Toiletries Storage and Organization for a Clutter-Free Bathroom

bin organization in bathroom drawers
Photo: Carson Downing

Bathrooms have to store a wide variety of items in limited space. Maintaining order requires creative toiletries storage and organization that provides easy access to daily necessities while curbing clutter. Keep all your essentials in check with these bathroom storage ideas for cabinets, drawers, shelves, and more.

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Open Bathroom Storage

tan bathroom organized mirror storage
Michael Partenio

Bring order to open shelves with pretty baskets and trays. Sort items by category, such as shower supplies, hair styling tools, and surplus soaps, and stash them in appropriately sized baskets. Attach labels to the fronts as a reminder of what goes where.

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Bathroom Drawer Storage

bin organization in bathroom drawers
Carson Downing

Designate different bathroom drawers to serve specific needs. Use one to store hair- and nail-care supplies, another for dental care and contact lens upkeep, and a third to stash extra towels, for example. Fit each drawer with containers or dividers for toiletries storage to keep small items under control and easy to grab.

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Clutter-Free Bathroom Storage

bathroom with wooden vanity
Carson Downing

Utilize various types of bathroom storage to optimize organization. To maintain clutter-free countertops without sacrificing accessibility, install wall-mount shelves near the sink to store often-used products. Behind closed cabinet doors, use drawer dividers and customized storage units to store grooming essentials and bulk purchases.

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Everyday Bathroom Storage Ideas

toiletries on bathroom counter
Carson Downing

Prevent daily-use grooming supplies from taking over the entire bathroom countertop. Use a shallow tray to corral containers and toiletries stored out in the open. Using a tray makes cleaning easy, too; just move the whole tray when it's time to wipe underneath. Glass canister and small lidded jars are great for grouping cotton swabs and other bits.

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Bathroom Drawer Organization

wooden vanity drawer opened displaying makeup
Edmund Barr

Keep bathroom counters decluttered by utilizing drawer space. This drawer adds extra toiletries storage beneath the countertop while keeping things tucked away when no longer needed. The addition of wood and acrylic dividers keeps small items like nail polish and cosmetics contained.

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Pullout Bathroom Storage

metal bin storage under sink
Carson Downing

Boost the organizing potential of open cabinet space with pullout storage units. Choose multi-drawer solutions that allow you to divide items by size or purpose. Mesh bins provide a peek inside at contents, so you'll know when you're running low.

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Floating Shelf Bathroom Storage

Standing Vanity circle mirror
Miki Duisterhof

In bathrooms lacking countertop space, vertical storage is crucial to maximizing small square footage. Keep your daily necessities out in the open by making a stand-up vanity. A floating shelf below a mirror is the perfect place to hold your nightly routine products. Stock your shelf with makeup remover, cotton swabs, and a small hand towel.

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Bathroom Storage Shelves

Shelving against light green wall
Marty Baldwin

Shelves are far less costly for toiletries storage than drawers and cupboards. When outfitted with cubby-style openings, they offer compartmentalized spaces and easy accessibility. Line open shelves with woven baskets or colorful bins to sort items like extra towels and bath supplies for the same function but a different look.

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Built-In Bathroom Cabinets

white Bathroom Cabinets wallpaper
Jay Wilde

A wedge of wall space becomes a built-in cabinet that houses linens on shelves and in drawers. The multi-drawer facade at the base conceals a deep, pullout laundry bin. This hutch replaced a door-front linen closet similar to those in many older houses. This unit also could be built on unused floor space. Drawers and pullouts provide better access to deep spaces that are otherwise difficult to reach and use.

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Bathroom Storage Solutions

Bathroom layouts often contain awkward nooks and crannies. But when square footage is limited, you can't afford to waste space. These bathroom storage ideas will help maximize unused wall or floor space and boost organization.

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Bathroom Shelf Unit

wire storage unit
Lincoln Barbour

A metal and glass bathroom shelf unit turns an open wall into storage for towels, washcloths, and shower supplies. Small items are organized on trays and in baskets. Extra towels are within easy reach near the bath.

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DIY Bathroom Armoire

Bathroom Shelves DIY green
Jay Wilde

Repurpose an old or thrifted armoire for towel and toiletries storage. Look for one with adjustable shelves to store various types of toiletries. If you like, remove the doors for easy access, and paint. Then fill it with items your family or guests will need for their bathroom routines. Display cotton balls, swabs, and bath salts in attractive glass jars, and use cups or containers for hair and makeup brushes.

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Bathroom Wall Storage

Bathroom Wall Storage multiple mirrors
Adam Albright

This bathroom shelf unit offers ample towel and product storage without much wall space. (Slender bookcases work great for this!) Oversized baskets maximize the amount of stuff each shelf can hold. Tucking bathroom products away in woven baskets adds a nice texture to the space and keeps clutter at bay. Top each shelf with matching storage boxes or baskets for a symmetrical look.

