Bathroom Corner Shelf Project Ideas

Installing corner shelves in a bathroom can provide extra storage without taking up valuable floor space. These angled shelves tuck neatly into corners, utilizing areas that often go unused. We'll explore the benefits of corner shelves for bathrooms and provide tips on how to design and install your own.

Corner shelves come in a wide variety of styles, from simple floating shelves made of a single plank to more ornate shelf units with frames, lighting, and glass doors. They can hold towels, toiletries, decorative items, and other essentials. Well-designed corner shelves keep these items organized and within easy reach while preventing clutter.

Measurements and Layout

When planning new corner shelves, the first step is taking careful measurements of the available space. Consider existing plumbing, electrical outlets, medicine cabinets, or other bathroom fixtures when mapping out ideal shelf placement. Mark the stud locations on the walls and make sure shelves will mount properly into solid framing.

For a coordinated look, maintain the same distance from the corner to the outer edge of shelving on adjacent walls. Mix open and closed storage areas based on what will be kept on the shelves. Glass doors can conceal towels or toiletries when needed while open shelves provide quick access.

Made to Fit

Custom building shelves allows you to tailor them precisely to an awkward corner space. Use angled cuts to make the shelves fit right up to the intersection of the walls. Prefabricated corner shelf units also come in many sizes to suit bathrooms large and small.

Materials and Styles

Glass and Metal

Glass or metal corner shelves have an airy, open feel well-suited to modern bathrooms. Tempered glass withstands heat and resists cracking if bumped but lacks privacy. Perforated metal brings an industrial look while allowing light through.

Wood Choices

Painted or stained wood suits traditional, farmhouse, or contemporary spaces alike. Pine, poplar, oak, or plywood panels hold up well to moisture. Go for a watertight finish to prevent warping. Bring in natural elements with sustainable bamboo, reclaimed barn wood, or driftwood shelves.

Get Creative

Make a bold statement by using an unexpected material for corner shelves. Try concrete, large pebbles, or colorfully glazed ceramic tile. Old windows, salvaged shutters, or repurposed doors also work when cut to fit a corner space.

Installation and Assembly

Freestanding corner shelves simply sit on the floor without needing attachment to the walls. They're easy to set up but occupy floor space. Wall-mounted, recessed, or floating shelves require some installation but have a lighter visual impact.

Quick and Simple

For fast shelf mounting, use ready-made floating shelf brackets. Attaching a shelf properly into wall studs provides the most secure support. Hollow wall anchors also work for lighter duty loads. Follow all safety guidelines when working at height on a ladder.

Recessed Niches

Building out a recessed niche to hold shelves is great for a unified look. Frame in the shelving area with decorative tiles, beadboard, or molding. Make sure to waterproof and seal the backer material properly before installing shelves in a wet zone.

Design and Function

Bathroom corner shelves can assist with organization as well as decorative appeal. Use them to store rolled towels near a tub or shower. Group toiletries, candles, and cleaning essentials together. Display decorative bowls, framed photos, or potted plants to liven up the space.

A Place for Everything

Maximize corner shelf function with baskets, bins, or trays to corral smaller items. Hooks allow hanging towels or robes. Charging stations and outlets can be incorporated. Design open shelves to prevent loose objects from falling behind. Curved fronts, rails, or ledges catch wayward items.

Finish It Off

Tie shelving into the room's overall decor with complementary colors, materials, and accents. For example, shelves with black metal brackets pop against a light tile wall. Or, choose wood shelving tones to match cabinetry. Contrasting materials can make the storage stand out as a unique focal point.

Lighting and Accessories

Proper illumination brings corner shelves and their contents into focus. Wall sconces or directional lights work well. For task lighting, under-cabinet LED strips shine down into the shelves. Outlets can be incorporated to operate electric toothbrushes or other bathroom gadgets.

Primping Space

For grooming tasks, a mirror can be mounted above corner shelves or recessed into the side walls. Hang a swiveling mirror if needed. Small decor items like plants, artwork, or ceramic vessels enhance the vignette.

