Stand up 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
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.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 cool storage examples for a small bathroom :: Design :: RBC Real Estate
A small bathroom is not a reason to refuse to store the necessary things in it. RBC-Nedvizhimost has collected life hacks for organizing the limited space of the bathroom
Photo: Mpho Mojapelo/Unsplash
Sometimes a cabinet above the sink and open shelves above the bathroom are enough to store things.
Much depends on how many tenants are in the apartment, what cosmetics and accessories they need, whether there is a separate place where laundry and cleaning products are stored. If there is no dressing table in the bedroom, the number of things also increases. In addition, it is much more convenient to change towels when they are stored in the bathroom, and not in the room. A large area allows you to put wide cabinets, but there are also several options for a small bathroom.
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The bathroom has a lot of free space on the walls that can be made functional. A mirror is usually hung over the sink, so it makes sense to choose a cabinet in which it is located on the facade. If the corners and walls of the room are not occupied by tall furniture, buy suitable hanging shelves. They can be arranged in several horizontal rows up to the ceiling. Both wooden shelves on a triangular profile and metal ready-made multi-tiered options are suitable.
Photo: pinterest.ru
The place under the sink is rarely used, but you can store buckets, brushes, cleaning products or washing powder there. Manufacturers offer built-in furniture, made taking into account the parameters of the sink and pipe. As a rule, it is bought during repairs, along with a bathtub and a sink. But if the latter is without a cabinet, then you can make it to order or buy a cabinet that is suitable in width and depth, and then cut out the “lid” for the sink and pipe. Pull-out shelves will be an excellent option for filling, so that you don’t have to climb into the locker with your head in search of the right product.
Photo: pinterest.ru
It is customary to cover modern bathtubs with curtains. Some owners choose to tile this space to match the color of the floor and walls. But if the bathroom is small, consider under-bath storage. The space is not suitable for things that are afraid of moisture - washing powder in a cardboard box or fresh towels - but it is used for household products.
You can order special drawers that hermetically close the contents, but this will come out more expensive.
Photo: pinterest.ru
One of the common design moves is to expand the functionality of items that look like decor. For example, large wicker baskets will suit most bathroom styles while still being large enough to hold gels, shampoos, creams, and other cosmetics. You can store cleaning products in one, put laundry in the other. Baskets will fit into the space under the sink if it is not occupied by shelves, but will also look interesting against the wall.
Photo: pinterest.ru
The advantage of this furniture is that it can be as narrow as possible, which means it will fit in a small room. In addition, it is convenient to move the table away to wash the floors under it, and turn it to get a thing from a far corner. The products that you use daily can be placed on a table, on shelves or in beautiful baskets (perfume, brushes and toilet paper).
Much depends on whether water from the sink and bath gets on the shelves.
Photo: pinterest.ru
It is customary to hang hooks on the front door, but the space near the ceiling often remains unused. A multi-level shelf with 1-3 divisions is suitable, depending on the height of the ceiling. It is worth storing things that are rarely needed, such as clean towels and bathrobes. Make sure that you can comfortably take the contents from the shelf and that nothing falls when you open the door. Many will have to use a stool to reach the top.
Photo: pinterest.ru
Wall hooks are an obvious solution for storing towels, organizers with cosmetics and household appliances. But they can also be hung inside cabinets. So little things will not take up space on the shelf, and most accessories will always be at hand. In addition to hooks, glued boxes or plastic organizers for cosmetics are suitable, as well as hanging shelves that are attached to the door without glue and screws.
Photo: aliexpress.ru
Designers advise not to clutter up the space at eye level, otherwise the room will seem even more compact. Therefore, shelves tapering upwards would be an ideal option. If you did not find a similar rack in a furniture store, you can use an open stepladder. Small baskets for laundry or cleaning products can be placed on the lower shelves, hair dryers and hair straighteners, necessary jars and tubes, towels and decorative items on the upper shelves.
