Clever storage ideas for small bathrooms
26 Best Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
Your bathroom should be the cleanest room in your house. But since you it's a high-trafficked area, it often becomes the catching ground for dirty clothes, half-used beauty products and just about everything. The key is to give all of your everyday bathroom essentials — makeup, toiletries, extra linens and cleaning products — a designated spot, so it's easy — and perhaps, enjoyable — to keep your space neat and tidy. Even if you're not working with tons of square footage, you can still create a sense of order with these genius small bathroom storage ideas.
Here, you'll find a mix of storage solutions and organizing tips to help you cut back on unnecessary clutter while keeping your most-used items at your fingertips. There's something for every need and decorating style — some work well in a kids' bathroom, others are better suited for powder bathrooms that guests frequent. From over-the-door shelves to under-the-sink organizing systems, these ideas will encourage you to think high and low to make the most of whatever space you do have. The result: a small-but-mighty bathroom that works for you.
1
Create a Nook for Shower Essentials
Peter Molick
Carve out a space in your shower to store shampoo, conditioner, body wash and other essentials. Decant your go-to shampoo and conditioner in pretty glass bottles to create a more streamlined look.
RELATED: Stunning Walk-In Shower Ideas
2
Conceal Items in Baskets and Bins
Mike Garten
Think up, not out: Built-in shelves don't take up any floor space, but multiplies your storage space. Fill 'em with labeled bins, stack folded towels directly on the shelves or find a way to do both.
3
Replace a Bulky Medicine Cabinet
Paul Versluis
We get it: Sometimes, medicine cabinets are the only solution if you're short on space.
But if you're smart about how you organize the drawers in your vanity (keep reading for ideas), hang a sleek light bar over a mirror that lays flush against the wall.
4
Use the Wall Wisely
Annie Schlechter
Free up precious counter space by mounting a towel bar and faucet to the wall. Open bathroom vanities, like the one shown here, give the room an airy feel, but don't skimp on storage: Add a large basket down below to stash extra towels or toilet paper.
5
Let a Stool Pull Double Duty
Roger Davies
Stick a garden stool between your toilet and sink to serve as a catch-all for odds and ends, then slide it out when it comes time to give your kids a bath.
SHOP GARDEN STOOL
6
Opt for a Skirted Sink
Cody Ulrich for Country Living
Wrap a pedestal sink in patterned fabric to hide any under-the-sink clutter in style.
If space allows, sneak a few baskets or storage containers behind the curtain.
7
Stack Towels Down Below
Matt Albiani for Country Living
No linen closet, no problem: Store tidy stacks of folded bath and hand towels under the sink. Since they're out in the open, it's best if all towels are the same color or at the very least, in the same color family.
8
Get Smart With Shelving
Courtesy of The Handmade Home
A trio of sturdy wooden shelves brings style and storage into your space. Keep washcloths and everyday extras (think: hand soap) on the lower shelves, then stick other non-essentials up high.
Get the tutorial at The Handmade Home »
9
Clear Off the Countertop
Courtesy of Tidbits
Mounted wire baskets and a mirror with a built-in shelf make up for any space that you may be lacking on the top of your vanity.
Keep your toothbrushes, toothpaste, cleansers and lotions tucked inside.
Get the tutorial at Tidbits »
10
Try a Storage Ladder
Raquel Langworthy
A ladder provides a spot to hang towels and baskets full of extra toilet paper, but it doesn't protrude much from the wall, making it ideal for slim spaces.
SHOP DECORATIVE LADDER
11
Add Hooks High and Low
Malin Cropper
You may not have tons of counter space or closets to work with, but you can stick hooks on the wall to hang towels and robes. Opt for hooks in metallic hues to add dimension to your space.
12
Install an Over-the-Door Shelf
Good Housekeeping
Perfect for anyone without a linen closet, hang a tiered shelf over the door frame to keep towels and linens within reach.
Just make sure there's a step stool nearby.
13
Repurpose Your Bar Cart
Mike Garten
Your favorite place to store your wine can double as the perfect linen closet on wheels. Store spare towels, toilet paper and washcloths in baskets and leave toiletries up top.
14
Stick on a Spray Bottle Hanger
Command
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15
Make Your Makeup Spin
PBTeen
$79 AT POTTERY BARN TEEN
16
Store Cleaning Supplies on a Lazy Susan
Jared Smith
Proof that it's what's on the inside that counts.
Keep your bathroom cleaning supplies on a turntable and simply give it a spin to find exactly what you're looking for.
