3 DIY Bathroom Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

Key Takeaways

• Vertical space is your best friend in small bathrooms; using walls above the toilet, behind doors, and beside vanities adds storage without sacrificing floor space.

• DIY bathroom storage solutions cost less than custom-built-ins and can be adjusted or moved as your needs change, making them perfect for renters and homeowners alike.

• Rolling carts provide flexible storage that moves where you need it, fitting into narrow gaps between fixtures while keeping toiletries and towels within easy reach.

• Strategic use of baskets, bins, and containers prevents small bathroom storage from looking cluttered, keeping everyday essentials hidden while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

• Quality storage solutions like those from John Louis Home withstand bathroom humidity better than particle board alternatives, ensuring your DIY projects last for years.

Why Small Bathroom Storage Matters

Small bathrooms present a unique challenge. You've got toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, and personal care items competing for limited space. Countertops disappear under clutter. Cabinets overflow. The floor becomes a landing spot for baskets that don't really belong there.

The problem isn't that you have too much stuff. Most bathroom essentials are genuinely necessary. The real issue is that small bathrooms rarely come with adequate storage built in. A single vanity cabinet and maybe a medicine cabinet don't cut it for most households.

Here's the good news: you don't need a complete bathroom renovation to solve storage problems. Strategic DIY solutions add storage exactly where you need it, without the expense or hassle of construction. These three ideas work in rentals and owned homes alike, using vertical space and overlooked areas to dramatically increase your storage capacity.

Top 3 DIY Bathroom Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

1. Floating Shelves Above the Toilet

Floating wooden shelves mounted above a toilet create practical storage for folded towels, plants, and decorative baskets while utilizing otherwise wasted wall space in small bathrooms.

That wall space above your toilet is prime real estate going to waste. Floating shelves transform this awkward area into functional storage that actually looks intentional.

How to Implement It

Install two to three floating shelves starting about 18–24 inches above the toilet tank. This height keeps items easily accessible while preventing accidental knocks when you stand up. Space shelves 10–12 inches apart to accommodate folded towels and standard-sized baskets.

Choose shelves at least 5–6 inches deep for stability and usefulness. Shallower shelves look decorative but won't hold much. Make sure to mount shelves into wall studs using appropriate hardware, not just drywall anchors. Bathroom items add up in weight quickly, especially when shelves hold full bottles or stacked towels.

Style the bottom shelf with daily essentials in matching containers or baskets. Middle shelves work great for backup supplies like extra toilet paper, hand soap refills, or feminine products tucked inside bins. The top shelf becomes display space for a plant, candles, or decorative items that add personality without sacrificing function.

Key Benefits

Floating shelves above the toilet utilize vertical space that typically sits empty. Unlike freestanding shelving units, they don't eat up precious floor space. The open design keeps the bathroom feeling airy rather than cramped. You can adjust the number and spacing of shelves based on your specific needs and ceiling height.

This solution also works perfectly for renters. When you move, simply patch and paint the small holes left by shelf brackets. The shelves themselves move with you to your next bathroom.

Best For

This idea works in any small bathroom with wall space above the toilet. It's especially valuable in powder rooms and half baths where storage is minimal. If your toilet sits in an alcove or has windows on either side, you might have limited wall space for shelving, but even two smaller shelves make a noticeable difference.

2. Over-the-Door Organizers with Baskets

An over-the-door organizer with fabric baskets and pockets mounted on a bathroom door provides hidden storage for hair tools, makeup, and toiletries without requiring wall mounting or taking up counter space.

Your bathroom door is a storage space you're probably ignoring. An over-the-door organizer turns that vertical surface into a storage powerhouse that stays completely hidden when the door is closed.

How to Implement It

Choose an over-the-door organizer with varied pocket sizes or hooks that accommodate different items. Look for organizers specifically designed for bathrooms, as they typically include moisture-resistant materials that hold up better in humid environments.

Hang the organizer on the back of your bathroom door where it's accessible but out of sight when the door closes. Skip those flimsy plastic pocket organizers that sag under weight. Instead, look for sturdy fabric organizers with reinforced pockets or metal hook systems that distribute weight properly.

Use larger pockets for items you grab daily such as hairbrush, styling tools, deodorant, face wash. Smaller pockets work perfectly for makeup, razors, nail clippers, and other tiny essentials that usually clutter drawers. If your organizer has hooks, hang small baskets from them for grab-and-go storage of hair ties, cotton pads, or travel-sized products.

Group items by type or by user. Designate specific pockets for each family member so everyone knows where their stuff belongs. This prevents the "where's my hairbrush?" morning scramble.

Key Benefits

Over-the-door storage requires zero installation. No drilling, no wall damage, no measuring stud locations. It takes about 30 seconds to hang and can be removed just as quickly. This makes it perfect for renters or anyone hesitant about putting holes in walls.

The hidden nature of door storage keeps visual clutter out of sight. Your bathroom looks clean and organized even when the organizer is packed full. You also free up valuable drawer and counter space for items that don't work well in pockets.

