Creative Ways To Add More Closet Space In A Bathroom

Maximizing closet space in a small bathroom can seem like an impossible task. With limited square footage, it's easy for the shelves and storage areas to become cluttered with toiletries, towels, and other essentials. However, with some clever solutions, you can transform even the tiniest bathroom closet into a model of organization and efficiency.

From repurposing existing areas to optical illusions, you'll find tips, tricks, and design ideas to help optimize every inch. With smart storage solutions, you can gain the extra room you need to neatly store all your bathroom necessities and maintain a clutter-free, soothing space.

Use Wall Space

One of the best ways to add more closet storage in a bathroom is to utilize vertical wall space. Areas above and around the toilet, vanity, and shower offer prime real estate for installing shelves, cabinets, and other storage solutions.

Wall-Mounted Cabinets

Wall cabinets installed above the toilet is an excellent way to take advantage of wasted space. Choose narrow cabinets sized to fit in the area and stack items vertically to maximize storage. For a seamless, built-in look, choose cabinet fronts that match or coordinate with your vanity.

Medicine Cabinets

An oversized medicine cabinet with shelves built into the wall provides enclosed storage as well as easy access to toiletries. For more space, replace existing medicine cabinets with larger size options. Glass doors also visually open up small bathrooms.

Wall Shelving

Wall-mounted shelving adds open storage and display space. Cubed shelves work well for folding towels or stacked products. For small items, consider narrow floating shelves or rail systems with adjustable hooks.

Shower Storage

Make use of wasted space inside the shower with waterproof cabinets or hanging wall racks to store shampoos, soaps, and other shower essentials. Stacking corner shelves also provide vertical storage without taking up floor space.

Optimize Floor Space

While walls offer prime real estate, the floor space in your bathroom closet shouldn't be overlooked. Look for ways to better utilize the footprint through creative storage ideas and space-saving solutions.

Narrow Floor Cabinets

Take advantage of narrow gaps, such as the area between the vanity and wall, by installing a slim floor cabinet. Despite the small footprint, features like pull-out drawers, adjustable shelves, and interior organizers can maximize storage.

Storage Towers

A tall, narrow storage tower tucked next to the vanity optimizes vertical storage in a slim footprint. Choose a model with shelves, drawers, and other customization to keep bathroom essentials organized and accessible.

Multipurpose Cabinets

Maximize space with a floor cabinet that serves multiple purposes. Look for options with interior fittings to hold toilet paper, laundry hampers, integrated waste bins, pull-out baskets, and other custom storage solutions.

Carts and Caddies

A rolling cart with shelves and baskets can provide extra storage space while retaining mobility. For quick access to products, use a bath caddy or shelf that sits directly on the floor.

Under-Sink Organizers

Take advantage of the area under bathroom sinks by installing pull-out trays, stacked drawers, or standing shelves. This often-overlooked space is perfect for storing extra toiletries and cleaning supplies.

Repurpose Existing Spaces

Sometimes the key to extra closet space is utilizing the storage areas you already have in clever, unconventional ways. Look at what's currently available and optimize it.

Vanity Storage

Maximize vanity space by adding pull-out drawers to cabinet interiors for a less cluttered look. Use hanging organizers inside cabinet doors to double storage. Rotate shelves to fit tall bottles.

Shower Caddies

Hanging shower caddies aren't just for inside the shower. Install one inside your closet to instantly add tiers of storage space for folded washcloths, razors, and small toiletries.

Under Pedestal Sinks

Raise pedestal sinks on a platform to create a usable storage space underneath. Install shelves or a small cabinet to hold extra toilet paper, towels, and cleaning essentials.

Between Wall Studs

Take advantage of the narrow spaces between wall studs. Where plumbing allows, install rolling shelves, vertical cascading storage, or deep shelves to hold bathroom necessities.

Creative Storage Solutions

If existing storage options won't cut it, get creative with unique bathroom storage ideas. From repurposed furniture to fun DIY options, think outside the box.

Repurposed Furniture

Give old furniture new life by repurposing it in your bathroom. An old dresser painted to match makes a charming closet storage addition. Or try a bookshelf, cabinet, or antique armoire.

DIY Shelving Unit

With some simple DIY skills, you can build customized open shelving that fits your space. Stain wood boards for floating shelves or make an industrial bathroom ladder shelf for rolled towels.

Hanging Organizers

Hanging closet organizers create storage space where there was none. Try over-the-door options, hanging wall bags, or a hanging pocket shoe organizer inside the closet.

Hamper Storage

A laundry hamper tucked in an unused corner of the closet adds extra storage while hiding dirty clothes. Look for options with shelves, drawers, or removable canvas bags.

