18 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas That Are Actually Clever

When designing a small bathroom, the first step should always be decluttering. Remove any items that aren’t used daily, and store them in a closet or another out-of-sight location. This approach clears up valuable space and sets the stage for maximizing your bathroom’s potential.

There are numerous smart and aesthetically pleasing storage solutions that can make a small bathroom appear larger and more organized. Whether you’re working with a compact apartment bathroom or a cozy powder room, these ideas can help create a space that is not only functional but also stylish and serene.

1. Versatile Wall-Mounted Storage

Bathroom storage caddies typically hang inside the shower, but they can also be used on any wall to enhance organization.

For instance, a wire organizer hung from a wall peg in a small bathroom can keep frequently used bath products and hand towels accessible. This movable option is ideal for renters or those with evolving storage needs.

2. Under-Sink Storage

Maximize tight spaces by utilizing the area beneath the sink. A U-shaped drawer can fit around the plumbing inside a vanity cabinet, providing valuable storage for extra soaps, towels, and toilet paper.

3. Wall Shelves

Expand storage beyond the vanity with wall-mounted shelves. Install open shelving over the toilet or near the sink to store cosmetics, lotions, and other items.

Decorative accessories and glass jars can enhance the visual appeal of these shelves while keeping essential items organized.

4. Pullout Compartments

Incorporate innovative storage solutions like pullout compartments for personal-care products and hair-styling tools.

These hidden compartments slide out when needed and tuck away when not in use, optimizing space efficiency.

5. Mixed Storage Solutions

Combine open shelves with closed cabinets or drawers to balance display and storage needs. Strategically decide where each item should go, using bins, baskets, and other organizers to maintain a clutter-free appearance.

6. Vertical Storage

Utilize vertical space with upper vanity cabinets that conceal items behind doors. These cabinets extend upward, providing additional shelves while preserving counter space.

Shallow cabinets can help maintain a spacious counter area.

7. Storage Bins and Baskets

Use bins and baskets to manage clutter. Matching bins on open shelves beneath the sink can streamline organization and complement your bathroom’s color scheme.

8. Shower Storage

Maximize shower space by installing deep drawers beneath a shower bench. These drawers can store extra toiletries and accessories, making efficient use of available space.

9. Magnetic Storage

Enhance often-overlooked surfaces with magnetic memo boards mounted inside cabinet doors. Slim magnetic containers or hooks can hold bath accessories, keeping items organized while ensuring the cabinet door closes properly.

10. Undersink Shelving

Floating vanities can lack storage, so consider installing a floating shelf below the sink. This shelf can hold towels, washcloths, or small baskets for additional organization.

11. Bathtub Storage

Utilize creative storage solutions around the bathtub. Miniature towel rods can hold wire baskets for sponges and washcloths, while floating shelves and repurposed glass jars can store bath salts and soaps.

12. Tilt-Out Hamper

Replace a traditional cabinet drawer with a tilting door that reveals a wire hamper. This space-saving design conceals dirty towels or clothes and simplifies laundry access without requiring extra door swing space.

13. Storage Furniture

In the absence of built-in storage, opt for stylish furniture like vintage trunks. These can be placed in a corner or against a wall to store linens and provide a surface for decorative items.

14. Ladder Shelf

Utilize vertical space with a ladder-style shelf unit. Open shelves can serve as a linen closet and display area. Painting the unit in your bathroom’s accent color can enhance its visual appeal.

15. Built-In Storage

Incorporate built-in storage when designing a small bathroom. For example, built-in cubbies in a window seat can provide storage space below while the marble surface above can hold towels or decorative items.

16. Wall Hooks

Maximize limited wall space by installing hooks above the bathtub. These can provide easy access to clean towels and help define the area with chair rail molding and two-tone paint.

17. Overhead Storage

Utilize the space around the vanity mirror by incorporating a cabinet box into the mirror frame. Create cubbies for extra towels or use a basket for infrequently used supplies.

18. DIY Storage Solutions

Transform a basic wall shelf into a functional medicine cabinet by hanging it above the sink. Install a wooden dowel between shelf brackets to create a towel rod, and use containers and trays to organize small toiletries.

Enhancing Small Spaces

Apply these storage strategies to other compact areas in your home. With thoughtful updates, you can improve functionality in small dining rooms, living rooms, galley kitchens, and bedrooms, making them more enjoyable and efficient. Small spaces offer benefits like ease of cleaning and cost-effectiveness, so embrace their unique advantages.