The bathroom shelf—once home to dusty cotton tips, half-empty shampoo bottles, and rolled up toilet paper—has become a carefully curated platform for expression. Displaying framed family photos or a collection of decorative objects can instantly evoke a warm and inviting vibe.
Incorporate vintage charm by displaying antique perfume bottles. Look for ones with intricate designs and elegant stoppers.
What to Put on a Bathroom Shelf
Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to designing a home, but they can easily transform into a relaxing oasis with the help of a few well-curated shelves. Gone are the days when they were the repository for dusty cotton balls, half-empty bottles of shampoo, and rolled-up and squeezed toothpaste tubes. Instead, mastering the art of the “shelfie” is all about carefully arranging shelf decor to create an appealing vignette.
To keep everyday bathroom essentials like tissues, tweezers, and scented candles within reach, install shelves that are just above the sink. For an added element of style, paint bathroom shelving the same shade as your walls to create a cohesive aesthetic.
For a sleek and modern look, display decorative objects that incorporate geometric shapes. Whether it’s a framed geometric painting, a collection of vintage black-and-white photographs, or a set of glass canisters with matching lids, these items add visual interest to a bathroom vignette.
If you are putting in a permanent shelf, some pros like to insert a 2” long spacer at the two install leg locations to avoid scratching the wall while grouting. Once the grout is set, the spacer can be removed (some choose to do this while the grout is still wet, others wait until it is dry). This method helps minimise the possibility of damage during installation and ensures a clean grout line.
Plants
When it comes to bathroom shelf decor, adding a plant or two creates a welcoming and lively atmosphere. Whether placed on a corner shelf or even in a small niche like this one from GreyHunt Interiors, a plant adds both visual and textural interest to the space
If your bathroom already has a lot of pattern, opt for neutral-coloured shelving to maintain a cohesive look. Shelves painted in the same colour as your walls create a clean and modern aesthetic, as seen in this space from Laquita Tate Styling and Design. Alternatively, use woven shelves crafted from rattan or wicker to add a warm and rustic touch to your bathroom decor, as seen in this bath from JC Designs.
Geometric patterns can be a great way to add colour and texture to your shelving, as seen in this bath from Miss Alice Designs. To keep the look consistent, be sure to select coordinating vases, soap dispensers, and other accessories.
Depending on your shelving material, you may need to apply a sealant to help protect the surface from water and other substances that could damage it over time. Before installing your shelves, make a mark with a pencil and a level 2 inches above the floor where you want the top of the shelving to be. Then mark the tile 8 3/4 inches from each side where you will need to cut or remove grout to install your shelves. Once the shelves are installed, sand down the edges to smooth the surface.
Art
Once the home of dusty cotton balls and half-empty bottles of shampoo, the humble bathroom shelf has been elevated into a carefully curated platform for expression. Fuelled by the rise of the #shelfie on Instagram, this design trend isn’t just about organising bathroom essentials—it’s also about elevating an otherwise utilitarian feature into a decorative element that enhances the overall ambiance.
A simple way to elevate your bathroom shelves is to add a framed piece of artwork to the mix. Choose a print that complements your space and fits within the colour palette you’ve chosen for your room. Limit the number of decorative items on your shelf to one or two for a clean and modern look, allowing each item to stand out and create a statement.
If you’re going for a more minimal aesthetic, consider matching the colour of your shelving to that of your walls or other fixtures and decor. This is a great choice if you want your shelves to blend into the overall design of your bathroom, as seen in this chic space from Lord.
If you prefer a more sculptural element, opt for a geometric piece. These unique shapes instantly add interest to your shelf and can work well with many different designs.
Accessories
With a few strategic decorative items, bathroom shelves can become a tranquil, spa-like retreat. Choose a neutral colour palette and incorporate natural elements like woven baskets, driftwood, and plants. A few well-selected pieces of art framed in simple black frames are also a lovely addition to a vignette. The calming scent of essential oils—like lavender, peppermint, or chamomile—adds an aromatic touch and can be displayed in a diffuser or oil burner.
Glass jars and containers add an open, transparent aesthetic to your shelf decor while keeping toiletries organised. Mason jars in various sizes are perfect for storing essentials such as cotton balls, Q-tips, and bath salts and can be labelled with rustic twine or a black-and-white chalkboard tag for a cohesive look. Baskets and trays are also great for storing smaller accessories like toothbrushes, hair brushes, and nail clippers. For an elegant touch, vases are a beautiful way to display flowers and other decorative items.
To add a modern, edgy look to your bathroom shelf decor, try adding hexagonal or square-shaped objects. Geometric shapes offer visual interest and can work with any design style.
FAQ
1. How High Should a Bathroom Shelf Be?
Shelves add a touch of organization to a bathroom and are a stylish way to elevate the look. For example, these simple warm wood shelves accented with pottery from Cohesively Curated Interiors are both practical and sophisticated.
For the best results, mount your shelves 10 to 12 inches above the toilet. This ensures the shelf won't interfere with the tank lid.
2. What to Put on a Bathroom Shelf？
If you have shelves near your shower, place items like shampoo, conditioner and hand soap in convenient, easy-to-reach jars. A few framed photographs in vintage frames also contribute to the bathroom's sense of history, like these black-and-white prints from Cohesively Curated Interiors.
3. How to assemble bathroom corner shelf？
Wet the anchoring plates and shelf channel with clean water. Some pros like to use a bit of caulking on the front edge of the base piece to help keep it from leaking and to give a more finished look.
4. How to Fix a Bathroom Corner Shelf？
A bathroom corner shelf can be a real boon. It can save you from fumbling for your shampoo, razor, or whatever else you need to get ready in the morning.
These shelves have protruding tabs that are inserted into notches cut into the tile during tile installation. They are not suitable as a retrofit into existing showers.
5. How to Decorate a Shelf in the Bathroom？
Shelves are an ideal space for displaying artwork and decorative items that contribute to the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Try a neutral color palette or incorporate natural elements like woven baskets and seashells for a coastal vibe.
Incorporate functional items like wicker baskets and glass jars to keep toiletries organized and within reach. Also, be sure to use odd numbers of functional objects like cotton balls or Q-tips in jars to add visual interest to your display.
