Thread: Which of these two locations would you choose for a shave den??

So now that I have gotten back to SR shaving and realized how much shaving stuff I have packed in little bags and closet shelves in the bathroom I realized that it is time to think about a shave den. I have a very limited budget, but I shouldnt need much either. My dilemma which basically boils down to space and creative freedom in a larger bathroom vs convenience and comfort of a smaller one. I could see myself building a cool shave den in the larger area, but having to force myself to use it, but at the same time, I could see myself being very cramped and limited in the upstairs bathroom. Any input from anyone who has an outside view looking before I go through the time and aggravation would be appreciated.

Main Level Bathroom
Dimensions 7 ft x 5ft
Available Storage Area 2.5 ft x 3 ft
Temperature / Humidity Shower only used by guests, temps 68 - 72 year round and humidity is kept fairly low by central heat / air.



Benefits

• Only a few feet from the master bedroom and master bathroom where I shower in the morning, so its easy for me to roll out of bed put my brush in hot water, go take a shower and start my shave
• has vanity with mirrored doors for good view of shaving angles and decent lighting
• no temperature shock going from shower to shaving
• Wife keeps sparkly clean
• Shower / tub is very rarely used (only by guests)

Drawbacks

• limited space
• Wife may occasionally interrupt me since our linen closet and towels are stored in the bathroom
• Very limited counter space

Lower Level Bathroom
Dimensions 10.5 ft x 7 ft
Available Storage Area Entire room
Temperature / Humidity 60 - 68 (cold in summer and winter), more humidity due to concrete floor and partially underground.



Benefits

• On the lower level of the house, which is basically my floor and I have total creative freedom.
• Adjacent room has great sound system
• Could use a cast iron pot on wood stove in adjacent room to steam towels in winter
• Adjacent to scotch collection
• More counter space
• Will never be interrupted

Drawbacks

• Would have to wake up, go down stairs to soak brush, go upstairs and shower, go downstairs to shave, go upstairs to get dressed
• Will take a while to heat up the wood stove in the morning and many mornings I may not have time
• Lighting and mirrors suck
• Hate being cold while shaving