No Drawers? No Problem! Here's How To Organize Your Bathroom Without Vanity Drawers

Home organization can be daunting, and when you're working with limited storage, it can be downright frustrating. A bathroom vanity without drawers, for example, can require thinking outside the box. Finding spots to store and organize toiletries and supplies without contributing to visual clutter is essential. Whether you consider yourself a pro at coming up with ways to organize and declutter your countertops or you need a few tips to work from, there are several tricks for sorting out a vanity that doesn't feature drawers. From making the most of vertical space to upcycling various home items, like glass jars, to use as storage, styling this type of bathroom fixture just requires a little extra creativity.

Vanities come in all different shapes, sizes, and styles. If you've found one that really suits your home's aesthetic, but it lacks extra space, don't skip it just because it's missing extra compartments. Or, you might be stuck with a less-than-ideal vanity, but you aren't ready to remodel your bathroom just yet. Invest in items like countertop organizers, hanging baskets, and even organizers that utilize the back of your door or cabinets for a little more room. Drawers may be helpful, but there are plenty of ways to work around a non-traditional vanity, too.

One of the easiest and most aesthetically pleasing ways to organize a vanity that doesn't have drawers is to move as many of your toiletries as you can into decorative containers that you don't mind putting on display. Invest in stylish clear jars or matching solid jars that will fit with your bathroom's theme. Fill them with everything from cotton balls and Q-tips to hair ties and any other supplies that you use frequently but don't want scattered across your countertops. Not only can you place these on your countertop near the sink, but you can also add them to shelving or even small stools or tables that you have in the bathroom. 

The container options are nearly endless. Check around the house for old glass jars you can upcycle into bathroom storage. You can try an easy DIY Dollar Tree hack using vases and decorative trays for clever and stylish DIY storage, or find collections at home goods stores that fit your interior design style. Not only do they keep things organized, but they also make everything look stylized and tidy. You can add labels or simply leave them as is — just make sure you're filling the clear glass jars with items that are easier to arrange, and save solid jars for those "junk drawer" or cluttered collections that may not be as orderly in see-through containers.

Vertical space is your best friend when it comes to organizing a vanity with no drawer storage. Often times, shelving and even hooks get overlooked or forgotten when it comes to organizing a bathroom. Consider what types of shelving you already have, and add more if necessary. Wall-mounted shelving or freestanding options, like over-the-toilet shelves, utilize vertical space well and fit in with your bathroom's existing footprint. If you have a medicine cabinet, this is a valuable piece of property that you can fill with bottles, first aid items, and other toiletries that may look too cluttered on open shelving. You can add a medicine cabinet, enclosed wall cabinet, or freestanding cabinet for additional hidden storage if needed. 

Save your visible surfaces for decorative items or more stylish bottles and toiletries that elevate your space. This can include perfume bottles, your jars full of essentials, candles, plants, towels, washcloths, and even some hair and makeup accessories that come in cute containers. You could also attach small shower caddy containers to your mirror to create vertical storage that pulls items off of your sink in a creative way. Many of these containers attach to the glass with a suction cup, so they are easily removable whenever you need to take them down.

If you have the floor space in your bathroom, one of the most aesthetically pleasing and useful tools you can add is a rolling cart for storage. Not only do these carts offer a simple solution for organization, but they also can be decorated to stylishly elevate any room. Whether you choose a tiered option or a more understated cart with just one surface space, these can hold everything from your jars to small baskets and containers, which you can then store your accessories in. 

Storage carts also offer a place to add more accents like candles, plants, and even framed artwork to help the theme of your room flow. You can find a variety of sizes and shapes, including narrow IKEA carts that are great for small bathrooms and will help you keep the surface of your vanity clear with all the items you need regularly close at hand. If you choose a rolling cart, you can wheel it near your vanity when you get ready, and tuck it into a corner when you're not using the items stored on it.

Plastic and acrylic organizers are another option that will keep your countertops and surfaces tidy while still giving you a place to organize and store your items. These organizers will still take up space on your vanity, but they often add more space by offering multiple levels of storage. Also, by having a place that keeps everything neatly compartmentalized, you're still reducing clutter in your bathroom. If you do have cabinets, these organizers can also be stored inside. Lazy Susan style organizers are especially useful for under-sink storage, so you can grab what you need without taking out a bunch of your toiletries to get to it.

Usually, home goods stores like Target and Walmart have these organizers that come with multiple nooks in one — you can keep everything from toothbrushes and brushes to makeup and hair accessories inside of them. Many of these organizers are made with clear materials to make it easy to spot what's inside, but you could always paint them or decorate them to match any theme if you want hidden storage. It's important with these containers to regularly clean them as dust can collect in the compartments and will contribute to clutter or an unkempt finish.

Don't forget to make the most of the space behind your bathroom door or on the inside of closet and vanity doors, as this can be one of the most ideal spots to add storage. Not only do hanging organizers offer extra organization, but the location is discreet and gives you a place to hide your items without shoving everything in a medicine cabinet or under the sink. You can find a wide variety of these hangers, so you can choose how many tiers and the type of organizational space you need. The materials range from fabric to wire, so you can also find the ideal option for your bathroom.

If you prefer to keep the back of your door empty, smaller versions of these holders could work for the interior of your cabinets, making more space for other organizers inside the cabinets. Always measure how much room you have to work with to ensure you purchase the size that will fit your cabinet or washroom door. Doing a big clean out whenever you add new storage to your bathroom helps ensure you're maximizing your space.