Every bathroom needs proper storage to stay organized and clutter-free. With clever storage solutions, you can maximize every inch of space in your bathroom. From freestanding cabinets to wall-mounted shelves, we have 43 brilliant bathroom storage ideas to help you make the most of your bathroom layout and keep all your toiletries neatly tucked away. Read on for tips, tricks and product recommendations to maximize storage in big and small bathrooms alike.
Clever Bathroom Storage Solutions
1. Install Pull-Out Shelves in Vanity Cabinets
Vanity cabinets provide essential bathroom storage space. However, the cabinets often contain a big empty space that goes unused. Install pull-out shelves to fully maximize vertical storage space in vanity cabinets. These shelves on tracks pull out to bring items at the back of the cabinet within easy reach. Pull-out shelves are available in a range of sizes to fit any vanity cabinet.
2. Use Tension Pole Shower Caddies
Tension pole shower caddies mount between the shower walls with spring-loaded adjustable width. These caddies provide convenient storage for shampoos, soaps and other shower essentials without drilling holes in shower walls. Tension pole caddies come in different finishes and configurations, with shelves, baskets and hooks to hold bottles upright.
3. Add a Freestanding Storage Cabinet
A slim freestanding cabinet provides extra storage space in a bathroom. Position it next to the vanity, in a corner or elsewhere you have room. Freestanding cabinets come in many styles, sizes and finishes to coordinate with your bathroom decor. Opt for a cabinet with shelves, drawers or a combination to store hand towels, toilet paper, bath tissue and other essentials.
4. Use Under-Sink Pull-Out Baskets
Maximize the storage space under bathroom sinks with pull-out baskets. Mounted on drawer glides, these baskets pull out to provide easy access to items stored at the back underneath sinks. Use them to neatly organize toiletries, cleaning supplies and bath accessories.
5. Install Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Wall-mounted cabinets make the most of vertical wall space for organized bathroom storage. Mount them above the toilet tank or elsewhere you have space to store extra toilet paper, towels and other necessities. Floating wall cabinets with enclosed storage prevent dust and moisture from accumulating on the stored items.
6. Add Shelves Inside Cabinets
Take advantage of wasted space inside bathroom vanity cabinets and other storage furniture. You can buy removable shelves or install permanent shelving to store more items neatly. Opt for adjustable shelves so you can customize the storage space to fit different-size bottles, boxes and other items.
7. Use Over-the-Toilet Storage
Over-the-toilet wall cabinet is a smart way to use the often-wasted wall space above the toilet. Choose a cabinet with doors to conceal the stored items. Use it to store extra toilet paper, towels, cleaning supplies and other bathroom necessities.
8. Opt for a Double Bathroom Vanity
A double vanity provides more storage space than a single vanity, with double the countertop space and cabinets. If space allows, choose a double vanity for your main bathroom to accommodate storage needs for two or more people. You can opt for a vanity with two mirrors and sinks, or just extra drawer and cabinet space on one side.
9. Add Shelves to Shower Walls
Install shelves directly on shower walls to store shampoo, soap and other shower essentials within arm’s reach. Choose water-resistant shower shelves with materials like bamboo, teak wood or stainless steel. Recessed shelves built into shower walls keep items neatly organized and out of the way.
10. Use Apothecary-Style Drawers
An apothecary-style vanity features stacked drawers of various sizes instead of cabinet doors below the sink. This style provides easy access to bathroom essentials and keeps everything visible and organized. Label the drawers to designate spaces for towels, toilet paper, makeup, hair products and other items.
11. Opt for a Pedestal Sink
A pedestal sink has no storage space underneath, opening up floor area. Install a floor storage unit like a cabinet or shelving next to the pedestal sink base. Or, mount small shelves or cabinets on walls around the sink for keeping bathroom essentials within reach.
12. Add a Mirror Cabinet
Mirror cabinets allow you to store items inside while providing a useful mirror on the exterior. These cabinets mount on the wall above bathroom sinks or vanities. Choose a mirrored cabinet with adjustable shelves inside to store everything from cosmetics to first aid supplies.
13. Use Hanging Wall Cabinets
Hanging wall cabinets mount on rails for easy access to stored items. Mount them above the toilet tank or on any vertical wall space. These cabinets have doors to conceal the interior shelving. Use them to store extra toilet paper rolls, towels and other bathroom necessities.
