14 Smart Bathroom Storage Ideas That Add Space and Keep Things Safe

Shelves, hooks, baskets and carts can double your bathroom storage, as long as you keep pills, hair tools and clearances in mind.

The best bathroom storage uses walls, hooks and the dead space around the toilet. Open shelves, baskets and a towel rod above the toilet add room without a remodel. Apartment Therapy’s list of 35 small bathroom storage ideas leans on these same moves.

Two rules keep the plan safe. Keep pills out of the bathroom, since MedlinePlus says heat and moisture from your shower, bath and sink may damage it. And leave at least 21 inches clear in front of the toilet, the minimum in the 2021 Virginia Residential Code.

Hair tools need care too. The CPSC says to unplug small tools when you’re done, even when they’re off.

These 14 ideas give you steps, a style tip and a safety note for each one. Start with the wall above the toilet, then add one idea each weekend.

How Do You Plan Bathroom Storage?

Start with the space you have. Look at three zones: the wall, the sink and the toilet. Most bathrooms waste one of them.

Then sort what you own. Daily items go within arm’s reach.

Spare towels, extra paper and bulk packs can sit higher or lower. Move out what you rarely use.

Use this table to match a zone to a fix. The skill levels are our own guess.

Zone	Best fix	Skill	Rent OK
Above the toilet	Shelf, towel rod	Easy	Yes
Open wall	Long shelf, hooks	Easy	Yes
Vanity	Baskets, drawers, tray	Easy	Yes
Beside the toilet	Slim cart or ladder shelf	Easy	Yes
Shower	Stool, curved rod	Easy	Yes
Whole wall	Wall-to-wall vanity	Hard	No

If you rent, begin with hooks and baskets. They cost little and leave no holes.

What Safety Rules Apply to Bathroom Storage?

Storage looks harmless, but a few rules matter. We list them first.

Keep 21 inches clear in front of the toilet. The 2021 Virginia Residential Code is based on the International Residential Code. It says a toilet needs 21 inches of clear space in front. That runs to any wall, fixture or door. It also says the toilet’s center must sit 15 inches from a side wall or vanity.

Your local code may differ, so check it before a remodel.

Keep meds somewhere else. MedlinePlus says to avoid storing meds in the bathroom. It says the heat and moisture from your shower, bath and sink may damage it.

It suggests a dresser drawer, a kitchen cabinet away from the stove and sink, a box or a closet. It also says to keep medicine out of children’s reach, in a cabinet with a latch or lock.

Unplug hair tools. The CPSC’s home electrical checklist says to unplug hair dryers, curling irons and razors when you aren’t using them. It says plugged-in appliances can shock someone if they fall into water, even when they are turned off. It also suggests plugging portable heaters into a GFCI outlet or using a heater with a GFCI plug.

Let the room dry. The EPA says to run a fan or open a window when you shower. Damp bathrooms can be hard to keep free of mold. Storage that blocks the fan or traps wet towels works against you.

1. Floating Shelf Above the Toilet

The wall above the toilet is the best spot in most bathrooms. The list calls it a missed opportunity if you don’t use it. A shelf here holds towels, paper and a plant.

1. Measure from the floor to the top of the tank. Mark a height that leaves room to lift the tank lid.
2. Find the studs, and mark the spots.
3. Screw the brackets into the studs, or use anchors rated for the shelf’s load.
4. Set the shelf on, and use a level.
5. Store light items up top and heavy ones low.

Style tip: put a rolled towel, a small plant and one candle on top. Three items look planned.

More: see our over-the-toilet storage ideas.

2. Towel Rod Above the Toilet

A rod above the toilet gives you a spot for a hand towel. The list shows one with a small shelf above it for decor.

1. Pick a rod that is wider than the toilet tank.
2. Mark the height so the towel hangs clear of the tank lid.
3. Screw the rod brackets into studs or anchors.
4. Hang a hand towel, and check that the lid still lifts.

Style tip: pick a rod in the same finish as your faucet.

More: more rack styles are in our bathroom towel rack ideas.

