6. Be strategic with shelving
“If your bathroom doesn’t have cabinets or has a pedestal sink, then a great option is to add storage anywhere you have floor space,” says La Fond. “This could be beside, across, or even above your toilet!”
Streamline Over-The-Toilet Shelf
7. Dress up the shelves
Even if you have few floating shelves, you can get creative with what you choose to display, says La Fond. “Use jars, baskets, or decorative bins to store cotton rounds, towels, facecloths, hair ties—anything that helps create more storage space elsewhere.” Or opt for stackable shelf baskets as chic storage containers to make more room.
Yesland Shelf Baskets with Lid
8. Choose freestanding storage pieces
“There are great freestanding storage pieces, like linen cabinets, that are easy to build, cost-effective, and don’t require installation,” says La Fond. This is a great opportunity to repurpose those old IKEA furniture pieces. Go bold and paint them in wild colors, or add whimsical details via peel-and-stick wallpaper on cabinet doors.
Manzanita Linen Closet
9. Remember to think chic
“The space above the commode is great for adding storage, but you have to avoid that very rental-like look, with the chrome or white plastic shelving looming over the toilet,” Olsen says. “It looks like R2-D2—not very chic. Instead, cantilevered shelves over the tank make for a cleaner look.” Even freestanding towel racks can glitter and draw the eye in the right direction.
Modern Overhang Freestanding Towel Rack
10. Maximize floor space
Go for the maximum amount of floor space by choosing “a nice wastebasket, hamper, or étagère,” Olsen says. Since it’s a bathroom, you can easily take advantage of having hampers as a storage space that is out in the open.
11. Rethink the sink
“Pedestal sinks can be attractive and have a nice vintage quality, but they’re not great when it comes to storage,” says Olsen. “You’re dealing with a basin you can barely put a bar of soap on! If you have a lot of accoutrements, go with a console sink with a flat top or a converted cabinet with an under-mount sink. You’ll have so much extra space, whether it’s to hang towels or store things behind doors or in drawers.”
FYY Over the Door Hooks
12. Arrange (lidded) containers
If you want to keep the floating or pedestal sink, consider baskets underneath the water fixture. Choose bins with lids to keep items safe from any water drips or dust.
Open Spaces Small Bins With Lids, Set of 2
13. Tidy up with a sink skirt
Use every nook and cranny under the sink for full under sink storage, then hide it all behind a fashionable sink skirt. If you decide to sew your own, look for a fabric that reflects the overall style of the bathroom. If you already have busy wallpaper, stick to solid colors.
Citrus Grove Cotton Fabric (by yard)
14. Hang baskets
Instead of leaving wicker under the sink, hang baskets on the wall. This allows for more floor space while optimizing the walls. Even small hanging baskets (as opposed to metallic towel bars) can hold guest towels or serve as decorative accents. If you’re into biophilic design, adding humidity-loving plants can give the baskets a more natural aesthetic.
Braided Hanging Basket
15. Trick the eye
Olsen suggests to “add hooks to the back of the cabinet door and near the shower for towels.” Or hang a caddy over the shower head to add in some space to a small shower. Otherwise, “add a cute basket for toilet paper storage,” says La Fond.Oxo has several options that work with your showerhead or can be tucked into the shower corner. These little tricks add dimension to a small bathroom space, tricking the eye into thinking the room is larger.
OXO Good Grips Aluminum Hose Shower Caddy
How do you store bathroom items?
Bathrooms are prime territory for grooming, so it is important to make sure that the space doesn’t look like the beauty clearance aisle at Target. For a more styled approach, add a live-edge bath caddy as a decorative and functional piece. Given that you likely have small toiletries and lotions to corral, look into drawer organizers and hidden storage options for anything that you don’t use on a regular basis.
