Form & Function: Bathroom Storage Inspiration

Everyone knows that bathrooms can be messy and cluttered. When you think about décor and design, the bathroom is likely not the first room that comes to mind. Even the most appointed, professionally designed bathrooms can become disorganized easily, especially in a shared space. Sometimes a cluttered bathroom is the result of a lack of storage options and sometimes it’s simply flawed design choices.

As you and your entire family often start and end the day using the bathroom, it’s vital to consider it in your design decisions as one of the most important rooms in the house. Aim to create a sense of soothing calm and functional organization that will start your day off right, then help you transition into a restful night’s sleep.

Here are 15 things to consider when making your bathroom a more beautiful, functional living space for the whole family:

1. Shelving

Standard bathroom storage includes an undersink cabinet and, often, a medicine cabinet and/or etagere. There’s always room for more. Installing ladder shelving or high, floating, open shelving to make use of vertical space. Consider corner shelving or install shallow behind-the-door shelving for quick access to health and beauty products.

2. Functional Drawers

Ideally, every drawer in our house would be customized to our storage needs for smart storage solutions. Customization helps keep everything in its place. For example, deep drawers lined with heat-proof material are great for hot tools, particularly drawers that have electrical plugs installed. But, reasonably speaking, custom drawers aren’t an option for everyone – so make use of standard-fit drawer organizers instead to accommodate all.

3. …Like a Laundry Drawer

A built-in laundry drawer helps prevent piles of laundry from collecting on the floor and, if this is your particular cluttered eyesore, then this is definitely worth considering. Laundry drawers are built into bathroom cabinetry and can even open to a laundry chute, guiding dirty clothing to a bin near the washer, if your bathroom is directly above your laundry area. Corral dirty clothes without taking up space and only see the laundry when you’re ready to tackle it.

4. Mini-Fridge

Mini refrigerators are a more recent innovation in the bathroom design space, as small appliances have become easier to mass produce and more energy efficient. This might be especially useful if you take regularly or store refrigerated medicines, or if you find yourself craving a fresh juice with your morning shower or white wine with your evening bath.

5. Under the Sink

Most standard under-sink bathroom cabinets don’t have shelving options, making them a blank slate for your choice of storage option. If you split the cabinet in half, for example, you can organize a basket of cleaning supplies below a basket of bottles and jars or clean towels on the top. Be mindful that with small children in the home, you’ll need cabinet locks to ensure the cleaning and health products are always out of reach.

6. Countertop Tray or Basket

When you see bathroom design in magazines, there are nearly NEVER any products visible on the countertops or shelves. You may be tempted to get a polished look by placing everything out of sight and out of reach, which can work for a guest bathroom. In the main bathroom, however, daily use products should always be within arm’s reach and organized in a countertop basket or tray. The easy access point ensures no one is sifting and shifting stored goods, and encourages they’re returned to their place.