Bathroom storage guide

Bathroom storage guide

Create order from the chaos with a bathroom storage makeover.

Messy benchtops, cluttered drawers and damp towels on the floor are not only unhygienic, but they do little to calm a tired mind. Here are our tips to get you started.

Depending on your bathroom's size and layout, a practical storage layout might include built-in cupboards, floating shelves, a mobile trolley with shelves, and a medley of small storage including baskets and canisters. If space is at a premium, look to maximise all storage opportunities with recessed alcoves alongside the bath or shower, and clever additions such as wall hooks and rails.

GETTING STARTED

Clear the clutter

The first step to organised storage is a thorough declutter; clear drawers and shelves of cosmetics past their use-by date, throw out shampoos and soaps you no longer use, and find new homes for anything not strictly bathroom-related so that you can see exactly what you need to store.

Consider what you need to store

As the bathroom is a moist and steamy spot it's not always the best place to store spare towels and linen, so consider moving these to a cupboard elsewhere. Bathroom necessities generally include towels, grooming products, spare toilet rolls and kids' bath toys.

  

Store essential items within easy reach

Soap, shampoo and everyday grooming products should be stored within arms' reach of where you use them, such as a shelf beside the bath or shower or drawers beneath the sink. Items used less frequently can be stored on the upper and lower points of cupboards and shelves.

  

Consider built-ins

Cupboards and shelves that are designed to fit your bathroom specifications generally make the best use of space as they can be designed to go from floor to ceiling and fit into awkward spots. A mixture of open and closed built-in storage allows you to keep unsightly things such as cleaning products hidden behind closed doors and the more attractive ones out on display.

Keep tabs on belongings

In a shared bathroom make sure everyone knows what belongs to them by colour-coding toothbrushes and sewing different coloured tags on towels.

Consider maintenance

Glass shelves are easy to keep clean and won't visually clutter up the bathroom. Avoid over-filling shelves - plenty of light and space around display items will enhance the sense of space and calm in a bathroom.

Don't forget ventilation

Keep the bathroom fresh and hygienic by allowing moist air to escape through louvred windows or a ceiling or wall exhaust fan.

TOP TIPS

- If you're short on space, look around for hidden storage opportunities - consider installing tall cabinets beside the sink, hooks or rails on the back of the bathroom door, and a storage recess beneath a built-in bath or inside the bath hob.

- In a small bathroom look for furniture that double-duties, such as a sink with a cupboard beneath it, a vanity with built-in towel rail, or a storage stool.

- Keep storage furniture, such as vanities and shelves, off the floor by wall-mounting it to maximise the floor space in a tiny bathroom.

- Mobile storage, such as a trolley on castor with a couple of shelves, provides a handy spot for everyday essentials, and can be shifted away when not in use.

- A heated, wall-mounted towel rail is practical and stylish, plus it will dry towels quickly and cut back on laundry time.

- Narrow alcoves alongside the bath or shower are a handy spot for shampoos and soap, and won't clutter up your bathroom.

- Woven baskets for bathroom paraphernalia will add texture and natural appeal to a plain bathroom.

- If you're tired of the family flinging damp towels onto the floor, invest in a sturdy lidded laundry box for dirty towels.

COMMON PITFALLS

Wasted storage opportunities

Keep mess off the floor by seeking out hidden storage potential - consider an over-toilet storage rack, a corner cupboard for awkward corners, and a mirror fronted vanity cupboard with recessed shelves, all of which will boost your storage without sacrificing floor space.

Oversized storage

Overly-deep shelves and cupboards are difficult to organise and waste precious floor space, which only makes a bathroom feel smaller than it really is. Measure the items you need to store, and consider taking storage higher and wider to maximise floor space. For a streamlined look, set cupboards and alcoves deep into the wall cavity.

Boring storage

Add drama to your bathroom space by introducing unexpected storage pieces, such as a beautiful armoire, a painted vanity or an industrial-style shop fitting. Always ensure any wooden furniture is properly sealed to prevent water damage.