40 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas That Are Actually Clever
Steal these DIY ideas to maximize every inch of your space.
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From your morning shower to your nightly skincare regimen, the bathroom's where we spend a lot of our time. And let's face it: There's nothing worse than a cluttered bathroom that turns your daily routine into a challenge. That's why it's so important to find the right solutions to stay organized and maximize even the tiniest of spaces. Here, we've rounded up small bathroom storage ideas — whether you're a renter living in a compact apartment or a homeowner tackling a half bathroom.
As always, start by decluttering any products or tools that you don't need, then assign every item a home. If you've got the floor space, bring in cabinets, organizers or a rolling bar cart for extra storage. Make the most of wall space by hanging bathroom shelves near the sink, over the toilet or even in a window. You can conceal toiletries in wicker baskets or purchase a sink skirt to hide folded towels and cleaning products. When all's said and done, don't forget to weave in some beautiful bathroom decor, too.
Hang Shelves in the Window
Create space for everyday essentials — think hair products and toiletries — by mounting shelves in the window. Just keep in mind, certain skincare (like vitamin C serum) shouldn't be stored in bright light.
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RELATED: 25 Small Bathroom Shelving Ideas to Maximize Storage
Rely on Decorative Bins
Fill pretty bins with frequently used items, like cleaning products, washcloths or skincare. Take note from Karen Nepacena from Destination Eichler and set them on floating shelves, so everything you need is within reach.
Bring in a Small Bench
If you've got a few inches of spare floor space, a wooden bench can serve as an additional surface for storing towels and decor. For families with small children, it'll be a functional step stool to reach the sink, too.
Make Space for a Small Organizer
A small space (maybe 18 inches) between the toilet and shower is all you need to squeeze in a three-tier storage caddy. Fit in towels and spare shower essentials.
Categorize the Bathroom Closet
Maximize closet space by categorizing, labeling and organizing everything you own. Use large baskets for extra linens, clear bins for toiletries and color-coordinated hampers to make laundry day a breeze.
RELATED: How to Declutter Your Home Without Getting Overwhelmed
Mount Acrylic Shelving
Here, Outline Interiors adds functional storage in an awkward alcove by hanging acrylic shelves. Clear shelves (glass or acrylic) are great for small spaces, since they look clean, light and nearly invisible.
Stow Away Essentials in Wicker Bins
Not only do wicker bins add texture and warmth to any interior (as Bethany Adams Interiors demonstrates here), but they can easily hide clutter. Imagine hot tools, spare toilet paper rolls and personal care items you'd like accessible but not visible.
Display Skincare on Shelves
Fancy skincare bottles and jars can easily double as decor when displayed on sleek shelving. Elevate the look by hanging a picture light above, just as designer Anastasia Casey does here.
Decorate With a Small Stool
Limited floor space? No problem! A tiny stool is the perfect way to add charm and decor to an unused corner of the bathroom. Just take it from Karen Nepacena from Destination Eichler and top the surface with a faux plant.
Construct a Secret Cabinet
This playful patterned room, designed by Outline Interiors, has a secret medicine cabinet to contain counter clutter. When it's closed, guests will have no idea it's there!
Opt for Wire Baskets Under the Sink
Wire organizers can help make the most of the space under your vanity. Not only does it look much better, but now you'll know where everything is in a pinch.
Build in Open Shelving
Defined by a whimsical wallpaper and dark blue cabinetry, this small bathroom (designed and built by Arciform) has four built-in shelves, perfect for storing towels. If your towels will be on display, be sure to choose options that pair with your bathroom design.
Repurpose Your Bar Cart
Your favorite place to store wine can double as the perfect linen closet on wheels. Arrange spare towels, toilet paper and washcloths in baskets and leave toiletries up top.
Take Advantage of the Entire Wall
Forget the floor cabinets and floating ledges. Instead, go the extra mile with built-in shelves all over the wall. You'll truly have space for everything, including towels, ornaments, baskets of toiletries and bins of cleaning products and hair tools.
Try a Storage Ladder
A ladder provides a spot to hang towels and baskets full of extra toilet paper, but it doesn't protrude much from the wall, making it ideal for slim spaces.
Unclutter Your Vanity Drawers
Believe it or not, just organizing your drawers can give you more space to store products. Use drawer dividers to section off items. Choose multiple sizes, one for hair ties and clips, and another for flat irons, blow dryers and brushes.
Opt for a Corner Cabinet
If you're someone who loves to stock up on bath products, you may benefit from a larger cabinet. Choose a design with glass doors, so you can easily see what you need to grab.
Use Bath Trays for Extra Space
Bring the spa right to your home with a simple bath tray that can hold everything from reading material to candles and body products.
Clear Off the Countertop
Mounted wire baskets and a mirror with a built-in shelf make up for any space that may be lacking on top of your vanity. Keep toothbrushes, toothpaste, cleansers and lotions tucked inside.
Tuck Towels in Baskets
Turn a problem (no linen closet) into a picture-perfect solution by sticking rolled bath and hand towels in cute baskets below your vanity. Talk about fashion and function all in one!
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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