Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Bathroom shelves over the toilet: Maximize space and style

These bathroom shelving ideas are a must for your space

Bathroom shelving can be both stylish and functional, especially in a smaller bathroom. We often see bathroom shelves over the toilet because of its vicinity to the shower (usually right next to it), but you don’t want to keep products lined up for everyone who enters to see.

There are ways to maximize space in your bathroom and still keep your shelving looking fresh. All you need is a little imagination and some inspiration, which we’ve given below.

Bathroom shelves with lucky bamboo
New Africa / Shutterstock

How many shelves do you need?

First, measure the space above your toilet to see how long and how many will fit. Ideally, you want bathroom shelves that sit around 12 to 18 inches apart so you can store jars and other items without them looking too crowded together.

Recommended Videos

Then, look for items that can store products you use every day, like cotton balls, Q-Tips, bath salts, or lip balm. We , and you can find various sizes on Amazon for reasonable prices. If you want to hide the items inside so no one can see them, opt for ones that are colored, , also from Amazon.

Other bathroom shelving decor

If you don’t necessarily need the bathroom shelves for storage, but instead want to use them to showcase decor for the space, there are so many ideas. Bringing nature indoors is a big trend, and you can place different sizes of plants and succulents on the shelves.

The humid air in a bathroom is ideal for living plants, and it gives a serene environment to relax and unwind. You can also roll up hand towels or washcloths for a spa-like experience and add candles to the shelves of varying heights.

Types of bathroom shelves

There are many styles and sizes of shelving depending on your space, and they are a design all on their own. If you have a more narrow space to work with, it doesn’t mean you have to skimp on design. We love this  from Amazon, and it fits just enough to provide storage and style.

If you have more room on your hands, we love these  from West Elm. They come in three sizes, so you can buy one of each to maximize storage and add in decor. Choose the material (dark wood, natural wood, metallic, or wrought iron.) based on what’s already in your bathroom to complement the colors in your flooring and cabinetry.

There are so many ways to decorate to make your bathroom shelving pop and become a critical design element of your space. You can add containers for storing items on the shelves. You could also use the shelves to hold spa-like accessories, such as bath salts in crystal containers, candles, books, and plush towels, giving you everything you need to relax.

Topics
Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
How to decorate a living room: Incredible tips for any style
Follow these do's and don'ts for your living room design
Neutral living room with tall curtains

Have you ever walked into a living room and felt underwhelmed? Maybe the space was small and cluttered or was just bland, and the design seemed more like a collage than a curated space. If you’re struggling to decorate your living room to make a functional yet stylish space, we have some incredible tips to help you tackle this project, no matter your design style. Here are our do’s and don’ts on how to decorate a living room to make it feel luxe and intentional.
Living room do’s: How to decorate your space

To properly nail your living room design, here are some incredible tips for decorating your space.
Do make sure you have enough seating
Your sofa or couch will be one of the biggest investments in your living room design and is often the focal point of the room. You want to ensure your couch or sectional fills the space and provides ample seating for all household members and guests. As a general rule, a typical household will likely need six to eight seats.

Read more
These are the home remodeling projects that will add value to your house
Make your next home renovation project count
Gray house with a large yard and wraparound porch

Some home improvement projects don't just make your quality of life better; they also increase the value of your home. According to a Zillow survey, prospective buyers are willing to pay more for homes with certain upgrades and amenities. If you've been toying with the idea of doing some home renovations, here are the most desired updates that will add value to your home.
Bathroom home improvement projects

Luxury bathroom remodels are among the most popular upgrades being done, with over half of homeowners surveyed saying they would consider doing one soon. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the features attracting the highest bids from prospective buyers are ones that give a spa-like feel in the bathroom.

Read more
9 minimalist bedroom decor tips to transform your space
Organic materials, warm tones, and curves: Try these minimalist bedroom decor trends
White bedroom with a vaulted ceiling

Don’t let your minimal design feel like a constraint. It’s easy to assume a minimal bedroom design means you’ll be left with a space that feels empty, emotionless, or drab. However, this is simply not the case. Minimalist bedrooms can be havens of simple, quiet luxury and organic tranquility. If you’re looking for advice on decorating a minimal bedroom design, we have nine tips to help you transform your space.
Use natural materials

As home design trends toward more organic textures and materials, it can be a great idea to hop on the bandwagon and use natural materials in your minimal design. Natural materials, particularly wood, are superb for enhancing a minimalist aesthetic. Add an earthy touch to your space with wood side tables, hardwood or bamboo flooring, and wooden accent pieces.

Read more