Bathrooms can be tricky when it comes to storage. They’re usually the smallest rooms in a home, but somehow we expect them to hold a mountain of stuff we use every day.
Remember to repin your favorite images!
From toiletries and towels to cleaning supplies and extra toilet paper, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to fit everything in.
With the right storage solutions, even a tiny bathroom can feel organized, functional, and a whole lot less stressful. Just adding shelves above the toilet, using ladder racks, or popping in drawer organizers can make a cluttered bathroom feel way bigger.
You don’t need a renovation or a ton of money for the best storage ideas. Most fixes are weekend projects with basic tools.
If you get creative and focus on what you actually need, you’ll end up with a bathroom that’s both good-looking and practical.
Assessing Your Bathroom Storage Needs
Before you start adding storage, take a good look at your bathroom and what you need to stash away. Spending a little time on this step can save headaches later.
Evaluating Your Space
Measure your bathroom. Note the wall space, floor area, and those weird corners—don’t skip the spot above the toilet.
Look up! Vertical space is storage gold and most people ignore it.
Check your bathroom’s layout and think about how you move around. You don’t want to bump into shelves every time you brush your teeth.
Look at moisture levels. Stuff near the shower needs to be water-resistant, but drier spots can handle things that shouldn’t get wet.
Watch out for plumbing and outlets that might limit where you can add things. Sometimes you have to get creative.
Identifying Storage Priorities
Write down everything you keep in the bathroom. Group similar stuff—like toiletries, cleaning products, towels, and makeup.
Think about what you grab every day. Those things should be easiest to reach, while less-used items can go up high or in the back.
Who uses the bathroom? Kids need lower shelves, while adults might want to tuck certain things out of sight.
Focus on function first. Pretty storage that doesn’t actually hold your stuff is just frustrating.
Don’t forget to plan for the future. The best storage keeps up as your needs change.
Built-In Bathroom Storage Solutions
Built-in storage turns a cluttered bathroom into a tidy one. These permanent solutions blend in and use every inch, while also adding value to your home.
Custom Cabinets
Custom cabinets let you make the most of your bathroom’s size and shape. Unlike store-bought options, you can design them around pipes, corners, and tricky heights.
In small bathrooms, go for floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Even shallow ones—just 12 inches deep—can store a surprising amount.
Pick materials that last. Solid wood with a good seal resists moisture, but MDF works if you’re on a budget.
Add features that make life easier:
- Pull-out shelves for easy grabbing
- Divided drawers for little stuff
- Soft-close hinges (no more slamming doors)
- Built-in hampers for laundry
Expect to pay around $300-700 per linear foot for custom cabinets, depending on what you pick.
Wall Niches
Wall niches give you storage without eating up floor space. These little recesses fit between the studs and work great during renovations or new builds.
In showers, niches replace clunky caddies and keep everything at hand. Place them about 48-60 inches from the floor for easy reach.
Try adding niches near the vanity or toilet for rolled towels or your go-to products.
Most niches are 3.5 inches deep, 12-16 inches wide, and anywhere from 8-24 inches tall. Adjust as needed for your stuff.
Always waterproof shower niches properly—use the right backing, membrane, and tile to avoid water damage.
Under-Sink Storage Options
The space under your sink doesn’t have to be a mess. With built-in solutions, you can turn it into organized storage.
Custom drawers that work around pipes let you use every inch. U-shaped or notched drawers fit around plumbing and still pull out easily.
Try:
- Tip-out trays for tiny items
- Dividers for cleaning supplies
- Vertical slots for hair dryers or straighteners
- Hidden outlets for charging
Use water-resistant materials and add ventilation if you’re storing electronics. A leak detector under the sink can catch problems early.
If you rent, removable drawer systems can give you similar organization without permanent changes.
Optimizing Vertical Space
In a small bathroom, walls are your best friend. Use vertical space to store essentials and keep your floors clear.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves give you storage without bulky brackets, so the room feels open. Install them above the toilet—this often-wasted spot can hold extra rolls, towels, or pretty jars.
