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Clever Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
Published: July 12, 2024
Discover clever small bathroom storage ideas to maximize space and keep your bathroom organized. From shelves to baskets, find solutions that fit your style and needs.
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Small bathrooms often feel cramped and cluttered, making it hard to relax. Lack of space can make organizing toiletries, towels, and other essentials a challenge. However, with some clever storage ideas, even the tiniest bathrooms can become neat and stylish. From utilizing wall space to choosing multifunctional furniture, your compact bathroom can be transformed into an organized haven. With the right approach, every inch can serve a purpose, maximizing storage without sacrificing style. This guide will explore various simple, budget-friendly solutions to help you make the most of your small bathroom space.
Getting Ready for Your Project
Measure Your Space: Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of your bathroom. Knowing the exact size helps in choosing the right storage solutions.
Declutter: Remove items you no longer need. This makes it easier to see how much storage you actually require.
Plan Your Layout: Sketch a simple layout of your bathroom. Mark where you want to place shelves, cabinets, or hooks.
Gather Tools and Materials: Collect necessary tools like a drill, screws, level, and any storage units you plan to install. Having everything ready saves time.
Safety Gear: Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself while drilling or handling sharp objects.
Clear the Area: Move any items that might get in the way. This ensures you have enough space to work comfortably.
Check for Studs: Use a stud finder to locate wall studs. This is important for securely mounting shelves or cabinets.
Mark Installation Points: Use a pencil to mark where you will install each storage unit. Double-check measurements to avoid mistakes.
Ventilation: Make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated. Open windows or use a fan to keep the area fresh while you work.
Test Fit: Before permanently installing, place storage units in their intended spots to ensure they fit and look good.
Gather Your Supplies
Floating Shelves: These shelves attach directly to the wall, providing extra storage without taking up floor space.
Over-the-Toilet Storage Rack: A rack that fits over the toilet, offering multiple shelves for storing toiletries and towels.
Tension Rods: Useful for hanging baskets or creating additional hanging space for towels and washcloths.
Hooks and Hangers: Wall-mounted hooks or adhesive hangers for hanging robes, towels, or baskets.
Baskets and Bins: Small containers for organizing items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, or extra toilet paper.
Drawer Organizers: Inserts that help keep drawers tidy by separating items like makeup, brushes, and other small essentials.
Magnetic Strips: Strips that can hold metal items like tweezers, scissors, or nail clippers, keeping them easily accessible.
Corner Shelves: Shelves designed to fit into corners, maximizing unused space.
Under-Sink Organizers: Shelving units or baskets that fit under the sink, perfect for storing cleaning supplies or extra toiletries.
Mirror with Storage: A mirror that doubles as a cabinet, providing hidden storage for small items.
Step Stool: A small stool to reach higher shelves or storage areas.
Labels: Stickers or tags to label baskets and bins, making it easier to find items quickly.
Measuring Tape: Essential for measuring spaces to ensure shelves and organizers fit properly.
Screwdriver and Screws: Tools needed to install shelves, hooks, and other wall-mounted storage solutions.
Drill: Useful for making holes in the wall for screws and anchors.
Level: Ensures shelves and racks are installed straight.
Stud Finder: Helps locate wall studs for securely mounting heavy items.
Adhesive Strips: For attaching lightweight hooks or organizers without drilling holes.
Caulk and Caulk Gun: Seals gaps around shelves or racks to prevent moisture damage.
Cleaning Supplies: Necessary for prepping surfaces before installation and maintaining a tidy bathroom.
Skill Level and Time Commitment
Skill Level: Beginner
Time Required: 2-4 hours
- Install Floating Shelves: Easy to mount, takes about 1-2 hours.
- Over-the-Toilet Storage: Simple assembly, around 1 hour.
- Under-Sink Organizers: Quick setup, roughly 30 minutes.
- Wall-Mounted Baskets: Minimal effort, about 30 minutes.
- Magnetic Strips for Small Items: Fast installation, 15 minutes.
- Corner Shelves: Slightly more time, 1 hour.
These projects are straightforward and can be completed in an afternoon.
Follow These Steps
Install Shelves Above the Toilet
- Measure the space above the toilet.
