Beautifying your bathroom is always desirable, but sometimes an upgrade simply is necessary just for practical aspects. Start with making the most of your bathroom storage potential, which often is overlooked. Efficient bathroom storage entails designating specific places for storing toiletries, keeping towels, and organizing items such as hair dryers and electric razors. Ideally, you also can make use of open shelving to display special trinkets or attractive toiletries for decorative appeal.
To help you rethink the look and structure of your bathroom storage, here are 10 bathroom shelving ideas to consider.
1. Open Shelving.
Think of the best aspects of open shelving in a kitchen — it provides places to display attractive pieces, gives the room an open feel, and provides motivation to stay organized — and transition those benefits to the bathroom. Shelves are highly adaptable to unique bathroom configurations. You can custom design them for specific nooks and crannies, or cut them to the exact width of a specific wall. Use shelves to display attractive bathroom toiletries and accessories.
2. Above-Sink Shelving.
Add a shelf above the sink and below the mirror to create a place to keep everyday items that you otherwise regularly have to reach for to use.
3. Above-Toilet Shelving.
For many homeowners, the space above the toilet is easy to forget about. Maybe you hang a towel there, but is that the best use of the space? Consider adding shelving to showcase a pretty picture, keep magazines, or house some attractive essentials.
4. Above-Door Shelving.
In many bathrooms, there is unused space between the top of the door and the ceiling. House extra small items you need in this space, whether those items are toiletries, toilet paper or hand towels.
5. Crate Shelving.
For a farmhouse-chic vibe, find painted crates that you can hang on the wall and use for functional storage. Other ideas along this vein include using shelves made of reclaimed wood, or add vintage furniture pieces.
6. Organized Cabinetry.
If your bathroom vanity is basic cabinetry, it probably has underutilized space. Make the most of your storage square footage by installing shelving and/or organizers into your cabinetry. Start by thinking about the ways you want to use the space (i.e., what you want to keep in the bathroom), and organize according to that idea.
7. Closet Compartments.
If your bathroom has or can fit a closet, make the most of it with clever organizers. Whether you go with shelving, cubbies or something else, you can find ways to maximize every bit of space.
8. Glass Shelving.
For a shelving look that reflects light, goes with everything and adds some contemporary appeal, consider glass shelving. Whether it’s tucked into cabinets or on display, glass shelving is a beautiful bathroom storage choice.
9. Inset Shelves with Pops of Color.
Instead of building shelves onto a bathroom wall, build them into it. Creating cubbies maximizes square footage and takes advantage of previously unused space. Then paint the inside of the cubbies with a bold color such as red, yellow or peacock blue — or wallpaper them with a fun pattern you love. Not only will this maximize storage space, but it also offers a decorative complement to the room’s design.
10. Freestanding Shelving.
In situations where you aren’t ready to commit to permanent storage solutions in the bathroom, freestanding shelving is another great option. Find a tower, ladder or other piece of furniture that you can bring into the bathroom, and use the steps or shelves for storage.
Whether your bathroom is tiny or spacious, the right shelving solutions can make a big difference in its overall usability and appeal. So take some time to evaluate the effectiveness of the storage in your bathroom — and then turn your room into a more useful, efficient and comfortable space for you and your family to enjoy.