Best For

This solution works brilliantly in bathrooms where multiple people share limited storage. It's ideal for families, roommate situations, or guest bathrooms where you want extra storage available without permanent fixtures. Door organizers also work great in bathrooms with limited wall space where shelving isn't an option.

3. Rolling Cart Storage Tower

A narrow rolling storage cart tucked beside a bathroom vanity holds towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies in a slim footprint that easily pulls out for access and pushes back to save space.

Small bathrooms often have narrow gaps beside the toilet, vanity, or tub that are too small for furniture but too large to ignore. A slim rolling cart fits these awkward spaces perfectly while providing surprisingly generous storage.

How to Implement It

Measure the gap where you plan to place the cart. Most rolling bathroom carts range from 5 to 10 inches wide. Measure carefully to ensure the cart fits comfortably with a bit of room to spare for easy rolling.

Choose a cart with three to four tiers for maximum storage in minimal floor space. Look for carts with solid shelves rather than wire racks if you're storing smaller bottles that might tip through gaps. Metal or plastic carts withstand bathroom humidity better than wood alternatives.

Stock the top tier with items you use daily like face wash, moisturizer, toothpaste. Middle tiers hold backup supplies, extra hand towels, or cleaning products. The bottom tier works great for heavier items like large shampoo bottles or cleaning supply bottles that benefit from a lower center of gravity.

Add small bins or baskets to corral tiny items that might otherwise roll around when you pull the cart out. This keeps cotton swabs, hair ties, and sample-sized products organized within each tier.

Key Benefits

Rolling carts offer flexibility that fixed storage can't match. Pull the cart out when you need something, then tuck it back into its gap to maintain clear floor space. If you rearrange your bathroom or move to a new home, the cart moves with you and fits into different configurations.

The narrow profile makes rolling carts perfect for truly tiny bathrooms where every inch counts. You gain significant storage capacity without the visual bulk of a full shelving unit. The open design also makes it easy to see what you have at a glance, reducing the chance of buying duplicates.

Best For

Rolling carts work best in bathrooms with those frustrating narrow gaps beside fixtures. They're ideal if you're working with an extremely small bathroom where permanent shelving would make the space feel closed in. This solution also works great for renters since it requires no installation and moves easily when you do.

Why Choose John Louis Home for Your Bathroom Storage Solutions

John Louis Home's solid wood storage solutions provide humidity-resistant, customizable bathroom organization that maintains its quality and appearance in moisture-prone spaces while complementing any décor style.

The DIY storage ideas above work best when you start with quality components that withstand bathroom conditions. That's where John Louis Home makes a real difference.

Our storage solutions are crafted from 100% solid wood with premium finishes that resist moisture damage better than particle board alternatives. This matters in bathrooms where humidity from showers and baths can warp or damage lesser-quality materials over time. Our solid wood construction maintains its shape and finish even in these challenging conditions.

Our modular shelving systems can be configured to fit above toilets, beside vanities, or in alcoves where standard bathroom furniture won't fit. The open design promotes air circulation that helps prevent moisture buildup while keeping your items easily accessible.

Our fabric storage bins come in multiple sizes and neutral colors that coordinate with any bathroom décor. These bins fit perfectly on our shelving units or work independently in the storage solutions you create. The sturdy construction holds up to daily use while maintaining a clean, cohesive look throughout your bathroom.

Choose from premium finishes, including Red Mahogany, Espresso, Chestnut, or White, to match your existing bathroom style. Each piece comes with straightforward assembly instructions, all necessary hardware, and pre-finished components ready to use.

Whether you're adding floating shelves above the toilet, organizing a rolling cart, or creating a complete bathroom storage system, John Louis Home provides the quality foundation that makes your DIY efforts look professionally designed while lasting for years to come.

Explore the John Louis Home Collection today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the best DIY storage solution for renters?

Over-the-door organizers and rolling carts work best for renters since they require zero installation and leave no wall damage. If you want floating shelves, use them above the toilet where small bracket holes are easy to patch and paint when you move. Always keep your lease terms in mind regarding wall modifications.

How do I prevent bathroom storage from looking cluttered?

Stick to matching or coordinating containers rather than displaying products in their original packaging. Limit your color palette to three colors maximum. Leave some breathing room on shelves rather than filling every inch. Use closed storage (baskets or bins) for at least half your items to hide visual clutter while keeping things accessible.

Can wooden storage solutions handle bathroom humidity?

Quality solid wood with proper finishes handles bathroom humidity well, especially when there's adequate ventilation. John Louis Home's solid wood construction with premium finishes is designed to resist moisture damage much better than particle board or MDF alternatives. Ensure your bathroom has proper ventilation through an exhaust fan or window to protect any wood storage long-term.

How much storage can I realistically add to a small bathroom?

Most small bathrooms can add 15–25% more usable storage through the three DIY ideas covered here. Three floating shelves above the toilet add about 4–6 square feet of storage surface. An over-the-door organizer typically provides 10–15 pockets plus hooks. A rolling cart adds 3–4 tiers of storage. Combined, these solutions dramatically increase capacity without major renovation or significant floor space sacrifice.

 

*Note: Pricing and product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.