- Purchase or cut shelves to fit.
- Use a level to ensure shelves are straight.
- Secure shelves with brackets and screws.
Use Over-the-Door Organizers
- Choose an organizer with pockets or hooks.
- Hang it over the bathroom door.
- Store small items like toiletries or cleaning supplies.
Add a Towel Rack
- Select a wall-mounted towel rack.
- Mark the desired height on the wall.
- Drill holes and insert wall anchors.
- Attach the towel rack with screws.
Utilize Corner Shelves
- Measure the corner space.
- Purchase corner shelves that fit.
- Install brackets in the corner.
- Secure shelves to brackets.
Hang Baskets on the Wall
- Choose wire or woven baskets.
- Mark spots on the wall for hanging.
- Drill holes and insert wall anchors.
- Attach baskets with screws or hooks.
Use Magnetic Strips for Small Metal Items
- Purchase a magnetic strip.
- Mount the strip on the wall or inside a cabinet door.
- Attach metal items like tweezers or nail clippers.
Install a Shower Caddy
- Choose a caddy that fits over the showerhead or hangs from the shower rod.
- Place the caddy in the shower.
- Organize shower essentials like shampoo and soap.
Add a Medicine Cabinet
- Measure the space above the sink.
- Purchase a medicine cabinet that fits.
- Mark the wall for mounting.
- Drill holes and insert wall anchors.
- Attach the cabinet with screws.
Use Stackable Bins Under the Sink
- Measure the space under the sink.
- Purchase stackable bins or drawers.
- Organize items in the bins and stack them neatly.
Hang Hooks for Robes and Towels
- Choose sturdy hooks.
- Mark spots on the wall or door.
- Drill holes and insert wall anchors.
- Attach hooks with screws.
Helpful Hints
Use vertical space. Install shelves above the toilet or door. Floating shelves work great for storing towels, toiletries, and decorative items.
Over-the-door organizers can hold extra toiletries or cleaning supplies. Hanging baskets on the wall can store rolled-up towels or toilet paper.
Magnetic strips inside cabinet doors can hold small metal items like tweezers or nail clippers. Tension rods under the sink can hang spray bottles.
Drawer dividers keep small items organized. Stackable bins maximize cabinet space.
Corner shelves utilize often-overlooked areas. Over-the-sink shelves add storage without taking up counter space.
Common mistakes include overcrowding shelves, which can make the space feel cluttered. Avoid using too many different storage solutions, which can look chaotic. Not measuring the space before buying organizers can lead to items not fitting properly.
Alternatives to traditional materials include using baskets instead of plastic bins for a more natural look. Repurposed items like mason jars can store cotton balls or swabs. Vintage crates can add character while providing storage.
Budget Breakdown
Floating Shelves: $20-$50 each. Budget-friendly alternative: Use reclaimed wood or old pallets for $10-$15 each.
Over-the-Toilet Storage: $30-$100. Budget-friendly alternative: Install tension rods with hanging baskets for $15-$25.
Under-Sink Organizers: $15-$40. Budget-friendly alternative: Use plastic bins or shoe boxes for $5-$10.
Wall-Mounted Cabinets: $50-$150. Budget-friendly alternative: Repurpose old kitchen cabinets for $20-$40.
Hanging Baskets: $10-$30 each. Budget-friendly alternative: Use mesh laundry bags for $5-$10.
Magnetic Strips: $10-$20. Budget-friendly alternative: Use magnetic knife holders for $5-$10.
Corner Shelves: $15-$40 each. Budget-friendly alternative: Use corner brackets with cut wood for $10-$20.
Hooks and Racks: $5-$20 each. Budget-friendly alternative: Use command hooks for $3-$10.
Total Cost: $170-$500. Budget-friendly total: $73-$150.
Personalize Your Space
Floating Shelves: Use reclaimed wood for a rustic look or glass for a modern touch. Paint shelves in bold colors like teal or yellow to add a pop of color.
Over-the-Toilet Storage: Install a ladder shelf for a farmhouse style or a metal rack for an industrial vibe. Choose white or neutral tones to keep the space feeling open.