3. Wall Hooks for Towels and Robes

Hooks cost little and take almost no space. The list says towels and jewelry both lend themselves to hanging, and that renters can use Command hooks.

1. Clean the wall, and let it dry.
2. Mark each hook spot. Space the hooks a hand apart.
3. Press the stick-on hooks on, and hold them for the time on the label.
4. Wait before you hang weight on them, as the label says.

Style tip: use one hook per person, in one color per person.

Safety: check the weight rating on the pack, and don’t hang wet bath towels on small stick-on hooks.

4. Baskets for Towels and Paper

A basket hides clutter and adds texture. The list says baskets cut down on clutter and store small tools and bottles. It also shows a geometric basket for towels or toilet paper.

1. Pick baskets in one material, such as seagrass or metal.
2. Sort items by type. Put paper in one basket, and spare towels in another.
3. Roll towels, and stand them up.
4. Label the baskets if more than one person uses them.

Style tip: a lined basket keeps small items from falling through.

More: for a good holder, see our best toilet paper holder ideas.

5. Jars for Small Items

Jars make cotton balls and swabs look neat. The list says jars clear space in cabinets and drawers. It shows jars inside a vintage wooden crate.

1. Pick jars with lids, so moisture stays out.
2. Wash and dry each jar.
3. Fill them with cotton balls, swabs and hair ties.
4. Group three jars on a tray.

Style tip: use clear glass so you can see when to refill.

Safety: use plastic or acrylic jars if kids or pets use the bathroom, so nothing breaks.

6. Long Shelf Along One Wall

A long shelf gives you more space than a few small ones. The list says a shelf that runs the length of one wall gives more storage and decor space. One photo is a Chicago condo.

1. Pick the wall opposite the toilet or beside the vanity.
2. Mark a level line, and find the studs.
3. Mount a long board on brackets set into the studs.
4. Seal the wood if it’s raw.
5. Leave a few inches of empty space at each end.

Style tip: keep tall items at the ends and short ones in the middle.

More: see our bathroom shelf ideas.

7. Slim Cart or Ladder Shelf Beside the Toilet

Most baths have a narrow gap by the toilet. The list suggests a skinny magazine rack, ladder shelf or rolling shelf there.

1. Measure the gap in width and depth.
2. Check that you still have 21 inches clear in front of the toilet.
3. Pick a slim cart or a ladder shelf that fits.
4. Load heavy items on the low shelves.

Style tip: pick a cart with wheels, so you can pull it out to clean.

Safety: a tall ladder shelf can tip. Anchor it to the wall if kids use the bathroom. That tip is ours, since the source didn’t cover it.

8. Wall-to-Wall Vanity

A vanity that fills the whole wall adds a lot of storage. The list says many vanities leave unused space on each side, so a wall-to-wall unit can use it.

1. Measure the wall from corner to corner.
2. Order a vanity cut to fit.
3. Plan drawers on both sides of the sink, one side per person.
4. Check that doors and drawers clear the toilet.

Style tip: pick drawers over doors. They let you see everything at once.

Safety: check the 15-inch rule. The toilet’s center must sit at least 15 inches from the vanity, per the code.

More: see our guide to vanity storage.

9. Open Space Under a Console Sink

A console sink leaves room underneath for baskets. The list shows a California console with drawers and an open space at the bottom.

1. Check where the pipes run.
2. Pick baskets that fit around the pipes.
3. Put towels or paper in the baskets.
4. Keep the floor dry.

Style tip: use matching baskets, so the open space looks tidy.

Safety: check the pipes for leaks now and then. A basket can hide a slow drip.

10. Tray on the Toilet Tank

The top of the tank is free counter space. The list says to gather bottles and decor on top. A tray or bowl makes a barrier between your things and the toilet.

1. Pick a tray that is narrower than the tank.
2. Add a small plant, a candle and a spare soap.
3. Lift the tray off to flush or clean.

Style tip: use a wood or marble tray for a spa look.

Safety: keep the tray light, and never store meds here.

11. Shower Stool and Curved Rod

The shower needs storage too. The list shows a wooden stool for often-used items. It also shows a curved curtain rod, which gives a few extra inches of elbow room.

