In small bathrooms, you’ve got to grab every bit of storage space you can. That makes the wall space over the toilet prime real estate! I’ve been on the hunt for a great over-the-toilet storage solution for my girls’ bathroom because the remodel of that space had made its way to the top of my to-do list (our hall bathroom reno is finally done – I’ll be sharing that next week!).
Most over-the-toilet storage is honestly pretty ugly, but there are definitely some stylish solutions to be found. Today I’m sharing my favorite over the-toilet-storage solutions that add style (and that much-needed storage space) to your bathroom! (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here})
1. Wall Storage Cabinets
If you want to pack in as much storage space as possible, wall storage cabinets are the way to go. Glass door cabinets are great if you want to store things like perfume bottles, bath salts, towels and other pretty things but if your main purpose is to store toiletries, cabinets with solid doors are best. If you have a generous budget, my favorite storage cabinet is {this arched glass door wall cabinet} that comes in white wash or black:
I love the lines of it and that it has a combination of shelves and a storage drawer. It’s about 10″ deep which is on the deeper side for storage over the toilet but still workable for most spaces. These are a few other bathroom wall cabinets to consider, including some more budget-friendly options:
Storage Cabinet Links: 1. White storage cabinet | 2. Arched storage cabinet | 3. Cornflower blue apothecary cabinet | 4. Gray storage cabinet | 5. White Chippendale cabinet | 6. White beadboard cabinet | 7. Dark blue storage cabinet | 8. White glass paneled cabinet | 9. Cabinet with curved cut-outs
Keep in mind that if you like the look of the storage cabinet itself but not the knobs, swapping the knobs out for more stylish hardware is an easy upgrade to make it your own.
2. Wall Shelves
If you want to use the space above your toilet for storage and also as a spot to add some pretty accessories, consider open shelving like I added to the primary bathroom in our previous home:
Shelf Sources: Brass wall shelf (similar) | Rose print – 11 x 14 | Hello Sweet Cheeks – printable | Brass frame | Rattan TP holder | Llama planter
The exact brass and glass shelving unit I used is no longer available but {these metal wall shelves} are very similar. Since we had a large closet off of our bathroom I didn’t need a lot of storage space over the toilet so I added mostly decorative accessories along with {this rattan TP holder} that holds an extra toilet paper roll:
My metal shelves also had a bar at the bottom that you could hang towels from but I didn’t use it since our sink was in a separate space (plus I’m iffy on the idea of hanging towels above a toilet anyway).
These are a few other open wall shelf units in a variety of styles and materials including rattan, wood, and metals:
Wall Shelf Links: 1. Curved wood shelves | 2. Marble & iron shelves | 3. Curved brass shelves | 4. Mixed material wall shelf | 5. Rattan wall shelf | 6. Brass & glass wall shelves | 7. Gold & white glam shelves | 8. White wood wall shelves
3. Freestanding Over The Toilet Storage
If you’re renting so don’t want to put holes in the wall with a wall cabinet or if you simply prefer the look, there are a lot of stylish freestanding storage options. My favorite over-the-toilet storage solution is {this ladder shelf with baskets} – it’s the perfect blend of style and function:
If you like the look of this ladder shelf but prefer a different paint color or stain, check out {this Etsy shop} that has a ton of options, including several with a farmhouse vibe. And if you have a more modern style, this metal over-the-toilet storage unit is another pretty option:
These are a few other favorites:
Freestanding Storage Links: 1. White ladder toilet shelves | 2. Bamboo toilet shelf | 3. White 4-tier toilet shelf | 4. Mid-century modern toilet shelves | 5. Polished nickel toilet shelves | 6. Gray bamboo toilet shelves
4. Floating Shelves
Another over-the-toilet storage idea is to stack a series of single shelves over your toilet. This gives you control over the spacing between your bathroom shelves and the number of shelves that you have. My favorite choice for floating wood shelves are {these oak shelves} that I used in the primary bathroom in our previous home:
Shelf sources (from top to bottom): White woven basket (medium) | Kumquat tree – no longer available | Gray & white striped planter | Colorful moth art print | White wood frame | Stacked boxes – no longer available | Glass canister (1 gallon size) | Bath bombs | Belly basket with tassel | Favorite bath towels
Obviously these would be too deep for over a toilet but you can customize your shelves to the exact depth (between 6-12″), width, and wood finish that you’d like. See {this post} on the floating wood shelves in our bathroom and kitchen for all the details including photos of the different finish options. I also share how you can DIY your own floating shelves in that post.
There are plenty of options for pre-made floating shelves too including {these floating oak shelves} (I’d select the 8″ depth and 24″ width for over a toilet),
{these 6″ deep white floating shelves} that also come in two other finish options,
{these 2″ thick white floating shelves}, and {this inexpensive pair of floating shelves} that’s a great width and depth for over a toilet.
5. Towel Storage Racks
Like I mentioned, I’m a little iffy about towel storage over a toilet but if your family is well trained to close the seat before flushing 😂 it’s definitely an over-the-toilet storage idea that can work. Instead of just a simple towel rack, consider a train rack that has an upper shelf for towel storage plus a towel bar underneath. Not only can you hang your wet towel on it to dry, but it gives you the space to store a few extra towels too:
Towel Storage Shelf Links: 1. Curved satin nickel towel shelf | 2. Modern square towel shelf & racks | 3. Modern brass towel shelf | 4. Brushed nickel towel shelf | 5. Curved Moen towel shelf | 6. Acrylic & brass towel bar with shelf | 7. Brass double bar towel shelf
You could also choose to add some S hooks to the towel bar to hang several additional towels such as hand towels if your sink is next to the toilet.
There are lots of other opportunities to add storage space to your bathroom too – check out {this post} with 15 bathroom storage ideas including storage solutions for inside your vanity, in the shower, behind the bathroom door, and more!
Before I sign off to enjoy the rest of the weekend, I wanted to thank all of you who took the time to give your input on our kitchen remodel layout options. You had so much helpful insight and advice that was invaluable – you’re the best!
XO,
Joanna says
I added towel storage over the toilet with #5. I had concerns about flushes too but our kids are out of the house and we close the toilet seat cover. I love the look of a stack of fresh white, fluffy towels.
sona says
I would enjoy the bathroom printable, could you share where it is from? thank you
Karen B. says
Kris,
There are some great ideas here and I’ll save the link when I’m planning my bathroom renovation. I’m looking forward to each and every post since my move coincided with your family’s move. Lucky me…you really do help with ideas and inspiration. Thank you.
Karen B.