14 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas to Maximize Space

Between your morning makeup routine and nightly shower, your bathroom serves many functions in a limited space. If you’re tired of battling your small bathroom storage but don’t have the time or budget for a full remodel, use these small bathroom storage ideas to make the most of every square inch of space you have. These creative small-space hacks will boost bathroom storage, helping you keep everything organized. With the right organization, even the tiniest bathroom can feel luxurious.

Marty Baldwin

1. Mount a Towel Rack

Use vertical space to make more room in your bathroom cabinets or linen closet. A wall-mounted rack or storage unit with open cubbies is ideal for extra hand towels, washcloths, and other small bathroom storage needs. Try rolling larger towels, so they fit inside the small slots.

Cameron Sadeghpour

2. Add Storage to the Medicine Cabinet

Boost the storage capacity of your bathroom wall cabinet with this behind-the-door hack. Attach a magnetic memo board inside the door to turn the surface into a storage hub for small grooming tools and beauty products. Use slim magnetic containers and hooks to hold items, or attach magnets to the backs of cosmetic products to stick them right on the door. Make sure to arrange items so the door can still shut completely.

Adam Albright

3. Hang Basket Shelves

Mount a set of baskets on your wall for an inexpensive small bathroom storage solution. The raised sides keep lotions, small towels, and makeup products contained, while the open tops provide easy accessibility. To install these basket shelves, stick nails through the basket’s weave and hammer into the wall.

Jacob Fox

4. Separate Bathroom Storage Items

Instead of fumbling around in drawers to find your moisturizer, sort items into separate containers for more streamlined, easy-to-access storage. Sew a few of these DIY fabric storage bins to corral beauty products, cosmetics, and other bathroom essentials. These open bins are pretty enough to keep out on bathroom counters and vanities to save drawer space for less frequently used items.

Werner Straube

5. Designate a Cleaning Supply Cabinet

Take advantage of roomy under-sink cabinets to keep bathroom cleaning supplies available. Add a tiered organizer to make use of vertical space and a bucket or caddy so you can easily grab all the supplies you need at once. A paper towel holder and trash bag dispenser are also handy in a bathroom cabinet.

Ann VanderWiel Wilde

6. Use Adhesive Hooks for Tools

Make use of behind-the-door space inside vanity cabinets. Attach adhesive hooks inside the door to keep hair tools, such as your brushes and hairdryer, organized and out of the way. Mount a wire rack below to store hair products in a convenient spot for a functional small bathroom storage solution.

Brie Williams

7. Hang an Organizer in the Bathroom

Hanging organizers can stow your shampoo and conditioner for the shower, but they also work well in the main bathroom area. Choose a wire shower organizer that combines multiple storage options, such as a basket or shelf with a horizontal rack, so you can use it to dry towels and store toiletry products. Hang it from a hook or peg in an easy-to-reach spot.

Jay Wilde

8. Mount Magnetic Strips

Adhere a magnetic strip to the inside of a cabinet or side of a counter to help you keep track of bobby pins and hair clips. The metal pins will stay attached to the strip until you need them next. The magnetic strip can also be used for small tools like tweezers and nail clippers.

Elaine St. Louis

9. Find Unusual Storage Spaces

Take advantage of every storage opportunity in small residential spaces, including unusual spots like the awkward under-sink area. This drawer’s U-shaped design accommodates plumbing fixtures to maximize vanity storage space. The clever drawer conveniently holds extra soap and paper products near the sink.

Jay Wilde

10. Choose a Dual-Purpose Mirror

This two-in-one mirror is a great small bathroom storage solution. When closed, it’s an on-trend round mirror perfect for last-minute makeup checks. Swing open the door to reveal shelves that can hold all your health care and beauty products.

Adam Albright

11. Store Bathroom Essentials on a Cart

Repurpose a bar cart into a roll-away bathroom storage cart. Replace shakers and glasses with towels and lotions, or create an on-the-go hair-styling or manicure station. When you need extra space, roll the unit into a closet until you need it again.

Adam Albright

12. Add Cleaning Product Storage

Use a wall-mounted file folder or magazine rack to store cleaning products. Hang it on the side of a vanity or inside a closet door to keep cleaners, sponges, and other tools at arm’s reach. Label each file with its contents to boost organization.

Adam Albright Photography

13. Repurpose Furniture in the Bathroom

Furniture intended for living spaces can also function as extra small bathroom storage when cabinets and drawers aren’t enough. Tucked between the vanity and wall, this slim glass display case holds extra towels near the sink. A basket on top can be used to store items you’d rather not display, such as extra toilet paper or cleaning supplies.

Cameron Sadeghpour

14. Utilize Kitchen Items

Vertical storage is the best way to maximize counter space, so stack up your bracelets on a paper towel holder for a pretty display that doubles as decor. This would also work well for keeping hair ties in one place. If the item is reading too kitchen-oriented, paint it to suit your style.

Other Small Space Storage Ideas

Small space storage challenges aren’t limited to bathrooms. Small kitchens are often short on storage, making cooking and cleaning harder than they need to be. Adding a small kitchen island, when there’s room, can free up cabinet space for necessities. If your laundry room is cramped or confined to a closet or other tiny area, these storage ideas will help maximize your workspace. Everyone’s drop zone, the entryway or mudroom, can benefit from getting better organization systems in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the smallest area needed for a bathroom?

  The smallest sized bathroom is typically 15 square feet. This can comfortably fit a sink and a toilet. However, if you want a shower to be included, you need 30-36 square feet.

• How much space should be between a toilet and vanity?

  If they are positioned beside each other, a toilet should be at least 15-18 inches away from the edges of the vanity. If they are positioned across from each other, then the vanity should be at least 21 inches away from the toilet.

• Where should a toilet be placed in a small bathroom?

  Place the toilet close to the wall to leave enough room for other features. Make sure you’re also choosing a compact toilet in order to maximize space in the area.