DIY Bathroom Storage Solutions

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Running out of space for your bathroom essentials? You can easily fix that with some DIY storage solutions. You don't need to be a professional to add a few shelves or create clever storage spots. With a bit of creativity, you can transform your cluttered bathroom into an organized and stylish space. From repurposing old items to making new ones, there are countless ways to maximize storage without breaking the bank. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get started? Let's dive into some practical and fun DIY ideas for your bathroom.

Preparation Steps

1. Measure Your Space: Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of your bathroom. Write down the height, width, and depth of areas where you plan to add storage.

2. Gather Materials: Collect all necessary tools and materials. Common items include a drill, screws, anchors, shelves, brackets, and stud finder.

3. Safety Gear: Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. If using power tools, consider ear protection.

4. Clear the Area: Remove any items from the bathroom that might get in the way. This includes toiletries, towels, and decorations.

5. Mark Studs: Use a stud finder to locate wall studs. Mark these spots with a pencil. This ensures your shelves or cabinets are securely anchored.

6. Plan Layout: Sketch a rough layout of where you want each storage unit. This helps visualize the final look and ensures everything fits.

7. Check for Pipes and Wires: Before drilling, make sure there are no hidden pipes or electrical wires in the walls. A stud finder with a wire detection feature can help.

8. Pre-drill Holes: Mark and pre-drill holes where you plan to insert screws. This makes installation easier and prevents wood from splitting.

9. Level Everything: Use a level to ensure shelves and brackets are straight. Crooked installations can be both unsightly and unstable.

10. Test Fit: Before final installation, place shelves or cabinets in position to ensure they fit properly. Adjust as needed.

11. Secure Items: Once satisfied with placement, securely fasten shelves, cabinets, or other storage solutions to the wall using appropriate hardware.

12. Clean Up: After installation, clean up any debris or dust. Return bathroom items to their new storage spaces.

By following these steps, you can create functional and attractive storage solutions in your bathroom.

Materials and Tools Needed

1. Wooden Boards: Used to create shelves or cabinets. Choose sturdy wood like pine or oak.
2. Screws and Nails: Essential for assembling shelves and securing them to walls.
3. Drill: Needed for making holes for screws. A cordless drill is handy.
4. Screwdriver: Used to drive screws into wood. Both flathead and Phillips types are useful.
5. Hammer: Necessary for driving nails and securing parts.
6. Measuring Tape: Ensures accurate measurements for cutting wood and spacing shelves.
7. Level: Helps make sure shelves are straight.
8. Saw: Used to cut wooden boards to the desired size. A handsaw or circular saw works.
9. Sandpaper: Smooths rough edges on wood. Different grits help achieve a fine finish.
10. Paint or Stain: Adds color or protects wood. Choose based on your bathroom's style.
11. Paintbrushes or Rollers: Used to apply paint or stain evenly.
12. Brackets: Provide extra support for shelves. Metal brackets are strong and durable.
13. Stud Finder: Locates wall studs to securely attach shelves.
14. Wood Glue: Adds extra strength to joints and connections.
15. Clamps: Hold pieces together while glue dries.
16. Pencil: Marks measurements and cutting lines on wood.
17. Safety Gear: Includes goggles, gloves, and a dust mask to protect while working.

Skill Level and Time Required

Skill Level: Beginner

Time Required: 2-4 hours

1. Floating Shelves: Easy to install. Takes about 1-2 hours.
2. Over-the-Toilet Storage: Simple assembly. Requires 1-2 hours.
3. Drawer Organizers: Quick setup. Around 30 minutes.
4. Towel Racks: Basic mounting. About 1 hour.
5. Under-Sink Storage: Simple to arrange. Takes 1 hour.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Assess Your Space

   • Measure the available wall and floor space.
   • Identify areas that can be utilized for storage.

2. Gather Materials

   • Shelves: Wood planks, brackets, screws.
   • Cabinets: Pre-made or custom-built.
   • Baskets and Bins: Various sizes for organizing.
   • Tools: Drill, screwdriver, level, measuring tape.

3. Install Wall Shelves

   • Mark the spots for brackets on the wall.
   • Drill holes and attach brackets securely.
   • Place wood planks on brackets, ensuring they are level.

4. Add Over-the-Toilet Storage

   • Choose a unit that fits above the toilet.
   • Assemble according to instructions.
   • Secure to the wall for stability.

5. Install Under-Sink Storage

   • Measure the space under the sink.
   • Place adjustable shelves or stackable bins.
   • Organize items by frequency of use.

6. Hang Hooks and Racks

   • Install hooks on the back of the door or walls.
   • Use for towels, robes, or accessories.
   • Ensure hooks are securely fastened.

7. Utilize Corner Shelves

   • Measure and cut wood planks to fit corners.
   • Attach brackets to the wall.
   • Place planks on brackets, ensuring they are level.

8. Add a Medicine Cabinet

   • Choose a cabinet that fits your wall space.
   • Mark and cut out the wall section if recessed.
   • Secure the cabinet to the wall.

9. Organize with Baskets and Bins

   • Place baskets on shelves or inside cabinets.
   • Label bins for easy identification.
   • Store items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and towels.

10. Final Touches

    • Add decorative elements like plants or artwork.
    • Ensure everything is securely fastened.
    • Keep frequently used items within easy reach.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Use vertical space: Install shelves above the toilet or door. This keeps items off the counter and floor.

Over-the-door organizers: Hang organizers on the back of the bathroom door. Great for storing toiletries, towels, or cleaning supplies.

