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Nov 28, 2023

25 Brilliant Bathroom Shelf Ideas and Racks for Small Spaces

Floating shelves, racks and brilliant built-ins are just a few storage solutions

Floating shelves, racks and brilliant built-ins are just a few storage solutions to consider.

Organizing your bathroom, no matter how small or large it may be, can be as simple as finding the right shelves. There are over-the-door solutions, creative built-ins and under-the-sink storage ideas that'll transform any powder room or primary bathroom into an organized, clutter-free space. If you're remodeling or decorating your modern, traditional or farmhouse-inspired layout, try these inspiring bathroom shelf ideas below. They're functional, stylish, make great DIY projects and are even available to purchase online.

Installing bathroom shelves can be extremely beneficial, whether you have too many beauty products to count, your children forget to clean their mess (it happens!) or you simply like having backups of your most-used items. They're also brilliant for storing towels and cleaning products. While we've included some tried-and-true storage solutions, such as wall-mounted shelving, clear floating shelves and storage cabinets, others are often overlooked — think installing ledges over your bathtub, bath trays for a spa-like setup and repurposing a bar cart. We've even sprinkled in some easy DIYs — take the industrial pipe shelves, for instance.

The great thing about shelves is that you can put them just about anywhere!

Make the most of your space by placing makeup, skincare and other small products on the windowsill. You'd be surprised by how many toiletries can fit in the narrow area, especially if you rely on a storage system, like these vintage sugar molds-turned-product holders.

When remodeling your bathroom, ask your contractor to install an alcove shelf. The ledge is a functional area for storing bath essentials. And since it's already built-in, it won't take up any extra space.

On both sides of this clawfoot tub are oversized built-in shelves. You'll find baskets full of toiletries as well as plants for visual appeal. Not only will these shelves maximize space in your linen closet, but they can also act as a focal point.

This inviting blue bathroom in Sulphur Springs, Texas, features built-in shelves near the sink for easy access to hand towels and other odds and ends. The shelves boast wooden bases to match the rustic elements of the space. Plus, they're covered in the same wallpaper as the rest of the space for a cohesive look.

This summery bath features a single floating ledge on the wall beside the tub. It's a functional way to display any paintings or small trinkets, like the driftwood boat and framed shell prints, seen here.

In the Colorado bathroom of Margaret and Chris Shutze, you'll find a vintage element that's as practical as it is unique: a repurposed open display cabinet. The antique dresser also features glass shelves for storage.

A Victorian-style bath gets a rustic upgrade with a wood and metal wall-mounted shelving unit. In this case, the shelves were used to store plates, teapots and teacups.

Add built-in shelving to one (or both) sides of your en suite shower's entrance. Use it to store decorative objects, books and any shower essentials you may want to grab before heading in.

When choosing where to install wall-mounted shelves, there are a few things to consider: Will you have easy access to your toiletries? Are the shelves only for display and will they take up space? In this case, the shelves were used to showcase beach-inspired accessories in an area that isn't the easiest to reach. However, the shelves don't overwhelm the space.

As one of the easiest storage additions to a bathroom, a bath ladder provides plenty of space for folded towels and baskets of goods. Place the shelving unit anywhere against the wall and keep your products organized so they're ready for guests to grab.

SHOP LADDER BOOKCASE

Along with its clear glass screen and rainfall shower head, this curbless walk-in shower features shower niches to organize all of the basics, like soap, loofahs and body wash.

See more at Cherished Bliss »

RELATED: Stunning Walk-In Shower Ideas

Install a built-in cabinet with multiple shelves and deep interior space. Have the flipper door blend in with the rest of the bathroom's paint color or tile to create hidden storage for those extra supplies you'd typically keep in the drawers or under the sink.

Hang shower baskets along your handrails as a simple but effective solution to excess items. Install the grab bars anywhere you deem fit, whether they're inside the shower, beside the toilet or above the tub.

SHOP WIRE BASKETS

Cabinets are renter-friendly ways to slide in extra storage space without needing any construction. This antique option has clear glass doors to show off clean towels and baskets. Plus, there are raised panel cabinet doors below for more space.

SHOP FREESTANDING BATHROOM CABINET

Bath trays can provide space for your must-haves, all while doubling as decor. When you're not soaking in the tub, use the caddy to display plants, books and any other small items you usually leave at the edge of the tub.

SHOP BATH CADDY

Here's a friendly remember that step stools exist for a reason. Add a shelf above your door to store items that you don't reach for daily, like extra linens.

SHOP INDUSTRIAL SHELVES

Just because you opt for a free-standing sink doesn't mean you have to compromise storage space. This rustic beauty offers ample space to store spare linens, beauty products or anything else pretty enough to be left on display.

RELATED: Storage Ideas for a Tiny Bathroom

Forget the booze: Stock a bar cart with baskets full of your bathroom necessities, especially your growing bath bomb collection.

SHOP BAR CARTS

Your beauty splurges deserve to be on display, so leave 'em out in the open on a set of clear floating shelves. They're like traditional medicine cabinets but way prettier.

SHOP FLOATING SHELVES

Think up not out: Turn an old wooden ladder into a shelving system by hanging wire baskets to store toilet paper, air fresheners or even some greenery.

SHOP WIRE BASKETS

See more at Average But Inspired »

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart and more.

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.

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