Pick shelves that match your vibe: wood for cozy, glass for modern, metal for a bit of edge. Put daily stuff at eye level and less-used items higher up.
Mount them well, especially in steamy bathrooms. Use sturdy anchors and leave about 12 inches between shelves for taller bottles.
Open Shelves
Open shelving usually has visible brackets and can hold heavier stuff than floating shelves.
Put open shelves beside the sink, over the vanity, or in awkward corners. Use baskets to hide clutter and clear containers so you can see what’s inside.
Group similar things together and fold towels the same way. Facing product labels forward instantly makes things look tidier.
If you want a streamlined look, keep the color palette simple. Too many colors can make shelves look messy, even when they’re organized.
Smart Storage Accessories and Organizers
Accessories can make or break your bathroom organization. The right tools help you use every inch and keep essentials close by.
Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers are a game changer. They keep things from sliding around and mixing together.
Clear acrylic dividers work great for makeup and small toiletries. You can spot what you need fast.
Adjustable dividers fit any drawer and let you customize the space. Try:
- Expandable bamboo for a natural look
- Interlocking plastic for flexibility
- Makeup organizers with compartments in different sizes
These simple add-ons double your usable space and keep everything where it belongs.
Wicker Baskets
Wicker baskets bring style and function to your bathroom. They hide the ugly stuff and add some cozy texture.
Small baskets fit on shelves or counters and corral things like cotton balls or mini soaps.
Bigger baskets can hold towels, toilet paper, or cleaning supplies. If you’re storing liquids, pick baskets with liners.
Label your baskets for easy finding. Even just a tag helps everyone remember what goes where.
Wicker stands up to humidity better than some other materials, so it’s a smart choice for bathrooms.
Rolling Carts
Rolling carts are super flexible. Move them where you need them and change things up as your routine shifts.
Three-tiered metal carts are especially handy. Keep daily items on top and backups below.
Pick carts with locking wheels so they don’t slide away when you reach for something.
Some carts are skinny enough to fit between the toilet and wall. Others have bars for hanging washcloths or are waterproof for wet areas.
If you have more than one bathroom, just roll the cart to wherever it’s needed.
Creative Storage for Small Bathrooms
Small bathrooms can still be super functional if you get creative. Sometimes you have to think beyond the usual cabinet-and-shelf routine.
Multipurpose Furniture
Small tables with storage built in can be a game changer. Look for slim vanities with drawers—they fit tight spots but still stash a lot. A narrow rolling cart can squeeze between fixtures to hold toiletries, towels, and cleaners.
Wall-mounted sinks with small cabinets underneath save floor space but still give you storage. Mirror cabinets that open up to shelves are perfect for meds and little odds and ends.
Foldable or stackable pieces are great in a tight room. A small storage stool can hold magazines or extra toilet paper and double as a seat.
Space-saving tip: Furniture with legs (instead of solid bases) keeps things open and airy while still offering storage.
Utilizing Corners
Corners get ignored, but they’re storage gold. Corner shelves—either floating or freestanding—fit where nothing else will. These triangular shelves fill awkward gaps you’d otherwise waste.
Corner shower caddies keep shampoos and soaps off the floor. Glass corner shelves can look sleek and blend right in.
A tall, skinny corner cabinet adds vertical storage without sticking out too far. It’s great for stuff you don’t use every day.
Quick DIY: Put up a few small corner shelves at different heights for a fun look and more storage.
Over-the-Toilet Storage
Don’t let the space above your toilet go to waste. Over-the-toilet shelves or cabinets give you several feet of storage without using extra floor space.
Floating shelves here look modern and hold everything from decor to toilet paper to little baskets of toiletries. Match them to your other fixtures for a pulled-together feel.
If you want to hide things, go for cabinets with doors. Many units combine open and closed storage for flexibility.
Pro tip: Add hooks to the sides of your over-the-toilet unit for hand towels or loofahs. Every inch counts.
Efficient Towel and Bath Accessory Storage
Organizing towels and bath accessories makes your bathroom work better and look nicer. Smart storage turns even the smallest space into something efficient and stylish.
