Whether your bathroom is large or small, storage does not have to be compromised. If you are looking for smart bathroom cabinet ideas that make better use of space, this guide is for you.
The aim is to find a place for all your bathroom essentials without spoiling the look of the room. Below are several ways to get more out of the space you have.
Most of these ideas are simple, and some you can do yourself. Others, such as built-in cabinets, are best planned with a cabinet professional.
Carve out storage on your shower wall
A niche recessed into the shower wall is a smart place for body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Everything you need for a quick shower or a long bath is within reach, and nothing sits on the floor or the tub edge.
A niche also looks tidy behind a glass shower door. It can be tiled to match the wall or finished in a contrasting tile to make it a feature.
For a small bathroom, a shower niche is one of the most effective storage ideas, because it adds storage without taking up any floor space.
Open shelving and baskets
If you have free wall space beside the toilet or above the bathroom door, open shelving can go there. Shelves painted the same color as the walls blend in and keep the room from looking busy.
Use baskets to hold toiletries and linens on open shelves or in doorless cabinets. They keep small items together and hide the clutter.
Open shelving works in both small and large bathrooms, and it keeps the room feeling airy.
Ceiling-high vertical cabinets
If you cannot go wide, go tall. A narrow cabinet that runs to the ceiling, divided into several compartments with their own doors, holds a surprising amount on a small footprint. It works well for linens, cleaning supplies, and medicine kept on the upper shelves.
White, beige, or another neutral tone suits tall cabinets, since a dark tower can feel heavy in a small room. Black or chrome hardware looks good against neutral finishes. A tall cabinet can also be made to order with the number of shelves and doors you need.
Floating vanity for more floor space
A floating, wall-mounted vanity is a good option for a small bathroom, and it also adds interest in a larger one. With the floor visible underneath, the room looks bigger and is easier to clean. You can also use the space below, for example with a basket for extra linens and toiletries.
Floating vanity sink
Alternatively, consider a wall-mounted sink or a shallow floating vanity with the basin sitting on top. It is a clean, elegant look, and it still leaves room underneath for small items.
Use dividers or containers to organize your drawers
Clear acrylic containers and drawer dividers that fit inside your drawers help you sort what is in them. Group items that are used for the same purpose. It makes small things much easier to find during your morning routine.
Dividers are inexpensive, and many new vanities can be ordered with built-in drawer organizers, which is worth asking about if you are replacing cabinets.
Hanging storage
A hanging shelf made of wooden planks is another good choice. Hang it on a free wall, for example beside the toilet. Make sure the screws are anchored firmly into a stud or with proper wall anchors, because they carry the weight of the whole shelf.
The wood can match or contrast with the wall, and the metal frame can be black or have a rustic finish. This is one of the least expensive ways to add storage.
One more cabinet idea
If you still have unused space, a custom cabinet may fit there. For example, a bathroom tucked under a staircase has a sloped, uneven area that standard cabinets cannot fill, and a cabinet built to that shape can.
A custom cabinet project usually starts with a consultation and an in-home measurement. Then you choose the materials, door style, and finish. Once the layout and materials are final, the cabinets are built.
The last step is delivery and installation.
Other things to consider
Beyond the type of storage, think about color. Look for cabinet colors that suit the bathroom you already have.
White and other neutral colors are usually a safe choice for a bathroom, because they make the space look cleaner and brighter. Dark accessories or cabinet hardware add contrast.
Finally, for semi-custom or fully custom cabinets, work with a licensed, insured professional so the construction and installation are done properly.