14. Utilize Ladder Shelving
Ladder-style shelving leans elegantly against bathroom walls. This shelving works especially well next to clawfoot bathtubs. Use it to display fluffy folded towels, plants and decorative bath accessories within arm’s reach. Look for ladder shelves with towel rods incorporated into the design.
15. Install Toilet Paper Holders with Storage
Instead of basic toilet paper holders, opt for versions with built-in storage. Wall-mounted toilet paper holders with a shelf above are handy for storing spare rolls, air freshener spray, matches and other small bathroom items. Or choose a freestanding toilet paper holder with cabinet storage space below.
16. Add Tiered Shelves to Walls
Tiered wall shelves provide vertical storage and display space in bathrooms. Mount them on a single wall or stagger them across two walls. Tier them above toilets, near bathtubs or anywhere you need extra open shelving. Use them to display folded towels, decorative soaps and other items.
17. Choose a Vanity with Drawers
When selecting a new bathroom vanity, opt for one with ample drawer space. Full-extension drawers with easy-glide mechanisms provide the most usable space for neatly organizing toiletries and supplies. Deep drawers accommodate bulkier items, while shallow drawers are great for smaller accessories.
18. Use Wall Racks and Holders
Racks and holders keep essentials within arm’s reach. Mount towel holders, toilet paper holders, soap dishes and toothbrush holders on walls throughout the bathroom. Choose holders with grippy rubber arms to securely hold items in place. Look for racks with multiple arms for holding folded washcloths, hand towels and bath towels.
19. Opt for Baskets Under Sinks
An easy way to organize items stored under bathroom sinks is with baskets. Choose baskets sized to neatly fit under your vanity or sink cabinet. Use different-size baskets to tidy and separate everything from cleaning products to toiletries. Label each basket so you can easily find what you need.
20. Add Shelves Around Bathtubs
Install shelves around bathtubs to hold bath accessories within easy reach. Mount corner shelves or niche shelves on the wall or cut into the wall around bathtubs. These shelves keep soap, bath oil, razors and other items neatly stored but readily accessible from the tub.
21. Use Freestanding Shelves
Freestanding shelves provide storage and display space in any vacant area of the bathroom. They come in varied materials like wood, metal, glass and plastic. Choose a style that fits your bathroom’s decor. Use freestanding shelves to display decorative objects, toiletries, bath linens and more.
22. Hang Bath Robes and Towels
Make use of wall space to store bath robes and towels out of the way. Install hooks on the backs of doors or on walls to hang robes. Opt for double robe hooks placed at varied heights for his-and-her robes. Use hooks, rods or multi-arm towel racks to hang towels neatly to dry after use.
Storage Solutions for Small Bathrooms
Small bathrooms require smart storage solutions to keep clutter contained and maintain a neat appearance. Use these storage ideas in bathrooms of all sizes to maximize the available space.
23. Install Space-Saving Corner Shelving
Take advantage of small wasted spaces like corners to install shelving. Corner wall shelves provide vertical storage without taking up floor space. Use them to store toilet paper rolls, toiletries, candles and other small items. Or install tall corner floor shelving.
24. Use Narrow Rolling Carts
A slim rolling cart tucks into tight spaces when not in use. Then you can roll it out conveniently when you need the storage space. Look for narrow carts that fit beside toilets or in other small vacant areas. Use for storing extra toilet paper, backup soap and shampoo, etc.
25. Add Wall-Mounted Dispensers
Keep toiletries and necessities within arm’s reach without cluttering up precious countertop space. Install wall-mounted dispensers for soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes and more. Choose dispensers with holders to neatly organize and hold items upright.
26. Mount Medicine Cabinets Recessed
Recessed medicine cabinets maximize storage space on walls without protruding. Opt for recessed cabinets with mirrors on the exterior to reflect light and create a spacious feel. Use them to store small toiletries, medications and other bathroom necessities.
27. Use Over-the-Door Organizers
Over-the-door hanging organizers provide storage for small bathrooms without taking up permanent wall space. Hang them on the back of the door when you need the storage, then flip them out of the way when showering. Use for razors, cosmetics, medications and small toiletries.
28. Store Items Under Pedestal Sinks
Although pedestal sinks lack built-in cabinet storage, you can optimize the space underneath. Install hanging shelves or fitted baskets under pedestal sinks to hold toiletries, spare hand towels, and cleaning supplies. Or slide a rolling cart underneath.
