Built in shower storage ideas
10 ways to keep your shower neat |
(Image credit: Future)
Without doubt, the best shower storage ideas are designed into the fabric of your bathroom at planning stage: built-in shelves, niches, hidden cupboards, even benches with space for bottles.
On the other hand, freestanding bathroom storage ideas can add texture, interest and character to a space, allowing you to solve two design dilemmas at once.
Below we showcase the best shower storage ideas to suit every space, large or small.
Shower storage ideas
Whether you're looking for storage for walk-in-showers or for family bathrooms that includes a shower cubicle, these ideas will solve all your clutter woes.
1. Sneak a shelf or two on the side
(Image credit: Showerwall)
If you are looking for shower room ideas that make the most of vertical space, you can create a niche with your shower cubicle in which to put useful shelves, whether hidden or on display.
'No more tripping over half empty bottles of shampoo and shower gel with this built-in shower storage idea. All you need to do is keep your products neat and tidy and use baskets for the bulkier items like fresh towels and bath mats,' says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief, Homes & Gardens
2. For texture, add a wooden ladder shelf
(Image credit: Ripples)
Looking for wet room ideas that take up little floor space but bring plenty of charm to a smaller space?
'Ladder shelves have become a popular addition to our homes during the last few years. Handy in most rooms, they're a marvel in a bathroom because they're space saving and uber practical. Use it for all your shower storage needs as they can hold lotions, potions, candles and keepsakes,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens
3. Have an inset shower shelf
(Image credit: BC Designs)
'Building a recessed shelf is a great way of creating neat storage in your shower, providing ample space for shampoos, soaps and body wash without it clogging up the floor of your shower.
'To create this in your own home, you’ll most likely need to hire a professional tradesperson who will be able to cut out a neat recess area. However, how big and where your shelf can go will be dictated by the space between your stud wall framework. As you are using cavity walls, it’s a good time to kill two birds with one stone and also use it to cover up any unsightly pipework for your new shower,' says Sophie Harrold, director at Simply Bathrooms
4. A simple stool (or two) can suffice...
(Image credit: Bert & May/ Fired Earth)
'If you have a beautiful run of patterned wall tiles you may not want to drill holes for wall hung storage pieces. Instead, consider a stool or two. They're handier than you think and you can use them for towels and your favorite shower gel. If you have a wet room consider a design that's waterproof so it can be next to you for ease,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor at Period Living.
5. A shelf on one side of the bathroom will have its uses
(Image credit: Max Kim Bee)
'Any built in shelf will be useful, and this one near the bath can be used for both tub and shower toiletries.
You can't have too many shower storage ideas though and if you can add a wall hanging design then all the better,' says Andrea Childs, editor at Country Homes & Interiors.
6. Go for wall hung over floor standing in a smaller shower
(Image credit: Drummonds/Waldo Works)
'In the bathroom, it’s important to keep toiletries easily accessible. Each area of the bathroom – sink, bath + shower – should feature some form of storage in order to keep toiletries close to hand when needed.
'In the shower area, if the depth of the wall allows, it is good to have a built-in alcove to house shampoo, body wash, etc. Failing that, our bottle racks, available in a large and a small size, are perfect and can be positioned in exactly the right place for showering,' advises James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds
7. Have a towel rail installed at the far end of the shower area
(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)
'In a shower room where space is tight, you can hang a towel rail if it's far enough away from the shower end.
And it can be a very useful addition of course – that reach of your arm to grab a warm towel when water's in your eyes can be a godsend!
'We also love the idea of using a vintage tray to keep soap, a loofah and shower must-haves neat,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens
8. Put up a shelf to the side of shower
(Image credit: Otto Tiles)
'What we all really want is shower storage at shoulder height, so we can simply reach for what we need without having to bend down and pick bottles up from the floor. A shelf like this would be ideal for all your essentials and consider a towel hook too,' says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief, Homes & Gardens.
