25 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas (with Pictures!)

Small bathrooms… they’re a common challenge. Whether you’re dealing with a powder room barely bigger than a closet or a slightly-less-tiny-but-still-cramped main bath, the struggle for storage is real. Towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies – where does it all go?

Declutter your worries. Clever solutions can transform even the smallest bathroom into an organized and stylish space. We’re sharing practical tips, inspirations, and strategies to unlock hidden storage. Get ready to embrace a functional and fabulous bathroom!

1/25. Conquer the Vertical Space Above Your Toilet

White over-the-toilet storage cabinet with open cubbies, holding toilet paper, air freshener, and small decorative items.

Utilize the often-overlooked space above your toilet. Install a custom-built cabinet, like this, or a ready-made shelving unit. It’s perfect for stashing extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or decorative items, keeping them accessible but out of sight.

2/25. Embrace Floating Shelves for Airy Storage

Three white floating shelves mounted above a toilet; the top shelves are square, the middle is rectangular, and the bottom is a U-shape, displaying toiletries and small plants.

Floating shelves offer a sleek and modern way to add storage without bulky cabinets. Use them to display toiletries, decorative items, or small plants. Staggering shelves at different heights, as shown, adds visual interest.

3/25. Rethink Towel Storage with Creative Racks

Bathroom wall with multiple horizontal towel bars on one side, a decorative metal towel rack with shelves above a standard towel bar, and a sink visible.

Maximize wall space and keep towels tidy with unconventional towel racks. Multiple horizontal bars provide ample hanging space. A wall-mounted rack with shelves, as seen, adds an element of stylish and practical design to your bathroom.

4/25. Install Shelving Around the Toilet and Sink Alcove

Small bathroom alcove with black shelves installed above the toilet and continuing above a small white sink; shelves decorated with plants, small figurines, and a tissue box.

Maximize a small alcove by installing shelving that wraps around the toilet and above the sink area. This creates a cohesive and visually appealing storage solution, offering ample space for plants, toiletries, and decorative accents.

5/25. Combine Towel Rack and Shelf: Double-Duty Design

Two-tiered glass shelf with chrome supports, mounted above a toilet; the lower tier acts as a towel rack, holding two folded towels, while the upper tier displays small plants and decorative items.

Integrate a towel rack with a built-in shelf for a multi-functional storage piece. This maximizes vertical space. The shelf can hold decorative items or toiletries, while the rack provides a convenient spot for hanging towels, keeping everything organized.

6/25. Optimize the Back of the Toilet with a Caddy

Wire caddy placed on top of a toilet tank, holding toilet paper rolls on one side, a vase of flowers, a candle, and small toiletries on the top shelf, with magazines leaning against the side.

A toilet caddy maximizes the often-underutilized space on top of and beside the toilet tank. It can hold extra toilet paper rolls, reading materials, and even small decorative items, keeping them within easy reach.

7/25. Layer Shelves for Maximum Vertical Storage

Multiple white shelves of varying lengths mounted above a toilet, holding rolled towels, toilet paper in a basket, decorative items, and toiletries; a sign reading "Love Lives Here" is displayed.

Installing multiple shelves above the toilet creates a visually appealing and highly functional storage area. Different sized shelves accommodate various items, from rolled towels and toilet paper in baskets to decorative objects and toiletries.

8/25. Repurpose Materials for a Unique Vanity Base

Pedestal sink with a custom-built, light wood shelving unit underneath, creating open storage; small baskets and containers hold toiletries, and small plants are placed on the top and sides.

Think outside the box for under-sink storage. A custom-built vanity base, perhaps constructed from repurposed wood, provides open shelving. Baskets and containers can organize toiletries, keeping the look tidy and adding a rustic touch.

9/25. Vertical Towel Rack: Space-Saving and Stylish

Dark metal vertical towel rack mounted on a wall next to a toilet, holding several rolled towels in alternating coral and beige colors.

A vertical towel rack is a smart solution for small bathrooms with limited wall space. It keeps multiple towels neatly organized and off the floor, and decorative rolled Towel, elevating the bathroom’s aesthetic appeal.