17
Stash Electronics Nearby
Amazon
$13 AT AMAZON
18
Tuck Towels in Baskets
Alec Hemer
Turn a problem (no linen closet) into a picture-perfect solution by sticking rolled bath and hand towels in cute baskets below your vanity. Talk about fashion and function all in one.
19
Keep Hair Tools Organized
Amazon
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$16 AT AMAZON
20
Spruce Up Toilet Paper
Bre Purposed
Our bet is that your bathroom is tight on floor space.
If that's true, then don't waste it on stand-up toilet paper holders. Instead, place a few rolls into a basket atop the toilet. Convenient and cute!
Get the tutorial at Bre Purposed »
21
Take Advantage of Cabinet Doors
Katie Freidman
Don't neglect the back of your cabinet doors. Keep flat irons, blow dryers and brushes at hand and out of sight in space-saving bins, which you can attach straight to the door.
22
Double Up on Rods
Katie Friedman
Instead of cramming conditioner on the tub edge, outfit the shower with a second rod near the wall. S-hooks keep loofahs and small caddies out of the way (and from falling all over the place).
23
Try Inverted Brackets
First Home Dreams
Install shelves with inverted brackets for a sweet look that also helps wrangle loose items, like hand towels and cotton balls.
Get the tutorial at First Home Dreams »
24
Install Magnetic Strips
Darkroom and Dearly
It's hard to fight the urge to toss bobby pins and tweezers into a cluttered pile. Outwit your laziness with a magnetic strip that catches tiny items before they hit the counter.
SHOP MAGNETIC STRIP
Get the tutorial at Darkroom and Dearly »
25
Install Secret Shelves
Shanty 2 Chic
Surprise! This DIY full-length mirror is meant for much more than an outfit check: It also hides a wall full of bath supplies.
Get the tutorial at at Shanty 2 Chic »
26
Stash Drawers Under the Sink
Just a Girl and Her Blog
Perfectly labeled drawers can keep anyone organized.
Leave a few empty to use in the future or simply re-label when your system needs updating.
See more at Just a Girl and Her Blog »
Amanda Garrity Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion.
24 Storage Ideas for a Very Small Bathroom
By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 06/16/22
Fantastic Frank
Any small bathroom design should start with a good declutter, and by moving any items that you don’t need to access on a daily basis off site to a closet or other out-of-sight storage area. But there are plenty of clever and good looking small bathroom storage solutions that will make your small bathroom look and feel larger than it is.
Whether you’re decorating a small apartment bathroom or powder room, here are some ideas to help make your small bathroom functional, stylish, and zen.
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01 of 24
Maximize Vertical Space
Design by Space Factory / Photo by Hervé Goluza
In a small space, running cabinetry all the way to the ceiling creates the impression that the space is larger than its footprint.
In this Paris bathroom from Space Factory, slim custom-built wood shelving touches the ceiling to maximize vertical space and provide open storage for everyday essentials. -
02 of 24
Use Retro Pegboards
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls
Adding storage to a small, unusually shaped room is both a challenge and a decorating opportunity. In this country cottage bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors, the walls flanking the sink are lined with wooden pegboards that don't encroach on the space in the way that shelving would and create a timeless look.
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03 of 24
Make It Disappear
Fantastic Frank
In this small bathroom from Fantastic Frank, a tall clean-lined white storage cabinet without visible hardware provides ample and easily accessible storage while fading into the background, allowing other decor to take center stage.
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04 of 24
Hang Open Wall Shelves
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q.
PhotoAdding storage to a very small bathroom can be as simple as adding a floating shelf to house those bathroom-related items that you enjoy looking at and having on display. In this small bathroom from Cathie Hong Interiors, a pair of modern black floating shelves with a narrow profile match the plumbing fixtures and create a polished look.
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05 of 24
Utilize Every Inch of Space
Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Sarah Elliott
When adding a vanity to a small bathroom, sometimes bigger is better. If you have a narrow space to house the sink, ensuring that your vanity runs from wall to wall will maximize storage and make the room look custom built, like this blue-and-white bathroom from Chango & Co..
The 11 Best Under-Sink Organizers of 2023
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06 of 24
Float the Vanity
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photo
In a small bathroom with a limited footprint like this one from Cathie Hong Interiors, a floating vanity can create the impression that there is more space and allow light to flow.
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07 of 24
Add Adjustable Shelving
Most Lovely Things
Blogger Annie Diamond from Most Lovely Things added a DIY plywood pegboard shelf high on the wall of a small bathroom which she chose to decorate with plants. But you could take advantage of vertical space in your small bathroom to add a pegboard wall with adjustable shelves to store bath supplies, towels, toilet paper, or anything else that needs organizing.