Towel Racks and Wall Hooks
Wall-mounted towel bars and hooks work great as space-saving solutions in any bathroom.
You can install a few towel bars at different heights to use up vertical wall space. This trick comes in handy, especially in small bathrooms where you just don’t have much floor room.
Personalized hooks with initials add a little personality and make it easy for everyone to grab their own towel. Plus, they look pretty cute.
Here are a few options worth considering:
- Over-the-door hooks for robes or extra towels
- Swing-arm towel bars you can pull out when you need them
- Double bars that let you hang twice as many towels in the same spot
Chrome finishes stand up to humidity, so they last longer in the bathroom. If you want a modern vibe, matte black hardware pops against pale walls and feels pretty trendy.
Bath Caddy Solutions
A bath caddy keeps your stuff handy while you soak. I’d look for caddies with separate spots for soap, washcloths, and other bath products.
Corner shower caddies use space that usually goes to waste. Stainless steel or plastic-coated wire won’t rust, so they’re good choices for damp places.
If you’ve got a tub, a wooden or bamboo tray that sits across the top gives you a spot for:
- Books or tablets
- Candles
- Wine glasses
- Small towels
Freestanding caddies sit right beside the tub. You don’t have to install anything, and most have towel bars on the sides for extra storage.
Storing Towels Visibly
Open storage can turn towels into part of your decor. Rolled towels in baskets or on open shelves give a spa-like feel and keep things easy to grab.
Try these ideas:
- Roll hand towels and stack them like a pyramid.
- Fold bath towels in thirds and tuck them into a wine rack.
- Use decorative baskets on the counter for washcloths.
A hexagonal shelving unit gives you cool compartments for towels and toiletries. The shape adds something different to your bathroom’s look.
Ladder-style racks lean against the wall and give you a few rungs for hanging towels. Depending on the material, they fit a rustic or modern style and barely take up any floor space.
Designing a Functional and Stylish Bathroom
Want a bathroom that feels organized and looks good? Smart storage choices can totally change the vibe and help you ditch the clutter.
Freestanding Tub Storage
Freestanding tubs look amazing and feel fancy, but they don’t usually come with storage. Solve this by adding a bath caddy across the tub to hold soaps, candles, or whatever you like.
Put a small side table or stool next to the tub for extra storage and a spot to set things while you bathe. Pick water-resistant materials like teak or coated metal if you can.
Mount shelves on the wall near the tub to keep towels and bath products close without using up floor space. These shelves can hold decorative items too.
Try a rolling cart for even more storage. You can move it wherever you want, and just tuck it away when you’re done.
Incorporating Storage Into Decor
Decorative baskets pull double duty—they store things like toilet paper, towels, or toiletries and add some texture to the room. I love how they make a bathroom feel cozy.
Repurpose old stuff for storage if you want something unique. An old ladder can turn into a towel rack, and vintage jars work well for cotton balls or swabs.
Floating shelves above the toilet or beside the mirror give you a spot to stash things and show off a few plants or bits of art. Mix practical stuff with a few pretty pieces for a more personal touch.
Built-in niches in shower walls keep bath products handy and dry. You can match the tile or go for a bold color to make them stand out.
Black and White Bathroom Storage Ideas
Black and white color schemes always set a timeless, elegant mood in a bathroom. Try adding black metal shelving units to white walls—honestly, the contrast just pops and gives you storage that looks as good as it works.
Place white storage containers on those black shelves for an organized look that stands out. You can use matching containers for a more unified vibe, or mix different white vessels if you want things to feel a bit more playful.
Contrast creates focus:
- Toss white towels into black baskets.
- Hang black hooks on crisp white walls.
- Store white products inside black containers.
A black vanity with a white countertop brings in lots of storage and really grounds the whole design. You get drawers, cabinets, and a bold centerpiece all at once.
Try wall-mounted black cabinet hardware on white cabinetry if you want something subtle but impactful. Even small details like these can totally transform a black and white bathroom.