10/25. Slim Rolling Cart: Storage on Wheels

Slim white rolling cart with multiple shelves tucked beside a toilet, holding toilet paper, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and a small plant.

A narrow rolling cart can tuck into tight spaces, such as beside the toilet or vanity. It provides easily accessible storage for toiletries, cleaning supplies, or extra toilet paper, and can be moved out of the way when needed.

11/25. Floating Vanity: Minimalist and Space-Saving

Small bathroom with a wall-mounted gray floating vanity topped with a white vessel sink; a stone-patterned accent wall is behind the vanity, and a white toilet is next to it.

A wall-mounted, floating vanity creates an illusion of more space in a small bathroom. The open area underneath keeps the floor clear, making the room feel less cluttered. This minimalist design is perfect for modern bathrooms.

12/25. Tiered Shelving: Mix and Match Materials

Bathroom wall with a white enclosed cabinet shelf mounted above two glass shelves; the cabinet holds toilet paper, and the glass shelves display plants and decorative items.

Combine different shelving styles for a customized storage solution. A mix of enclosed cabinets and open glass shelves provides both hidden storage and display space, adding visual interest and practicality to the bathroom wall.

13/25. Utilize Wall Niches with Box Shelves

Small bathroom with multiple dark wood box shelves mounted on the wall above and beside the toilet; shelves display decorative items, plants, toiletries, and toilet paper.

Incorporate box shelves of various sizes to create a visually dynamic storage display. These shelves can hold a mix of decorative items and practical necessities, maximizing wall space while adding personality to the bathroom.

14/25. Tiny Cabinet Beside the Toilet

Small bathroom with a tiny white cabinet with drawers placed between a wall-mounted sink and a toilet; a stone-patterned accent wall is behind the toilet, and a woven basket sits beside it.

A small, freestanding cabinet tucked beside the toilet provides valuable hidden storage. This is perfect for keeping extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or personal items out of sight but within easy reach. Choose one to fit the space.

15/25. Hanging Shelves: Rustic Charm and Practicality

Three-tiered wooden shelf hanging from a thick rope, mounted on a white wall; the shelves hold rolled towels, toilet paper, and a small potted plant.

Hanging shelves, particularly those with a rustic or industrial aesthetic, add a unique touch to the bathroom. The multiple tiers offer space for towels, toilet paper, and decorative items, while the rope detail adds visual interest.

16/25. Extend the Vanity Countertop

Small bathroom with a vanity countertop that extends over the back of the toilet, creating a continuous surface; a small plant and decorative items are placed on the extended portion.

If space allows, extending the vanity countertop over the toilet creates a seamless and functional surface. It keeps the space feeling open. It’s an unexpected way to gain a bit of extra counter space.

17/25. Vanity with Open and Closed Storage

Wall-mounted white vanity with a red vessel sink; the vanity has drawers on one side and open shelving with clear acrylic dividers on the other, holding toilet paper and a small plant.

A vanity that combines drawers and open shelving offers versatility. Drawers conceal items, while open shelves provide easy access to frequently used items or allow for the display of decorative elements and essentials like toilet paper.

18/25. Ladder Shelf Under the Sink

Three-tiered white and light wood ladder shelf placed under a pedestal sink; shelves hold small plants, jars of cotton balls, and a basket with washcloths.

A small ladder shelf can fit neatly under a pedestal sink, providing tiered storage without taking up much floor space. This is ideal for storing toiletries, washcloths, or small decorative items, adding functionality to an otherwise unused area.

19/25. Leaning Ladder as Towel Rack and Decor

Wooden leaning ladder used as a towel rack in a bathroom, with a patterned towel hanging on one rung; a large round mirror is above a sink with a wooden shelf holding plants.

A leaning ladder adds a rustic and practical touch. It serves as a unique towel rack, holding multiple towels while taking up minimal floor space. The top of the ladder can also display decorative items.

20/25. Multi-Level Shelving with Hanging Planters

Small bathroom with multiple white floating shelves above a toilet; shelves hold baskets with toiletries and a sign; a rod below the shelves holds three small hanging planters.

