Small Mid Century Modern Bathroom Storage Ideas That Work

Maximizing storage in a small mid century modern bathroom can be a decorating challenge. However, with creative solutions, you can develop organized, functional storage that enhances your mid century aesthetic.

Start by analyzing your bathroom storage needs and identifying dead space that can be utilized. Look for opportunities to go vertical with shelf units, mounted cabinets, and floating shelves. Prioritize concealed storage like slide-out drawers and cabinets with doors to hide clutter. Aim for a streamlined look by minimizing visual bulk. With smart solutions, even the most modest mid century bath can be storage savvy.

Evaluating Your Mid Century Bathroom's Storage Potential

When planning bathroom storage in a mid century modern motif, begin by taking stock of what you're working with. Look at the existing storage elements and available wall space. Can you repurpose or refresh any pieces to work with your vision? Make a list of the items needing storage and consider their frequency of use. This will help optimize placement.

Also examine the room's layout and traffic flow. Are there dead spaces like the wall behind a door or awkward corners that could accommodate narrow shelving? Can you add storage cabinets without obstructing movement? Creatively utilizing every inch is key in small retro bathrooms.

Assess Existing Cabinets and Vanities

Many mid century bathrooms contain excellent quality cabinetry that can be restored. Refinishing, new hardware pulls and updating interiors are cost-effective ways to gain storage that respects a home's era. Evaluate built-ins for sound structure and handsome materials like wood or enamel-coated steel worth preserving.

Take Advantage of Wall Space

Wall space is prime real estate for storage in modest baths. Floating shelves and wall-mounted cabinets can be positioned above toilets or vanities to maximize space. Look for gaps between studs wide enough to accommodate narrow shelving. A wall-hung medicine cabinet adds concealed storage without taking up precious floor area.

Look Up For Extra Storage

Don't overlook the ceiling as a possibility for smart storage. Low-profile cabinets can mount over bathroom doorways to take advantage of this overlooked space. Opt for units with sliding doors to contain contents while showcasing mid century style.

Repurpose Awkward Angles and Corners

Work around challenging bathroom dimensions by getting creative. A narrow floor cabinet or tiered shelving unit can utilize the dead space between angled walls or corners. Floating shelves mounted perpendicular to corners also effectively maximize tricky spots.

Mid Century Modern Storage Solutions to Consider

Once you've evaluated your bathroom's layout, look at storage solutions compatible with mid century appeal. Clean-lined wood cabinets, metal mesh shelving, and multi-purpose furniture enhance functionality while staying true to retro design.

Open Shelving

The simplicity of open shelving fits beautifully in mid century bathrooms. Mix materials like wood, glass and metal for interest. Stagger stacked shelves asymmetrically for a signature MCM look. Display colorful folded towels and decorative toiletries while keeping necessities in easy reach.

Sliding Doors and Drawers

Doors and drawers keep contents neatly concealed in mid century style. Opt for wood cabinetry with unobtrusive hardware and paneled fronts. Or try enameled steel storage pieces popularized in the era. The slide mechanism maintains a sleek, uncluttered aesthetic.

Wall-Mounted Cabinets

Wall cabinets elevate storage off the floor visually and literally. Wood medicine cabinets and wall-hung vanities have minimal footprints, leaving the floor clear. Floating cabinets with retro details like tambour doors also gain storage without bulk. Mount them above the toilet or sink for access.

Suspended Cabinets and Shelves

Make use of air space above bathroom fixtures by suspending storage. Multi-level cabinets can mount above toilets to corral extra toilet tissue and supplies. Floating shelves near sinks provide a place for grooming accoutrements. This makes smart use of vertical real estate.

Multipurpose Furniture

Creative furniture choices provide concealed storage that doesn't scream "bathroom." A narrow console table behind a compact sink adds surface space. An upholstered ottoman with trays or baskets inside stows extra toiletries. Even a vintage locker or wardrobe can serve as a vanity.

Clever DIY Mid Century Bathroom Storage Projects

Take storage into your own hands with do-it-yourself projects reflecting mid century panache. From floating shelves to repurposed furniture, these creative, budget-friendly ideas add function without sacrificing your aesthetic vision.

Wall-Mounted Ladder Shelves

Ladders as shelving draw the eye upward, gaining vertical storage. Sand and stain an old wooden ladder to highlight its natural patina. Affix securely to studs and display rolled towels and toilet tissue for an artistic arrangement.

Upcycled Dresser Turned Vanity

Give tired dressers new life as bathroom vanities. Look for solid mid century examples at flea markets. Remove and replace hardware for a streamlined profile. Top with a glass or granite slab to create your distinctive sink vanity.

Vintage Locker Transformed

Metal lockers iconic to schools and gyms adapt beautifully for bath storage. The slim profile fits in modest spaces. Remove any dividing panels inside to create an open cabinet. Use as a charming alternative to traditional vanities.

Repurposed Crate Shelving Unit

Wood crates prevalent in mid century decor become an artful storage solution when stacked. Choose crates in graduated sizes and sand lightly to vary tones. Mount creatively staggered on a wall. Store neatly folded linens and toiletries in each section.

Glass Jar Cotton Swab Storage

Upcycle glass canning jars from the 40s and 50s into smart storage canisters. Clean thoroughly and replace any rusted lids. Use jars of varied sizes to corral cotton pads, swabs, and other bathroom essentials.

Strategic Storage for Small Retro Bathroom Rentals

Renters dealing with vintage bathrooms need creative storage solutions that avoid permanent changes. Tap into the era's utilitarian designs with multi-use furniture and organizational accessories.

Over-the-Door Hanging Storage

Mount storage on the back of bathroom doors to gain space that doesn't interfere with opening. Opt for over-the-door pocket organizers or hanging shelves. Conceal contents while keeping daily essentials handy.

Tension Rod Shelving Above Toilets

Install a tension rod bracket across toilet tanks to add three to four shelves above. Use the convenient space to store extra toilet paper, towels, and toiletries. No need to drill into tile or walls.

Rolling Carts for Flexible Storage

Portable utility carts on wheels suit renters needing flexible storage. Choose a slim metal design that you can tuck beside pedestal sinks. Use to hold toiletries, hair appliances, towels and other bath essentials.

Over-the-Tank Storage Shelf

Freestanding shelves spanning over toilet tanks maximize vertical room without fasteners. Look for shelving with adjustable width to fit different tanks. Use the top for toiletries and the shelf above the tank for rolled towels or tissue.

Suction Cup Accessories

Removable suction-cup accessories offer quick storage fixes without damaging walls or tile. Suction cup corner shelves provide a handy spot for items like razors and tweezers. Soap dishes and toothbrush holders also attach via suction cups.

A little creativity goes a long way in updating mid century bathroom storage. Evaluate your existing layout and identify opportunities to add shelves, cabinets and multi-use furniture. Look for ways to utilize vertical space with wall-mounted and suspended storage options. With these tips, you can gain function without sacrificing your distinctive retro style.