7 Genius Solutions For Adding Extra Counter Space To Your Bathroom

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Anyone who has ever had a bathroom with limited counter space knows just how frustrating it can be. Not only does it result in less room to store your most frequently used items, but it also can throw a wrench into your morning and nighttime routines. After all, bathroom counters are where many people store things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other daily necessities.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to add more counter space to your bathroom and make your space a little more functional. Whether you're looking for a quick DIY fix or an accessory that can give you more storage on your existing counters, there are great options for bathrooms of all sizes. And many of these ideas can add to your surface area without subtracting much from your wallet. So, here are seven genius solutions for adding extra counter space to your bathroom.

If extra storage space is what you need, extra storage space is exactly what you'll get with floating shelves. These shelves are designed with no visible brackets, giving them the appearance that they're floating on the wall. Thanks to this design, floating shelves have a streamlined appearance and no footprint. Plus, adding them above your existing counter space can help you organize your essentials. They let you take advantage of vertical space so you can store toiletries and other items you use on a regular basis at eye level.

One of the best things about floating shelves is that they offer an affordable solution. Sets like Qeeig's Bathroom Floating Shelves can be purchased for less than $30 and can be installed fairly easily with a little DIY skills. On top of that, floating shelves come in a variety of materials, sizes, colors, and designs, so it shouldn't be hard to find something that fits your bathroom's aesthetic. If floating shelves aren't your thing, there are also other space-maximizing bathroom shelf ideas that you might want to consider. 

If DIY projects really aren't your thing, a two-tiered countertop organizer is an excellent 'plug and play' way to add a little more countertop storage to your bathroom. As the name suggests, these organizers can be placed directly on your counter to add two more levels of storage space. This makes it easier to keep your belongings organized and grab the things you need quickly.

Like floating shelves, these units can be very affordable. For example, this Two-Tiered Organizer from Jesingboo is about $12. Another perk is that these organizers are easy to move, which provides added convenience when you need to wipe down your countertop. Unfortunately, however, if your bathroom counter space is really limited, you may not even have enough room. So before making a purchase, it's a good idea to check the measurements of the organizer to ensure it will be a good fit.

In some cases, your bathroom counter space may be pretty much limited to your sink area. This may leave you feeling like your options for more surface area are limited, but the good news is there's something that could work for you. A product like Organize It All's Over The Sink Shelf allows you to take advantage of the space directly above your sink. The design typically consists of two legs that rest on each side of the sink with a bench-like shelf that goes above the faucet.

Your over-the-sink shelf can provide the perfect place for things like soap and skincare products. An additional benefit to the shelf's elevated design is that your items can dry better. This shelving typically doesn't require any assembly and comes in many different styles, so finding something that matches your style shouldn't be a problem. You may also have the option of getting a customized over-the-sink shelf built from an online marketplace like Etsy.

Do you have an old stool lying around that's getting ready to take a one-way trip to the trash? If so, this is the perfect opportunity to upcycle and give your stool a second wind. If you have some extra floor space in your bathroom, you can repurpose an old stool into a small table that you can use to hold things like towels, a small plant, or a decorative tray.

This option is great for people who enjoy being able to breathe new life into items they already have, and it can also be a fun and creative project. For example, you can paint the stool any color you'd like, shorten or replace the legs, or add a pattern on top. You also may want to apply a coating like Minwax's Clear Polycrylic Water-Based Protective Finish to help protect the surface. Keep in mind, though, that depending on the layout of your bathroom, you may not be able to place the stool directly next to or near your counter. 

Medicine cabinets are usually pretty easy to spot when you walk into a bathroom. However, hidden medicine cabinets take a more subtle approach by blending in with the existing look of your walls. On the surface, the cabinet may look like a mirror or a picture, but under the surface (or in this case, behind the door), there's actually extra storage. The low-key appearance makes it an excellent way to store things you need to get to easily but don't want sitting out in the open.

If you're fairly handy, you can DIY your hidden medicine cabinet. However, you can also purchase one and simply have it installed. If you are thinking about buying one, it's important to note that these units, like the Picture Frame Medicine Cabinet from Fox Hollow Furnishings, come in various sizes that can be recessed into the wall. So, measure the space where you plan to install it to make sure it will fit between any studs or plumbing. 

Bar carts aren't only good for holding your favorite bottles and brews. They can also double as extra counter-like storage for your bathroom. You can repurpose a bar cart and bring it into your bathroom to add more storage space while also adding a unique-looking flair. While you can get creative and update the design of the cart, you can also opt to use the cart as is.

Some bar carts even have cabinets, which will give you the option to store some of your things out of sight, reducing the appearance of clutter. Plus, many units are on wheels, which makes them easy to move around if you ever need to do so. Even though bar carts come in a wide range of sizes, they can still take up a good amount of space. So, make sure to opt for one that will still allow you to easily navigate your bathroom.

Kitchens and pantries are usually the first places that come to mind when people think of lazy Susans. However, they can be a great addition to bathrooms as well. But while more traditional lazy Susans are built directly into the cabinetry, bathroom lazy Susans have been repurposed to sit right on your countertop. This design lets you make the most of your existing counter space while creating extra room to hold skin care products and other bathroom essentials. Plus, the rotating design makes it easy for you to keep things organized and accessible.

Lazy Susans are also an affordable option. For example, this Acrylic Lazy Susan Organizer is just $7.99. They also come in tiered designs, such as this Clear Two-Tiered Organizer from BodiCal, that allow for even more space. However, as with two-tiered countertop organizers, make sure you measure the spot where you plan to put your lazy Susan before ordering.