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DIY Bathroom Storage Cubbies

DIY colorful stacked crate bathroom storage
Jason Donnelly

A set of painted wooden crates provides an easy DIY bathroom storage idea. Stack and secure the boxes together for a freestanding storage unit, or hang crates on the wall for makeshift shelves. Fill them with towels, washcloths, and containers filled with smaller items.

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Hanging Storage Bar

sponges master bedroom storage
Jay Wilde

Inspired by kitchen storage systems, this metal rod with hanging accessories allows for toiletries storage near the tub. It was designed to hold utensils but can also hold sponges. Choose a rust-resistant design if you're using this bathroom storage idea near the tub or shower.

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Bathroom Storage Niche

shower shelving bathroom tile
Stacey Brandford

Gain storage without losing space by building shelves right into the walls. An unused area above the tub with simple glass shelves offers ample space for towels and accessories. A shallow space between studs near the sink can house small items such as lotions. Building between studs increases space without the expense of a major remodel.

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Open Bathroom Shelves

coral Open Shelves soap towel
Brie Williams

Items stored on open shelves naturally look tidier when they're a compatible size or style. Find a brand you like for bath products and stock the whole collection. Display towels that work with your overall bathroom color scheme, and choose storage containers with similar shapes and designs.

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Bathroom Vanity Storage

white bathroom lighting
Anthony Masterson

When selecting a vanity, look for convenient storage solutions such as built-in drawers, shelves, and pullouts. A combination of storage types provides more options for organizing various items. This compact unit, which boasts several drawers on either side of the cabinet area, is attractive and functional.

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Tall Bathroom Cabinet

Tall Bathroom Cabinet shower
Werner Straube

When space is tight, go vertical for bathroom storage. These built-in shelves use a small footprint but offer lots of organizing potential. Baskets keep tall products upright, while labels help ensure everything returns to its rightful place.

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Storage Basket

bathroom vanity storage basket
Laura Moss

While pedestal sinks and floating vanities offer style, they lack under-counter storage. A large basket brimming with towels makes good use of the available space. Use hidden storage such as lidded bins for items like extra toilet paper and bath products.

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Stylish Toiletries Storage

tile shower shelf mirror
Michael Partenio

Store items near their point of use. If you shave in the tub or shower, for example, locate a mirror and razor close at hand. Stow towels in multiple places for easy access.

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Built-In Vanity Storage

bathroom vanity gold mirror
Anthony Masterson

The vanity's shallow drawers in this small bathroom offer a few extra inches of floor space without giving up much storage capacity. The larger cabinet area below the sink houses cleaners and other bath needs. Varying the depth of the drawers keeps items in check without wasting space.

Drawer dividers are also a good way to keep things from becoming jumbled. They ensure you can quickly find what you need in the morning and reduce over-purchasing since everything is easily visible.

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Concealed Bathroom Storage

Concealed Storage bathroom mirror
Werner Straube

Get makeup, lotions, and other bath products off the counter and out of sight with a medicine cabinet. This one provides several shelves of storage hidden behind the mirror. It allows easy access to daily-use items while maintaining an orderly look.

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Repurposed Storage Cabinet

bathroom wooden box storage
Jay Wilde

Repurpose items initially designed for other uses. This trunk, for example, was mounted on legs to bring it up to table-top height. It now keeps bath salts and extra towels dry while serving as display space in the bathroom.

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Wicker Basket Storage

Wicker Basket Storage bathroom
Adam Albright

Before you splurge on expensive storage solutions, look around your house for everyday items you can use for organizing. For instance, pottery bowls, serving platters, baskets, tin buckets, and glassware offer practicality and character. Leftover packaging containers and jars can also be given a facelift with decorative papers. Group items into containers by type (hair products, cosmetics, cleaning supplies).

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Built-In Drawers

storage drawers storage
Gus Schmiege

A well-proportioned drawer can handle items of various shapes and sizes. Here, homeowners saved valuable floor space by building slide-out drawers between wall studs. Acrylic organizers keep things from falling as the unit is pulled out.

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Bathroom Storage Furniture

cushion bench storage
Michael Partenio

Bring in bathroom furniture with hidden storage opportunities. This small bench features a deep drawer ideal for storing extra bath supplies and towels next to the shower. The cushioned top provides a handy spot to sit.

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Smart Bathroom Storage Ideas

Pull-out shelves
Anthony Masterson

Clutter will take less of a toll on your bathroom if you group items in a logical spot. For example, keep extra rolls of toilet paper near the toilet, shampoo close to the shower, and bars of soap in a sink drawer. This pullout storage area holds skincare essentials near the sink.

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