Despite its compact size, a small bathroom can be surprisingly spacious and welcoming. With a focus on clever storage solutions and vertical thinking, the bathroom can seamlessly connect with the rest of the home’s design while boasting an inviting interior that reflects the homeowner’s impeccable taste. To help you create a more comfortable and cozy bathroom space, we’ve curated 32 innovative ideas for maximizing storage over the toilet – an often overlooked area.
By incorporating an additional storage unit above the toilet, you can easily stash essentials like detergents, cosmetics, or frequently used items out of sight. The design of the storage unit can also cleverly conceal pipes and other behind-the-scenes communications. Furthermore, this versatile space offers a unique opportunity to add a decorative touch to what would otherwise be a limited decorating area.
It’s a thoughtful detail that can elevate the overall aesthetic and make your small bathroom feel larger than life.
Toilet Paper O’s
This versatile pine rack can serve multiple purposes – it’s an unconventional yet functional storage solution for toilet paper, or you can use it to play out a game of Tic-Tac-Toe with friends and family. The uniqueness of each piece lies in its natural imperfections, such as knots and dents, which are inherent characteristics of pinewood and add to the overall rustic charm.
As a result, this pine rack is an ideal, one-of-a-kind addition to any bathroom, providing a touch of natural elegance while keeping essentials within easy reach.
Floating White Shelves For Storage
The farmhouse-inspired bedroom design shines bright, with a focus on pure white open shelves mounted above the toilet. To ensure ease of use, the shelf depth is carefully calculated to avoid any obstacles for those in the bathroom. The overall aesthetic is further enhanced by the incorporation of rustic, charming accents through compact and well-organized storage solutions, including wicker baskets that seamlessly blend with the design.
Hanging Basket Storage Solution
When seeking a storage solution that’s both functional and visually appealing above the toilet, consider installing towel bars. These sleek and modern fixtures can be elevated by attaching fabric or wicker baskets using hooks or ties. For convenient access, position them at an angle to create a practical and stylish storage space.
Broad Wood Plank Shelving
The wooden shelves, measuring several feet tall, add a touch of rustic charm to the room as their textured surfaces create a sense of depth on the wall. The stained wood used for the shelves provides a beautiful contrast that ties in perfectly with the existing interior design. Furthermore, the cistern cover has been cleverly adorned with matching wooden accents, ensuring a seamless visual connection between the shelves and the surrounding environment.
Towel Hanging Rack Shelf
Adding a splash of color to an unexpected space, this upcycled shelf is designed to provide ample storage solutions. Strategically placed above the toilet, it boasts not only open shelving but also functional hooks at its base. With its clever design, this storage unit can effortlessly accommodate everyday essentials like toilet paper rolls, toothbrushes, and towels, keeping them neatly organized and within easy reach.
Match Your Wood Shelves To The Mirror
When considering incorporating massive shelving units into your home decor, but worrying about their potential impact on the existing interior design, consider a clever hack: adding a wicker basket to the toilet cistern. Not only will this creative solution subtly blend the shelves with the white ceramic, but it’ll also provide an additional storage space for keeping miscellaneous items tidy and out of sight.
Unique Toilet Paper Storage Unit
Elevate your bathroom’s ambiance with a sleek toilet paper storage solution that effortlessly keeps everything in check. This clever rack not only showcases a keen understanding of spatial efficiency but also exudes a certain je ne sais quoi, making it a conversation starter among friends and family alike.
Hanging Shelves With Wood Paneling
While open shelving is a popular concept in interior design, hanging shelves offer a more relaxed approach to storage. Specifically designed for above-the-toilet spaces, these units provide three tiers for storing everyday essentials like towels, toilet paper, cotton balls, and more. What’s unique about this setup is that it can be crafted by hand and secured to the bathroom ceiling using basic tools and hardware, making it a DIY-friendly option.
Slim Line Decorative Shelves
The harmonious cohesion between these shelves and the adjacent sink cabinet is striking. Each element, including the accessories, has been meticulously designed to create a seamless visual flow. Notably, the wooden surface of the open storage unit provides ample space to store towels at a comfortable one-hand distance from the sink, further emphasizing the thoughtful attention to detail in this design.
Industrial Farmhouse Mounted Shelves
Create a unique and functional piece in your bathroom by combining the rustic charm of wooden shelves with the edgy appeal of industrial elements. To achieve this look, utilize metal dowels or pegs to provide support for distressed wooden boards, adding an air of industrial flair to your bathroom’s decor.
High Shelves Hold Bath Linens
Transform even the most compact walls into functional storage spaces with an aesthetic flair. A clever trick is to install boxed shelves that mimic the look of floating ones, adding visual appeal without taking up too much floor space. The beauty lies in their versatility – by placing them higher up on the wall, you can create a deeper and more robust shelving system, capable of holding more weight.