9. Tuck a caddy in a corner
(Image credit: Future and Davide Lovatti)
'Caddy's are the ultimate space-savers and in this loft walk-in shower it's neatly tucked away into a corner, yet still in reach for those toiletries. When your scheme is monochromatic invest in a black design to carry on the theme and fill it full of fluffy white towels,' says Melanie Griffiths, editor at Period Living.
10. For the ultimate in storage and comfort, invest in shower bench
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway/Chad Mellon)
Shower bench ideas aren't just useful for sitting – they are ideal for shower storage, too.
'Talk about functionality and comfort – this built in shower bench spans the full length of one wall making for a bench that can store toiletries and a resting place that gives a spa-like feel!' says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative office at Lindye Galloway Studio & Shop
How do I add storage to my shower?
There are many ways to add storage to a shower. The easiest is with a small floor-standing caddy that can sit in the corner of the shower. A storage ladder just outside the shower area is another instant solution. Hooks at the far end of the shower wall are useful for towels. However, the most attractive and efficient shower storage ideas are niches, wall-hung or recessed cabinets and wall shelves.
How do you store shampoo and conditioner in a shower
Storing shampoo and conditioner well in a shower is really important because it's almost guaranteed that you will want them when you have water in your eyes and your vision is compromised.
Ideally, they should be stored at between waist and shoulder height, and always in the same place. A recessed niche within the shower is the ideal – ensure its standing surfaces slopes gently forwards so that water doesn't pool – and failing that a caddy hung on the wall.
Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.
Shower storage ideas: 12 easy ways to keep showers neat and tidy
The enjoyment of a relaxing shower can be ruined if you can’t find your favourite shampoo or you end up tripping over bottles every time you step in the shower.
When space is at a premium, organised shower storage ideas are a must.
Broadly speaking, there are two basic types of shower storage for any shower idea. First, comes built-in storage, which includes tiled alcoves, niches and shower shelf ideas, all of which need to be factored-in at the planning stage. Secondly, there is freestanding storage, which can range from shower caddies and hanging organisers to hook-on racks or suction storage. Of the two, freestanding storage is a super-easy option, with off-the-peg storage buys freely available.
Shower storage ideas
‘Shower baskets and shower caddies are the ideal way to organise all of those essential toiletries and keep them at arm's reach,’ says Brenna Ryan, Bathroom Design Expert at Victorian Plumbing . ‘Thankfully, they're no longer just practical features, but stylish ones too, available in a host of on-trend finishes such as matt black and rose gold.'
'Aside from these, shower caddies can also be wall mounted, portable, extendable and rust-proof and are a great way to complete your bathroom's look while adding practical storage too.
’
1. Build in a smart recess to store supplies
(Image credit: Cosentino)
Building a recessed shelf or niche into your shower or wet room is a clever way of sneaking in extra storage in spaces where it might otherwise be lost.
Recesses can be created in the space between a stud wall and framework or in an area where unsightly pipework has been boxed in. But they are something that will need to be decided on at the planning stage, so consider the options before the shower area is tiled.
Create impact in a simple white shower scheme by edging a tiled shelf recess with gold-coloured edging. A contrast accent trim will draw attention to the area and adds a stylish touch in a metallic finish that complements shower and bathroom fittings.
2. Double-up with twin storage
(Image credit: Ripples)
A panel of statement shower tile ideas in a bold pattern and striking colourway will add wow to a plain white bathroom. If space allows, consider building-in side-by-side storage alcoves so you’ve plenty of space to stash showering essentials.
Position alcoves either side of the shower fitting to create symmetry.
Double alcoves or a single longline recess are worth considering in a larger walk-in shower or wet room to provide additional storage. To make fitting easier, consider buying pre-formed recess units, available to buy from tile merchants and DIY stores. Designed for pre-wall installation, the units come in a variety of sizes and provide a fully waterproof base for tiles.
