From toiletries and towels to makeup and hair care, bathrooms are home to a wide range of personal items. Having a designated spot for everything can help you stay organized and keep your space tidy — but that’s easier said than done when you're short on square footage.
Looking for small bathroom storage ideas? You'll find plenty here to inspire you.
Keep scrolling for space-saving tips, product recommendations and small-space bathroom storage ideas for the DIY-inclined.
19 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas to Consider
If you're stumped on how to organize your compact bathroom and make the most of your available space, you've come to the right place. Here are 19 thoughtful ideas for small bathroom storage.
Freestanding Shelves or Racks
You can place freestanding shelves or racks anywhere they'll fit in your small bathroom. To maximize use of vertical space and minimize the footprint of your storage, look for tall, narrow units. Use this storage solution for stashing toilet paper rolls, folded towels, kids' bath toys, or extra toiletries for guests.
Pedestal Sink Bathroom Storage
Creating storage can be a challenge in powder rooms, half-baths and otherwise small bathrooms with pedestal sinks. Without counter space or built-in under-sink storage, you could put short freestanding shelves on either side of the pedestal or directly underneath if there's room. This will allow you to keep hand towels, soap, lotion and other essentials near the sink. Alternatively, hang a small floating shelf to the side of the sink for a hand soap dispenser.
Maximize Under-Sink Cabinet Storage
If your bathroom does have a built-in vanity with counters and cabinets underneath, make the most of this storage space with in-cabinet organizers. For instance, you could get stackable drawers, small crates or wire bins. Also, think about attaching hooks or a rack to the back of the cabinet door for hot hair tools and other large-ish items you want within reach, but out of the way.
Versatile Rolling Cart
One of the best small bathroom storage ideas is to get a rolling cart like this multi-tiered unit. Fill each tier with anything from rolled towels to skincare products to decorative items like succulent plants or candles. Best of all, you can roll it around to different areas as needed or even store it somewhere else when you want it out of the way.
Compactly Rolled Towels
Looking for storage ideas for towels in a small bathroom that don't require expert folding skills? Rather than folding your bath linens, try rolling them up tightly and compactly. Then place them on a shelf, in a basket or within a vertical wall storage unit like this clever rack.
See our blog for step-by-step instructions on How to Roll Towels Like a Hotel Spa.
Towel Ladder
Another idea for towel storage in small bathrooms is to lean a ladder against the wall and use the rungs to hang your folded towels and bath sheets. A small wooden utility ladder will work, but you can also buy slightly more decorative ladders designed specifically for this purpose.
Feeling handy? See our guide to learn How to Make a DIY Blanket Ladder.
Over-the-Door Bathroom Organizer
Have you considered an over-the-door organizer? This simple yet endlessly useful system is easy to hang without any tools, thanks to the squared hooks on top. And with a low profile, it won't be in the way when you open and close the door. Over-the-door organizers are also typically very affordable.
Above-the-Door Towel Storage
Another clever small bathroom storage idea is to make use of the empty space above the door. You can install a floating shelf, wire racks or a built-in nook and use it to store extra towels. If your home doesn't have a proper linen closet or laundry room, you can place other household linens or laundry detergent in the nook.
Add Drawers Wherever They Fit
Figuring out where to put everything can be tricky when you don't have a built-in vanity with drawers and cabinets. But you can add drawers to your bathroom anywhere they'll fit — as long as they don't obstruct any walkways. For instance, this skinny, low-profile drawer unit is tucked into the corner of this bathroom, optimizing storage space while staying out of the way.
In-Drawer Organizers
If you do have existing drawers, consider getting little organizers to separate and categorize things like hair products, makeup, toothpaste and dental floss. This will make it easier to find each item when you need it, while keeping the counter free of clutter. You can buy in-drawer organizers in the form of small acrylic trays, wooden dividers or fabric-covered cardboard cubes.
DIY Crate Shelves
Did you know you can create your own wall storage using crates? All you need for this DIY small bathroom storage idea are small wooden crates, screws and a drill. The result is a shelf-cubby hybrid where you can place shower essentials, toilet paper rolls, rolled-up hand towels, extra washcloths, you name it. And you can use both the inside of the crate and the upper surface to stash everything.