Boho Macrame Hanging Toilet Paper Roll
Ditch the ordinary toilet paper holder and elevate your bathroom’s style with a unique, handmade macrame hanger. Its free-spirited charm will add a touch of bohemian flair to your space, making it a must-have for those who crave a little extra personality in their home.
DIY Hanging Bucket Storage
When it comes to keeping bath and toilet essentials within reach, there are many clever storage solutions available. One such option is a simple yet effective towel rod that can be installed above the toilet tank top at a relatively low cost. This humble fixture can be elevated by using hooks to hang repurposed galvanized flower pots, now serving as makeshift storage buckets.
The multiple compartments provided by these containers offer a natural sorting system, making it easy for children to learn and practice organizing items in their designated places.
Easy Floating Wood Shelf Project
For those who prefer the unique charm of rough wood, consider adding a twist to the design of rustic shelves supported by pipes. By repurposing massive scrap materials and securing them to metal dowels, you can create a sturdy and visually appealing display space.
Farmhouse Wire Baskets
Introducing a touch of rustic charm to your bathroom by installing a farmhouse-inspired storage unit above the toilet is an excellent idea. Not only does it add a unique aesthetic, but it also promotes sustainability by encouraging upcycling or repurposing of items. A great example of this concept in action are wrought iron or mesh containers that can be mounted to the wall above the toilet and used to store towels, cosmetics, and paper rolls.
When combined with a handmade wooden framed box placed atop the toilet tank, the result is a visually appealing and functional space.
Cottage Industrial Hanging Shelves
This shelf unit seamlessly blends industrial and farmhouse styles to create a modern masterpiece. The sturdy hooks are mounted securely to both the wall and ceiling, allowing for multiple levels and heavier items to be supported with ease. The crisp white wood tone provides a warm contrast to the textured tiles, while also harmonizing with the rest of the bathroom’s accessories. The design is reminiscent of Makely Home’s unique aesthetic.
Vertical Hanging Towel Basket
By transforming any container into an innovative storage solution, you can breathe new life into your bathroom. This vintage laundry basket, now secured to the wall in a vertical position, cleverly utilizes the space above the toilet without encroaching on the floor. The result is a charming and inviting ambiance that’s perfect for your bathroom.
Suspended from a rustic wrought iron corbel, this repurposed storage container adds a touch of whimsy and elegance, making it an ideal addition to any bathroom design.
Wall Mounted Basket Towel Storage
Located adjacent to the bathtub, a convenient shelving unit and baskets sit atop a shelf above the toilet, streamlining access to towels and essential items. This eco-friendly storage solution, crafted from natural materials, presents an accessible DIY project that won’t break the bank.
Personal Family Storage Baskets
Transform your bathroom storage into a personalized haven by assigning dedicated containers to each family member. Wicker baskets, an affordable and charming organizing solution, can be easily customized with labels featuring numbers or names. Imagine walking into the bathroom and knowing exactly whose toiletries belong where – it’s a thoughtful touch that adds warmth to this often-overlooked space.
Varying Over Toilet Storage Solutions
Optimize your bathroom storage by utilizing the wall space above the toilet. Consider installing shelves with varying designs to accommodate different sizes and types of items. At the top level, a wide shelf supported by corbels can be used to display decorative accents or keep essential bathroom supplies within easy reach. The middle tier can feature a towel rod where you can hang hand towels to air dry comfortably.
Meanwhile, the bottom level can be designed as a compact storage area on top of the toilet tank lid. This space can be utilized with a small box, crate, or basket that complements your bathroom’s style. Use it to store toilet paper rolls, smaller towels, or other essentials.
Add Ladder Organization Over The Toilet
Transforming an old ladder into a functional storage space is a clever and practical idea. To create this innovative solution, start by removing the bottom steps of the ladder, allowing it to snugly fit above the toilet. By leaning it against the wall rather than securing it directly, you’ll achieve tiered levels of storage that can be easily customized with a variety of containers.
Fill wicker baskets, galvanized bins, mesh bags, and wooden crates with toilet and bathroom essentials, neatly organizing your space.
Hang Items From Narrow Ladder
While ladders with dowel steps can still be repurposed as a storage feature, some adjustments may be necessary. To utilize this ladder above a toilet, remove the bottom rungs to ensure a proper fit. The resulting dowels will likely number three or more, depending on the ladder’s height. To maximize storage potential, install baskets with hooks that securely attach to the round rods.
Those dowels that remain untouched can be utilized for storing towels, offering an organized and clutter-free solution.
Classic White Storage Cabinet
When designing the bathroom, incorporating a wall-mounted cabinet above the toilet can provide a unique and functional space for storing essential items. As a traditionalist, I recommend selecting a cabinet that mirrors the design of your sink cabinet to maintain continuity in the room’s aesthetic. This closed design is particularly useful for concealing bulky or fragile objects, as well as medications, from view.
