7 genius bathroom shelving ideas you can do this weekend

The best bathroom shelving ideas add both style and function to your space Whether you’re working with a tiny powder room or an expansive master bath, shelving is a great way to add storage, corral beauty products, and display décor. 

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Sure, a plain old shelf above the toilet is a great start, but we’re loving these ultra-stylish, yet still oh-so-handy, bathroom shelf ideas. Time to get organized.

Looking for more bathroom ideas? Check out our dedicated page for more tips and inspiration. 

Utilize vertical space

For even the tiniest bathrooms, hang high shelving for a smart storage solution. Since it may be out of everyday reach, we love how this design uses the extra wall space to display décor (how cool is the antique train sign?), plants, and extra toiletries. Even a few rolled up towels add to the spa-atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Little Savage Life’s Vikki puts more accessible items on floating shelves around eye level, and hanging from hooks attached to the wall and overhead shelving. Of course, there’s some extra greenery for good measure. When in doubt, Command Wall Hooks are a great way to add storage without commitment. A renter’s dream. 

Add rustic style

A reclaimed wood floating shelf is the perfect complement to your farmhouse bathroom’s shiplap wall. They can also help create a rustic mood on a plain white wall or anyplace else!

If you’re feeling handy, you can DIY floating shelves for about $20. All you need are stock boards found at your home improvement store, a drill, screws, and wood glue. You will need to cut your pieces of board to length, so if you don’t have a saw at home, be sure to ask an associate at your hardware store to do it for you. 

You’ll build both spacers to attach to the wall and hollow box shelf to slide into the spacers.

Create a luxe bath

A stylish bathtub tray is a must-have for those who love a soak. (And those who don’t, it might just convert you.) Instead of balancing your kindle on the edge of the tub risking disaster, these smart designs have a place for everything.

Lay your shelf across your tub and add in your wine glass, book, washcloth, and some candles for ambiance. And if you’re really creating a mood, some flowers. It’s a simple, effortless gesture that creates a truly sumptuous experience. 

Include a freestanding unit

If you have a little more space to work with, a freestanding shelving unit is a lovely way to organize your bathroom accessories while adding a touch of style. To avoid lots of cluttered toiletries, stylish storage baskets are the way to go. Pick a coordinating theme like this design’s black and white aesthetic. 

To keep the shelving looking put together, stash smaller loose items (like extra shampoo) in the baskets, and fold clean linens in a uniform manner. Use the very top of the shelving to display décor and items you won’t use as often. 

Pick artsy bathroom shelving

For bathroom shelving that doubles as décor, pick a style that has a sculptural silhouette. For a more contemporary aesthetic, an open round shelf offers both function and visual interest. Use it to display both necessities and décor — like this design’s mix of towels, candles, and greenery. It’s a two-in-one solution!

Utilize over-the-tub space

If you have a freestanding tub, don’t forget about the space on the surrounding walls! While this may not be easily accessible for frequently used toiletries, this space is perfect to adding a touch of décor in the form of candles, diffusers, small baskets, and even artwork. 

If you’re hanging bathroom shelving on a tile wall, it will take a little bit more foresight. Carefully measure and level where you’d like to your shelf to hang. Like drywall, you’ll want to enlist plastic anchors to stabilize your screws. Drill a hole straight through your tile (be careful not to apply too much pressure and break your tile). Gently hammer your anchor into the hole, then mount your shelving hardware with screws.

Use an over-the-toilet shelf

Over-the-toilet shelving units are the unsung heroes of small bathroom owners. We know they might not be the most glamorous option, but it’s a great way to add upward space without drilling any holes into the wall. Renters rejoice.

Be careful not to leave too many small, loose items on the shelving that may fall off into regions we’d rather not discuss. Instead, enable small baskets to hold things liek cosmetics, and use the rest of the shelf to house extra wash cloths, a candle, and perhaps a small plant. 

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