Photo: pinterest.ru
This hack is popular in the kitchen, but the bathroom also uses a lot of metal objects. For example, you can hang tools from a manicure set on a magnet so that you don’t have to look for them every time in a cosmetic bag on the shelves. Hairpins, hairpins and stealth are attached to the panel so that they are not lost in deep cabinets and hanging pockets.
Photo: pinterest.ru
If you have small children, rubber toys are left in the bathroom.
They can not be put away in cabinets until completely dry and it is inconvenient to put them in a row along the edge of a bathtub or sink. To keep toys from getting moldy for as long as possible, they can be placed on a dryer over the bathtub or collected in a hanging net with suction cups. It is convenient to place it above the bathtub so that water does not spill onto the floor. In such pockets, not only toys are stored, but also washcloths or shower gels, if there are no other shelves or there is not enough space on them.
Photo: aliexpress.ru
How to arrange things in a small bathroom: life hacks
Even the tiniest bathroom will become cozier if you learn how to use free space and find a place for each item. Buy shelves, hooks, stock up on transparent containers. Remove excess. Here are some ideas for organizing new storage spaces.
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In a small bathroom, you can use the height of the walls and hang not one, but two or three shelves on top of each other. Inexpensive shelves and fixtures can be bought at a furniture store. Place wicker baskets or pretty boxes on them to hide cosmetics, detergents and towels.
Arrange a coup
In a combined bathroom, the space above the toilet is usually empty, you can hang several identical shelves there. The original idea is to put shelf fasteners not from below, but on the sides of the shelves, turning them into a decorative element. For this, wooden carved fasteners are suitable. To hang such shelves, screw metal fasteners to the back wall of the shelf. For beauty, you can paint the shelf and fixtures white or the color of the tile.
Mirror with a secret
It makes no sense to hang a simple mirror in a small bathroom, it is better to make a closet behind the mirror.
Let it be shallow, but if it is made to the entire wall, there will be enough shelves for storage. 12 more secrets for a cramped apartment.
Look under the washbasin
The cabinet under the sink is usually small, but you can make shelves there, and even better and more convenient - drawers on rails. So that there is no chaos in the drawers, put organizers and transparent plastic boxes there. Pulling out the drawer, you will immediately see what is there.
Secret storage
If there is a spacious double cabinet under the sink, hang a few drawers inside - organizers, and attach metal shelves to the doors to store detergents and a hair dryer.
Instead of shelves - baskets
There is always a free corner of the wall next to the shower cabin, use it for shelves. Wicker baskets hanging on stylized hooks look original.
They can store everything from toilet paper to towels.
Use every centimeter
If the bathroom is separate, you can also create new storage spaces in it. For example, to build a closed cabinet behind the toilet for washing powders, brushes and mops. Or make open shelves by painting them white and put beautiful bottles of cosmetics, decorative flowers, candles and vases on them.
We write two, we think three
Many people like to hang metal shelves-containers for shampoos in the bathroom. Instead of one shelf, buy three at once. Hang one on the wall by the shower, and put the other two in a cabinet under the sink. It is convenient to store shampoos, cosmetics, hair dryers and cleaning products in them. Don't forget to measure the height of your cabinet so you can buy the right size shelves.
Useful decoration
Rustic wood panel is not only a bathroom design element, it can be used for practical purposes.
Use metal brackets to attach multiple glass jars of different sizes to the panel - there is room for cosmetics, combs, makeup brushes and more. Glass looks good in cramped spaces.
Magnetic attraction
It's hard to resist the urge to pile metal files, tweezers and hair clips into one pile. A magnet will help you overcome your laziness. Attach a magnetic strip to the mirror and it will attract all small metal objects to itself. Such magnets are sold in hardware stores for storing knives.
Mini Spice Shelves
Not only jars of spices, but also bottles of lotions and shampoos look great on these shelves. In addition, they take up very little space, they can be attached to any corner of the bathroom. Paint the shelves white and remove everything that is on the sink.
Way up
Another place that is rarely used is the space above the bathroom door.
