8 Storage Ideas For Small Bathrooms To Maximise Your Space

We’ve all been there — standing in a tiny bathroom, juggling a toothbrush, towel, and hairdryer with nowhere to put anything. It’s like a game of Jenga, but with shampoo bottles and toilet rolls. When space is limited, every centimetre matters. That’s why finding the right storage (and knowing what to avoid) can completely transform your bathroom from a cluttered cave into a serene little sanctuary.

Let’s dive into some genuinely useful — and sometimes a little unexpected — storage ideas for small bathrooms that actually work.

How To Maximise Storage Without Making Your Bathroom Feel Smaller

Here’s the golden rule: don’t use up your floor space if you can help it. When square footage is tight, the goal is to lift your eyes — and your storage — upwards. Think walls, corners, backs of doors. Vertical space is your secret weapon.

For instance, wall-mounted shelves and tall cabinets can give you a place to stash essentials without cluttering the floor. Consider floating units that look lighter visually. Bonus: they’re easier to clean underneath (especially important if you share with someone who always drops toothpaste on the floor).

And mirrors? Mirrors with hidden storage are the bathroom equivalent of a magician’s hat. You’d be surprised what you can tuck away behind that glass.

Invest in Compact Storage Solutions For Toiletries

Let’s be honest — toiletries multiply. One face wash turns into three. Suddenly there are seven moisturisers and a random lip balm from 2009.

Caddies and stackable organisers inside your vanity unit can keep things in check. Use drawer dividers or small baskets to stop products from toppling into a pile every time you reach for cotton pads. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

And if you don’t have a vanity unit? Go for wall-mounted cabinets or shelving. There’s plenty of storage that doesn’t take up floor space that can still look stylish.

Use Awkward Spaces Like Corners

Corners are the wallflowers of the bathroom — often ignored but full of potential. A corner shelf or triangular wall cabinet can make use of those dead zones.

You can even install tension corner poles in the shower for storing shampoo and soap. They’re easy to remove and don’t require drilling, so they’re great for renters.

We’ve also seen people get creative with freestanding ladders for towel storage. It’s a look — but only if it doesn’t make the space feel cramped. Trust your gut on this one.

Keep Your Towels Organised Without Bulky Furniture

Ah, towels. Bulky, always-in-the-way towels.

Over-the-door hooks are a small bathroom’s best friend. You can hang multiple towels without needing a full rail. For a more permanent solution, consider wall-mounted towel racks that sit flush with the wall.

Alternatively, a heated towel rail can do double duty — warming your towels while keeping them off surfaces.

And for the Marie Kondo fans out there, rolling towels (instead of folding) can actually save a surprising amount of space in open shelving.

What About Under-The-Sink Space? Isn’t That Just a Tangle of Pipes?

It doesn’t have to be! Under-sink storage has come a long way.

Look for U-shaped organisers designed to fit around plumbing. These nifty trays and drawers allow you to actually use that space without bumping into pipes every time you reach for toilet cleaner.

Even a couple of narrow baskets or a pull-out caddy can transform the under-sink void into a tidy little nook of usefulness.

Combining Style And Function In Small Bathrooms

Open shelving with pretty jars or woven baskets can look curated rather than cramped. A stylish soap dish, colour-coordinated storage boxes, or even a hanging plant can add charm and utility.

Function doesn’t mean boring. And when you have less to work with, each item counts more. So choose smartly, but don’t be afraid to make it look good while you're at it.

What Should You Avoid In Small Bathroom Storage?

This is where things get real. Avoid:

• Big, boxy storage furniture that eats up the room.
• Leaving everything on display — visual clutter equals mental clutter.
• Over-stuffing shelves to the point where you’re scared to open them.

If it’s not functional or beautiful (preferably both), it doesn’t belong. And yes, that includes the cracked soap dish you’ve had since uni.

How Do You Keep Your Bathroom Organised Long Term?

Here’s the part nobody talks about: maintenance.

You can have the best storage in the world, but if you keep buying more stuff than you have space for... well, it’s a losing battle.

Schedule a mini clear-out every month. Toss expired products. Re-fold towels. Re-home anything that doesn’t belong. Small routines make a big difference.

And don’t forget to make it easy to keep tidy. If your storage system needs a five-step process just to put toothpaste away, you won’t stick to it.

Final Thoughts

Small bathrooms don’t have to mean small dreams. With the right approach, you can create a space that’s both practical and peaceful — one where everything has its place (and you’re not accidentally knocking over the mouthwash every morning).

Use vertical space, choose storage that doesn’t take up floor space, and be ruthless about what earns its place in your bathroom.

Want more clever ideas for small bathroom transformations? We’ve put together a full guide with extra tips and tricks.

You’ve got more space than you think. Now go make the most of it.