DIY Bathroom Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
Is there such a thing as a bathroom with too much storage? Most bathrooms are small with very little storage. To help, here are a few of our favorite DIY bathroom storage ideas.
Quick summary:
Add storage to a small bathroom by using overlooked wall space. Replace a basic mirror with a mirrored cabinet, swap a pedestal sink for a wall-mounted vanity, combine shelves and cabinets on one wall, add extra towel rails or hooks, and use the space above and behind the door.
When floor and closet space are limited, think vertically. The area above the sink, toilet, towel rail, and door can all provide useful storage without making the room feel more crowded.
These DIY bathroom storage ideas will help you make better use of the space you already have.
1. Replace Your Mirror With Storage
The wall above the sink is one of the most useful places to add bathroom storage.
Replace a standard mirror with a mirrored medicine cabinet to keep toiletries, skincare products, and other small items close at hand. You can choose a simple wall-mounted cabinet or install a recessed model for a more streamlined look.
If you already have a fixed mirror that you want to keep, add a slim cabinet beside it. A matching cabinet on each side can create a balanced design while providing even more storage.
Choose shallow cabinets so they do not project too far over the sink or make the area feel cramped.
2. Reconsider Your Washbasin
Pedestal sinks have a light and elegant appearance, but they offer no storage underneath.
A wall-mounted vanity can create a similar open feel while adding drawers or cabinets for toiletries, cleaning products, and spare supplies. Because the vanity sits above the floor, the bathroom can still feel spacious and easy to clean.
Drawers are useful for smaller items because you can see everything at once. Cabinets may work better for taller bottles, baskets, and cleaning supplies. A combination of both provides the most flexibility.
Before replacing the sink, measure the wall and check the position of the plumbing. Make sure the new vanity leaves enough space to move comfortably and open nearby doors or drawers.
3. Create a Storage Wall
Look at the empty walls in your bathroom and consider where you could add shelves, cabinets, or a combination of both.
The wall above the toilet is often overlooked, but it can be a practical place for open shelving. Use it to store folded towels, baskets, toilet paper, or decorative items.
Combining open and closed storage can make the wall more useful. Keep attractive or frequently used items on open shelves and hide less decorative products inside cabinets.
You could combine:
- Floating shelves
- A wall-mounted cabinet
- Small storage baskets
- A medicine cabinet
- Hooks for brushes or towels
Avoid making the storage too deep, especially above a toilet or in a narrow room. Slim shelving provides useful space without getting in the way.
4. Add More Towel Storage
One towel rail is rarely enough in a shared bathroom.
Use the wall space above an existing rail to install a second one. Stacking the rails vertically lets you hang more towels without using additional wall width.
Hooks are another practical option. They take up less space than towel bars and make it easy to hang towels, robes, and clothing. A row of hooks can work well beside the shower, behind the door, or on an otherwise unused section of wall.
Make sure there is enough space between wet towels for air to circulate. This helps them dry more quickly and prevents the area from feeling crowded.
5. Use the Space Above and Behind the Door
The wall above the bathroom door is easy to forget, but it can hold a shelf for items you do not need every day.
Use it for spare towels, extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or storage baskets. Decorative brackets can make a simple shelf feel more intentional.
The back of the door is also useful. Add hooks, towel rails, or a hanging organizer for smaller items. Choose fittings that allow the door to open fully and do not damage the door or wall behind it.
Keep heavier items on fixed shelves rather than hanging organizers, and make sure anything stored overhead is secure.
Try These Ideas in Your Bathroom
Before adding shelves, cabinets, or a new vanity, use the RoomSketcher app to test where everything will fit.
Create your bathroom floor plan, add the main fixtures, and compare different storage ideas. You can check measurements, make sure doors and drawers have room to open, and view the finished layout in 3D.
All the bathroom storage designs in this article were created with RoomSketcher.
Common Questions
Open shelves work best for items that are used often or look tidy when displayed, such as folded towels, baskets, toilet paper, and a few decorative objects. Store medicines, cleaning products, and personal items inside closed cabinets.
Yes, as long as they are made from moisture-resistant materials and installed securely. Natural wood should be properly sealed, and the wall fixings should be suitable for the weight of the shelf and its contents.
Try an over-the-door organizer, freestanding ladder shelf, rolling cart, tension-pole shelving unit, or adhesive hooks designed for humid spaces. Check weight limits before adding items.
It can be. A wall-mounted vanity provides storage while keeping the floor visible, which may help the bathroom feel more open. It also makes cleaning underneath easier.
Keep everyday towels close to the shower or sink on rails, hooks, or open shelves. Store clean spare towels in a cabinet or on a higher shelf where they will stay dry.
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