1. Pick a stool made for wet spaces, such as teak or plastic.
2. Put the bottles you use daily on it.
3. Swap the straight rod for a curved one if the shower is tight.

Style tip: pump bottles in one color look neater than mixed brands.

Safety: don’t stand on a stool in a wet shower.

12. Pill Box Outside the Bathroom

Pills belong elsewhere. MedlinePlus says to use a dresser drawer, a kitchen cabinet away from the stove, a box or a closet. It says to keep meds out of children’s reach.

1. Pick a cool, dry spot outside the bath.
2. Use a box with a lid, or a cabinet with a lock.
3. Move all meds there.
4. Keep a small first aid kit in the bathroom for bandages only.

Style tip: a labeled wood box looks nice on a closet shelf.

Safety: MedlinePlus also says to take the cotton ball out of the bottle, since it pulls in moisture.

13. Hair Tool Station With Safe Cords

A hair station keeps cords tidy. The CPSC says to unplug small tools when you’re done, even when they’re off. A plugged-in tool can shock you if it falls into water.

1. Pick a spot away from the sink and tub.
2. Hang a caddy or a holder on the wall.
3. Run the cord so it can’t reach the water.
4. Unplug each tool after use.
5. Cool the tool before you put it away.

Style tip: use a metal holder for hot tools, and a basket for brushes.

Safety: the CPSC also says to discard or repair any tool that shows damaged wiring, sparks or odd noises.

More: see our cheap makeup storage hacks.

14. Hidden Niche or Recessed Cabinet

A niche between studs adds storage with no extra depth. It suits a small bathroom. The old page also mentioned a niche with shelves that adjust to fit your bottles.

1. Find two studs, and check for pipes and wires behind the wall.
2. Cut the opening between the studs, or hire a pro to do it.
3. Frame it, and add shelves.
4. Seal the inside, since a bathroom is damp.

Style tip: paint the inside a deeper color than the wall.

Safety: don’t cut into a wall until you know what’s behind it. Call a pro if you see pipes or wires. That step is our own advice.

More: see our hidden storage ideas.

What Does Bathroom Storage Cost?

Costs vary by store. The ranges below are our own guess, since no source listed prices.

Idea	Rough cost	Time
Wall hooks	Low	10 minutes
Baskets and jars	Low	30 minutes
Floating shelf	Low to mid	1 hour
Slim cart	Low to mid	10 minutes
Recessed niche	Mid to high	A weekend
Wall-to-wall vanity	High	Days

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Storing meds in the bathroom. MedlinePlus says heat and moisture can damage it.
• Blocking the 21 inches. A cart or shelf in front of the toilet breaks the clearance rule.
• Leaving hair tools plugged in. The CPSC says they can shock if they fall into water.
• Blocking the fan. Storage that traps damp air can help mold grow, the EPA warns.
• Overloading stick-on hooks. Check the weight rating on the pack.
• Skipping the studs. A shelf needs a stud or a rated anchor.

Your Weekend Plan

Friday evening: Sort what you own into daily, weekly and rarely used. Move meds to a closet or a lockable box.

Saturday morning: Mount the shelf and the towel rod above the toilet.

Saturday afternoon: Add hooks, baskets and jars.

Sunday: Set up the cart and the hair station. Step back, and check the 21 inches.

FAQ

How can I add storage to a small bathroom?

Use the wall above the toilet, the open wall and the gap beside the toilet. Add hooks, baskets and a slim cart.

Where should I keep meds?

Outside the bathroom. MedlinePlus suggests a dresser drawer, a kitchen cabinet away from the stove and sink, or a closet.

How much space do I need in front of the toilet?

At least 21 inches, per the 2021 Virginia Residential Code. Check your local code, since it may differ.

Is it safe to leave a hair dryer plugged in?

No. The CPSC says to unplug small tools when you aren’t using them, even when they are off.

How do I store towels so they dry?

Hang them on a rod or hooks, and run the fan or open a window. The EPA says to run a fan when you shower.

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