29. Choose a Wall-Hung Vanity
A wall-mounted vanity hangs on the wall, leaving space below open rather than taking up floor space with cabinet doors. Then you can integrate shelves or cabinets below for expanded storage. This makes the most of compact bathroom spaces.
30. Use Tiered Wall Storage
Tiered wall storage takes advantage of vertical space with shelves or cabinets stacked at varying heights. Look for narrow shelving units to fit in tight spaces like near toilets and next to pedestal sinks. Use to store rolled towels, toilet paper and miscellaneous toiletries up and out of the way.
31. Add Shallow Drawers Under Sinks
Standard-depth drawers can be inefficient for storing smaller items that end up rattling around. When designing or shopping for a vanity, opt for shallow drawers, at least for the upper cabinets. Shallow drawers maximize space for smaller bottles, tubes, soaps and other necessities.
32. Choose Shelving Over Cabinets
Open shelving provides easy bathroom storage for small spaces without the bulk of cabinet doors. Floating wall shelves work especially well over toilets and above pedestal sinks. Or look for slender freestanding shelving units to fit in tight vacant areas.
Bathroom Storage Ideas for Shared Spaces
If you share a bathroom with other family members, guests or roommates, avoid clutter with these storage ideas to keep every person’s items neat and organized.
33. Designate Personal Drawers
Divide up vanity drawers to give every person their own storage space. Assign drawers with labels and let everyone personalize their own drawers as needed. This keeps personal care items separated and prevents cluttered communal drawers.
34. Use Over-the-Door Shoe Organizers
Install over-the-door organizers to neatly store each person’s toiletries and bathroom accessories. Thesehanging organizers maximize storage, especially in shared kids’ and guest bathrooms. Assign each mesh pocket to a different person.
35. Add Bath Caddies
Compact bath caddies provide personal storage space for bathrooms with shared shower stalls. Each person can hang their caddy over the showerhead to keep their preferred soaps, shampoos and razors at hand but out of communal way when not in use.
36. Use Personalized Shelving
If multiple people share open shelving, get creative to personalize storage space. Divide shelf areas using bins, baskets or trays labeled with each person’s name. Or separate shelf spaces with bookends, dividers or other creative items.
37. Hang Double Towel Bars
Rather than a single towel bar, opt for double bars to give each person their own towel space. Place double bars near sinks and showers so everyone has their own hook. Stagger them at different heights to fit both kids and adults.
38. Add Bins to Shared Cabinets
Lined cabinet storage helps separate everyone’s items in a shared bathroom space. Install permanent shelves with dividers or removable bins to assign spaces. Clearly label bins with each person’s name to prevent communal clutter.
39. Use Portable Storage
Portable acrylic storage drawers stack to provide personalized storage for shared bathrooms. Get a full set of drawers and assign each person their own drawers to use for toiletries, cosmetics and bathroom accessories. These stow away easily when not needed.
40. Install Dual Shower Caddies
Shower caddies designed to hold multiple sets of toiletries prevent shower clutter in shared bathrooms. Look for over-the-showerhead organizers with two, three or more tiers to assign each person their own storage tier or side.
Stylish Bathroom Storage Solutions
With some creativity, your bathroom storage solutions can also serve as decor. Opt for storage furniture and fixtures that align with your desired bathroom aesthetics.
41. Incorporate Baskets
Woven baskets in natural fibers like rattan add warmth and texture to bathrooms. Stash folded towels in baskets under open vanities. Line drawers and cabinets with baskets to corral bathroom items. Hang lidded baskets on walls to conceal toiletries.
42. Use Furniture-Style Cabinets
Furniture-look cabinets blend seamlessly into bathroom designs. Choose cabinets with framed cabinet doors, tapered legs, crown molding and other furniture details. Opt for crisp painted finishes or warm wooden stains. Use in place of traditional solid-front vanities.
43. Display Items Decoratively
Make functional storage part of your bathroom decor. Use glass containers to display cotton balls and Q-tips. Arrange candles, plants and bath accessories on open shelves. Fold washcloths and towels over ladder shelves. Let your storage solutions double as decor.
Conclusion
There are many excellent ways to maximize storage in bathrooms both large and small. Take time to assess your bathroom storage needs and layout to select solutions that make the best use of the available space. Optimize under-used areas with shelves, cabinets and baskets you may not have considered. The right storage solutions keep all your bathroom necessities organized while contributing to the room’s overall decor and decluttered feel.