As a small space living designer, I’m always seeking creative solutions to maximize storage in tiny bathrooms. In Los Angeles, where indoor/outdoor flow is key, I blend style with function to conceal necessities without compromising aesthetic.
Through my work, I’ve discovered clever spots that homeowners overlook to tuck away toiletries and tools. Utilize these tips to utilize wasted space behind doors, under sinks, and above toilet tanks.
Problem: Cluttered Chaos
You’re late for work, rifling through a disorganized drawer, shampoo and brushes strewn about. The struggle is significant in small powder rooms! Without storage, messes multiply, leaving you stressed and running late.
Before implementing solutions, identify the problem zones in your bathroom. Do products pile up around the sink? Perhaps shelves are empty while towels take up floor space. Analyze how you use the areas to transform unused space into storage space.
Solution: Optimize Every Inch
Bath storage reflects creativity; the only limit is your imagination! Use vertical space to free up counter space – install floating shelves, mount caddies with removable baskets. Repurpose household items like hanging shoe organizers for overflow.
Even a snug bath can gain order with innovative additions. Read on for 12 unexpected places to stash essentials.
Behind Closed Doors
The back of the door offers versatility for hanging storage. Install over-the-door racks with adjustable shelves for towels and toiletries. Use adhesive hooks to hang robes, bags or a makeup mirror.
Consider using magnetic strips to organize beauty tools. Mount them behind doors or below cabinets to arrange tweezers and clippers.
Under Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks have simple styling, but lack storage. Enhance the hard-to-access space underneath with a coordinating skirt to conceal bins.
This foundation uplifts organizational opportunities! Use woven baskets to hold bulk supplies like soap, cotton swabs and bandages. Stack boxes to best utilize space. Label contents on each basket for ease.
Inside Drawers
Drawer organizers have compartments for sorting small items, preventing them from getting lost. Use adjustable dividers to arrange cotton balls, Q-tips and hair ties.
Line these spaces with non-slip mats to keep beauty products from shuffling around in shallow bathroom drawers.
Windowsills
Windowsills are perfect for decorative accents. Arrange votive candles, petite plants or a ceramic soap pump on the ledge.
For storage, stack baskets or install a slim floating shelf. This allows airflow around moist essentials like rolled washcloths and hand towels.
Above Toilets
Curious about the empty wall space above toilets? Optimize it with mounted shelves or corner units with bins. They come in various configurations to hold toilet paper, air fresheners or cleaning products. For DIY storage, adhere a tension rod with S-hooks to hang lightweight baskets.
Inside Cabinets
Use adhesive shelf liner to prevent products from toppling in medicine cabinets. For door-mounted storage, try over-the-cabinet organizers with mesh pockets to maximize vertical space for toiletries and tools.
Install hooks on the back panel to hang washcloths using grommets or S-hooks. Use large hooks for toiletry bags.
Underside of Vanities
Ditch generic wire shelving under bathroom vanities for custom solutions with style. Try adjustable drawers, rollout trays, or two-tiered bins sized for products. Label each section – “hair care” and “skin care.”
For plumbed sinks, install an apron to conceal pipes and storage bins. This foundation improves organizational opportunities! Use woven baskets to hold bulk supplies like backup soap, cotton swabs and bandages. Stack identically sized boxes to best utilize vertical space under sinks.
Metal Shelving Units
Adjustable metal racks, used in home kitchens for spices, work well in bathrooms. Mount them inside cabinet doors to organize shampoos, conditioners, and shower gels for easy identification.
Consider using corner-mounted racks to display perfume bottles and beauty products. Incorporate lighting for a spa-style presentation.
Shower Niches
Sills lack storage, great for displaying succulents or candles. Construct recessed niches into shower walls to fit shampoos and conditioners. Use waterproof bins secured with silicone for built-in shelving.
If remodeling isn’t possible, use heavy-duty shower caddies with adjustable shelves. Look for rust-resistant materials like aluminum or stainless steel.
Rolling Carts
When floor space is limited, rolling carts offer movable storage for bath essentials. Choose taller models for studios with standalone showers, and shorter ones for small powder rooms.
Look for narrow carts to place next to toilets or behind doors. Multitier designs with baskets and locking wheels provide great organization for small bathrooms.
Alternative Furnishings
The best storage can be outside the bath. For guest bathrooms, consider a narrow hall tree with integrated mirror and hooks for hanging robes and bags. Repurpose a vintage dresser, painting it to complement decor and removing center drawers to accommodate plumbing. The remaining ones provide concealed storage.
For contemporary spaces, a sleek entryway console with cabinetry and slim drawers for extra storage. Top it with a tray for keys, cups, or candles.
FAQ
What organizers work best in high moisture areas like showers?
I recommend using rust-resistant shower organizers and storage bins made from materials like stainless steel, plastic, or aluminum. Popular options include corner caddies, wall-mounted shelves, and hanging shower bags. Ensure wall-mounted accessories use moisture-resistant hardware.
How to add bathroom without remodeling?
Use adhesive storage options inside cabinets or on walls. Use over-the-door organizers, hanging shelf units, corner mounted racks, or tension rods with hooks. Consider rolling carts, vintage dressers, or entryway consoles. Maximize vertical space.
Ideal storage solutions for small or shared kids’ bathrooms?
Key to a child-friendly organization is using colorful bins or baskets for bath toys, labeled with pictures for pre-readers. Low open shelving lets little ones access necessities. Add a rolling cart for hair supplies. Wall-mounted storage with crates or bins accommodates each family member.
Install adjustable height components like hanging rails and removable basket units to grow with kids by moving them up on walls. Consider adding animal hooks behind doors to personalize their spaces.
Where should I incorporate lighting into my storage?
Proper illumination prevents rummaging in dark cabinets or drawers. Under-cabinet lighting or LED strips inside medicine cabinets help identify items. Side-mounted night lights turn on for middle of the night bath visits.
Consider sconces or accent lighting above glass shelves to illuminate decorative items. Use puck lights in display niches or on floating shelves to spotlight beauty products and enhance the room’s ambiance.
Let me know if you have more questions!
Even the smallest powder room can gain storage and style with creativity. Use space-saving solutions to create an organized oasis for bathing bliss! Let me know if you have more small bathroom storage questions.
