Toiletry & towel cabinet in need of an overhaul? With these genius ideas to maximize bathroom storage, you will be killing the clutter. From tackling bathroom cabinet storage to space saving organization, you will never feel so inspired to tackle your small bathroom storage problem!
Small Bathroom Storage – Bathroom Organization Ideas
Do you have limited bathroom space? I know firsthand how frustrating it is to feel unorganized simply because of space constraints. Let’s face it, there are a lot of items that we all need quick access to in the bathroom.
However, it is possible to have a beautiful bathroom and create enough storage space with the small area you have. Designers & DIYers have shared creative small bathroom organization solutions that keep items handy, organized, and even stylish. I’m posting some of my favorites today to inspire you to maximize your minimal space with some out-of-the-box thinking. Enjoy!
5 Fast Tips For Small Bathroom Organization
- Always purge before organizing.
- Rule of 3 – If you have more than 3 of the same item, you probably won’t get to it before it expires. Toss!
- Store items accessed most often at eye level.
- Always leave 10-15% empty space. No bin or shelf should be stuffed full.
- Stop thinking “How am I going to fit this in here?” and start thinking, “How do I see myself using this space?” Imagine your future self coming into that space. For example, imagine your morning routine and go from there.
Amazing Ways To Utilize Empty Wall Space
1. Clutter Busters
How Cool is this amazing innovation? A full length mirror on hinges that opens to reveal tons of storage. It attaches to door hinges and folds out, perfectly utilizing even the tiniest space! It even works when your door is right next to the wall. Find it here.
They have several options that work similarly like a bar series for towels, a mirrored medicine cabinet option, and an armoire cabinet that attaches on the back of the door.
2. Floating Shelves above the Toilet
Add Shelves and baskets above the toilet for extra shelving as in this beautiful bathroom. Notice how even the electrical outlet is incorporated. Then you can set an electrical tooth brush or razor on the shelves rather than on the vanity to maximize counter space.
3. Utilize Door Space
This is one of my absolute favorite ideas! Blank back doors make excellent storage options including towel racks, robe hangers, and more. You can even purchase removable towel bars like these for renting.
More Ways to Use the Backs of Doors:
- Use towel bars on the door to store towels (image credit: Martha Stewart)
- Build Your Own Closet Organizer for Cheap
- Our Linen Closet Makeover
- Nursery Storage Makes Great Bathroom Storage too!
4. Use Hooks High and Low
Hooks are one of the easiest ways to use wall space for extra storage. You can hang many items like:
- Towels
- Hand Towels
- Robes or Extra Clothes
- Swimsuits for Drying
- Bath Sponges and Body Brushes
- Hair Accessories
Pro Tip: These hooks work on wet surfaces too! I have them hanging on our shower walls.
Small Bathroom Counter Storage Ideas
5. Lazy Susan
Vertical storage is a must, especially with small counter space. We love this this rotating makeup organizer. It’s tall enough for full size bottles and compartmentalized for easy access and grouping.
6. Install a Medicine Cabinet
This is actually much easier than you may think! Medicine cabinets have come a long way in beauty and style. You can also surface mount them or recess into walls for sleek hidden storage.
How To Install a Recessed Cabinet: Cut the drywall, measure the space between studs and buy an appropriate sized medicine cabinet. Most are standard sized because modern homes require specific spacing between studs. This project takes less than an hour!
7. Keep Things Tidy With Baskets
Get everyone their own basket with this quick small bathroom organization idea. Instead of fumbling around in drawers, sort items into containers for easy-to-access bathroom storage.
You can fit more in baskets than plain style shelves will keeping everything neat and organized. Notice how all of the items have a similar color scheme? This keeps the baskets from looking cluttered and overflowing.
8. Tiered Trays
These open trays are pretty enough to keep out or your countertop, so you can save drawer space for those less frequently used items. For more ideas, see our other decorating ideas for using tiered trays.
9. Add shelves next to the mirror
No counter space? No Problem. Use shallow shelves for bottles and brushes over the sink. Floating shelves like these are wonderful for small spaces like bathrooms because of their compact size and modern hardware.
And how cute are these flower pots cups? I have also seen similar ideas using mason jars, plastic cups, and toothbrush cups designed to stick on the wall.
Clever Small Bathroom Organization Ideas
10. Store Items Conveniently Outside
Don’t have a linen closet? No problem! Use a small hutch outside the bathroom to store bulky items like towels, backup toiletries, and items used infrequently.
