Small Bathroom Hacks

When I watch those reality home makeover shows, one common theme is transforming tired old bathrooms into grand spa-like retreats. Looks idyllic, but really, who has that much space for a bathroom?

Most of us make do with the small bathrooms our home came with, meaning towels, cleaning supplies, and extra shampoo are crammed together on a cluttered shelf. So I’ve researched and tried out some simple bathroom hacks to make the most of you space and turn any bathroom into… well… a less cluttered bathroom!

Get it off the counter

Try some wall shelving. Simple shelves are cheap and easy to hang, and they let you move all the clutter from the counter up onto the wall. Hanging shelves with brackets down is classy and traditional. Or you can try hanging shelves with brackets up to act as “bookends” to hold up stacks of towels or loose items.

Spice racks make a perfect slim shelf for next to mirrors or sinks. And don’t be afraid to try unconventional spots – like a shelf above the door – to hold less often used items.

Wall Baskets

Want your items less prominently displayed? Try hanging a set of matching woven baskets on the wall to discreetly hold less beautiful items like extra TP rolls! Wall baskets can also be personalized to act as permanent shower caddies or towel holders for each user of a shared bathroom.

Use what you have

When’s the last time you really reached to the back of that under-sink cupboard? Make the most of hard to reach spaces by using sliding drawers or a rotating lazy-susan. You could also try stackable plastic shelves or bins to help make the most of the vertical space below the sink.

Shelves, not racks

Anyone who’s tried a rickety over-toilet rack has probably known the fun of fishing something out of the toilet bowl. Skip the ick and install a couple sturdy wall shelves to maximize space and the stability of your stuff!

Hidden secrets

The inside of cupboard doors is a terribly under-used space! Use that door space to help store some of your most unruly items.

Appliances like hair dryers and straightening irons store beautifully inside of a magazine rack attached to the inside cupboard door. You can also buy a more fancy holder at home stores, or make individual holders out of PVC pipe.

Attach one long strip of magnet to the cupboard door. That magnet is a perfect holder for loose bobby pins, hair clips, tweezers, nail clippers, and any other small metal objects that never stay where they’re supposed to.

Up the fashion

Feeling like tiny can’t be chic? Think again! Add a photo frame around your small bathroom mirror for a more sophisticated, rustic, or engraved-elegant look. A simple paint job can make it blend with any bathroom, or pop as a statement piece.

Get a visually interesting shower curtain. This is an example of creating a “focal point” – a good design tip for any space. In a small bathroom, the shower is probably the biggest thing, so make it really worth looking at!

Roll, don’t fold, your towels. Especially if your towels are stored somewhere you can see them. This is actually the most space-efficient packing or storage method, and it gives your bathroom an instant spa-vibe.

Even the smallest bathrooms can be turned into a place to relax and truly take care of yourself. Pick out a couple of these tips and get started today!