Oh, little bathrooms! I’m all too familiar with this difficulty. Living in a small place in Yogyakarta has taught me a valuable lesson about making the most of every square centimeter, particularly in the toilet. It can feel like a never-ending struggle to find a space for everything while keeping the area from becoming cluttered and claustrophobic. Over the years, I’ve experimented with many storage methods. Some were successful, while others showed me what *not* to do. However, through trial and error, I’ve accumulated some great ideas that have genuinely made a difference in my small bathroom, transforming it from a chaotic corner to a practical and even slightly stylish environment. Allow me to share some of these observations with you.
Utilizing Vertical Space
One of the first things I learned was to gaze upward! In a small bathroom, the walls are your best friend. Instead of relying entirely on floor cabinets, which take up valuable space, consider vertical cabinets. Installing short shelving units on the walls can provide plenty of space for towels, toiletries, and even decorative items. I discovered some gorgeous bamboo shelves at a local market that not only look good but also withstand dampness. Floating shelves are another great option since they offer a sense of openness and can be adjusted in height to suit different things. Consider installing a tall, slim cabinet that fits closely against the wall. These often include adjustable shelves, allowing you to tailor the storage to your requirements, such as tall shampoo bottles or stacks of washcloths.
Another commonly ignored location is the space above the toilet. There are numerous ingenious storage solutions developed expressly for this space, such as over-the-toilet shelves or cabinets. These might be a handy spot to keep extra toilet paper, cleaning materials, or even little baskets loaded with personal stuff. Just make sure the unit isn’t too imposing or obstructs access to the toilet. I chose a simple three-tiered shelf with open storage, allowing me to view everything and retrieve what I need immediately. Remember to carefully fasten any wall-mounted items for safety.
Don’t forget the back of the bathroom door! A basic over-the-door organizer with many pockets can be extremely useful for keeping tiny goods such as hairbrushes, makeup, and travel-sized toiletries. I even use one to properly store my cleaning cloths and sponges. You can get these organizers in a variety of materials and styles to match your bathroom decor. Another option is to add hooks on the back of the door to hang towels or small storage baskets. This keeps them off the walls, freeing up valuable shelf or counter space. When working with restricted square footage, every little bit counts.
Smart Sink Solutions
Another great place to maximize storage in a small bathroom is around and underneath the sink. Instead of having a pedestal sink with no storage, consider upgrading to a vanity with built-in drawers or cupboards. Even a small vanity may provide a surprising amount of space for cleaning products, additional hand soap, and even a hair dryer. I chose a wall-mounted vanity with an open shelf underneath for a more open vibe while yet giving storage space.
If replacing the entire sink is not a possibility, there are still ways to maximize the available space. Consider using drawer organizers or stackable bins inside any under-sink cabinets to keep things organized and avoid stuff from getting lost in the back. For pedestal sinks, you can purchase elegant storage baskets or tiered stands that fit around the base, allowing you to keep towels or other supplies close at hand. I even saw a brilliant concept online where someone used decorative bins neatly arranged under their pedestal sink, which was both utilitarian and elegant.
Consider utilizing the wall space just over your sink as well. A mirrored cabinet not only stores toiletries but also functions as a mirror, saving important wall space. Open shelves over the sink are ideal for showcasing decorative things or keeping commonly used items like as hand soap and cosmetics. Simply be aware of splashing water and use moisture-resistant materials. I have a small mirrored cabinet above my sink, and it’s incredible how much it can contain without appearing bulky.
Creative Corner Uses
Corners are typically overlooked in small spaces, but they may be a goldmine for storage in a small bathroom. Corner shelves are an excellent way to make use of these odd angles. They come in a variety of materials and styles, including simple floating shelves and multi-tiered systems. They’re ideal for storing shower supplies, showcasing tiny plants, or even keeping rolled-up towels. I have a little corner shelf unit in my shower that keeps all of my shampoos, conditioners, and body washes beautifully arranged and easily accessible.
Another ingenious corner option is a corner cabinet. These can fit snugly into a corner and provide covered storage, which is ideal for keeping less appealing objects out of sight. Corner cabinets can be floor-standing or wall-mounted, depending on your demands and available space. I considered using a corner cabinet to store cleaning products, but in the end, I chose open shelves to keep my little bathroom feeling more open.
Don’t forget to use the corner space beside your bathtub or shower. A small corner stool can be used to temporarily store towels or toiletries while you shower, and some even have built-in storage underneath. I’ve also seen inventive solutions, such as placing a thin, vertical storage unit that fits perfectly into the corner next to the shower, adding more shelf without taking up too much floor space.
Multi-Functional Furniture
In a small bathroom, multifunctional furniture is a lifesaver. Consider incorporating items that provide concealed storage. For example, a small bench with a lift-up seat might serve as a place to sit while getting ready, while also providing storage space for items such as laundry or extra towels. I have a little woven ottoman that doubles as a footrest and has a retractable cover with storage inside; it’s ideal for storing bath bombs and other small indulgences.
Consider a hamper with a built-in shelf on top. This enables you to combine laundry storage with a small area for displaying toiletries or other things. Wall-mounted organizers with many compartments can also be termed multi-functional because they can store a range of objects while freeing up counter or shelf space. I’ve even seen ingenious designs that include a mirror in a wall-mounted storage container.
Another option is to use small stackable storage cubes or ottomans. These can be simply relocated and changed as needed, providing versatile storage solutions. When not in use, they can be stacked for extra storage. The idea is to seek components that are correctly sized for a small bathroom and provide hidden storage solutions to improve efficiency while minimizing clutter.
