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Space saver 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

$8 AT AMAZON $7 AT HOME DEPOT $7 AT WALMART

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

Now 18% off

$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. 

9 Design Ideas for a Small Bathroom

Check out these bathroom layout ideas. They will allow you to place everything you need without cluttering up the room

Furnishing really small rooms is quite difficult. When there is barely enough space for a sink and toilet, and you still need to build in a shower (no one even dreams of a bathtub), traditional layout options and standard interior items will not suit you. These nine ideas go beyond how to make a bathroom seem bigger and really help save precious square footage. nine0005

Winder Gibson Architects

1. European style “wet bathroom”
“Wet bathroom” is a literal definition of a place where everything can get wet and regularly gets wet. This type of bathroom is quite popular in Europe: a tiny room, a shower located directly above the toilet, a small sink against the wall and a drain hole in the floor. By abandoning the doors of the shower compartment, you can really increase the footage of the bathroom, or rather, benefit from the freed meters. nine0005

zpd+a and roomTEN design

Do you find the Wet Bathroom too wet? Hang the curtain on the ceiling cornice. If the area allows you to place the shower head not directly above the toilet, but slightly to the side, then you have the opportunity to fence off the shower compartment with a curtain.

The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn

2. Wall hung toilet
In this "wet bath" you can see another common solution - a small toilet that is attached to the wall. At first glance, this type of plumbing may seem fragile, but if everything is done correctly, the design will be as reliable as a floor-mounted toilet. The absence of a base and a tank significantly saves space. nine0005

carde reimerdes

3. Compact shower
Semi-baffled mini shower is a compromise between a traditional shower enclosure and a wet bath. The absence of a solid wall does not hinder your movements in this small space, and even if it is a small, but still partition, it perfectly zones the room.

4. Flat mirror plus narrow basin
A simple mirror instead of a mirror cabinet has two significant advantages. First, its thin profile visually and actually enlarges the space. Secondly, when there is no cabinet hanging over your head, you can afford a narrower sink. nine0005

David Churchill - Architectural Photographer

5. Teardrop washbasin
In a small space, curved shapes look more comfortable than sharp corners. Such an unusual drop-shaped sink (see photo) saves space and decorates it at the same time. The smoothly curved shower wall follows the shape of the sink, creating a harmonious interior composition.

indigo & ochre design

6. Drinking fountain style sink
Smaller than standard washbasins, this compact model, combined with a single-lever faucet with curved spout, will easily fit into even the smallest bathtub. And yes, she looks very pretty.

MLB Design Group

7. Sliding door
The designers of this house have thought of every detail and chose a sliding door to save usable space. The traditional swing option eats up priceless space. Let the door, like blinds, open up or move to the side, then you just have to use the free space wisely. nine0005

The Tiny Tack House

8. Barrel shower
Perhaps the most unusual use of a wine barrel we've ever seen. Rustic charming and definitely not for everyone. Owners of this custom option should wipe down the inside of the barrel after every shower to keep the wood in good condition. But this is not such a high price to pay for its compactness and unique look.

Wanda Ely Architect Inc.

9. Shelves made to order
Do you find it difficult to find a place to store? Look closely and you'll likely find a couple of niches that you can build shelves into. Even 15 cm will be enough to put toiletries, a washcloth and a bar of soap. Don't forget to look up. A couple of shelves above your head can easily solve the problem of storing spare towels.

TELL US...
Do you have a small bathroom too? Which of our ideas will probably come in handy for you, and which - definitely not? Maybe you have your own solutions?


RELATED ARTICLES…
Bathrooms
Other rooms: Children's rooms | Bedrooms | Living rooms | Canteens | hallways | Cabinets | Dressing rooms | Balconies and loggias | Room of the week | Ideas for the kitchen | Kitchen of the Week

How to save space in the bathroom: 15 ideas - Roomble.

