Whether it’s your main bathroom, a powder room, or a guest bath, it’s undeniable that bathrooms experience high foot traffic and can swiftly devolve into cluttered spaces. Given their limited dimensions, bathrooms provide an excellent canvas for experimenting with bold decorative trends such as vibrant tiles or lively wallpapers. However, due to their relatively modest size compared to other rooms in your home, bathrooms can rapidly accumulate disorder, and no amount of organizational tricks can compensate for insufficient storage space. Smart storage solutions in the bathroom are a must to maintain organization and comfort.
A small bathroom presents one of the most formidable organizational challenges, requiring constant effort to keep it orderly. Given the frequent use of bathroom items, it’s easy for the space to descend into a chaotic, dysfunctional state, which is hardly a pleasant way to start or conclude your day. Fortunately, for bathrooms bursting with items, the subsequent smart storage concepts offer solutions to accommodate all essential toiletries while leaving ample space for embellishments like plants, candles, or artwork.
1. Behind The Door Storage
Adding storage behind the bathroom door, whether through attached cabinets or narrow shelving options on the wall, is a brilliant strategy to maximize the room’s utility. This often-underutilized space can become valuable in keeping the bathroom organized and clutter-free.
Attached cabinets to the back of the door offer an ingenious solution for creating extra storage without encroaching on the visual space of the bathroom. These cabinets are a discreet yet effective way to store items that you don’t necessarily need within arm’s reach, such as extra toiletries, cleaning supplies, or even spare towels. By using this vertical space, you transform an otherwise overlooked area into a functional storage hub. The cabinets can be customized to fit the door’s dimensions and either be mirrored or match the bathroom decor, seamlessly integrating into the overall design.
Narrow shelving options on the wall behind the door present another opportunity for smart storage. These shelves can be slim and discreet, yet they provide a dedicated spot for small items like skincare products, perfumes, or decorative accents. Their placement behind the door ensures they remain out of sight when the door is open, maintaining a clean and streamlined appearance. This setup is especially beneficial for bathrooms with limited wall space, adding an extra storage layer without sacrificing the room’s aesthetic or functionality.
2. Shower Shelves
Shower shelves are a great addition when renovating, saving you time, space, and trouble. These elements are crucial in streamlining the bathroom’s layout, maximizing available space, and adding ease to your bathing routine.
Shower shelves offer a designated spot to store bathing essentials like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and razors. Having these items neatly arranged on shelves eliminates the need to scatter them around the shower area, often leading to a messy and crowded space.
These save time during your daily routine and create a more visually pleasing and serene shower environment. The shelves can look various ways and be built to match your bathroom and shower area, whether glass, tile, or porcelain. They can be designed as unobtrusive storage that better hides your shower supplies or makes them more accessible when needed.
You may already have built-in niches in your shower where only a few items can live. If it is the right size, additional shelves can be added to offer more seamless storage without much work.
3. Medicine Cabinet
In a compact bathroom, every installation should serve multiple purposes. Instead of a basic wall mirror, use a medicine cabinet with abundant storage. Seek out medicine cabinets that combine a mirror, smart extra storage, and an open bottom shelf. This arrangement ensures that your frequently used products remain organized and reachable.
Medicine cabinets can be affixed to the wall or recessed into it. If you’re embarking on a bathroom renovation and desire a more subtle aesthetic, consider selecting a recessed medicine cabinet that appears as nothing more than a mirror at first glance.
Moreover, there are ways to enhance storage within the medicine cabinet itself. Attach a magnetic memo board to the interior of the door, transforming the surface into a hub for storing small grooming tools and beauty products.
4. Under Sink Cabinet
Many individuals may not realize the smart storage potential nestled beneath their sink. Instead of concealing clutter behind closed doors, consider enhancing this area with versatile sliding drawers or an alternative storage solution. Choices such as wire basket drawers can augment storage in the bathroom and throughout your home. Since cabinets under the sink in most bathrooms often contain wasted space, implementing tiered storage becomes pivotal.
You can custom-create a storage arrangement or discover organizers tailored to this space. Under-sink organizers are purposefully crafted to optimize this oddly shaped area. Through a vertical approach, an expandable under-sink organizer facilitates the stacking of cleaning supplies. You can also store more oversized bathroom items, eliminating the need for cumbersome digging or rearranging.