Practical Touches

Install hooks along the vertical edges of corner shelves to hang towels, robes, or hair styling tools. A cup or toothbrush holder makes items easy to access. Bins tidy up messy items like cotton swabs or nail care supplies. Charging docks power phones and electric shavers.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular care keeps bathroom corner shelves looking like new. Dust surfaces and wipe down with an appropriate cleanser every week or two. Check that mounting hardware remains securely tightened. Reseal wood finishes annually. Repair cracks, chips, or scratches right away to prevent water damage.

Watch For Drips

Avoid placing corner shelves directly above or next to wet zones like sinks or tubs if possible. The constant moisture can infiltrate even sealed shelving over time. If positioning near water sources, choose materials like glass, metal, or ceramic tile that resist warping and rot.

Overflow Protection

Utilize waterproof bins or baskets to corral soaked towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies on shelves. Drip trays catch leaks so they don't run down onto shelves below. Regularly check under shelving for any pooling water indicating possible leaks.

Inspiration and Examples

Corner shelves reinvent awkward, uneven spaces into functional areas that contribute to a bathroom's style. Take inspiration from these stunning designs to incite your own creativity.

Crisp and Calming

White palette corner shelves foster tranquility. Curves soften the geometry. Open compartments artfully display neatly folded cotton towels between glass canisters holding cotton swabs and fragrant soaps.

Nature-Inspired

Natural wood shelves hold woven baskets full of eco-friendly toiletries. A vibrant green plant thrives in the corner's bright light. The rich woodgrain pairs beautifully with stone tile and textured linen towels in soothing earth tones.

Old World Classic

Ornamental crown molding frames charming corner shelves. Aged brass accents coordinate with traditional style bathroom fixtures and sconces. Grouped white candles and ceramic vessels continue the classic appeal.

DIY and Customization

With some basic skills, you can create custom corner shelves modified perfectly for your space. Adjust dimensions or alter materials to get exactly what you want out of a shelving project.

Easy Skills

Purchase ready-made floating shelf boards and brackets to fashion simplistic corner shelves. Cut the boards to fit using a miter box and hang them with a drill. Paint, stain, or decoupage the shelves to match your decor. Add hooks, pegs, orglass containers to keep items in place.

Advanced Projects

For more advanced designs, build full units from plywood or dimensional lumber. Cut precise 45 degree miters and assemble a frame using wood glue and finishing nails. Use decorative end panels, custom molding, and glass doors to finish it off.

Renter-Friendly

Adhesive floating shelves stick on without screws or nails, making them ideal for rental bathrooms. Wire shelving units stand freely, getting stored items up off the floor. Multi-level rolling caddies tuck into corners to provide portable storage.

Consider the Tradeoffs

While corner shelves maximize space, they also come with a few drawbacks. Visually, they can create disjointed lines or a cluttered look if overloaded. Contents easily get dusty and grimy. Factoring installation challenges into the design is also key.

Visibility of Contents

The triangular shelving shape inherently leaves contents very exposed. For discretion, glass doors or strategic design practices help conceal stored items. Layered open shelves let smallergoods hide behind neatly folded linens up front.

Cleaning Difficulties

The tight space where multiple planes converge hinders dusting fully behind shelves. Limit knickknacks and opt for totally smooth shelving materials. Also, allow ample height above shelves for comfortable access when wiping down.

Shopping Tips

Numerous bathroom corner shelf products are available to simplify your storage project. From budget finds to high-end built-ins, know what to look for when selecting shelving.

Setting a Budget

Adhesive-back plastic corner shelves cost under $25. Mid-range options like solid wood or metal run $100 to $300. For custom work with specialty materials expect $500-plus. Factor in lighting, mirrors, or accessories too.

See It Iin Person

If buying shelves online, read product dimensions closely and buyer reviews to determine quality. When possible, see display models in person. Assess if shelves feel sturdy and well-made for their price point before purchasing.

Bathroom corner shelves effectively use awkward spaces to neatly organize necessities for easy access. With some planning and creativity, you can install shelving to suit your storage needs and style preferences. Finally, a perfect spot to stash those extra rolls of toilet paper!

What material options allow corner shelves to bring nature into the bathroom sustainably? Wide plank wood, natural fibers like rattan and seagrass, or renewable materials like bamboo elegantly incorporate organic texture while supporting green design. Floating shelves made of solid oak planks or handwoven baskets display decorative bowls holding bamboo toothbrushes and sea sponges.