3. Corner supplies with neat shelving
(Image credit: Future PLC/Bridget Peirson)
Corner-shaped shelves or baskets are a great way of working extra storage into a small shower cubicle. Angled so that they fit neatly into a corner, without protruding too much into the showering area, stack them two or three high to give plenty of storage for soaps and toiletries.
Consider floating corner shelves (like these) with discreet, invisible fixings. Some designs will need to be installed at the tiling stage with the fittings hidden under tiling, while others can be affixed using silicone.
Alternatively, if installing shelves into an existing tiled shower, some drilling might be required to secure shelf fixings in place.
4. Opt for an easy-access shower caddy
(Image credit: Wayfair)
If built-in storage isn’t an option, there are plenty of off-the-peg buys and freestanding pieces that will solve any bathroom storage issues without needing permanent fixtures.
This neat shower tidy can clip onto a glass shower door or be hooked over the shower head, with suction pads that will hold it securely in place. With two tall shelves to accommodate longer bottles and drainage holes so it doesn’t get waterlogged, the shelves also have handy cut-outs so you can store bottles spout down for easy dispensing.
Buy now: Cubiko shower caddy, £34.99, Wayfair
5. Pick an easy-fit shower stand
(Image credit: La Redoute)
Ensure plenty of shower storage without worrying about drilling any holes for fixtures and fittings.
This clever extendable storage rail will work whatever the size of shower enclosure, using a spring-loaded support rail that slots into place so it stays firmly put. Corner-shaped baskets give stacks of storage for shower gel, sponges and other essentials.
‘Try not to have too many products at one time,’ says Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn at youneedavicky.com . ‘The trick is always to have the minimum amount possible, so there are less belongings to manage. So many beauty products are now multi-use, so you can simplify your routine and keep your space better organised.’
Buy now: Extendable shower shelf, £50, La Redoute
6. Go for gold with luxe fittings
(Image credit: Victorian Plumbing)
Free-draining racks and wire baskets are a sensible in-shower storage option to ensure that shower products aren’t left sitting in a puddle of water. It’s always worth paying a little extra and opting for rust-proof fittings that have been coated or pre-treated for protection.
Choose complementary finishes to give your bathroom a chic, co-ordinated look. Swap standard fittings for on-trend brushed brass taps and shower rose to give a plain bathroom a luxe, new look. Brushed brass has been treated to give it a duller, matt look when compared with polished brass, and offers a more durable finish that will attract far fewer fingerprints.
Buy now: Arezzo brushed brass wire shower basket, £99.95, Victorian Plumbing
7. Choose practical, slimline shelving
(Image credit: Ikea)
Keep essentials for all the family close to hand with freestanding shower storage that can slot in at one end of a walk-in shower enclosure or sit just outside a smaller shower cubicle.
Opt for plastic or powder-coated storage that won’t rust or be damaged by excess water. Free-draining shelves are also sensible so that water doesn’t pool on the surface (so soap won’t go soggy).
‘We know how important it is to design the right furniture for different types of bathrooms,’ say the design team at IKEA.
‘That’s why many of our bathroom storage units and accessories are made of plastic – perfectly suited for shower/bath spaces – where you can bathe, shower and splash as much as you like, without worrying about exposing your furniture to too much water.’
Buy now: Vesken shelf unit, £9, IKEA
8. Supplement in-shower shelving
(Image credit: Aqata)
Having too many toiletries out on display will only make the shower area feel cluttered, so a shelf or niche that will hold just a few essentials is a good idea.
A slimline shelf unit just outside the shower area will give storage for extras so that toiletries and towels are to hand when you need them. Ladder shelves are a neat option for small bathrooms as they take up little floor space and are easily moved. No fixings or drilling into tiled wall is required, simply prop against a wall.
9. Add style with glam standout storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter)
Tiling the shower area and niche in the same continuous tile throughout looks sleek and streamlined and will allow the niche to blend in with the background.
