Even the most spacious vanity can't hold everything a busy Australian household needs in the bathroom. From towels and toiletries to cleaning supplies and grooming tools, bathrooms accumulate a surprising amount of stuff. This guide explores creative storage solutions that complement your vanity and transform cluttered bathrooms into organised, functional spaces.
Assessing Your Storage Needs
Before adding storage solutions, take inventory of what you actually need to store. Different household members have different requirements, and understanding these helps you choose appropriate solutions.
Common Bathroom Storage Categories
- Daily essentials: Toothbrushes, soap, face wash, deodorant—items used every day that need easy access
- Towels and linens: Bath towels, hand towels, face cloths, bath mats
- Toiletries and cosmetics: Shampoo, conditioner, skincare, makeup
- Medications and first aid: Prescription medications, pain relief, bandages
- Cleaning supplies: Bathroom cleaner, toilet brush, spare toilet paper
- Grooming tools: Hair dryer, straighteners, electric razors
- Bulk supplies: Extra soap, shampoo refills, toilet paper reserves
Before investing in storage solutions, ruthlessly declutter. Discard expired medications and cosmetics, donate unused products, and consolidate duplicates. You may find you need less storage than you thought.
Vertical Storage Solutions
In small bathrooms, wall space is your greatest asset. Vertical storage keeps essentials accessible while freeing up valuable floor space.
Mirrored Cabinets
Replacing a standard mirror with a mirrored cabinet instantly adds hidden storage without changing your bathroom's footprint. Modern mirrored cabinets range from simple single-door units to multi-door configurations with internal shelving, power outlets, and even LED lighting.
- Surface-mounted cabinets install directly onto the wall with minimal work
- Recessed cabinets sit within the wall for a sleeker appearance but require cavity wall space
- Choose depth based on what you'll store—deeper cabinets hold larger bottles
Floating Shelves
Open shelving provides visible storage for decorative items, folded towels, and frequently used products. Position shelves above the toilet, beside the vanity, or in any unused wall space.
- Glass shelves suit modern bathrooms and visually disappear against walls
- Timber shelves add warmth but need moisture-resistant finishes
- Metal shelving, particularly powder-coated or stainless steel, handles humidity well
Tall Storage Cabinets
Tall boy cabinets or linen towers maximise vertical space with minimal floor impact. A 400mm-wide tower can store an impressive amount when intelligently organised. Look for units with a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets to balance display and hidden storage.
Vertical Storage Priorities
- Place frequently used items at eye level
- Store heavy items on lower shelves
- Keep cleaning supplies in closed cabinets out of reach of children
- Use the highest shelves for backup supplies and rarely used items
Utilising Unused Spaces
Over-Toilet Storage
The space above the toilet is frequently underutilised. Over-toilet étagères, floating shelves, or purpose-built cabinets transform this dead space into valuable storage. When selecting over-toilet solutions, ensure adequate head clearance and easy access.
Behind-the-Door Storage
The back of the bathroom door can hold significant storage with the right accessories. Over-door hooks handle robes and towels, while pocket organisers store toiletries, hair tools, or cleaning supplies. This works especially well in rental properties where permanent installations aren't possible.
Under-Basin Space (Wall-Hung Vanities)
If you have a wall-hung vanity, the floor space beneath can accommodate additional storage. Woven baskets, small stools with storage, or slimline trolleys can utilise this area without impeding the visual benefit of the floating vanity.
Shower Niches and Caddies
Keep shower products organised within the shower itself to reduce vanity clutter. Built-in shower niches are ideal for renovations, while tension pole caddies and hanging organisers work in existing showers. Choose rust-resistant materials suitable for constant water exposure.
Smart Organisation Within Storage
Drawer Organisers
Transform chaotic drawers with compartmentalised organisers. Acrylic or bamboo dividers separate categories of items, making everything visible and accessible. Consider expanding bamboo organisers that adjust to fit various drawer sizes.
Lazy Susans and Turntables
Rotating organisers are brilliant for deep cabinets where items get lost at the back. Use them under the sink or in corner cabinets to bring everything within easy reach with a simple spin.
Clear Containers
Decanting bulk products into uniform clear containers creates visual calm while making contents immediately identifiable. Labels complete the professional look and help household members find what they need.
Tiered Shelf Organisers
Expandable tiered shelves double the usable surface area inside cabinets. These are particularly useful for storing bottles of different heights on a single shelf.
Always measure the internal dimensions of cabinets and drawers before purchasing organisers. Account for plumbing, hinges, and other obstructions. What fits perfectly in one vanity may not work in another.
Storage Solutions for Specific Items
Towel Storage
- Towel ladders: Lean against walls for easy access and air circulation
- Wall-mounted towel rails: Classic solution for hand and bath towels
- Basket storage: Rolled towels in baskets add texture and warmth
- Heated towel rails: Combine drying and storage functionality
Hair Tool Storage
- Mounted holders: Keep straighteners and dryers off benchtops
- Heat-resistant pouches: Store hot tools safely
- Pull-out drawer inserts: Integrated solutions in vanity drawers
Cleaning Supply Storage
- Under-sink caddies: Utilise often-wasted space around plumbing
- Door-mounted racks: Keep cleaners visible and accessible
- Tension rod organisers: Create extra hanging space for spray bottles
Rental-Friendly Storage Solutions
If you're renting, permanent installations aren't always possible. These solutions work without wall damage:
- Freestanding shelving units and carts
- Over-door hooks and organisers
- Tension pole corner shelves
- Command strip-mounted accessories (where permitted)
- Portable caddies and baskets
Effective bathroom storage isn't about having the most space; it's about using available space intelligently. By combining your vanity's built-in storage with complementary solutions tailored to your specific needs, you can create a bathroom that's both organised and inviting, regardless of its size.