Customize Your Bathroom with DIY Toilet Shelves

Looking to add storage and style to your bathroom without breaking the bank? Installing DIY shelves over your toilet is an easy weekend project that can completely transform the look and feel of your space.

Read on to learn why toilet-top shelves are so popular, how to design and build your own to fit your needs, mistakes to avoid, and decor ideas to make your new shelves shine.

Why DIY Toilet Shelves Are So Popular

The area above the toilet is often an overlooked source of storage in small and cramped bathrooms. Floating shelves create vertical storage nooks to neatly tuck away toilet paper, extra towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials.

Toilet-top shelves allow you to:

• Maximize unused vertical wall space above the toilet
• De-clutter countertops and create a tidier, organized look
• Store items you need quick access to while on the toilet
• Showcase decor items like plants, baskets, and candles

Installing basic shelves on your own is much less expensive than hiring a carpenter. And you can customize the size, style, materials, and stain to match your personal taste!

Planning Your DIY Toilet Shelf Project

Measure Available Space Above Toilet

First and foremost, carefully measure the area above your toilet from wall to wall to determine potential shelf dimensions. Account for a few inches of overhang space on each side of the toilet.

Use a level tool to mark exactly where you want shelves positioned. Also measure the height between the top of your toilet tank and ceiling. Generally keep shelves installed a foot or two above the tank to allow comfortable clearance space.

Choose Materials for DIY Toilet Shelves

Once measurements are taken, decide on materials for your toilet shelves. Some popular easy DIY options include:

• Wall-mounted floating shelves from wood boards or planks
• Repurposed ladder, crates, or cubbies
• Towel bars with wall-mounted bins or baskets
• Reclaimed barnwood planks
• Copper piping or galvanized steel
• Tile or glass shelves

For lightweight floating shelves, choose finished boards, weathered wood planks, tiles, glass, or metals like copper piping. Keep weight limits of your mounting hardware in mind.

Ladder shelves and crates provide built-in organization baskets between rungs or shelves. You can also easily attach baskets, buckets, or bins directly to basic cubby shelves.

Toilet Shelf Design Styles

Modern Floating Shelves

Sleek modern shelves made from colored glass, marble tiles, or chrome add contemporary sophistication. Their clean and minimalist design hides clutter discreetly while making a stylish statement.

Rustic Wood Shelves

For a touch of farmhouse charm, rough-hewed wood shelves made from old barn boards, wine crates, or salvaged lumber bring texture. Stain or whitewash to complement your space. Distressed woods like cedar and pine work well in humid bathrooms.

Vintage Ladder Shelving

An old wooden ladder hung horizontally over the toilet creates a charming vintage look. Lean rolled towels over the side rails and hang woven baskets between rungs to keep essentials close at hand.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Once you've selected shelf materials that fit your bathroom style, follow these basic installation steps:

Prepare and Mark the Wall

Ensure you have reinforced blocking between wall studs to securely mount shelves. Locate studs using a stud finder and mark their centers with painter's tape.

If anchors need to be placed between studs, use specialized drywall anchors rated to handle the weight of your shelf and everything stored on it.

Cut Shelves and Attach Mounting Brackets

Cut shelf boards to measured length if using wood. For floating shelves, attach L-brackets, either hidden or exposed metal brackets depending on desired look.

Double check all brackets used can handle weight of shelf and items to be stored without pulling loose over time.

Mount Shelves to Wall

Set pre-cut shelves into mounting brackets, ensuring they are centered and level. For extra strength and stability, apply wood glue before screwing into wall anchors.

Use shims underneath shelves if necessary to adjust to perfectly level. Wait 24 hours for glue to fully cure before loading shelves.

Decorating DIY Toilet Shelves

When it comes to decorating and filling your new toilet topper shelves, the possibilities are endless! Consider these ideas:

Woven Storage Baskets

Natural woven baskets act like chic bins to corral all your bathroom necessities while complementing any shelf style. Label baskets "Towels", "Toilet Paper" or "First Aid" using chalkboard tags for organized utility.

Greenery and Candles

Plants like trailing ivy or mini orchids liven up boring shelves with vibrant greenery. Cluster succulents in tiny planters for low maintenance. And scented votive candles or eucalyptus bundles awaken the senses.

DIY Chalkboard Shelf Backsplash

Paint the wall behind floating shelves with chalkboard paint. Use chalk to label shelves or get creative doodling artwork. This also protects walls from moisture and hides any wall damage.

Avoid These Common DIY Toilet Shelf Mistakes

While installing basic shelves seems straightforward, avoid these pitfalls:

• Not properly sealing raw lumber allows moisture damage over time
• Undersized shelving looks awkward and out of place
• Positioning shelves too close to ceiling without room to place objects
• Inadequate wall anchors unable to handle weight cause shelves to loosen
• Not leveling during installation makes items unstable

Getting shelf measurements right is key. Don't cut corners on materials or anchor strength. And take the extra time to carefully level for secure shelves that won't loosen or sag when loaded.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about installing basic toilet top shelves yourself:

What hardware should I use to mount shelves?

Always secure shelves directly into wall studs behind drywall when possible for maximum strength. If between studs, use toggle bolts or hollow wall anchors rated for heavier weights.

What's the weight limit for most toilet shelves?

Basic floating shelves typically safely hold 15-30 lbs depending on mounting brackets used. Wider shelves and ladder designs can handle heavier items like large baskets or multiple rolled towels.

How do I waterproof DIY wood shelves?

Seal raw lumber with 2-3 protective coats of water-resistant polyurethane before installing wood shelves in humid bathrooms. Reapply yearly.