Where to place dispensers in the shower and at the basin

Think in terms of reach and splash

In the shower, guests need to reach the dispenser with wet, soapy hands and often with their eyes shut. In the basin area, they need clear access without bumping the tap. So you are planning for two things: reach and splash. Fit too high and it is awkward; fit too low and it collects water and looks untidy.

Consider the guest who is tall, short, left-handed or holding a child while washing. You cannot suit everyone perfectly, but you can avoid positions that suit only one type. A middle position and a clear, consistent order help most people.

Shower placement

Place units on the wall nearest where the guest stands to wash, not directly under the shower head.
Keep them away from the main water stream, which pushes residue and water into the pump.
Mount shampoo, conditioner and body wash in a consistent order across all rooms, left to right.
Leave enough space between units so one pump can be pressed without touching the next.

For height, many hotels choose a level between chest and shoulder height for an average adult. Test with staff of different heights before drilling any room.

In a bath with an overhead shower, the best wall may be the one at the end where the guest stands. In a walk-in shower with a glass panel, consider the side wall rather than the glass itself, since fittings on glass need special fixings and show water marks. Draw each bathroom type to scale before choosing.

Basin placement

Hand soap works best on the wall beside the basin or on the counter, within reach of a hand cupped under the tap. Avoid fitting directly over the tap, where drips fall on the pump. Make sure the nozzle clears the basin edge so drips land in the bowl, not on the counter or tile.

If the counter is narrow, a wall unit beside the mirror may be the only option. Check that it does not block a light switch, socket or mirror edge. Keep a clear gap from any electrical points, following your local building rules and your electrician's advice.

Accessible rooms

Accessible rooms need lower mounting and lever-style or easy-press pumps within reach of a seated guest. Check local accessibility requirements and your own brand standards before choosing positions. Reach should be possible without leaning on grab rails. Consider a counter-top option for the basin if wall space is limited.

Sightlines and labels

Put labels where the guest can read them: facing outward, at eye level, in a type large enough to read quickly. Colour coding the pump collar can help guests with poor eyesight. If your bathroom is dim, consider a lighter label background. Our refill systems range shows common unit styles to compare.

Think about what the guest sees on entering. A tidy row of identical labelled units looks organised, while a mix of positions and heights looks accidental. Photograph each room type from the door as part of your fitting standard and keep the pictures for installers.

Wall and fixing checks

Different surfaces need different fixings. Tile, stone and glass each require specific drilling methods, and some surfaces suit adhesive mounting better than drilled screws. Decide in advance, and agree a repair plan for holes if units are ever removed. Think about security as well; the dispenser security page explains lockable options.

Write a short fitting standard with a sketch of each bathroom type, exact distances from floor and from tiles, and the order of products. Pass it to installers and to maintenance. When a unit is replaced in future, the next person will put it back in the right place without guessing.

Revisit positions after the first month. Staff will tell you which rooms need a unit moved, and a small adjustment early is cheap compared with changing a hundred rooms later.

Mock up before you commit

Fit a test set in one room. Stand in the shower, press each pump with wet hands, and wash your hair. Photograph from the guest's eye level. Move the units until the position feels natural, then record the exact heights and spacing in a fitting drawing for installers. The result is worth the hour it takes.

Questions on this topic

What height should dispensers be fitted at?

There is no single answer. Test with staff of varied heights, and check accessibility requirements for adapted rooms.

Can we fit dispensers inside a bath-shower combination?

Yes, but keep them clear of the main water stream and ensure the guest can reach them from both bathing and standing positions.

Do all rooms need identical positions?

Aim for consistency within each room type, since staff will then restock without thinking.

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