15 Functional Ways To Fill Empty Space In A Large Bathroom

While it may seem like a dream to have a spacious bathroom, in reality, it can be challenging to design and fill such an overwhelmingly large area. Many bathroom hacks are focused on saving space like these DIY towel storage solutions. While these ideas are important, they overlook the struggle of having to make a large bathroom feel cozy without it looking either cluttered or too sparse. Fortunately, there are some functional ways you can fill the empty space in your bathroom, ranging from adding wall-mounted cabinets to easier ideas like using decorative ladder racks. When it comes to the bathroom, storage and organization are the backbone of functionality, and many of these hacks focus on just that.

However, before deciding to add one of these ideas to your bathroom, you should understand some of the main components of bathroom organization that can make the process easier. For example, you can choose different-sized bins to keep smaller items in one place and use labels for convenience. If you're just getting started, try going through all of your bathroom products and weeding out those you no longer use or any that are outdated to make organizing less overwhelming. Even in bathrooms with lots of extra space, staying tidy is essential to a successful design.

If you've got extra space in your bathroom, adding seating can turn the large area into a luxurious retreat. Opt for a small bench or accent chair to create a functional and stylish nook. Having a chair in the bathroom may seem like a bad idea, but it actually gives you a place to lounge, put on lotion, or paint your nails. You could also store towels on the surface for easy access, and seating is a great solution for bathrooms where multiple people may be getting ready at once. You can pair the seating with soft cushions, but choose ones covered in water-resistant materials.

For bathrooms with extra wall and floor space, a ladder rack can be a chic way to create vertical storage. This is also an ideal hack for beginners because it requires no tools or difficult installation steps. All you have to do is lean a decorative ladder against the wall and use the rungs to hang things like small towels and decorative textiles. It's another functional yet trendy way to spice up a blank space. Try to choose a ladder finish that complements your existing design to keep things cohesive.

A wall-mounted cabinet is a game-changer for all bathrooms, as it provides extra storage without crowding floor space. The key is to choose a design with clean lines to blend seamlessly with your current decor. You could also choose a medicine cabinet, which will provide a mirrored surface to double as a design element while still keeping any cluttered toiletries tucked away. However, it is important to install any wall-mounted cabinets at a height that's convenient to maintain and easy to access. If it's positioned incorrectly, the cabinet may not provide the same functionality.

A statement mirror can redefine the atmosphere of your bathroom and has the flexibility to be wall-mounted or used as a floor mirror. If you want the mirror to be a centerpiece in the room, look for oversized designs with bold frames. You can also try the hack of strategically placing a mirror across from another mirror or a light source like a window or lamp to make the room seem brighter. Even if you have a lot of extra space, making the bathroom look bigger and brighter is ideal for keeping your mood uplifted.

If you've got a large section of empty space, adding a shelving unit is a great way to display decor and useful items like rolled-up towels, perfume bottles, and baskets of toiletries. One perk to DIYing a bookshelf is that you can customize the shelving to accommodate decor of different sizes, as well as choose wood that can stand up to humidity. Another option is to add a freestanding linen closet to your bathroom. This would reduce the amount of visual clutter in your space since it would have doors.

If you have lots of empty space to fill and also already keep your laundry hamper in the bathroom, a DIY laundry basket holder might just be the perfect addition. You can design a cabinet that suits your specific storage needs, whether it's a single compartment for hampers or one that tilts out for the most convenience possible. If you're building a new structure, choose wood that's suited for bathroom use like teakwood or birch. The top flat surface can also be used to fold towels before putting them away in your linen closet.

Empty bathroom space doesn't always relate to flooring. Big portions of empty wall space can make your bathroom feel impersonal or even unfinished. One fun way to add a touch of interest to your hanging decor while taking advantage of the space is by installing floating shelves. You can DIY floating shelves that are strong enough to store lots of essential items or just display your favorite seasonal decor. Some fun ideas are lining the shelves with decorative jars or folded towels with a fun pop of color. This is one project where you can really let your style shine.

Want your large bathroom to truly feel like a spa? Bring a touch of luxury to your home by incorporating a mini fridge. The best part about this upgrade? There are no rules! You can use it to store your favorite snacks and drinks to enjoy during a relaxing bath, or store chilled towels along with your skincare products. These small touches will take your bathroom experience from standard to elevated. The fridge doesn't have to be the center of attention, though. Tuck it into an empty corner to maintain a sleek design.

A thoughtfully-installed vanity can become the centerpiece of a large bathroom by providing storage and style all in one. If storage is your main concern, be sure to look for one with enough drawers and compartments to keep your cosmetics and skincare products organized and out of sight. You can also pair it with a countertop material like quartz for a durable finish. If you want the vanity to look like all the bright ones you see on social media, grab a set of Consciot LED Vanity Lights on Amazon and stick them all around the edge of the mirror.

A rolling cart is an incredibly useful tool in any area of the home — including the bathroom. These make it easy to organize your toiletries, towels, and toilet paper rolls. Because they have wheels, they can easily be moved around the large space as well. This makes it simple to rearrange your space so it can adapt to your needs anytime you want to refresh the layout. Storage is key to keeping a large space from feeling cluttered, especially in areas like the bathroom, so a rolling cart is a great option.

Another incredibly functional piece you can add to your large bathroom is an accent table. This will not only break up areas of empty space but can also be a great surface for storing nearly anything from folded towels to toiletries to decorations. For example, you can use an accent table to display fresh flowers, a decorative tray with seasonal items, or even your go-to skincare products. Want to take the design to the next level? Repurpose an old table or stool into an accent table that matches your other decor perfectly instead of trying to find one at big box retailers.

Plants can instantly add life and a touch of personality to a bathroom by creating a lush atmosphere. Some plants can even purify the air and reduce humidity, making them functional. While the best plants for your space may vary depending on location, try to choose varieties that do best in moist environments. It's also helpful to consider how much sunlight your bathroom gets to determine which plants will thrive. Consider using one of the best indoor plants to keep in your bathroom, where they could be hung on the wall or from the ceiling, placed on a counter, or displayed in a corner on the floor. 

Did you know that room dividers can be used in any room of the home? A decorative divider can separate any space in style by making the layout feel more intentional. Most of these standing structures are large enough that they will take up a good portion of empty floor space in a bathroom without requiring permanent installation. This makes this upgrade a solid option for those who like to change up their design often. Try putting one next to your bathtub or near your toilet to make these areas more private.

If you have empty space in the corner of your bathroom, add a shelving unit in that area. This can either be installed directly in the corner or can be a freestanding floor unit. One benefit of choosing a corner unit is that it will be tucked out of the way and make an often unused space more functional. Wood is a popular choice for shelving in any room of the house, but you can also think outside the box and opt for metal if you prefer an industrial look.

Finally, a standing floor light fixture is a great way to brighten the space and add a bit of character to a spacious bathroom. There are countless size and design options available, so choose one that matches your style. Adding a lamp to your bathroom will keep the space illuminated, making it brighter and cozier. Consider positioning it near a seating area or vanity to create a cozy, well-lit ambiance, or opt for a dimmable lamp to have control over the brightness. However, ensure you keep it away from areas that often get wet for safety reasons.