Small-Bathroom Storage Woes and How to Fix Them
We got the lowdown from professional organizers on how to make the most of tight quarters
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A vanity mirror minus the storage that’s supposed to come with it. A sink without a cabinet underneath. A shower where the only spot for shampoo bottles is the floor. Sound familiar?
Bathrooms come in myriad shapes and sizes but more often than not, they seem to be, well, lacking. If you’re not among the lucky few who have a Goldilocks situation (where everything’s just right), a supplemental storage solution may be in order.
For expert advice, I turned to professional organizers to learn more about their tried-and-true fixes for the pain points that typically arise in small bathrooms.
- What If I Don’t Have a Cabinet Under the Sink?
- My Shower Staples Don't Have a Place to Live
- Where Can I Store Rolls of Toilet Paper?
- My Bathroom Is Tight on Square Footage
- … And I Don’t Have Room for Freestanding Pieces
- I Need a Rental-Friendly Drying Spot for Towels
- Where Can I Store Bulky or Miscellaneous Items?
What If I Don’t Have a Cabinet Under the Sink?
If your bathroom doesn’t have a cabinet-style sink, Robyn Reynolds of Organize2Harmonize has a handful of ideas that can help. “You can use open shelving or a wall-mounted cabinet,” she says, adding that all shelving doesn’t necessarily need to be mounted on the same wall.
The lesson here? Create storage opportunities where you can: over the toilet or behind the door are all fair game. But Reynolds notes that using the bathroom door can potentially make it too bulky and difficult to open all the way. These are some of her favorite storage options:
Godboat Over-the-Toilet Storage
Shario White Floating Shelves
My Shower Staples Don't Have a Place to Live
There are always ways to squeeze in storage in a shower setting, Reynolds says; just look at an over-the-showerhead option or individual shelves that are mounted high. “The challenge with shelves mounted on the tile is that the suction cups have to be flush on the tile and not on the grout,” she says. “Otherwise, they will not be sturdy and will often fall off the tile. You may need to try a few to find the one that works for you.”
Yougai Shower Caddy Shower Shelf
Smartake Hanging Showerhead Caddy
Where Can I Store Rolls of Toilet Paper?
Target Freestanding Toilet Paper Holder
If your bathroom lacks a dedicated place to store toilet paper, consider a toilet roll holder or stand, says Rashelle Isip, founder of The Order Expert. “This keeps rolls neat, contained in a small floor footprint, and ready for use,” she says.
My Bathroom Is Tight on Square Footage
“When floor space is at a premium in your bathroom, look to your walls for storage space,” says Janine Adams of Peace of Mind Organizing. “A great option is a floor-based tall cabinet with a small footprint.”
Ikea Hemnes High Cabinet With Mirror Door
Adams recommends this Hemnes high cabinet from Ikea, which features a full-length mirror. Not only can it be a place to store toilet paper and cleaning supplies but also towels and other necessities.
… And I Don’t Have Room for Freestanding Pieces
Alaterre Furniture Wall-Mounted Bath Storage Cabinet
If you don’t have 20 spare inches of floor space, then mounting a cabinet on the wall can work, Adams says. “Mounting it over the toilet takes advantage of typically underused wall space,” she says. “This cabinet can accommodate toilet paper and many go-to cleaning supplies.”
I Need a Rental-Friendly Drying Spot for Towels
Yamazaki Rolling Tower Rack
Command hooks can be a solid alternative to drilling holes into a wall, but in a bathroom, where things tend to get steamy, the adhesive on the strips may not always hold up. Joby Aranda’s fix comes in the form of this streamlined rolling rack, which even has a bottom shelf that can be prime for storing other odds and ends.
Where Can I Store Bulky or Miscellaneous Items?
Horstors Bathroom Cabinet
Whether your bathroom lacks a medicine cabinet or a cabinet under the sink, this freestanding unit can provide a wealth of storage opportunities. Schae Lewis of Mission 2 Organize recommends this cabinet for housing towels, toilet paper, and so much more. “With its slim yet tall design, you’ll be able to fit it in almost any bathroom and have room for all of your essentials.”