Under-Sink Storage: Use baskets or bins made from wicker for a natural feel or plastic for easy cleaning. Label them for better organization.
Medicine Cabinet: Replace the door with a mirror to save space. Opt for a framed mirror for a classic look or a frameless one for a sleek design.
Towel Racks: Install hooks instead of bars to save space. Use decorative hooks in shapes like seashells or animals for a fun twist.
Corner Shelves: Utilize triangular shelves to fit snugly in corners. Choose marble for a luxurious touch or bamboo for an eco-friendly option.
Shower Caddies: Use hanging caddies that attach to the showerhead or suction cup baskets for easy removal. Opt for stainless steel to prevent rust.
Drawer Organizers: Use adjustable dividers to customize the space. Choose acrylic for a clear view of items or wood for a more traditional look.
Wall-Mounted Dispensers: Install soap and shampoo dispensers to free up counter space. Choose chrome for a modern look or bronze for a vintage feel.
Rolling Carts: Use a slim rolling cart that fits between the toilet and sink. Opt for metal for durability or plastic for a lightweight option.
Eco-Friendly Ideas
Repurpose old wooden crates into stylish shelves. Sand them down, paint them with eco-friendly paint, and mount them on the wall.
Use glass jars for storing cotton balls, Q-tips, or bath salts. Reuse jars from your kitchen instead of buying new ones.
Install floating shelves made from reclaimed wood. They save space and add a rustic touch.
Hang baskets on the wall. Woven baskets made from natural fibers like bamboo or seagrass offer a sustainable storage solution.
Create a pegboard organizer. Use a piece of scrap wood, drill holes, and insert wooden pegs to hang towels or baskets.
Upcycle old ladders into towel racks. Lean an old wooden ladder against the wall for a unique and functional storage option.
Make drawer dividers from cardboard. Cut and fit pieces from old boxes to organize small items in drawers.
Use fabric bins made from organic cotton or recycled materials. These can be placed under the sink or on shelves for extra storage.
Install hooks made from recycled metal or wood. They can hold towels, robes, or baskets.
Craft a vanity tray from an old picture frame. Remove the glass, paint the frame, and add a piece of reclaimed wood or corkboard inside.
Making the Most of Your Space
Maximizing storage in a small bathroom doesn't have to be a headache. Use vertical space by installing shelves above the toilet or door. Over-the-door organizers can hold toiletries or cleaning supplies. Corner shelves make use of often-overlooked areas. Under-sink storage can be optimized with stackable bins or pull-out drawers. Hooks and racks on walls or the back of the door keep towels and robes handy. Magnetic strips inside cabinets can hold small metal items like tweezers or nail clippers. Baskets and bins keep things tidy and can be easily moved. Multi-functional furniture, like a mirror with built-in shelves, adds both style and storage. With a bit of creativity, even the tiniest bathroom can become a well-organized, functional space. So, roll up your sleeves and start transforming your bathroom into a clutter-free oasis.
How can I maximize storage in a small bathroom?
Use vertical space! Install shelves above the toilet or door. Add hooks for towels and robes. Consider a tall cabinet or over-the-toilet storage unit.
What are some space-saving storage solutions?
Try floating shelves or corner shelves. Use stackable bins under the sink. A shower caddy can keep toiletries organized. Magnetic strips can hold small metal items like tweezers.
How can I keep my bathroom clutter-free?
Use baskets or bins to group similar items. Label containers for easy access. Regularly declutter and get rid of expired products. A medicine cabinet can hide away daily essentials.
Are there any DIY storage ideas for small bathrooms?
Absolutely! Make a ladder shelf for towels. Use mason jars mounted on a board for cotton balls and swabs. Create a pegboard wall for hanging items.
How can I store towels in a small bathroom?
Roll towels and place them in a basket or bin. Install a towel rack or hooks on the back of the door. Use a wine rack to store rolled towels.
What should I do with limited counter space?
Use tiered trays to add levels. Install a shelf above the sink. Keep only daily essentials on the counter. Use drawer organizers to keep things tidy.
How can I make my small bathroom look bigger?
Use light colors on walls and floors. Install a large mirror to reflect light. Keep the space clutter-free. Use clear containers for storage to create an open feel.
