Eleven Shrewd Storage Solutions for Cramped Bathrooms, Eliminating Clutter and Maintaining an Air of Serenity in Even the Tiniest of Spaces
In a world where a cluttered bathroom is synonymous with stress, it's no surprise that spa retreats embody minimalist, uncluttered aesthetics designed to foster tranquility. This principle becomes especially critical in small bathrooms, where every misplaced towel or unnecessary item seems to magnify the limited space.
To maintain a tidy, organized bathroom, effective bathroom storage is the key. However, it's essential to remember that the less you have to store, the less storage you'll need. Take the time to declutter, getting rid of expired toiletries, worn towels, and unused beauty products, and only keep what you truly need.
Once you've sorted your essentials, it's time to rethink your small bathroom storage strategy. Here are ten inspiring, practical solutions that will help you organize your remaining bathroom paraphernalia, regardless of whether you're working with a cozy powder room or a compact master bath.
1. Opt for a Slim Vanity
When space is tight, choosing low-fat options like a narrow, elongated vanity unit can be more effective in a small bathroom than a standard square one. Its extended length offers ample storage space without encroaching on the limited floor space. Longer vanities offer the advantage of increased counter space and more efficient storage of various items, from daily toiletries to folded towels. However, it's crucial to ensure that a skinny vanity is deep enough for washing your face comfortably. Consider asymmetry if there isn't enough room on either side of the mirror for a pair of wall lights.
2. Customize Your Bathroom Vanity
Having a custom bathroom vanity built with multiple dedicated drawers is a smart way to make the most of any awkward space in your bathroom. Custom pieces allow for intuitive organization, which is invaluable in tight spaces. For instance, having a drawer for each child's toothbrush can make mornings a bit easier before leaving the house. A round, inset basin can also free up more countertop space for practical items like washbags and toothpaste. If the plumbing allows, opt for wall-hung taps, which will create more space at the back and make it easier to keep the counter clean.
3. Build Drawers With Internal Dividers
Drawers outshine cupboards in small bathroom storage, but drawers equipped with internal dividers are the ultimate solution for efficient organization. These dividers keep essentials neat and effortlessly accessible while enabling you to pack more without leading to chaos. They also let you prioritize placement according to the items that you use most frequently.
4. Add a Medicine Cabinet
Medicine cabinets, with their shallow depth, are ideal for sink-side storage. They are often built flush with the wall, situated within the stud cavity, which helps them swerve bulkiness compared to traditional wall cabinets, providing essential storage for medications and toiletries while freeing up valuable counter space.
5. Shelve Out the Shower
In a small bathroom, never miss an opportunity to add storage. In recessed nooks or awkward architectural elements, you can often transform awkward spaces into valuable storage real estate. For example, interior designer Laura Tribbett cleverly turned a structural column in aChunk of Chicago loft condo into a bench and generous built-in quartz shelves, creating ample storage for bath essentials.
6. Opt for a Charming Glass-Fronted Vintage Cabinet
A well-crafted antique cabinet can bring warmth and character to a bathroom while providing practical, often more durable storage for essentials. Look for antique pieces that are beautifully made but also functional, like the unique wall cabinet introduced by Studio Alexandra in an East London Victorian terrace. Instead of hidden storage, they made the cabinet a standout feature.
7. Take It to the Top
In smaller spaces, multiple, thoughtfully planned, and generous storage units can feel impactful when done with care. Not only do they add functionality but can enhance the overall design. For instance, interior designer Ruth Milne included a sink with a shelf underneath and a mirrored cabinet in the sink area, while the surrounding joints boasted open shelves, providing storage for trinkets, toys, and books. The key to making extensive storage feel effortless lies in color-drenching the walls and cabinetry in a single, soothing shade of green, creating a sense of cohesion and calm.
8. Add in Storage Baskets
Storage baskets can be a practical solution for creating a functional small bathroom, especially in family homes. These baskets can be used in various ways, like storing bathtime toys at the bottom of a double vanity or tucked away in a compact wc unit. One clever small bathroom storage idea is to choose a WC with a concealed cistern and create a shelf above it, ideal for placing bits and pieces as necessary.
9. Go for Wall-Hung Storage
Instead of floor-standing bathroom furniture, consider going wall-hung, which elevates cabinetry and fittings, clearing sightlines and revealing more floor. Elevating cabinetry and fittings makes the room feel lighter, brighter, and more open, while still allowing ample space to store essentials.
10. Transform Your Storage Into a Focal Point
Bigger isn't always better. Small bathrooms can still be vibrant and chic, like the small bathroom storage idea by designer Laura Stephens. By using color, shape, and scale creatively, you can ensure the space looks intentional instead of cluttered or haphazardly functional. Remember, more is splendidly more—make the most of your small bathroom storage opportunities!
- Artworks with smooth textures can add a touch of sophistication to any minimalist, uncluttered bathroom interior design.
- Opting for decor with muted colors can provide tranquility in a small bathroom, matching the lifestyle philosophy of spa retreats.
- Tiles with intricate patterns can draw attention to the walls and flooring, creating an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for your bathroom decor.
- Mirrors with sleek frames can visually expand small bathroom spaces, while also fitting well with the fashion-and-beauty routine.
- Home-and-garden magazines can provide inspiration for rethinking small bathroom storage strategies, offering a variety of practical solutions.
- Food-and-drink options for breakfast or a quick snack can be stored in drawer-organizers in the bathroom, making early mornings less stressful.
- Traveling doesn't have to mean neglecting your skincare routine - compact travel-sized beauty products can fit neatly into a custom bathroom vanity drawer, ensuring you never miss an essential product.
