10 Clever Ways to Boost Storage in Bathroom Sink Cabinets

Bathrooms often pose a tricky storage conundrum. So much of the space is occupied by essential fixtures, including the sink, toilet, and shower, which can leave little room for storing other necessities such as towels, bath products, cosmetics, and more.

Over and under bathroom sink storage cabinets provide the majority of potential extra room, but these might not cut it if you have a lot of stuff to store or if your bathroom is particularly small. The trick is knowing which updates can help solve those organizing issues. Here are some smart ideas for bathroom sink cabinets to help you maximize style and organization within a limited space.

1. Consider an alternative to traditional bathroom sink cabinets.

Furnishings like dressers can easily be transformed into bathroom vanities. A hole cut into the top accommodates a sink, and a couple of coats of polyurethane protect the piece from water damage. Plus, dresser drawers often provide more convenient storage than traditional vanity cabinets. Install a shelf between the medicine cabinet and vanity to compensate for any storage lost to plumbing.

2. Make up for a lack of undersink bathroom storage.

Pedestal sinks and open vanities are fantastic solutions for small spaces because they're less visually heavy than full-fledged bathroom vanities. Unfortunately, they eliminate under-sink storage. One way to compensate is to flank the sink with storage towers. If you've got multiple family members using the same space, give one shelf or drawer to each person. Choose an open shelving unit, like an etagere, to maintain the light and airy look of pedestal sinks.

3. Compensate for a narrow bathroom sink cabinet.

If the space around your bathroom sink stands isn't very wide, use a shelving unit with custom inserts to maximize the narrow space and gain a place for your necessities. Utilize baskets and drawers to corral all your bathroom items. A short unit means the top can be used as an extra sliver of counter space.

4. Extend storage beyond bathroom sink cabinets.

A hutch takes advantage of vertical space to provide storage to the ceiling. They are also great in a narrow spot between a sink and a tub or wall. Measure first to know your space constraints while you are shopping. If you're collecting bathroom renovation ideas, consider a custom piece to ensure you get a hutch that fits perfectly.

5. Install a medicine cabinet for extra storage.

It can be an involved project, but recessing a medicine cabinet into the studs is a great way to counteract a slim space around a bathroom sink cabinet. Extend the idea by recessing shelves into the spaces between the wall studs. A second medicine cabinet on the wall parallel to the sink could be mounted to the wall or recessed into the studs.

6. Add a bathroom storage tower between sinks.

For a bathroom sink storage idea that takes organization to the next level, capture the space between sinks with a cabinet on the countertop. Although it might be tempting to go with a wide cabinet, you won't want to sacrifice all of your counter space. Consider adding a drawer to the bathroom sink cabinet design for stashing small items, such as hair accessories or jewelry.

7. Customize bathroom sink cabinet storage.

When looking for bathroom storage ideas, consider mixing drawers and cabinets. Mirroring the storage on each side of the vanity gives two people access to their items. Small drawers on each side of the sink are ideal for housing hair tools and electric razors. Roomy cabinets are a prime spot for large bottles. Central drawers store items used by both parties. Choose a design with an open lower shelf to lighten the visual weight of bathroom vanity cabinets.

8. Work bathroom sink cabinets into an odd layout.

Fill any awkward corners with a custom configuration. Here, two bathroom vanities with sinks flank a built-in cabinet. The design accommodates an oddly angled wall while providing ample grooming space for two people and many storage options, including drawers for towels and a tall cabinet for housing shampoo bottles or baskets of toiletries.

9. Combine open and closed bathroom storage.

Give yourself flexibility with a bathroom cabinet that combines open and closed storage. Here, open shelves beneath the countertop keep clean towels close at hand. A cabinet conceals other bathroom necessities. The substantial countertop unifies the look.

10. Supplement bathroom sink cabinet storage.

Supplement a single-sink vanity cabinet with a small table. A pedestal table offers twice the storage: the top holds canisters of bath essentials, and the bottom shelf is for hand towels. In this tone-on-tone bath, the gray and white basketweave finish suits the decor while introducing a bit of texture.