Easy Storage Solutions For Bathrooms Of All Shapes And Sizes

Storage is a key element of bathroom design, yet often it is overlooked or treated as an afterthought. If you do not have adequate storage space for all your shampoo bottles, shower gels, spare toilet rolls and so on, even the most beautifully designed bathroom will look cluttered and be less enjoyable to use.

Here’s a look at some of the best storage solutions for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes.

The family bathroom

A family bathroom will need plenty of storage space at varying heights, so that items such as razors and medicines can be kept out of reach of children, while essentials such as loo roll and bath toys can be kept within easy reach. Floating glass shelves or units are ideal for bathrooms where high-level storage is required.

Floating shelves can be easily assembled and installed with glass hardware tools if you want to retrofit them into an existing bathroom. If you have younger children, install storage units at lower levels in wooden or composite material cabinets. 

If you have a smaller bathroom, make use of corner units with curved shelves, which not only save space but avoid any sharp edges that could cause injuries to children. Another great solution for smaller family bathrooms is the mirror-fronted wall cabinet, which can be fitted above a sink and means that you won’t need to take up extra wall space for a mirror.

Multi-purpose wall cabinets can also be combined with features such as an LED illuminated mirror, and shaver socket and even speakers and bluetooth/wifi connectivity for in-bathroom entertainment. 

If you have a large family, store each member’s items in separate colour-coded baskets so everyone can easily locate their stuff without rifling through every cupboard and causing chaos. 

The en suite bathroom

En suite bathrooms are usually smaller, so storage space needs to be efficient and compact to keep clutter at bay. Glass shelves are ideal, because they are transparent so the visual impact on the room is minimised. They can be used to store toiletries and place small ornaments such as plants or shells to provide a touch of interest. 

Fitted storage cabinets along one wall that encompass the toilet and basin are also a popular solution for smaller bathrooms. The upper surface of the cabinets can be combined with a countertop, while the cupboards below conceal the plumbing as well as providing storage space. Corner shelves are also ideal for en suite bathrooms.

Wetrooms

Wetrooms are designed to withstand splashes, although they can be fitted with glass shower screens to prevent the entire room and fixtures such as the toilet and basin getting drenched every time someone has a shower. The storage solutions also need to be durable and waterproof, or at least highly water resistant.

Wall-mounted glass shelving is ideal for more compact rooms where it might be difficult to completely avoid splashes. Larger wetrooms that are fitted with screens or pony walls may be suitable for fitted vanity units. If the wetroom includes a seating area or bench, this could be integrated with drawers or shelving underneath.

Cloakrooms and very small bathrooms

In cloakroom toilets or very compact bathrooms, fitted vanity units or cupboards may not be an option. In this case, you can still make use of the space underneath the basin with shelving units that are designed to fit around the pipes. 

This is also a useful solution if you live in a rented home and don’t want to invest in permanent storage solutions, or are not permitted to make permanent changes. The shelving can easily be dismantled and taken with you whenever you move on. 

A slim portable trolley that can be moved about easily is another great idea if you don’t have an obvious place for shelves or cabinetry. Also make use of the wall and door space with hooks and hangers. 

This doesn’t need to involve drilling holes in the wall: check out solutions such as over the door hooks that are sturdy enough to take baskets or bags to store items. Self-adhesive hooks that can be fastened to tiles or the back of doors are another great idea, creating useful hanging space. 

The hooks can be easily removed with no trace, so again there’s no need to worry about damage if you are in a rented home.