Pull-Out Cabinet
If you're renovating an older home or building a new house, consider installing pull-out cabinets. As you can see, a narrow built-in cabinet can pull out to reveal extendable trays, fixed shelves or even a laundry hamper. This small bathroom storage idea is convenient because it keeps the contents out of view, so you don't have to keep everything tidy all the time.
Floating Shelves Above the Toilet
Making use of unused wall space without a footprint on the floor, above-the-toilet shelving is a go-to solution for small bathrooms. You can hang one or two floating shelves about the same width as the toilet, or get a freestanding unit designed specifically to go over the tank. Use the shelves for air freshener, extra toilet paper rolls, candles or small plants.
Floating Basket Small Bathroom Towel Storage Idea
If your bathroom decor style leans rustic or cottagecore, floating baskets might be right up your alley. Round, square or rectangular baskets will work as long as they're deep enough to hold rolled or folded towels.
Want to Create Your Cottagecore Dream Home? Read our article for tips and recommendations.
Floating-Freestanding Storage Combo
Those looking for slim bathroom storage ideas should consider a mix of floating and freestanding systems. For instance, you might install a medicine cabinet directly over a pedestal sink or floating vanity with drawers. Next, you could put a tall, skinny shelving unit on one side of the sink, then finish it off with a few wall hooks or towel bars.
Low-Profile Bathtub Shelving Unit
If you love a good soak, you might want to place a short, low-profile unit next to your bathtub. Use the lower tiers for washcloths, sea sponges, bath soaks and soap, then place your book, e-reader, wine glass, or tea cup on the upper surface. A lightweight unit is ideal, as you'll be able to move it somewhere else when you're not taking a bath.
Check out our article to learn How to Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa.
Portable Stool Shelf
A stool can work as a portable shelf in extra-small spaces lacking storage. Place it next to the toilet and use the surface for room spray, potpourri or a scented candle. You could also use the stool as a bathside table. This very small bathroom storage idea is conveniently versatile because you can place it almost anywhere and move it around as needed.
Lateral Medicine Cabinet
Doubling as a vanity mirror and storage solution, medicine cabinets are immensely useful in any bathroom. But something with lateral shelves can help you make the most of your space without being in the way. This small restroom storage idea calls for a medicine cabinet that pulls out on either side rather than opening with a hinged door.
Built-In Bathroom Backstock Shelves
If you're able to build into your walls, think about creating a nook-style cabinet with shelves. You can use this space to store backstock skincare, haircare, personal hygiene products and guest toiletries, while keeping everything organized by category.
Designing a guest bath? See our guide to Guest Bathroom Essentials for tips and ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Bathroom Storage Ideas
Find answers to frequently asked questions about bathroom storage ideas for small spaces below.
How do I get storage space in my small bathroom?
Some of the best do-it-yourself storage ideas for small bathrooms include installing hooks, towel bars, floating shelves and over-the-door systems. You can also lean a towel ladder against the wall or get a compact freestanding unit to place along the wall or above the toilet.
How do you organize a small bathroom without cabinets?
If you don't have cabinets and you need a few small bathroom ideas for storage, you can get a tall, skinny freestanding shelving unit, install floating shelves, buy an above-the-toilet rack or hang an over-the-door organizing system.
How can I maximize my bathroom space?
The key to maximizing bathroom space is to optimize vertical space on your walls and choose pieces with little to no footprint (aka the amount of floor space they take up). Tall, narrow shelving units, floating shelves, towel ladders, wall hooks and over-the-door systems are all excellent options.
Bathroom Essentials and Storage Solutions From Parachute
When you're ready to refresh your bathroom, the bath collection from Parachute is a great place to start looking. You'll find sustainably made bath linens, rugs, mats, shower curtains and bath accessories. The selection also includes functional yet decorative storage solutions, like baskets, bins and laundry hampers.
Need personalized assistance? Whether you need more pointers for designing an oddly shaped space or expert advice on choosing a color scheme for you home, an experienced interior stylist at Parachute can help. Schedule your free one-on-one virtual consultation today.
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