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Storage nine0005

2021-05-19T11:02:21+00:00 2021-05-19T11:08:48+00:00 How to save space in the bathroom: 15 ideas 2021-05-19T11:02:21+00:00 How to place all the necessary little things in the bathroom? What should be considered in order to rationally use the available space? What storage methods do we keep forgetting about? How to save space in the bathroom: 15 ideas

How do you fit all the essentials in the bathroom? What should be considered in order to rationally use the available space? What storage methods do we keep forgetting about? nine0005

Whatever the size of the bathroom, there is always not enough space in it. Moreover, most often it is either small or very small. But what if a family of three or more people lives in an apartment? How to place in a limited area all the necessary little things, towels, hygiene items, cosmetics, household chemicals, etc. , so that the bathroom does not turn into a pantry? Especially for you, we have collected 15 simple and effective ways to make storage more rational and not turn the bathroom into a dump. nine0005

Of course, the primary function of a door is to delimit one room from another, but why not expand these possibilities? If there is nowhere to put bathrobes and towels, build a hanger for them right on the door. It can be individual hooks, a crossbar or a whole narrow shelf.

The space under the sink is usually so small and uncomfortable that it often goes unused. Especially if the washbasin exists on its own, that is, without a cabinet. We are against such injustice: even under a very small sink there is a place for storage. To avoid the feeling of clutter, it is better to put household chemicals, small things or towels in a neat basket. This is not only convenient, but also adds +1 to comfort. nine0005

The problem of this zone is exactly the same as in the previous paragraph. There is not a lot of space, you can’t hang a locker - household members will constantly hit their heads against it. But for rational storage, this part of the wall must be used. Our solution is light compact shelves where you can store anything from cosmetics and towels to toilet paper and washcloths.

Don't know where to put your towels so they don't fall on your head, get in the way or take up extra space? Try the most common baskets. And if there is no more space for them on the floor or in the cabinet, we recommend getting creative and, for example, placing them on the wall. If desired, they can be used to make a mini-rack, original and cozy. nine0005

Sometimes bathroom space is so small that hanging even the smallest shelves on the wall seems like an unrealistic idea. There is a way out - to place them as high as possible, to a level where they do not prevent people from turning around. If you won’t be able to reach them without additional tools, store things on such shelves that you don’t use every day: spare towels, a guest dressing gown, household chemicals for general cleaning, or a home first aid kit.

There is hardly a bathroom without a mirror. Well, use this anyway essential item to get a little more storage space. Depending on the size of the room and the mirror itself, you can make a full-fledged locker behind it or just small shelves on the sides. nine0005

We are accustomed to hanging our towels on a hanger and, if there is none, to fold them. However, let's remember the first rule of experienced travelers: when packing a suitcase, it's better not to fold things, but to twist them. This really fits a lot more, and we recommend that you take note of this idea in the case of towels too.

It doesn't matter if it's decorative, curative or skin care - there is always enough cosmetics in a house where there is a woman. So that dozens of jars, tubes and bottles do not accumulate in piles here and there, make one large convenient organizer for all cosmetics. You can either buy it in the store or build it yourself from improvised means. nine0005

We have said many times that niches are an amazing place to store things and you should definitely use them. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, narrow or wide, deep or not, these areas can always be used. One of the best solutions for a bathroom is to build shelves into a niche and use it as a cabinet or open shelving.

Hanging spice racks can be found in every second kitchen. Their popularity is well deserved: they are roomy, but compact, and are ideal for storing small vessels. We suggest borrowing this idea and moving it from the kitchen to the bathroom. Nail these shelves on the cabinet door and store all kinds of jars and tubes in them. nine0005

Just like wall niches, corners are tricky spots in any room. However, for maximum space savings, you need to fill every free centimeter in the bathroom. For corners, open hanging shelves are perfect, and they can be hung in several tiers.

Ordinary glass or plastic jars are great for small items. Small cosmetics, hair bands, cotton pads, etc. - just those things that are easily lost and, being out of place, create a feeling of disorder. Sort these little things, and decorate the jars and sign for greater convenience. nine0005

It would seem that everything is simple with this: here is a toilet bowl, and next to it is a holder for toilet paper. But what to do with the rest of the rolls? Indeed, we often buy this irreplaceable thing in reserve, and we need to put it somewhere. If there is not enough space in cabinets and baskets for a couple of spare rolls, replace the usual holder with a more spacious and creative one.

Do you have room for a vanity in your bathroom? Fine! Let it be two-tiered: on the lower level you can place additional things. Such a reserve of space will always come in handy, and for tiny bathrooms it will be a real salvation. nine0005

If you've used all the ideas and still don't have enough space in the bathroom, chances are you just have too many things. There is only one advice in this case: to carry out a general cleaning and, in parallel, an audit of everything that is stored here.

Learn more