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

[JLStorm]

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

[Str8Shooter]

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
HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At some point SWMBO will complain of your stuff up stairs!

Start shaving at night. You will be amazed at how much you enjoy it after a long day! Plus it gives you a area away from "stuff".

Oh also the dog will hang down here with you!!!!!

Paul

[mapleleafalumnus]

+1 on lower level.

[Cangooner]

Downstairs all the way. Not only in terms of having a space that is all yours, but also on shaving at night. It's a great way to end the day and will eliminate the upstairs/downstairs morning shower conundrum.

Just think... it has been a long day. You come home, steam some towels on the wood stove, pour yourself a whisky (I'd recommend A'bunadh...), put on some tunes, hang out with the dog a bit, choose your weapons from your expansive counter, then send yourself to bed with a relaxing ritual in a space that's all yours...

[maddafinga]

I share a bathroom with three women, so I totally agree, you want you're own space entirely if you can get it.

Also, that A'Bunadh is absolutely fantastic!

[DBurnette]

Lay claim to both and see which one the boss throws you out of.

[JLStorm]

I hadent thought of shaving at night. I guess I shower, then shave made sense for prep. But yes, a steamed towel, scotch and shave does sound totally wonderful, I hadnt thought of that. It would remove most of the negative aspects of downstairs.

As far as scotch, I used to drink the macallans, balvenie, bowmore, dahlwinnie, and oban, but lately I've been very happy with laphroig quarter cask, triple cask, and 18 yr. I like the quarter best all around, but when I want something very peetey the triple cask beats out oban as my favorite.

As far as laying claim to both, my wife will expect that if I start putting time and a few bucks to one bathroom that I use it.

Right now I'm thinking some old style candle holders on the wall with some large candles. In theory, I could put up some class shelves and move my scotches in there, but scotch in the bathroom just seems odd...not that candles normal.

[carlmaloschneider]

I think you need to take over the top floor; it's pretty clear to me...

[32t]

I say the upstairs one. And use the shower in that one.

[Mvcrash]

I would take over the downstairs if it affords the space. I also shave at night which I enjoy. If humidity is an issue, either keep the razors in another room, which I do or purchase a dehumidifier. I keep my razors in my little Man Cave which I recently acquired when my daughter left for Grad School. . Either spot you pick, enjoy!!

Here is picture of my little corner of the house. You can see the camera I use, the plastic boxes contain my razors. The look like they are leaning in the photo, but they are not. I've not placed anything on the walls yet because I'm not sure of what I want to do yet. it has only two places to sit, a desk chair where I do my honing and a LA-Z-Boy rocker/recliner. The LA-Z-Boy was a fathers day gift 2 years ago.



Animal House was on the TV. A Classic.