If your “master bath” is a little lacking in grandeur (aka there’s definitely no space for a clawfoot tub), you’re not alone. For those of us in apartments, condos, and smaller houses, we’re constantly trying to invent ways to find square footage in our tiny bathrooms, without skimping on storage and aesthetics.
Not to worry. We’ve rounded up the best space-saving furniture, from floating shelves (bless them) to slim storage carts to makeup organizers. Win-win-win.
A storage cart that wheels out of the way…
Stock this three-tier cart with all your bathroom essentials (i.e. beauty products, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.), hang a hand towel on the handlebar, and clamp your hair clips to the midbars. After all, every inch counts – and at only five inches wide, it’ll fit nicely into narrow spaces. ($145, Amazon)
The thinnest bathroom cabinet you’ve ever seen…
This slim piece is made of waterproof PVC that easily wipes clean. It’s essentially the perfect place to keep toilet paper hidden. It has three shelves inside and one on top for a small plant or candle. Any excuse to buy another succulent. ($35.86, Amazon)
A set of shelves that don’t require any drilling…
These shelves are adhesive, so no tool box is necessary. They can stick onto pretty much any surface, from the tile in your shower to the frosted glass of the door. Plus the modern white goes with any style of decor. They’re a great place to stash your everyday skincare or shampoo bottles. Customers say the shelves are much roomier than they look. ($22.99/4 pack, Amazon)
A set of transparent floating shelves that make it easier to find things…
No more playing hide-and-seek with your beauty products. Get a clear rack if you’re prone to misplacing items that end up at the bottom of bins, and prefer a colorless addition to your decor. Stick it on the inside of your sink cabinet or against your shower tiles for easy access to everyday items. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A set of floating shelves that won’t hog counter space…
These are made with wood that won’t absorb moisture and are heat-resistant. There’s a metal rod to hold your products and a detachable bar for hand towels. They can hold up to 30 pounds and come in a variety of stains. ($68.58+, Home Depot)
A two-tier shelf in gold…
Like most home items from Anthropologie, this shelf is just downright pretty. If the rest of your bathroom hardware is brass or gold, then this is a great style choice for you. It has two baskets and a towel bar, and comes with everything you need to hang it. ($248, Anthropologie)
A two-drawer mesh organizer if you're a stacker…
Store this under your sink and drop in all your horizontal products (i.e. brushes, flatirons, makeup palettes, etc.). Each rack slides out for easy rummaging, and the perforations prevent water and dirt buildup. They’re also perfect for toilet paper storage, holding up to four rolls each. ($29.99, The Container Store)
A door rack with storage if you want to go all out…
If you need something incredibly sturdy and versatile with maximum storage, may we suggest this item? Once the door rack is mounted, the possibilities are endless with what you can attach to it, from mesh baskets to a wall rack where you can attach translucent boxes. No floor space needed. ($177.50, The Container Store)
A two-tier steel caddy if you have a sturdy shower door…
With a simple door clip and suction cup attachment, you’ll be able to tidy up your limited shower space quite easily. Hang loofahs, washcloths, and razors on its multiple, movable hooks. And store bottles upside down in its convenient drainage holes, so you can safely dispense products without even opening your suds-covered eyelids. Plus, if you move to an apartment with a doorless shower, you can attach it to the showerhead too. ($40, Wayfair)
A plastic vanity organizer for your minis…
With three compartment sizes, you’ll finally be able to open your medicine cabinet without everything falling into your sink. It’s the perfect size for your mini beauty tools, tiny tubes, cotton balls & rounds, and Q-tips. And at three inches deep, it’ll be a space saver, for sure. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A cosmetic organizer that holds more than a tube of lipstick…
The beauty of this organizer is twofold: You won’t be rooting around your makeup bag looking for your mascara, and it takes up much less room by utilizing vertical space. It has drawers (you can select how many) for storing little things, and slotted compartments on top. Your morning routine just got easier. ($19.99, Amazon)
A flat tray to chicly organize your sink space…
Could you technically put your toothbrush and mouthwash directly onto your sink? Sure. But it’s not as cute. Plus, it’s a safer place to store your rings and earrings that tend to teeter dangerously close to your drain. Available in multiple sizes, you’re bound to find the perfect fit. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)
A tissue cover that’s also a catchall…
Consider this genius. This tissue cover flips the box on its side and reserves the top as a place to put your everyday jewelry, hair ties, lip balms, and more. It comes in a cute blush color and works just as well on your nightstand or desk. ($9.99, Amazon)
A countertop two-tier shelf…
Elevate your products to save space with this modern shelf. It’s made of sturdy steel that can hold up to five pounds on each shelf. Keep toiletries or makeup within reach and out of bathroom drawers. Your small bathroom = hacked. ($37.99, QVC)
A toilet paper holder that doubles as a shelf…
It’ll hold your roll and phone at the same time. Or maybe use it to rest your eyeglasses or keys if you’re heading out the door. It comes in a large or small size, and customers say it’s very sturdy. ($14.89+, Amazon)
A toilet brush that’ll make you happy…
We said what we said. From the makers of our favorite plunger comes an adorable toilet brush to match. It has a translucent green handle with a smiley face, a sanitary canister with holes so the brush can dry out, and a bronze embellishment for a touch of glamour. You won’t want to hide this one. ($32, Staff)
A bath tray to help you unwind…
This bamboo tray guarantees you’ll have everything within reach to make the most of your relaxing bath. It has a place to hold your iPad or Kindle upright while you watch a movie or read, plus a spot for your glass of wine or even a candle. The metal arms attach easily to the sides of your tub so you don’t have to worry about anything slipping. Time to soak. ($60, Urban Outfitters)
Get more storage tips from NYC-based organizing & cleaning expert Caroline Solomon (@neat.caroline) in our new How to Skimm Your… TikTok series:
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