22 Bathroom Storage Ideas
Any bath, no matter what its size, can always use more storage. Here are our favorite solutions for 22 all-too-common storage dilemmas.
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Problem: You've run out of shelf space but not out of stuff.
Solution: The backs of cabinet doors are full of unused storage space. Attach shallow caddies to the back of a cabinet to add storage for everything from hand soap to cotton balls to cleaning supplies. Label each shelf to make sure toiletries stay separate from other bathroom supplies.
Problem: You don't have the floor space to add a storage cabinet or the wall space to add a built-in unit.
Solution: Without using a lot of wall space, this modern floating shelf offers convenient under-sink storage. A storage niche above the wall-mount vanity also provides storage space for small toiletries and accessories.
Problem: You have limited floor space for storage units.
Solution: Choose small-scale storage cabinets -- such as the two narrow cabinets flanking each side of the vanity in this small master bathroom -- for maximum flexibility. Taller pieces offer more cubic inches of storage in limited square footage.
Problem: Bathroom space is limited, but you need more storage space.
Solution: Make use of potentially wasted corner space by repurposing a small plant stand as a storage caddy. Fill the bowls with soap, shampoo, and other bathroom toiletries to create an attractive and functional display.
Problem: Your bathroom lacks a medicine cabinet.
Solution: Take a cue from this bathroom and steal space wherever you can. A narrow wall on one side of the vanity was filled with storage potential. Now, the wall boasts a lengthy pullout cabinet with shelves made to hold small toiletries and hair products.
Problem: Your bathroom needs space to store everyday essentials.
Solution: Avoid cluttering up the countertops by placing toiletries and other bathroom necessities in pretty baskets. Group supplies in each basket for a specific task, person, or time of day.
Problem: Hand towels always seem to pile up by the sink.
Solution: Store damp hand towels on convenient pullout racks beneath the sink. Similar to storage found in the kitchen, the pullouts keep towels out of sight when you don't need them but provide easy access when you do.
Problem: Fitting your toiletries on your shelves is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
Solution: Adjustable shelves, such as the glass ones in this wall-mount cabinet, allow you customize your storage to fit anything. To ensure bathroom supplies stay neat and tidy, store small items, such as cotton balls and hair accessories, in separate containers.
Problem: Your shower area lacks built-in shelves.
Solution: Corral everyone's shower essentials using metal storage caddies. Small metal nameplates clipped onto the front of each caddy ensure everyone knows where to store their items post-shower.
Problem: A pedestal sink conserves space but doesn't provide storage.
Solution: Install a built-in unit behind the sink. Shallow drawers conserve valuable floor space while still providing ample storage for toiletries. A shelf above the sink offers more storage space as well as a spot to display decorative accessories. For a more affordable option, look for a freestanding unit that is short enough to tuck beneath the sink.
Problem: You've run out of floor space.
Solution: Go vertical with storage. Use a vintage ladder or one specifically made for bathrooms to hang towels. The height of the ladder will break up the monotony of the room and provide more storage.
Problem: You lack floor space to store a hamper for dirty laundry.
Solution: Put empty wall space to work. A handy tilt-out bin does the trick in this bathroom. Although it's small, the bin offers a convenient storage solution to keep dirty laundry out of sight.
Problem: Your bathroom has no closet space to store towels or linens.
Solution: If you have the space, a freestanding cabinet -- or two -- is your best stand-in for a linen closet. Save money by looking for unfinished cabinetry at home centers or snag a great piece at a yard sale. Keep everything neat and tidy within the cabinet by storing elements in separate bins, baskets, or containers.
Problem: Your small bathroom lacks floor space to add a storage unit.
Solution: Gain storage without interrupting traffic flow by building shelves right into the walls between studs. An unused area next to the toilet provides ample storage for bathroom essentials and decorative elements in this bathroom. The open shelving space not only adds storage, but it also keeps the small bath looking light and airy.
Problem: The area under your sink seems to be a haven for clutter and mess.
Solution: Corral cleaning supplies and other bathroom necessities using storage caddies and containers. A pullout shelf provides easy access to supplies, while a pretty metal bin holds sponges and brushes, and a stainless-steel paper towel holder provides vertical storage for extra toilet paper.
Problem: You lack versatile storage space.
Solution: This spacious bathroom boasts a sturdy wall unit that keeps hardworking bath essentials hidden yet handy. An X-style display space offers an open area to store colorful towels and decorative elements, while two closed cabinets stow away more less-than-pretty necessities.
Problem: You crave original storage solutions but haven't found the right fit at discount stores and home centers.
Solution: There are many different ways to store your bathroom supplies if you think creatively. Here, a patterned metal bucket hung next to a pedestal sink provides a unique and convenient spot to stow away everyday essentials such as toothpaste, shaving cream, and more.
Problem: Your bathroom storage spaces needs a little creativity.
Solution: Ordinarily reserved for kitchens and dining rooms, a colorful hutch adds a splash of personality and plenty of storage in this small bathroom. Open shelving on top of the hutch offers display space for wire baskets filled with pretty soaps and bath salts, while a lower cabinet houses towels and linens.
Problem: You rent, but you still want stylish bathroom storage.
Solution: Furnish your space with movable items, such as chairs and baskets, and removable items, such as wall hooks and lightweight wall-mounted shelves that won't leave large holes in the walls.
Problem: Under-cabinet storage is a mess.
Solution: Use a freezer bin for spray bottles and rolls of trash can liners, or clear acrylic shoeboxes with pullout drawers for brushes and rags.
Problem: Your bathroom storage lacks a cohesive look.
Solution: Here, a pair of glass jars provides pretty storage space for soaps and bath salts. For less attractive items, such as hair accessories and cotton swabs, search for stainless-steel or chrome containers. Their reflective surfaces will blend well with glass containers but will disguise the contents within.
Problem: The false cabinet is wasting precious cabinet space.
Solution: A handy metal-lined tilt-out drawer makes this often false cabinet door usable space -- and the perfect spot for those everyday essentials.