On the other hand, if you want to make the area more of a focal point, tiling the niche in a contrast tile is an easy way to add wow.
Keep to the same colour tile but add visual interest by using smaller mosaics in the inset area. Or go for gold and match tiles to standout fittings with luxe gold polished tiling in the niche area. Add a row of border tiles for extra sparkle.
10. Double-up on space with a mirrored recess
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter)
Using mirrored areas in a small bathroom is a clever way of making a tight space feel brighter and more spacious. Instead of tiling a shower recess area, use a mirrored panel as a backing. It will give the illusion that the shower area stretches back further than it really does and make the shower storage area feel bigger too. A downlighter will add extra sparkle and illuminate the area after dark.
11. Opt for an easy-up option
(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)
For super-easy shower storage that doesn’t involve any drilling into hard tiled surfaces, try simple suction caddies.
Ideal for holding lighter-weight toiletries, wash cloths, sponges and even plants, they grip to smooth surfaces using suction and are easily removed should you need to shift them around.
No tools or adhesives are needed to put the caddies up, just make sure the surface is clean and push down on the fitting to secure it. To remove, just insert a credit card between the suction pad and the wall to release the suction.
Buy now: Tisken toothbrush holder with suction cup, £2.50, Ikea
12. Illuminate in-shower storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Jamie Mason)
If you’re at the bathroom planning stage and are including a storage niche or recess into your shower build, it might be useful to factor in extra lighting at the same time. A downlighter fitted into the recess will create a stylish focal point as well as illuminate the area for easy access to showering supplies.
In areas where lighting fixtures might come into contact with water, such as in the bathroom, you’ll need to consider the IP safety ratings.
The more susceptible to water penetration fittings are, then the higher the 'IP' rating they are required to have. A rating of IP65 is advised for lighting Inside the shower area, but your electrician will be able to advise.
How do I add storage to my shower?
If you’re at the planning stage of a new bathroom or shower, then including built-in storage into the layout, such as shower shelves, alcoves or recesses is a great way of utilising every inch of space. It's a great way of tailoring storage to your exact needs. Once the storage areas have been built-in, the surface can be tiled to co-ordinate with the shower area, which gives a fully waterproof finish that is easy to wipe clean.
Adding storage to an existing shower is easy enough. There are plenty of off-the-peg buys that can be fitted into a shower as a permanent fixture. Such as wire baskets, corner shelves and slimline caddies that will fit into the space unobtrusively for a neat look.
Alternatively, consider free-standing storage units, hanging caddies and slot-on storage for a non-permanent option.
These will require no fixings and are easy to move around and take away, should you have a change of bathroom.
Where should a shower caddy be placed?
Positioning should be in the easiest-accessed spot. Many shower caddies are designed with a hook-over fitting that is designed to hang over the shower head, so you can grab shampoos, conditioners and shower gels with ease. Alternatively, some designs have a slot-on fixing, so that the caddy can be slipped over a glass shower door or screen. These usually have suction cups too, that will keep the caddy securely positioned.
Floor-standing caddies are another option. But these will require more shower floor space so are best for larger walk-in showers or wet rooms. As caddies are likely to get wet from water splashes and steam, always opt for a material that won’t get water-damaged, such as plastic and powder-coated or rust-proof steel. Make sure that feet are non-slip too, so that the caddy stays in one place.
Lisa is a freelance journalist who has written about interiors for more than 25 years and has worked on all the major homes titles, primarily Ideal Home, but also including Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors, Style at Home, Livingetc, Woman & Home, Easy Gardens and Good Homes magazines.
Homes and interiors have always been a passion and she never tires of nosying around gorgeous homes, whether on TV, online, in print or in person, as well as being a serial shopper/bargain hunter.
10 smart ideas for storage in a small bathroom - INMYROOM
We have made a selection of 10 ideas from Russian designers: take note - and your bathroom is guaranteed to become much more spacious.