By doing so, you can keep the bathroom tidy and organized, while also maintaining a clean and clutter-free look.
Repurposed Wine Rack Towel Hanger
Transforming a vintage wine rack into a towel organizer is a creative solution that adds an air of elegance to your bathroom. By mounting it above the toilet, you can create a charming focal point in the room. The tiered design provides ample storage space for multiple towels, and the open concept allows for airflow and easy access. This repurposed rack not only solves your storage needs but also adds a unique touch to your bathroom’s aesthetic.
Heavy Rustic Wood Block Shelves
When installing a toilet in a niche, it’s essential to make the most of the available space. One effective approach is to utilize the top portion of the toilet, which can be complemented by built-in cupboards or floating shelves that cater to the unique dimensions of the dead space. By selecting a dark color for the storage unit, you can add depth and visual texture to the surrounding wall, creating a cohesive look that enhances the overall aesthetic.
Shadow Box Stylish Storage Space
Elevate your bathroom’s style by incorporating a sophisticated shadow box with an ornately framed wood exterior. This clever piece of furniture not only adds a touch of sophistication to the often-overlooked toilet area but also serves as a practical storage solution for various bathroom essentials, including cosmetics, toilet paper rolls, and decorative accents.
Hanging Chicken Wire Crates
To expand the storage space in the bathroom, wooden crates were used to create a two-tiered shelving unit above the toilet. This design element harmonizes with the farmhouse sink cabinet, bringing visual cohesion to the room. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal, the crates were painted distressed white, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the existing furniture and opening up the previously cramped toilet area.
A thoughtful touch that adds functionality and style to this often-overlooked space.
Crates With Added Shelves
Leveraging larger crates, you can create a unique shelving arrangement that offers ample storage space for decorative accents and bathroom essentials. This design is particularly effective when placed above the toilet, where the crate’s depth matches or exceeds that of the tank. According to Soulstyle CA, this clever placement poses no issues, allowing you to maximize your storage potential.
Plank Mounted Décor Shelves
To replicate the rustic charm of this shelf unit, you can modify it to fit your bathroom’s wall space above the toilet. Start by acquiring barn wood boards and screws. Assemble the background using three long slats, ensuring they are securely attached with screws. Measure the width of the space and cut the shelves accordingly to achieve a seamless fit. The triangular corbels add an aged touch to the shelving unit, despite being constructed from the same material as the rest of the piece.
Hanging Wood Shelving Unit
Embellishing the bathroom space, this ladder-like storage unit brings a charming rustic touch. The dark stain and rope suspension seamlessly blend together, evoking an old-world charm. To further elevate its aesthetic appeal, consider adding a chalkboard sign with a playful phrase or incorporating other vintage-inspired accents, thereby transforming the storage area into a decorative focal point that adds depth and character to the bathroom.
Stylish Shelving Simplicity
For a storage unit that seamlessly blends with your bathroom’s furniture, consider commissioning a carpenter or taking on the project yourself. A simple DIY approach can yield impressive results, such as an open-design shadow box featuring a wooden frame and two inserted shelves. To complete the look, simply paint the piece to match the interior design, ensuring a cohesive appearance.
Repurposed Apothecary Cabinet
Transforming an outdated cabinet into a functional display piece for your bathroom by attaching glass doors and mounting it above the toilet offers a one-of-a-kind storage solution. This creative upcycling project allows you to repurpose an old cabinet, giving it new life while also providing a convenient spot to store all of your bathroom essentials, including accessories and cosmetics.
By placing it at eye level, you’ll be able to keep these items organized and protected from the humidity, dust, and damage that can occur in a bathroom environment.
Glass Fronted Storage Cabinet
Transform an old window into a unique storage cabinet for your accessories, breathing new life into a discarded item. Draw inspiration from the creative minds at Liz Marie Blog, who have turned this humble material into a functional piece of furniture.
Reclaimed Pallet Wood Over Toilet Organizer
By incorporating an upcycled pallet into your bathroom design, you can infuse a touch of whimsy and personality into the space. The combination of matching colors, textures, and accents can create a visually appealing vignette that adds depth and interest to the room. While using a pallet or crate as-is may only provide two levels for storage at most, the intermediate section can be repurposed to add an extra layer of visual appeal.
Consider using items like cords, clothespins, and thumbtacks to attach items such as hand-drawn art, photographs, or greeting cards, which can create a unique and personalized display.
Shadow Box Cabinet Storage
Boasting a distinctive rustic charm, this shelf unit stands out with its cleverly designed storage spaces. Two spacious compartments on either side are specifically intended for housing rolled towels and toilet paper rolls, keeping them neatly organized and within easy reach. The unit’s dark stain finish adds to its appeal, making it an attractive addition to any bathroom.
