction or as a confirmation of any transaction. Bobbie Jo Haggard, NMLS #92472; Heartland Mortgage Inc, NMLS #3205; Office: (509) 529-3280; Licensed to business in Washington & Oregon; NMLS CONSUMER ACCESS WEBSITE: HTTPS://www.NMLSConsumerAccess.org