Drawer dividers: Use dividers to keep drawers neat. This helps find items quickly and keeps everything in its place.

Repurpose jars and containers: Use mason jars or small containers for cotton balls, swabs, or makeup brushes. Label them for easy identification.

Magnetic strips: Attach a magnetic strip inside a cabinet door. Use it to hold bobby pins, tweezers, or nail clippers.

Tension rods: Place a tension rod under the sink. Hang spray bottles or cleaning supplies from it.

Floating shelves: Install floating shelves for a modern look. Use them to display decorative items or store essentials.

Common mistakes to avoid: Overloading shelves can cause them to fall. Measure space before buying organizers to ensure they fit. Avoid cluttering counters with too many items; it makes cleaning harder.

Alternatives for materials or methods: Instead of buying new shelves, repurpose old wooden crates. Use baskets instead of plastic bins for a more natural look. If you can't install shelves, use stackable bins or rolling carts for extra storage.

Cost Estimation

Materials:

• Wooden boards: $30-$50
• Screws and nails: $5-$10
• Brackets: $10-$20
• Paint or stain: $15-$25
• Hooks: $5-$10
• Baskets or bins: $10-$30

Tools:

• Drill: $40-$60
• Screwdriver set: $10-$20
• Saw: $20-$50
• Measuring tape: $5-$10
• Sandpaper: $5-$10
• Paintbrushes: $5-$10

Total Cost: $160-$305

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

• Repurpose old wood: Free
• Use leftover paint: Free
• Buy second-hand tools: $30-$50
• Use adhesive hooks instead of brackets: $5-$10

Total Cost with Alternatives: $70-$120

Variations and Customizations

Shelving: Use reclaimed wood for a rustic look or glass shelves for a modern touch. Paint shelves in bold colors like teal or mustard for a pop of color.

Baskets: Opt for wicker baskets for a natural feel or metal wire baskets for an industrial vibe. Spray paint baskets in metallic shades like gold or silver for a chic finish.

Cabinets: Replace standard doors with frosted glass or mirrored doors. Add decorative knobs or handles in unique shapes like stars or flowers.

Hooks: Install vintage hooks for a classic look or sleek, stainless steel hooks for a contemporary style. Arrange hooks in patterns like zigzags or circles for visual interest.

Drawer Dividers: Use bamboo dividers for an eco-friendly option or acrylic dividers for a clean, transparent look. Customize dividers with washi tape for added flair.

Towel Racks: Choose ladder-style racks for a trendy, space-saving solution or swing-arm racks for flexibility. Paint racks in contrasting colors to make them stand out.

Floating Shelves: Install corner floating shelves to maximize space or tiered floating shelves for added storage. Use live-edge wood for a natural, organic appearance.

Over-the-Toilet Storage: Build a ladder shelf for a rustic touch or a cabinet with sliding doors for a sleek look. Add decorative trim or molding for extra detail.

Mason Jars: Attach mason jars to a wooden board for a farmhouse feel or use colored mason jars for a playful touch. Label jars with chalkboard paint for easy organization.

Pegboards: Paint pegboards in bright colors or patterns like stripes or polka dots. Use decorative hooks and baskets to customize storage options.

Mirrors with Shelves: Choose a mirror with built-in shelves for dual functionality or add floating shelves around a mirror for extra storage. Frame mirrors with driftwood or metal for different styles.

Under-Sink Storage: Use stackable bins for easy access or pull-out drawers for convenience. Label bins with stickers or tags for quick identification.

Shower Caddies: Opt for hanging caddies that attach to the showerhead or corner caddies that fit snugly in the shower corner. Choose plastic for a budget-friendly option or stainless steel for durability.

Sustainability Tips

Reclaimed wood can be used to build shelves or cabinets. Old wooden pallets or barn wood work great. Sand them down, apply a non-toxic finish, and you have sturdy, rustic storage.

Glass jars from old food containers can be cleaned and used to store cotton balls, swabs, or bath salts. Decorate the lids with eco-friendly paint or fabric scraps.

Baskets made from natural fibers like bamboo or seagrass provide stylish storage for towels or toiletries. Look for second-hand options at thrift stores.

Repurpose old furniture like dressers or nightstands. A fresh coat of eco-friendly paint can transform them into unique bathroom storage units.

Mason jars can be mounted on wooden boards to create wall-mounted storage for toothbrushes or makeup brushes. Use metal clamps to secure the jars.

Fabric scraps can be sewn into small pouches or hanging organizers. Attach them to hooks or rods for easy access to small items.

Cardboard boxes can be covered with fabric or decorative paper to create custom storage bins. Use non-toxic glue to secure the coverings.

Wine crates can be stacked or mounted on walls to create open shelving. Sand and finish them with a natural wood stain.

Old ladders can be repurposed as towel racks or shelving units. Lean them against the wall or secure them for added stability.

Tin cans can be cleaned, painted, and mounted on walls for storing brushes or combs. Make sure to smooth any sharp edges for safety.

Your Bathroom, Your Way

Creating your own bathroom storage solutions can be both fun and rewarding. By using reclaimed wood, mason jars, and floating shelves, you can add a personal touch to your space. Don't forget about baskets and bins for those smaller items. A little paint and some hooks can go a long way in transforming your bathroom into an organized haven. Remember, the key is to maximize space while keeping it stylish. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, these ideas can help you create a bathroom that reflects your personality. So grab your tools, get creative, and start building the bathroom of your dreams. Happy crafting!