If you have a small bathroom, you know it has to work harder for you than its larger counterpart. So don’t waste an inch of useable area in your bath—we’ve got lots of DIY ideas for maximizing space and storage in a small bathroom.
Bank on baskets
Bathroom storage baskets are the ideal clutter-busting solution. Not only do the chic containers conceal an array of toiletries, but they do it in style. Choose a variety of wicker baskets in different sizes and shades to hide cosmetics or spare toilet paper rolls. Mix them with vintage luggage for storage with a flea-market feel.
Feature floating shelves
Floating shelves are an inexpensive option for small bathrooms with little storage space to spare. Hang a pair of shelves above the toilet or create a makeshift vanity by hanging a large mirror above a single floating shelf. Stock the space with glass containers to hold cosmetic brushes, cotton swabs, jewelry and more.
Helpful antique hutch
When built-ins just aren’t an option, look to flea-market furniture. This antique hutch provides plenty of cubby space for spare washcloths and perfume. The hinged door allows for prep space when pulled down, while lower rungs create room for a basket of fluffy towels.
Beauty beneath
The floor below a console or wall-hung sink is storage space waiting to be claimed. Tuck a large woven basket here—it’s pretty in its own right—and use the container for storing clean towels or extra toilet paper rolls.
Grab a seat
Garden stools pull double duty as both seating and storage. Place one by your bath to hold a soap dish, bath beads and other spa accessories. When it comes time to bathe your children or pets, just whisk the toiletries away and use the ceramic stool for seating.
Wall niche
Use a wall niche to squeeze out extra storage space in a bath. Whether used as a decorative display or for functional storage, a niche also adds depth and interest to a wall area.
Tray chic
Dedicate a long, shallow tray to hairstyling tools, cosmetics or accessories so you can transport them to and from a shelf or drawer. A tray made of metal or a sturdy natural weave safely holds small appliances as they cool, while plastic trays make for easy cleanup.
Straight and narrow
Storage is at a premium in small bathrooms. Keep clutter in control without overwhelming a narrow space by adding a shallow metal rack. Stack the shelves with linens, soaps and body scrubs.
Dress it up
Use a cloth skirt to conceal items under an open vanity. The fabric can be pulled open for grab-and-go convenience or closed when guests are present. To keep items organized underneath the vanity, employ stackable wire baskets, clear plastic containers or risers.
Double-duty niche
Make a shower niche even more hardworking by adding a shelf so you can double up on storage capacity. Use one shelf for sponges, creams and soaps and a second shelf for shampoo and conditioner.
Contain yourself
Rid your under-sink storage of unattractive packaging and beauty products, such as cotton swabs and small soaps, and display products on a bathroom countertop in pretty storage containers. Browse flea markets and local home centers to find jars and containers to suit your bathroom decor.
Dual storage
Put wasted space between vanities to work with a shelving unit. A ladder placed between the sinks makes use of just a slice of vertical space and holds towels, washcloths and other bathroom essentials. Two medicine cabinets above the twin pedestal sinks store toothpaste, mouthwash and medicine, while wall-mount soap holders below keep hand soap within easy reach.
Beauty oasis
If you’ve ever fidgeted with packaging for beauty products, you’ll love the convenience of “decanting” cosmetic sponges and cotton rounds and stowing them in small bins or containers tucked inside the medicine cabinet. Open the door and voilà—it’s a breeze to grab what you need.
Look to labels
Take the guesswork out of retrieval or putting things away by sorting bathroom toiletries into containers. Label each bin with the contents and create a playful feel by choosing large, colorful stick-on labels.
Shelf satisfaction
Simplicity begets elegance when you stack a trio of clean-lined shelves on the wall above the toilet. It’s an easy way to take advantage of vertical wall space and increase storage. Use one shelf to display a few pieces of artwork and use the remaining two to hold short stacks of towels and a few rolls of toilet paper.
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