17 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas That Actually Work

Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by Nell Marie

Let’s face it—small bathrooms can feel like a game of Tetris. There’s a towel hanging on the back of the door, shampoo bottles crammed into the corners of the tub, and somehow your hair dryer is always in the way.

But don’t worry! You can absolutely make your small bathroom work better without a full remodel. With a few clever storage solutions, it’s possible to keep things neat and functional without sacrificing style.

Here are 17 smart and doable small bathroom storage ideas that’ll help you make the most of every inch!

More to Read:

• How to Organize Your Closet Like a Pro
• How To Organize a Small Bedroom
• 50 Simple Organization Ideas for the Home

Small Bathroom Storage Ideas

I know firsthand how tricky it can be to keep a small bathroom organized. For the longest time, mine felt cluttered no matter how often I cleaned it—there just wasn’t enough space for everything!

But once I started getting creative with storage, everything changed. Little by little, I found ways to make the most of every nook and cranny.

So if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by your tiny bathroom situation, you’re not alone. Let me share some of my favorite small bathroom storage ideas that actually work—you might be surprised at how much space you really have.

Over-the-Toilet Shelving

This is one of the most underused spots in the bathroom. A cute shelf unit above the toilet can hold toilet paper, hand towels, or even a little plant to make things feel more homey.

You could easily make the shelves or purchase a shelving solution like the one above. When I moved into our family home in Texas, my father-in-law built shelves for our hall bathroom. I love how they fit perfectly because they were handmade for that space.

But there are so many great, already-built shelves to purchase as well.

Use Baskets Everywhere

Tuck some baskets on shelves or under the sink to keep things grouped together. One for hair tools, one for extra soap, and one for random little items—it makes life so much easier.

I find baskets for toilet paper or even the trash can to be great staples for a bathroom, even a small one. And you can find great options just about everywhere.

Add a Tiered Tray

A small tiered tray on the counter gives you vertical storage for your everyday items like skincare, perfume, or cotton pads. And, it looks super put together.

Depending on your counter space, you can find different-sized trays to fit your needs.

Hang Hooks, Not Just Towels

Hooks are great for more than towels! Use them for robes, baskets, or even hanging bins with hair accessories or bath toys. This allows for more storage, even if you don’t have drawers or cabinets for your items.

Magnetic Strips for Tiny Tools

Attach a magnetic strip inside a cabinet door for tweezers, nail clippers, and bobby pins. It’s a total space-saver and keeps those little things from getting lost. What a magic trick this is!

Rolling Cart Magic

A slim rolling cart fits between the toilet and the wall or next to the vanity. Load it up with things like extra TP, face masks, or lotions. I love this one because it has a drawer and shelves for small and big items you’d find in a bathroom. It comes in different colors, too.

Tension Rod for Bottles

Install a tension rod under the sink and hook spray bottles or hanging baskets to it. It lifts things off the bottom and gives you more room underneath. You can find tension rods in different lengths at local stores or places like Amazon.

Use the Back of the Door

An over-the-door organizer isn’t just for closets. It works great for storing brushes, makeup, cleaning products, and more in a small bathroom.

You can see how great this option can be for a small bathroom in the picture- you’ll notice how much room you could have for makeup and toiletries, and it’s very inexpensive in most cases.

Corner Shelves Are a Win

Got an empty corner? Add a little corner shelf unit or floating shelves. It’s a great spot for storing extra hand towels, small baskets, or decorations.

You can make them very practical and use the shelves only for items that need storing and organizing, or you can make it a mix of storage and pretty with adding a candle or plant, too.

Try Stackable Bins

Stackable bins help you make use of vertical space inside cabinets or on open shelves. Clear ones let you see what you’ve got, and labeling helps too. Stackable bins come in all kinds of sizes, colors, and even shapes. You’re sure to find something that fits your needs.

Wall-Mounted Dispensers

Install wall-mounted dispensers in the shower for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. It clears out all those mismatched bottles and looks sleek. This is something I have in my Amazon cart because, even though we have a large master bathroom, we don’t have a large shower and are short on space.

Hanging Shower Caddy

A shower caddy that hangs over the shower head or from a hook can store soap, razors, and other essentials. It keeps the tub edge clear and easy to clean.

This is along the same line of using shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers in that it frees up space on the edge of your tub or the shelves in your shower. You could store your soaps, loofahs, and shampoo bottles.

Lazy Susan Under the Sink

Pop a lazy Susan under the sink to spin around and grab whatever you need without digging. It’s especially great for cleaning supplies or skincare.

The lazy Susan above comes in 1, 2, or 3 tiers and a few colors to choose from! Just click the picture to shop.

Ladder Shelf for Decor + Storage

A leaning ladder shelf adds a little rustic charm and gives you a place to hang towels, add baskets, or show off some cute bathroom decor.

You can find so many functional and cute blanket/towel ladders or leaning ladder shelves that could work in a small space!

Just double-check the specs before purchasing to make sure it’ll fit well.

Cabinet Door Organizers

The inside of cabinet doors is prime real estate. Add a little rack or bin for hairbrushes, cleaning cloths, or even extra toothbrushes.

Drawer Dividers for the Win

If your bathroom has drawers, use dividers or little trays to sort things out. You’ll be shocked at how much more it fits when everything has a spot. It really can be that simple!

Clear Up the Counter

Last but not least—keep just the essentials on the countertop. Stash everything else in bins, drawers, or on shelves. A clean counter instantly makes a small bathroom feel bigger.

Final Thoughts

A tiny bathroom doesn’t have to mean constant chaos.

With a few simple storage tricks and a little creativity, you can turn that small space into one that’s super functional and even a little spa-like.

Try a few of these ideas and see just how much smoother your morning routine can be.