Optical Illusions

When adding more storage isn't possible, using design tricks to visually maximize space can help. Clever optics expand the look of your bathroom closet.

Minimalist Design

Seamlessly integrating storage into the wall with custom cabinetry creates a sleek, minimalist look. Frosted glass doors also take up less visual space. Focus on clean lines and muted colors.

Mirrored Cabinets

Mirrored cabinet fronts reflect light and create the illusion of more space. For a lighter look, add mirrors inside closet doors and on the back wall of shelves.

Glass-Front Cabinets

Glass-front cabinets and open shelving keep things visible while taking up less visual space. Try glass-front cabinets on top of a closed-door vanity.

Floating Shelves

Installing shelves with no visible brackets adds open storage without cluttering up the space. Floating shelves give a roomier, airier aesthetic.

Stay Organized

No matter how much storage space you create, it won't be useful if it's cluttered and disorganized. Follow these tips to keep your revamped closet space fully optimized.

Categorize Items

Group similar items together in bins - medicines, hair products, makeup, first aid items, etc. Categorizing makes finding things easy.

Use Organizers

Trays, dividers, bins, and drawer organizers all help divide space. Spinning "lazy susan" trays bring items to you.

Label Everything

Use labels so everyone knows what's stored where. This keeps things tidy since items go back where they belong.

Most Used Items at Eye Level

Reserve prime real estate at eye level for everyday products. Place lesser-used items up high or down low.

Maintain as You Go

Stay on top of organization by putting items back after each use. A quick daily tidy keeps everything in its place.

Style Your Storage

Closet storage doesn't have to be boring. Use these tips to give your bathroom closet a stylish, personal touch.

Paint Color

Choose a paint color that complements your style. Bold hues liven things up while neutral tones keep it calm.

Pretty Baskets

Woven baskets in natural fibers like rattan add warmth and texture. Fun patterns and colors inject personality.

Plants

Potted plants breathe life into storage spaces. Greenery softens hard edges and brings nature indoors.

Wallpaper

Use wallpaper inside closets or on cabinet backs for a decorative touch. Florals, patterns, or graphics personalize.

Matching Hardware

Tie your look together with cabinet hardware that matches faucets and other bathroom accessories.

DIY Storage Projects

Put your DIY skills to work creating custom closet storage. These projects can be simple, budget-friendly ways to add function.

Floating Shelves

DIY floating shelves made from stained boards add handy display space. Anchor with brackets for security.

Ladder Towel Racks

Design a bath-sized ladder towel rack. Add pegs or hooks for hanging folded washcloths and hand towels.

Paint and Stencil

Give boring shelves a makeover with paint techniques like ombre or by stenciling fun designs. Use chalkboard paint for a changeable surface.

Woven Baskets

Large woven baskets offer breezy storage for rolled towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Smaller baskets organize drawers.

Work With a Professional

For expertly designed custom storage, consider hiring a professional contractor or bathroom designer.

Built-In Cabinetry

Fully customized built-in cabinetry with integrated storage can transform your closet. Enjoy specialized features and custom angles.

Spacious Drawers

Pros can construct oversized drawers with organizers and dividers tailored to fit all your supplies.

Roll-Out Trays

Gain access to every inch of cabinet space with full-extension roll out trays designed for your unique storage needs.

Hidden Storage

Professionals design truly ingenious hidden storage like compressing drawers, concealed cabinets, and secret compartments.

Consider Costs

Adding more closet storage in your bathroom involves anything from quick DIY projects to major renovations. Consider your budget when weighing options.

DIY Projects

Many DIY upgrades like floating shelves, woven baskets, and other simple solutions can be completed for under $50.

Storage Furniture

Purchased organizers, storage furniture like cabinets and towers, and other pre-made storage generally ranges from $100 to $500.

Custom Cabinetry

For major custom closet construction, storage cabinetry installed by professionals typically starts around $1,000 or more.

No matter how small your bathroom, there are many innovative ways to carve out extra closet storage space. Get creative with vertical solutions, optimized floor plans, repurposed furniture, and optical illusions to open up room for all your bathroom necessities.

With a combination of customized shelves, creative cabinets, and smart storage accessories, you can transform even the most cramped closet into a model of organization. Just be sure to incorporate storage-friendly styles and plenty of baskets and bins to corral all your bathroom stuff.

Turn your closet into a clutter-free oasis with these clever storage ideas. Before you know it, you'll have a dream closet that keeps every washcloth, shampoo bottle, and towel tidy and just a reach away.