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08 of 24
Hide Clutter With a Curtain
Lobster and Swan
To create more storage beneath a freestanding sink or a vanity without built-in cabinetry, add a simple curtain to hide clutter, like this small bathroom from Lobster and Swan. A linen curtain in a light neutral shade hung beneath a reclaimed wood countertop topped with a modern square sink makes this classic move feel timeless rather than old-fashioned.
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09 of 24
Lean a Decorative Ladder Against the Wall
Design by Mindy Gayer Design Co.
In this narrow bathroom from Mindy Gayer Design Co., a painted white decorative ladder provides towel storage and looks good empty. Using lightweight Turkish or honeycomb weave towels will also take up less visual space and make the space feel fresh and modern.
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10 of 24
Use Decorative Baskets
Design by Raili CA Design / Photo by Karyn Millet
Never underestimate the power of a decorative basket. In this small bathroom from Raili CA Design, decorative baskets on a low shelf can be used to house supplies or serve as a clothes hamper, and add some warm natural tones to the room's industrial black and gray palette. You can also place stylish flat-bottomed baskets directly on the floor to store toilet paper or other items.
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11 of 24
Repurpose Vintage Pieces
Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Tramp-Ligorria
A small vintage rattan bar cart is repurposed as a rolling storage unit for towels and bathroom supplies in this light and bright bathroom from Emily Henderson Design.
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12 of 24
Paint Everything White
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Reid Rolls
Using repurposed vintage decor items is a great way to add storage to a small bathroom. In this small bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors, a white floating shelf creates space above the sink for towel storage and a vintage painted white mirror with a tiny built-in shelf creates a seamless wall of white storage. Black accents on the plumbing hardware, toilet seat, and striped penny tile mosaic floor add contrast.
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13 of 24
Work Your Window Ledges
Design by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp
Many people use a bathroom window ledge to store things that won't fit in the cabinets. This bathroom designed by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design takes things a step further, turning the window into an open-faced cabinet with the addition of shelves. Using amber or other colored glass jars will add a decorative element, especially when the sun shines through.
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14 of 24
Incorporate Stealth Storage
Design by Caroline Andréoni Interior Design Studio / Photo by Laura Jacques
Adding a suspended toilet is a simple way to modernize a small bathroom while reducing visual clutter since the hardware is hidden away in the wall. Paris-based Caroline Andréoni Interior Design Studio took advantage of the space above the toilet to build in seamless cabinetry running all the way up to the ceiling that provides a place to store toilet paper and cleaning supplies, keeping the focus on the bold wallpaper and floor tiles.
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15 of 24
Find Your Niche
Design and Photo by Malcolm Simmons for Emily Henderson Design
Built-in niches are a very small bathroom's best friend. Use existing niches if you're renting, and look for places to incorporate niches if you're remodeling. And be sure to style them handsomely like Malcolm Simmons, who designed this small bathroom for Emily Henderson Design.
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16 of 24
Use a Curved Corner Cabinet
Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Sarah Elliott
If your bathroom has a tight fit, consider installing a corner-shaped vanity that will allow flow and create a focal point, like this Victorian style powder room from Chango & Co. While custom cabinetry can be expensive, you can also source inexpensive vintage or corner cabinets online or at your local thrift store, flea market, or antique mall that can be repainted and repurposed.
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17 of 24
Install Glass Shelving
Ursula Carmona for Home Made By Carmona
In this small powder room, blogger Ursula Carmona from Home Made By Carmona installed a transparent glass shelf held up with brass-toned brackets that houses decorative items while maintaining a light and airy feel.
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18 of 24
Add a Slatted Shelf
Design by Desiree Burns Interiors
In this small bathroom from Desiree Burns Interiors, the lower half of the vanity has a slatted open shelf that gives it a sense of lightness while providing space to stash towels or other items.
Adding baskets to an open shelf will conceal clutter if you want a more streamlined look. -
19 of 24
Use a Mirrored Storage Cabinet
Design by Becca Interiors
In this small bathroom from Becca Interiors, a classic mirrored medicine cabinet with contemporary black edging hides clutter and complements a vintage-style wall-mounted sink, freeing up wall space for a pair of wall-mounted planters.
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20 of 24
Choose Multipurpose Pieces
Design by Michelle Berwick Design
If your storage needs are minimal, consider skipping the mirrored medicine cabinet and adding a stylish mirror with built-in storage in the form of a display shelf instead, like this small bathroom from Michelle Berwick Design.
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21 of 24
Corral Clutter With a Decorative Tray
Home Made By Carmona
There comes a point in the life of every small bathroom dweller when the storage options have been exhausted and it becomes tempting to simply stack up products and everyday supplies on the vanity counter.