1. Choose a roomy cabinet under the sink
The fashion for minimalism has made it a common decision to place the sink on the countertop and abandon the cabinet under it. Undoubtedly, this option is very aesthetic, but not at all practical if you have a small bathroom. nine0003
Choose a roomy cabinet. Want to make it visually less cumbersome? Stop at the model in the color of the walls. Or, on the contrary, you can choose a design option and make the cabinet a bright accent of the bathroom interior.
Design: Vera Nikolaenko
2. Hang a mirror cabinet
When every centimeter counts, the best solution is to look towards objects with multiple functions.
Why limit yourself to an ordinary mirror when you can hang a cabinet with mirrored doors on the wall? nine0003
Design: Studio Flatforfox
3. Use the space above the toilet
Oddly enough, the space above the toilet is often left unused. But there will certainly be a place for a shallow hanging cabinet or shelves.
Design: ANTEI studio
4. Try to find a place for a pencil case
Modern furniture manufacturers offer a lot of compact solutions for small bathrooms. Carefully study the range: it is likely that in your bathroom you will find a place for a tall and narrow cabinet-pencil case. nine0003
Design: Ekaterina Kondratyuk
5. Build storage into the wall
Storage systems built into the wall can be an excellent solution for small bathrooms.
Design: Nikita Zub
6. Provide niches
If the walls in the bathroom are not load-bearing, niches can be arranged in them.
They will be especially appropriate at the sink, as well as in the bath and shower area. Please note: niches can become both an alternative and an addition to wall cabinets and shelves. nine0003
Design: YUCUBEdesign
7. Don't forget the shower area
When organizing storage, it's important not to forget the shower area: you'll definitely need one or more shelves to place shower gels and other bath accessories.
Design: Zi-design
8. Nobody canceled glass shelves!
The most ordinary narrow glass shelves - a solution that does not lose its relevance. They are able to fit into the interior of almost any bathroom and help organize additional storage even in the smallest space. They will be great helpers in the bath or shower area, under the sink mirror, above the toilet and anywhere else. nine0003
Design: KM Studio
9. Ladder rack - current trend
A stylish and trendy solution that has gained particular popularity due to its compactness and functionality is the ladder rack.
Depending on the chosen model, it can be a rack with shelves of different depths or combine the functions of a floor hanger and storage shelves.
Design: ZI-design
10. Use boxes, boxes and baskets
All kinds of baskets, containers, boxes, boxes and organizers will help out when you need to “expand the potential” of an already designed and furnished bathroom. With their help, open racks and shelves will hold much more, and the space left above the pencil case will also be put to good use. nine0003
Another solution for additional storage is a hanging shelf above the bathroom door and some beautiful wicker baskets on it.
Design: Marina Kozlova
See also:
10 photo ideas for storage in the bathroom
Centimeters are never superfluous, especially in the bathroom and bathroom. Learning to Use Them Wisely
Retreat Design
1. Add interior lighting
Have you ever looked for something in the depths of a dark cabinet? Backlit furniture easily solves this problem.
The easiest option is a model with built-in lamps. The shelves in such a cabinet should be glass so that the light circulates freely inside the enclosed space. nine0003
An alternative would be a cabinet with a luminous back, as in this photo. In this case, the material of the shelves does not really matter.
To save time and energy, choose furniture with built-in sensors that react to door openings and turn the lights on/off automatically.
Greenbox Architecture
Did you create a niche after installing the concealed installation system? Complete it with a backlight - if it is based on diodes, you can also change the color of the light. nine0003
By the way, this is not just a decoration, but a so-called orienting light for those who get up at night (a bright overhead light will make you fully awake). In addition, the illuminated niche will act similarly to a showcase for cosmetics.
Angela Todd Studios | Portland, OR
2.