Inside Cabinet and Drawer Organizers
Even with a small vanity or limited cabinet space, putting organizers inside can substantially improve storage efficiency. Drawer dividers are ideal for keeping makeup, hair accessories, and other tiny items organized and easily accessible. I use transparent acrylic drawer dividers in my vanity, and it’s incredible how much more organized everything feels.
Consider adding stackable drawers or pull-out organizers in your under-sink cabinets. These make it easy to find goods stowed at the rear and keep them from becoming lost or forgotten. Lazy Susans can also be extremely useful for storing bottles and jars, letting you see and reach everything with a single spin. I have a tiny Lazy Susan beneath my sink for cleaning materials, and it has made a great difference in keeping that area clean.
Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of basic baskets and bins. They can be used on shelves or within cabinets to contain stray items and provide a more orderly appearance. Baskets made of natural materials such as wicker or seagrass add a warm touch, while clear plastic containers provide easy visibility. Labeling the bins might also help you immediately recognize the contents.
Shower and Tub Storage
Keeping your shower and tub area organized is essential in a small bathroom. Built-in niches are an excellent choice for upgrading since they provide seamless storage for shampoos, conditioners, and soap. If built-in niches aren’t an option, try adding a shower caddy that hangs above the showerhead or a tension rod caddy that fits nicely in a corner. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your needs. I chose a stylish, stainless steel tension rod caddy for my shower, and it holds everything I need without looking cluttered.
Another option is to use waterproof adhesive hooks or suction cups to hang tiny shelves or baskets within your shower or tub. They are ideal for keeping washcloths, sponges, and even little bottles of body wash. Make sure you use high-quality hooks or suction cups that can handle the wetness and weight of your products.
If you have a bathtub, try a bath caddy that lies across the sides. These frequently have compartments for holding soap, shampoo, a book, or even a bottle of wine, making bath time more fun and basics more accessible. I enjoy using a bamboo bath caddy because it gives a sense of spa-like luxury to my little bathroom.
Are there any space-saving alternatives to typical towel bars in a tiny bathroom?
In a small bathroom, every inch counts, and typical towel bars can sometimes occupy more wall space than is required. Consider using hooks instead; these can be quickly installed on the back of the door or the wall and take up very little space. Another excellent alternative is a multi-tiered towel rack that takes advantage of vertical space. Slim, wall-mounted towel ladders are also available, which provide storage while also adding a stylish touch. Small rings or single hooks near the sink are ideal for hanging hand towels. I use hooks on the back of my door for bath towels and a little ring next to the sink for hand towels, which saves a lot of wall space compared to a standard towel bar.
How do I maximize storage around a pedestal sink without a vanity?
Working with a pedestal sink in a tiny bathroom can be difficult because they lack built-in storage. Fortunately, there are a few smart options. Consider utilizing a tiered storage stand that fits around the base of the sink; these frequently have shelves for holding towels or toiletries. Decorative baskets put on the floor near the pedestal can also serve as fashionable storage for goods such as extra toilet paper or cleaning materials. Wall-mounted shelves positioned above or to the side of the sink can provide extra storage without using floor space. I’ve also seen fabric storage bags with hooks that dangle from the pedestal, allowing for inconspicuous storage of smaller objects. The idea is to maximize the vertical space around the sink and select storage options that complement the sink’s design.
Are there any storage options specifically built for the interior of bathroom cabinet doors?
Yes, there are several excellent storage solutions for the often-overlooked space inside bathroom cabinet doors. Over-the-door organizers with pockets or small shelves are ideal for keeping hair styling tools, makeup brushes, and other small items. Small wire racks or caddies that may be fastened or affixed to the inside of the door provide a convenient place to store items such as sponges, cleaning cloths, and even rolls of toilet paper. I use a little over-the-door organizer within my under-sink cabinet to keep cleaning materials nicely organized and quickly accessible, preventing them from cluttering up the main cabinet area.
How do you keep shower essentials organized in a small shower without a built-in niche?
Organizing shower essentials in a small shower without a built-in niche necessitates imaginative solutions that make the best use of limited space. Shower caddies that dangle above the showerhead are a popular and useful choice, with many shelves and sometimes even hooks for washcloths or razors. Tension rod caddies that fit into the shower corner are another great option, since they provide plenty of storage without the need for any drilling. Individual things can be stored on shower walls using waterproof adhesive shelves or hooks. To keep my little shower organized and clutter-free, I use a tension rod caddy for larger goods and sticky hooks for smaller items like razors and washcloths.
How can I add storage to the design of my little bathroom to make it feel less utilitarian?
Incorporating storage into a small bathroom décor involves selecting utilitarian objects that also improve the space’s visual appeal. Choose appealing storage alternatives such as wood, bamboo, or woven baskets. Floating shelves in sophisticated designs can serve as both storage and display space for ornamental objects such as small plants or artwork. Mirrored cabinets provide not only storage but also the sense of additional space. Even simple items, such as neatly coiled towels on a shelf, can offer a sense of spa-like luxury. I’ve discovered that using storage containers and organizers in a consistent color palette or style helps to create a more coherent and less utilitarian look in my little bathroom.
What are some creative methods to keep cleaning materials in a tiny bathroom without occupying too much apparent space?
Keeping cleaning supplies hidden in a small bathroom is critical for preserving a clean and uncluttered appearance. Install pull-out organizers or stackable drawers in the under-sink cabinet to keep supplies organized and hidden. Consider putting a thin cabinet on the wall over the toilet or behind the door to store cleaning supplies. Slim storage carts with wheels can be hidden away in tight spaces between the toilet and the wall, or next to the vanity. I use a combination of under-sink organizers and a slim rolling cart that I can simply push out as needed, keeping my cleaning materials accessible but concealed from view.
Best Small Bathroom Storage Ideas: Cheap Creative Organization
Best Bathroom Storage Ideas – Creative Bathroom Storage
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