The Best: Where to Keep the White Stuff

No, I can almost guarantee that this post is not about what you think it's about...

It's actually about soap, but stick with me! I know that I made fun of Matthew Parris in my Body Washes feature a while back, but obviously the ol' bar of soap can and does have its uses. In fact, I just recommended Molton Brown's Re-charge Black Pepper Bodyscrub Bar in one of my latest posts.

The problem is that, on the whole, soap just looks boring. Or worse, it looks dirty, gnarled or is lying around in more than one piece. So, if you have a use for some soap, then at least take some steps to put it somewhere that looks good. Here are my picks for some of the best soap dishes.

1) Izola, Great Plains Soap Dish (£25.00, available at Murdock London)

If you're looking for the most masculine soap dish around, how about one with weapons on it!? Izola's ceramic dishes are simple but effective. And they're obviously cool if they're stocked by the team at Murdock London.

2) Vipp, Soap Dish (£49.00, available at Skandium)

I will admit that Skandium is my favourite store in all the world. Stocking a range of the best Scandinavian and Nordic design around, Vipp is just one of the many excellent brands you'll find under its roof. This soap dish (which comes in a number of permutations) matches the rest of the Vipp bathroom range. The rubber base can be separated from the stainless steel top and is dishwasher proof, and will also not scratch any delicate surfaces. Stylish and functional are Vipp.

If you don't live in London, the collection is also available online.

3) Alessi, Birillo Soap Dish (£18.50, available at Alessi)

Designed by Piero Lissoni of Milan, this is the space age option. Also part of an entire range for the bathroom, this dish is going to let any visitor to your bathroom know that you care about style and design. Just have a copy of Wallpaper Magazine next to your toilet (or on the coffee table, whatever), to complete the look!

4) West One Bathrooms, Palace Soap Dish (£36.50, available at Selfridges)

If your tastes are a bit more traditional (I don't care if the Selfridges website says that this will give your bathroom a "modern update"), then how about the West One palace soap dish? The faux leather quilting is quite plush, and might suit the gentleman who appreciates an elegant finish.

5) Molton Brown, Stainless Steel Hand Wash Holder (£40.00, available at Molton Brown)

If you just can't stand a bar of soap, how about this very chic stand for your liquid dispenser instead?