As an interior designer blending Philadelphia’s historical elements with contemporary flair, I’m frequently asked how to transform cramped bathrooms. Small spaces mean limited storage, causing frustration for homeowners. Today, I’ll share seven innovative tricks to double your bathroom’s storage.
Implementing these clever solutions can streamline morning and evening routines. You’ll easily locate personal care products, medications, towels, and cleaning supplies. An organized bathroom also boasts a pleasant ambiance, with tidy counters and uncluttered cabinets.
Let’s explore inventive techniques to maximize vertical space, storage furniture to conceal essentials stylishly, and smart ways to compartmentalize drawers. Even the tiniest bathrooms can become efficient and charming with creative experimentation!
Install Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are great for storing items without taking up counter space. You can mount them above the toilet or beside the vanity for easy access. You can use metallic braces for a modern look or rustic corbels for farmhouse décor.
Leave clearance for baskets holding toilet paper, cotton swabs, and cosmetics. Stand hair care products upright on shelves to save space. Install angled shelves in corners to hold candles, tiny succulents, or bathroom décor.
Embrace Multi-functional Furniture
Repurposing furniture to serve a dual purpose, like discreet storage, is a great tactic in small bathrooms. An antique dresser transformed into a sink vanity conceals towels or cleaning supplies in its drawers. A storage bench offers seating and compartments for stowing extra toilet paper, shampoo bottles, and cleaning agents.
For a compact option, wall-mounted nightstands with a cabinet and shelves flanking a narrow sink save floorspace and provide ample room for organizing. A small cabinet retrofitted above the toilet can accommodate stacks of toilet paper and tissue boxes.
Use Space-Savvy Racks
Installing racks is a great way to use vertical space and keep items accessible. Wall-mounted racks with rustproof metal or wood slats are ideal for folding washcloths, handtowels, and bath towels neatly. Position them high enough to avoid touching the floor and prevent mildew.
For a budget-friendly solution, over-the-door towel racks neatly store linens behind the bathroom door. Consider ones with built-in shelves above to hold toiletries or feminine products. Sturdy over-the-shower caddies with baskets prevent bottles from toppling over, making it easier to access shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Add discreet drawer dividers.
Don’t underestimate a well-organized drawer to amplify storage capacity while maintaining a streamlined appearance. Install dividers to separate makeup, skincare serums, hair ties, and fragrances into easily-locatable categories.
Use separate compartments for first-aid, cold meds, prescriptions, and vitamins. Store dangerous products like nail polish remover, hydrogen peroxide, and rubbing alcohol away from kids. Drawer dividers create accountability and prevent misplacing items.
Mirror Cabinet for Storage
Selecting a bathroom mirror that doubles as storage space is a clever way to conceal necessities. Mirror cabinets have shelves or compartments behind the glass, creating extra room for toiletries, cosmetics, medications, and bathroom tissue.
Look for weathered oak or sleek metal cabinets to match most decor. Install petite LED lights that switch on when you open the cabinet. The illumination makes items easy to identify in low light. For safety, ensure mirrors open smoothly and latch securely.
Mount corner shelves
Maximize awkward corners in the bathroom by installing floating corner shelves. These platforms are perfect for candle displays, potted plants, rolled washcloths, or stacked guest towels.
Consider taller corner shelves reaching from floor to ceiling for large bathrooms to accommodate bulkier items like spray cleaners, toilet brushes, shaving cream cans, and boxes of sanitary products. Ensure the bottom shelves don’t impede walking paths and create trip hazards.
Use Magnetic Strips Smartly
Install magnetic strips inside cabinets or under sinks to organize small metal objects like bobby pins, safety pins, and tweezers.
Magnetic strips allow you to mount metal containers on cabinet doors to hold cotton swabs, hair elastics, nail clippers, and makeup brushes, maximizing vertical storage.
Magnetic strips on the fridge doors can turn them into spice racks, freeing up counter space. They can also hold razors, nail files, scissors, and combs out of children’s reach. Experiment with magnetic strips for more organizational uses!
FAQ
How can I add storage in my bathroom without remodeling?
Use over-the-door organizers. Hang them over your bathroom or linen closet door for hanging space or shelves without tools. They’re easy to install and remove. Over-the-toilet shelves or cabinets also provide quick extra storage.
How can I add more towel storage?
Install a towel ladder, wall-mounted racks, over-the-door holders, or under-sink baskets. Ladders and racks add drying and display space while freeing up floor area. Door-mounted and under-sink options efficiently stow folded towels and washcloths out of sight.
What should I store under my bathroom sink?
Reserve under-sink space for bulkier items like backup toilet paper, extra shampoo bottles, feminine products, overflow towels, cleaning supplies, and waste bins. Install slide-out trays or drawer organizers for tidy organization. This accessible storage is ideal for non-daily items.
Where should I store medications and first-aid supplies?
Keep medications, vitamins, bandages, antiseptic creams, thermometers, and other first-aid gear together in a dedicated drawer or cabinet. Use organizers or bins to separate by category. The top shelves of a medicine or mirror cabinet also work well for these supplies.
How to hide ugly plumbing pipes?
To improve your bathroom’s style, conceal exposed drainpipes under sinks. Wrap pipes in foam covers and decorative fabric sleeves, or box them in with sliding drawers or cabinet doors. These techniques hide unattractive elements and create more storage space.
Unlocking Storage Potential
Creativity maximizes storage in compact bathrooms. These seven tricks will inspire your own solutions! Experiment by repurposing furniture, using racks cleverly, or installing smart organizers.
An organized bathroom isn’t just efficient. It bolsters peace of mind and wellness. As a designer valuing Philadelphia’s architectural foundations, I’m honored to help homeowners transform cramped bathrooms into relaxing sanctuaries that meet their daily needs. Reach out for personalized storage tips or clever solutions for your historic home. Stay tidy!
