Be smart about space planning with these clever ideas for shelves, drawers and more
2. Ceiling-Height Storage
If your bathroom has high ceilings, make the most of them by taking storage all the way to the top. Tall shelves flank the door in this bathroom by Sanders Pace Architecture, providing lots of space to stash towels and display items.
3. Gap-Filling Shelving
Transform what would otherwise be an awkward, narrow gap at the foot of the bathtub into convenient, useful shelving, as seen in this space from Katie Monkhouse Interior Design. Open shelves can make a small space feel larger, but cluttered surfaces can negate the effect. Using identical baskets to corral belongings (as seen here) is a smart solution.
4. Sleek Storage Wall
Instead of trying to fit all your bathroom storage in the vanity, consider dedicating an entire wall to it. With sleek flat-panel doors and a single open shelf in the center, a storage wall like this can hide everything from spare towels to toiletries.
5. Hidden Drawers
Make use of an awkward space (such as the nook beneath a staircase) to add recessed drawers or cabinetry. In this bathroom from Schemes & Spaces, flat-front drawers are nearly invisible, tucked into an unused corner — but they provide essential storage for toiletries.
6. Hooks and Ladders
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Case in point: This kids’ bathroom by Juxtaposed Interiors keeps towels organized with a combination of wall hooks and a rustic leaning ladder.
Need just a smidgen of extra storage? Fit sleek recessed shelves into the wall adjacent to the vanity, as in this bathroom from Regan Baker Design. To keep things looking neat, store messier items (like toothpaste) behind closed doors and set your prettiest toiletries on the open shelves.
8. Storage Bench
This bathroom from E2 Homes does double duty as a pool changing area with wall hooks for towels and a sleek storage bench for tucking away gear. Built-in benches like this can also be a good choice for kids’ bathrooms, providing little ones and parents a spot to sit at bath time and storage for tub toys below.
9. Laundry
Incorporating a compact laundry area into your bathroom design can be a smart use of space however you accomplish it. In this innovative design from Post Architecture, a laundry zone in the middle of the bathroom hides a washer, dryer and storage behind sleek doors that fold in half and then back to take up the least amount of space.
1. Wall-to-Wall Vanity
Off-the-shelf vanities often leave a bit of dead space on either side, which is less than ideal, especially when you’re working with a smaller space. If you have the option, it can be worth it to have a custom vanity made to reach from wall to wall, as seen in this bathroom from Manello Construction. This setup maximizes storage space and looks sleeker to boot.