Dedicate a compartment for electrical appliances
Hairdryer, curling and straightening iron, electric toothbrush and razor are needed every day. However, if you store them in an open area, you get the feeling that the bathroom is a constant mess. nine0003
The best solution would be a closed compartment with a lifting door, as in this photo. It is best to place such a cabinet right on the countertop and next to the outlet, then the necessary device will always be at hand and there will be no problems with charging.
If you don't want to clutter up your countertop, you can purchase a cabinet or vanity unit with a built-in socket.
Van Wicklen Design
3. Rise to new heights
Do you have small children in your home who find it difficult to reach the sink? Or maybe you yourself find it difficult to get items from the top shelves? Forget about dragging stools from room to room, this problem can be solved in a more elegant way.
A retractable or folding step is simply a necessary thing in the bathroom, which is used by all family members (and everyone has their own height). Place it right under the sink or tall cabinet and your child will get everything they need by themselves. nine0003
The step is also indispensable for cleaning. With it, you can easily reach hard-to-reach places like the top of a mirror or a wall lamp.
Kohler
4. Divide and Conquer
Believe it or not, drawers can be tidy once and for all with internal partitions and dividers. All you need to do is to sort all the things in the bathroom by "topics" (combs, razors, body care products, etc.) and have a separate section for each group. See how it works. Behind one facade there are as many as three drawers, while each of them has an insert that can be pulled out for a while, and then put back into place. Partitions and dividers operate on the principle of a designer, that is, you can always organize the space of the box to suit your needs.
nine0003
Laura Hammett Ltd
5. Look for innovation
Buy models with innovative rails and hinges.
Many people get up before their relatives and hurry to work. They, of course, are very appreciated and loved, but few people like to wake up to the roar of slamming drawers and doors. And certainly no one likes to pinch their fingers with too tight drawers. That is why engineers have developed modern soft guides and hinges for furniture, door closers and a “push-open” system that operates on the principle of “push to open”. All these innovations are of particular value in families with children and the elderly. Furniture with such a “stuffing” is quiet, safe and reliable. nine0003
Kohler
6. Choose cabinets with mirrors not only on the outside, but also on the inside
A cabinet with mirrored doors is a classic for any bathroom. But if you are going to update the interior, look for or order a model that will have a mirror not only outside, but also inside.
Why? Firstly, an internal mirror will help you quickly find the little things hidden in the depths. Secondly, you will be able to look at yourself from the side and from behind, which is very important if you, for example, are doing a complex hairstyle. The model shown in this photo also has a magnifying mirror, indispensable for applying makeup. And thanks to the guide on which this mirror slides up and down, young fashionistas can also use it. nine0003
Goldfish-Interiors
7. Hide the washing machine under the counter
Is your apartment small and there is no room for laundry? Then there is nothing left but to register a washing machine in the bathroom. Just hide it in the closet. When closed, this underframe looks like a chest of drawers with six drawers. But in fact, the entire right side is a false door of three drawer fronts fastened together. Behind it is a built-in washing machine.
Burns Century Interior Design
8.
Find doors that won't get in the way
Have you ever hit your head against an open bathroom cabinet door? Or maybe you don’t like swing doors, because they close the view and keep getting in the way all the time? Either way, if comfort and security are what you're looking for in a bathroom, consider getting cabinets with lift-up or sliding doors. Often such models are produced with a semi-automatic drive, which makes them even more convenient to use. nine0003
College City Design Build
9. Maximize Usable Space
In a standard bathroom, every square centimeter counts, so furniture designers today offer almost unique solutions to maximize the use of space. Look at this wardrobe. Instead of traditional narrow and deep shelves, a pull-out module is built into it. You don’t have to look for the right thing, burrowing deeper and deeper, because all cosmetics and bath accessories in this arrangement are visible at a glance. “Smart” storage has already become the norm, and in addition to such pull-out modules, designers have come up with a lot of useful devices: corner cabinets , rotating carousels for deep compartments, additional compartments on the inside of the doors and much, much more.
