A well-organized bathroom is not only easier to maintain, but it can also look beautiful. Use these tips to transform your small space into a calming oasis.
Instead of a toilet paper roll holder that screams utilitarian, use a pretty basket or Kilner jar to keep extras on hand. This hack is easy and inexpensive to implement.
Wall Shelves
Bathroom wall shelves are a simple way to add a lot of storage without embarking on a major renovation project. You can even line them up along the outside of cabinet doors for overflow storage, says interior designer Becky Shea.
Shelves offer a perfect place to display decor while providing easy access to those items that you need on a regular basis, such as toothbrushes or tissues. Shelving can also serve as a backdrop for other decorative elements such as artwork or framed prints. Shelving materials like wood can be used for both functionality and visual appeal, while metal or glass shelves keep things safe from moisture.
If you want to create a clean and organized look for your bathroom, try matching baskets and containers to your shelving material or color scheme. You can also incorporate functional items, such as towel racks, woven bins, or a jar for cotton balls and Q-tips. Add greenery to the mix for a fresh, spa-like feel and some extra visual appeal.
A cluttered shelf can quickly turn into a mess, so be sure to store items closest to where you use them. This keeps you from having to cross the room to grab those items that you need on a daily basis, says professional organizer Kimberly Corey of Finely Sorted Virtual Organizing. She suggests storing products you need on a regular basis in an area near your mirror, such as a medicine cabinet or vanity, and products that are less frequently used elsewhere in the space.
Adding a small shelving nook to the corner of your bathroom can help you make use of awkward space, such as the area beneath a window or behind a door. This small shelving solution can provide an ideal spot to store towels or backstock items, says designer Becky Shea. She suggests painting it a color that coordinates with the rest of your bathroom to ensure that it blends in seamlessly with the space and doesn’t overcrowd it.
You can also add shelving to a freestanding piece of furniture such as a dresser. This option offers more storage than a traditional vanity and it works well in rooms with a single sink. You can find shelving that matches the style of your furniture or go for something more modern, such as a set of sleek floating shelves, says Becky Shea.
Cabinets
A well-designed storage system is key to a clutter-free bathroom. Organizing towels, toiletries, cleaning products, and hair tools promotes efficiency and makes the space more aesthetically pleasing. To make the most of your existing cabinets and drawers, swap out bottles for wall-mounted dispensers, install corner shelves for extra storage, or bring in stackable baskets to hold everything from cotton balls to hair ties. And don't forget the back of your door—hooks or a hanging organizer can be used to hold towels and toilet paper, making it easier to grab a roll on your way out the door.
Whether you've got a deep cabinet or a shallow one, the most important thing is to organize your items into categories that make sense for your household. Using labels helps keep everyone in the family on board with your new system, and it ensures that everyone will know where to find what they need. If your drawers and cabinets are looking a little goopy, give them a clean with a vacuum hose or a wipe-down. Then add a fresh coat of paint or stain to brighten the space.
If you have a medicine cabinet that's filled with boxes of cotton rounds or other small bathroom goods, try inserting a bamboo divider to help separate items and make them easy to find. These dividers not only provide easy access to everything from toothpaste and toothbrushes to cotton swabs, but they also look clean and contemporary against a wood cabinet.
Another great tip is to organize items based on their size, so larger items go at the top and smaller items toward the bottom. This will make it much easier for everyone in the family to reach what they need, and it also ensures that all your meds are secure.
Remember that there's no such thing as too much storage in a small bathroom, and the best solution is always tailored to your needs. If you've run out of floor space, consider adding a bathroom shelf or two above the sink or over the toilet to bring in more shelving and more storage. Alternatively, consider bringing in a wicker basket to conceal linens or a rolling bar cart to stow cleaning products and folded towels.
Drawers
When you have limited counter space but need a home for bathroom products and supplies, bathroom drawers are an ideal solution. They can easily store towels, toiletries, extra soap and lotion, hair tools, makeup, and more. If your drawers are overflowing, consider removing some items and focusing on storing the most frequently used items in your small bathroom. This can help eliminate a chaotic mess and make your morning routine easier and more pleasant.
There are many drawer organizing options available, from simple trays and baskets to customized drawer organizers. If you're not sure what type of drawer organization would work best for your space, consider measuring the dimensions of your cabinet and drawers. This will ensure that the storage solution you choose fits perfectly and maximizes your space. You can also purchase a cabinet insert that features adjustable dividers or even take an old silverware organizer and customize it to your bathroom drawer needs.
Adding additional bathroom shelving is another excellent storage solution for bathrooms of all sizes. Shelving is excellent for keeping items off the counter and can also be used to feature decor and personalization. If you don't have room for a full piece of furniture, try mounting shelves on the wall using decorative brackets. They're a simple and inexpensive way to add more storage to your bathroom.
If you don't have enough drawer or shelf space, you can also make the most of vertical storage by installing a floating vanity or a unique ladder shelf. Aside from utilizing empty wall space, this storage hack is an excellent option for small bathrooms because it creates more visual appeal.
Whether your bathroom drawers are overflowing or just need a little TLC, these practical organization ideas will help transform the room into a functional and peaceful sanctuary for everyday use. Remember, the key is to keep things simple and tailored to your specific needs. This will prevent you from getting overwhelmed and discouraged by your ever-growing to-do list. So, start with a few of these tips and continue to build your bathroom into an organized retreat!
Labeling
A tidy, organized bathroom is more than just aesthetically pleasing; it’s also more functional and easier to maintain. Having the right storage solutions in place helps to keep everything where it belongs and minimizes clutter, which in turn makes this room a place where you can unwind and relax.
The first step is decluttering your bathroom and eliminating products or items you don’t use anymore. Then, sort through your remaining toiletries, cleaning supplies, and feminine products to find appropriate storage containers. Sorting items into similar categories can help you see what you have and what you need. Once you’ve got all your stuff sorted, label everything to make it even more functional. Adding decorative labels to your bathroom storage containers can add an extra layer of function and style while making it much easier to identify exactly where each item is located within your space.
Another great way to utilize a small bathroom is by using the space above the toilet. There are a variety of storage options available, such as over-the-toilet shelving, a toilet paper holder that also serves as an extra shelf, or the ever-versatile Raskog cart. These pieces offer an extra space to store towels, extra toiletries, and more. If you don’t have the space for these items, opt for a smaller side table that can serve as a catch-all for things like hair tools and feminine products.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative when storing items on the countertops. Try using a pretty tray to hold products that you frequently take off before bathing, such as perfume, hand lotion, and makeup brushes. A jewelry dish can be a handy spot for your rings and other bracelets, and mini bins can be used to hold items like hair ties and bobby pins.
When storing linens in your bathroom, consider how often you'll need each item before deciding where to put it. For example, a stack of spare washcloths may be best stored on a closet rod or in a linen closet. This will prevent them from becoming toppled over and ruined. It’s also helpful to invest in a few extra hangers for additional storage.