Having navigated life with several tiny bathrooms, one of my favorite sanity saving tips is to set up a vanity area separate from the bathroom. This works especially well for dorm-life or anyone with roommates sharing bathroom time/space.
Here are some of my favorites with lights and stools that are still compact (click on image for purchase information)
11. Think Vertical Bathroom Storage
Since small bathroom by their nature is lacking in horizontal space, you often have to think vertically for new organization ideas. For example, baskets aren’t only for shelves! Utilize simple hanging baskets on a wall for toiletries and linens.
12. Double Shower Rods
This is genius! Use the outside rod for your shower curtain and liner, and then use the inside rod for hanging storage like bath sponges or a quick dry caddy with pockets like this one. Pair with a Tension Pole Caddy or Shower Head Caddy for maximum storage. I don’t recommend shower accessories with suction cups because they often fall.
13. A Slanted Shelf Takes up Less Space
A beautiful ladder shelf like this one, if you have the room, is great for a small bathroom. In some bathrooms, you can take advantage of the space between a toilet and the bath for shelves like these.
14. Build a Shelf Over The Door
Use every inch of space (even the space above the door)! Love this genius idea. While I find the shelf in the photo to be too high, there are many options that would be lower and make this easier to use everyday.
Cabinet Organization Ideas
15. Utilize Cabinet Doors
Don’t forget small doors like on cabinets too! Below are some of our favorite ideas from past uses. Click on the photo to learn more about these fabulous ideas!
16. Divide Containers into Smaller Containers
We all have tiny items to store that get lost in drawers. You can use handy drawer dividers in bins for easy pull-out access to essentials. Other ways to divide storage include using mason jars with lids, adjustable drawer dividers, and square tins with clear lids.
17. Magnetic Organizers
Install Magnetic sheets (galvanized steel) in your cabinet door for more space possibilities. There are also lots of magnetic organizers like toothbrush holders, magnetic bobby pin holder strips, and personal tools like clippers, scissors, or tweezers. The metal pins will stay attached to the strip until you need them!
18. Utilize Fake Drawer Fronts
I am all about finding hidden storage and this gem is one of my favorites. For the bathroom or kitchen, install special hinges and trays for additional storage on those useless drawer fronts.
19. Tiered shelving under sink
Other styles include: Narrow Stacking pull out drawers, Expandable double shelf for double doors, and simple tiered baskets. The ability to pull out the tray and easily access the rear items in the cabinet makes full use of the storage space.
20. Repurpose Kitchen Storage
Repurposing kitchen storage for the bathroom is perfect to maximize counter space. Spice racks are basically shelves just wide enough for small bottles. A paper towel holders works wonders for bracelets, hair ties, or scrunchies.
21. Stacked Containers
How pretty are these?! These stacking containers jars are pretty enough to put on the counter and save space. (Click on photos for purchasing information)
If you are looking for more bathroom organization ideas, our Newsletter Subscribers have access to beautiful custom printable labels and lots more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Several ideas include installing a medicine cabinet, shelves on the wall or over fixtures. One of our favorite ideas is hideaway storage that creates both a full length mirror and great shelving hidden behind any door.
In a small bathroom with no natural light, a bathroom will feel larger with light and pastel shades. Make sure to appropriately light the space for the biggest impact.
After purging items that aren’t useful, there are several methods to organize them including grouping by category, grouping by frequency of use, and (my personal favorite) putting bathroom products in the order that you use them for a task.
Small bathroom organization is possible! A tiny bathroom isn’t a barrier to store all of the necessary tools for prepping and primping. Hope you enjoyed these ideas!
Looking for More Ways to Organize? Check Out Our Other Ideas:
- How to Organize the Garage in 5 simple Steps
- The Best Craft Room and Office Organization Inspiration
- Small Pantry Organization and Tips
- Build Your Own Multi-cubby Organizer
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More Organization Ideas You May Enjoy
Pantry Organization 
How To Paint A Vanity Linen Closet Organization 
How To Replace a Vanity Top
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Erica says
Excited to try some of these ideas in our bathroom. Thank you so much!
Adam Sterling says
Hi, Thanks for the coming to me at the right time. I have been thinking to build up a small bathroom for my kids. I guess your guideline would be helpful to me when I am going for making this. Keep up with good work.