Blogger Ursula Carmona from Home Made By Carmona added a decorative tray with a high rim on the sink vanity that can house spillover and decorative items with style. The Best Bathroom Sets to Suit Every Style
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22 of 24
Choose Built-In Towel Storage
Design by Brexton Cole Interiors
In this small powder room from Brexton Cole Interiors, a retro-style sink with a slim bronze-toned base includes a built-in towel rack mounted to the side that's convenient and reduces the visual clutter of a hand towel hanging on the wall. If you've got a modern vanity, you can mount a small towel hook to the side instead.
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23 of 24
Optimize Unused Surfaces
Casa Watkins Living
In this kids bathroom from Casa Watkins Living, a lightweight wire basket on the toilet shelf is a convenient place to store extra towels.
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24 of 24
Install a Decorative Shelf
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Max Kim-bee
Adding storage in a very small bathroom can be as simple as adding a decorative shelf that's there when you need it and looks pretty when you don't.
A dark wood shelf with metal brackets is mounted above the vintage-style sink to fit the industrial farmhouse feel of this bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors.
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:
Storage
2021-06-27T10:40:00+00:00 2021-06-27T10:48:07+00:00 Small bathroom: 40 simple storage ideas 2021-06-27T10:40:00+00:00 It is difficult to maintain order in the bathroom, as its modest size does not allow enough storage space to be equipped.
However, this problem can be solved by applying imagination. We've rounded up 40 storage ideas to help you forget about clutter. Small bathroom: 40 simple storage ideas nine0003
The bathroom is difficult to keep in order, as its modest size does not allow enough storage space. However, this problem can be solved by applying imagination. We've rounded up 40 storage ideas to help you forget clutter. After all, it is necessary to organize an impressive number of small items: these are brushes, combs, tubes of cream, cotton swabs, and so on. How to place small things so that it does not interfere, is always at hand and does not create a feeling of chaos? We have collected for you the most ingenious and original storage ideas that will help you cope with this difficult task. nine0003
Who would have thought that an ordinary ladder could serve as an additional towel rack!
Containers with household chemicals, which are equipped with sprayers, should not be placed, but hung on a special crossbar.
This approach saves space in the locker.
If your bathroom has even a hint of niches, you can use them to install open shelves.
Hanging polyethylene pockets are a great way to store household chemicals.
Cabinet doors can also be used for storage.
Small decorative boxes are perfect for storing small items, also in the bathroom.
Umbrella stand can also be used in the bathroom.
The space under the bathtub is a great storage space. The main thing is to equip it correctly.
The flattest personal care items and cosmetics can be placed on the locker door in individual holders.
Ordinary tin cans, combined with elementary decor, turn into original boxes for storing towels. nine0003
Pull-out system with drawers of different depths allows you to make the most of all the free space under the sink.
The wine rack is perfect for holding towels.
The two-tier cake tray can also be used to store soap and cream tubes.
Plasterboard walls and partitions can be fitted with a hidden shelf.
And here is another example of the use of stairs, now as open shelves.
Appliances such as a curling iron or hair dryer are most conveniently hung on hooks attached to the side wall of the cabinet under the sink. nine0003
Dividers help organize small items in drawers and shelves.
If you store your accessories in a decorative bucket or pot, you can use textile bags as dividers.
Even a very narrow cabinet can be very functional.
Nowhere to hang towels? Ordinary clothes hangers will solve your problem.
Using wicker baskets is one of the most practical and aesthetic storage options in the bathroom. nine0003
If you like trying on beads in front of your bathroom mirror, hang them on a special decorative bar.
Why do you need a glass for brushes if you can put them in large beads?
The space above the toilet should not be empty either.
To make brushes and pencils stand at attention in a glass, just pour small plastic balls into it.
Glass containers are excellent for storing cotton utensils and loose substances. Yes, and they look much more stylish than the "native" plastic packaging. nine0003
Manicure instruments can be conveniently placed on the magnetic knife holder.
Basket and toilet paper holder in one set.
In order not to get confused where what is, it is worth signing opaque baskets and storage boxes.
Daily hygiene products can be attached directly to the sink.
A pipe fragment can make an excellent stand for a curling iron and hair dryer.
Another type of hanging dividing pockets - knitted. nine0003
If you urgently need a bathroom shelf, just make it from a wooden board and glass jars.
Even crockery can be used to store small things in the bathroom.
Another interesting option for a bathroom cabinet is an old suitcase.
Individual cups for small items look very cute.
Curtain rod can be used for other purposes.
Ordinary iron lids with a slot made in them can serve as holders for brushes.