This space often goes unused due to pipes or other obstructions, making cabinet designs inconvenient. However, a custom-built cabinet is easy to add to a renovation. It’s also possible to find pieces designed to fit around pipes and provide aesthetic storage specifically.
5. Built-In Shelving
Built-in shelving is an obvious solution for a bathroom, but many areas need to be more utilized. This shelving can find its home in various strategic spots within the bathroom. Each spot serves a specific purpose and contributes to a more organized and visually pleasing space.
Good Built-In Locations
- Above the toilet: This is a popular location for built-in shelving. Utilize the wall space above the toilet to install shelves for storing extra towels, toilet paper, or decorative items.
- Around the vanity or sink: Incorporating built-in shelving around the vanity or sink area is practical and can enhance the overall design. These shelves can hold everyday items like toothbrushes, soap, and cosmetics, keeping them easily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free countertop.
- Within the shower or bathtub: Recessed shelves within the shower or bathtub enclosure are convenient and visually appealing. They provide a dedicated space for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other bathing essentials. This eliminates the need for unsightly caddies or hanging organizers.
- Adjacent to the mirror: Placing built-in shelves alongside or above the bathroom mirror offers a practical solution for storing grooming products, makeup, and toiletries. This setup ensures that everything you need for your daily routine is at your fingertips.
- Under the sink: If you have a pedestal sink or a vanity with unused space beneath it, consider adding built-in shelves. These shelves accommodate baskets or bins for organizing cleaning supplies, spare toiletries, and other miscellaneous items.
- On an empty wall: If you have a bare, unused wall, installing built-in shelves can create a designated space for displaying décor, storing towels, or aesthetic items like candles and plants.
- Above the bathtub: In bathrooms with larger tubs, built-in shelving above the bathtub can hold items for relaxation and self-care, such as bath salts, candles, and books.
- On unused nooks: Some bathrooms have architectural features like alcoves or niches that can be transformed into built-in shelving. This smart storage solution is for those looking to utilize the existing space.
Ultimately, the placement of built-in shelving in the bathroom depends on your specific storage needs, available space, and design preferences. By carefully considering where these shelves can go, you can maximize functionality while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.
6. Free-Standing Smart Storage
Introducing free-standing storage solutions into your bathroom can be a game-changer when expanding storage options and maintaining an organized space. Among these options, rolling carts stand out as versatile companions that effortlessly combine functionality and mobility. A rolling cart can stand wherever needed, offering storage without the commitment of permanent fixtures. These carts can hold towels, toiletries, makeup, and even cleaning supplies. They give everything a designated spot while making it easy to rearrange the bathroom layout as needed.
Another free-standing smart storage option is ladder shelving. Ladder shelves provide a stylish and open display for towels, baskets, and decorative items. They are beneficial in bathrooms with limited wall space or where you want to maintain an airy ambiance. The tiered design of ladder shelves maximizes vertical space and offers a visually pleasing way to store items without overpowering the room’s aesthetic.
7. Hooks And Hangers
Hooks and hangers offer effortless solutions for storing towels and various items without extensive effort. Placing hooks lets you neatly hang towels and robes, transforming unused wall areas into functional storage zones.
The versatility of hooks surpasses that of a traditional towel bar. Alongside your towels, hooks can securely hold items like bathrobes, blow dryers, or even a tote containing toiletries. You can significantly amplify your storage capacity by affixing two or even three rows of hooks on the back of the bathroom door. Opting for hooks with metallic finishes adds dimension to your space.
Initially intended for shower use, hanging organizers can be equally effective in the main bathroom area. Seek organizers that blend multiple storage options, such as combining a basket or shelf with a horizontal rack. This versatile design permits you to both dry towels and house toiletry products. Utilizing wire or wicker hanging baskets ensures your bathroom maintains an organized and decorated feel, preserving space while imbuing the room with character.
Full Bathroom Remodel Hacks
Working with a professional company provides insights and ideas if you’re going through a bathroom remodel or planning for one. For instance, if you’re extending the room or taking away an extra doorway, that could offer some easy shelving when sealing off the space. Professionals can find more storage than you may expect. And a remodel might allow for additional creative solutions for saving space and adding shelves.
If you want to learn more about transforming your bathroom and making smart storage additions, LA Carpet can provide a free estimate and explore several possibilities to help you improve your space. LA Carpet offers a wide range of remodeling services, including shower installation, flooring, tub replacement, vanity installation, and more. Reach out today to learn more about your home’s potential.