Combine different storage elements for a highly functional wall. Floating shelves hold essentials, while a rod with hanging planters adds a touch of greenery and visual appeal, creating a spa-like atmosphere even in a small space.

21/25. DIY Toilet Paper Holder and Shelf Combo

Teal-colored wooden shelf unit mounted beside a toilet; one section holds multiple toilet paper rolls vertically, and two shelves above hold toiletries, soap, and a razor.

A custom-built shelving unit combines a toilet paper holder with shelves for toiletries and other essentials. This maximizes space beside the toilet. And offers a cohesive and practical solution, ideal for compact bathrooms.

22/25. Vertical Stacking Shelves Above the Toilet

Small bathroom with three white box shelves stacked vertically above the toilet; shelves hold toiletries and small decorative items; a vanity with drawers is next to the toilet.

Maximize vertical space with stacked box shelves above the toilet. This arrangement provides ample storage for toiletries, decorative items, or extra towels, keeping them organized and easily accessible without taking up valuable floor space.

23/25. Mirror with Integrated Shelving

Bathroom mirror with integrated wooden shelves on one side and built-in lights above; shelves hold toiletries and small decorative items; a white sink and vanity are below.

A mirror with built-in shelving offers a clever two-in-one solution. It combines a necessary bathroom fixture with storage for small items, maximizing space and functionality, especially useful above a vanity or pedestal sink.

24/25. Tall, Narrow Cabinet for Vertical Storage

Tall, narrow white cabinet with doors and open shelves placed next to a toilet; shelves hold towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and a small plant.

A tall, narrow cabinet utilizes vertical space efficiently, fitting into tight corners or beside the toilet. With multiple shelves and compartments, it can store a surprising amount, from towels and toiletries to cleaning supplies.

25/25. Compact Storage Unit with Drawers and Toilet Paper Holder

Small white storage unit with three drawers and a built-in toilet paper holder placed next to a toilet; the top of the unit holds a small potted plant. Small Bathroom Storage Ideas

A small, multi-functional storage unit combines drawers for concealed storage with a built-in toilet paper holder. This keeps essentials organized and within easy reach, perfect for maximizing space beside the toilet or in a narrow area.

Conclusion: Embrace the Small Space, Maximize the Style

Transforming a small bathroom from cramped to chic is entirely achievable with the right storage solutions. By thinking vertically, utilizing hidden spaces, and choosing multi-functional pieces, you can create a bathroom that’s both beautiful and practical. Don’t be afraid to get creative, repurpose items, and personalize your storage to fit your unique needs and style. A small bathroom can be a design opportunity, not a limitation! Remember to keep your bathroom’s overall aesthetic cohesive. Choose storage solutions that complement your existing decor, and don’t be afraid to add a few decorative touches to make the space feel truly your own. Happy organizing!

FAQs About Small Bathroom Storage Solutions

I’m renting and can’t drill into the walls. What are my best storage options?

Renters have plenty of choices! Over-the-toilet caddies, slim rolling carts, tension rods with hanging organizers, and adhesive hooks are all excellent no-drill solutions. Freestanding storage units, like small cabinets or ladder shelves, also work well.

How can I maximize storage around a pedestal sink?

Pedestal sinks offer a challenge, but a small ladder shelf designed to fit underneath, or a custom-built shelving unit around the base, can add significant storage. Consider a slim rolling cart that can be tucked nearby.

What’s the best way to keep my small bathroom countertop clutter-free?

Utilize wall space! Mount floating shelves or a medicine cabinet with built-in storage above the sink. Use drawer dividers and small containers within your vanity to keep toiletries organized and out of sight.

How do I store extra toilet paper in a small bathroom without it looking messy?

A stylish basket on a shelf, a dedicated toilet paper holder with a shelf above, or a slim cabinet beside the toilet are all great options. Over-the-toilet storage units often have space for extra rolls.

My bathroom has no existing storage. Where do I even start?

Start with vertical space. An over-the-toilet cabinet or shelving unit is a great first step. Then, assess your walls for potential shelving. Finally, consider a slim rolling cart or a small cabinet if floor space allows. Prioritize multi-functional pieces.