Maximize Bathroom Countertop Space With These Hidden Storage Solutions
Nobody wants a cluttered bathroom counter. Whether you have a variety of makeup and skincare products to store or just a few items, a clear bathroom counter makes your space feel cleaner and organized. But that begs the question, where do you put all your stuff?
Whether you have a lot of built-in storage options or you need to be a little creative with your bathroom organization, we have a few hidden storage solutions to keep your toiletries tidy and out of the way. Those pesky hair tools can be tricky — but using specific hooks or drawers can keep them off your counters. A medicine cabinet is also a great storage hack for some of your smaller products. Keep reading for even more hidden storage options to maximize your countertop space.
Create a pull-out drawer in your bathroom cabinet for extra storage
Bathroom cabinets are great, but sometimes deep shelves can make it hard to keep everything neat and organized. There's nothing worse than having products getting lost or buried toward the back of the cabinet, and not being able to find what you need when you need it. That's where pull-out drawers come in.
There are a variety of options for pull-out drawers — everything from small, compact solutions to larger systems which are suitable if you have more space to utilize. This Rev-A-Shelf Pullout Cabinet Storage Organizer is perfect if you have a tall, thin cabinet you'd like to organize. Or these Multi-Purpose Pull-Out Storage Organizers from ukeetap are great for storage under the sink. Overall, pull-out drawers are a simple yet effective solution for bathroom organization.
Add double drawers for double the space
Those deep bathroom cabinet drawers are spacious, but if you're not actually storing a lot of tall items, it may be more beneficial to add another layer of storage. Tall items like hair spray, dry shampoo, large lotions, and more could be kept under the sink, and you can get double the space for smaller products with double drawers.
If you're big into DIY, you can probably install a double drawer yourself. First you'll need to choose cabinet drawer boxes that fit your cabinet. Then you'll need to install them using drawer glides and brackets. These MAXIMERA drawers from IKEA are a great option, and you can choose the size that fits your cabinet best. Alternatively, you could use a Two Tier Drawer Organizer like this one from Hiitytin.
Try inside cabinet door storage solutions
The inside of cabinet doors can be highly underutilized in terms of bathroom organization. This is an especially useful spot if you have limited storage space. Cabinet door organizers can be used to store hair tools, lotions, or even cleaning supplies to keep these items off of the counters and out of the way.
Consider hooks, shelves, bins, and more to make the most of your cabinet doors. This Hair Tool Organizer from Sevenblue is a great way to keep your blow dryer, brushes, curling irons, and more from cluttering your counters. There are a variety of smart ways to create cabinet door storage and stay organized, like using adhesive bins for small products, or clips can be used for small hand towels. This Acrylic Wall Mount Organizer from Diesisa is a great solution for your bathroom cabinets.
Get creative with under-the-sink storage
The sky is the limit when it comes to under-the-sink storage. There are a million ways to utilize the space under your sink to store all your products, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. The best part? Everything you store under your sink doesn't take up space on your counters.
You can maximize the space under your sink by keeping everything organized and neat. Consider using storage containers and grouping similar products together. This Two Tier Clear Bathroom Organizer from Vtopmart is a great solution. Or try this Stackable Under Sink Sliding Basket Organizer from SIMPLE HOUSEWARE to organize a variety of items. Expandable two-tier racks are a must-have under-sink storage solution Pinterest swears by.
Add pull-out cabinets to partition walls for secret storage
That awkward space between the toilet and the shower, or even the space between the vanity and the toilet, can actually be used for storage. If you build a partition wall, you can add built-in shelves for extra space. It's the ultimate hidden storage solution: space built into a wall.
Building a partition wall from scratch is no small feat. It should definitely only be attempted by experienced DIYers. You'll need to plan out the partition wall and find studs, assemble the frame, and secure it to the wall. If you need another option, consider buying a tall, thin cabinet to use as a faux partition wall. This Tall Storage Cabinet with Lights from VASAGLE is a great solution for a small space.
Make the most of a bathroom closet storage
If you have a closet in your bathroom, you have no excuse for a cluttered countertop. A bathroom closet is the perfect place to store items you may not use every day, like towels, extra soap, or even linens. But in order to use this space to its full potential, you have to use the correct organization tools.
It's a great idea to use clear, stackable storage bins, like these Storage Drawers from Vtopmart. Clear bins and containers are great because you can see the products inside. Baskets can be the perfect place to keep extra towels as well. An over-the-door shelf organizer, like this Shelf Hanging Door Organizer from JARLINK, ensures you take advantage of all the space your bathroom closet has to offer. When organizing your bathroom closet, avoid one common bathroom storage mistake that everyone makes by categorizing your items instead of haphazardly putting them on shelves.
Organize hair tools to keep them off the counter
Hair tools can be tricky. From blow dryers to curling irons to crimpers, these tools are strange shapes and often have long cords. It's really easy to haphazardly throw them in the cabinet under the sink, but then when you need one, they're all tangled together. That's why you need the right storage solutions to keep them off the counter, but also organized.
As previously mentioned, an organizer that hangs on the inside of a cabinet door is a great solution. This Hair Tool Organizer from FUNKYLEE would work. Consider this Hair Tool Organizer from Lifewit that has three stainless cups for all your hair tools. You can also simplify your bathroom with a trick for wrapping the cords on your hair tools – just put the cord around your thumb and wrap the cord around your hair tools, then pull the end through the loop!
Add a bathroom cabinet with no visible hardware
The ultimate hidden storage solution? A cabinet that doesn't even look like a cabinet. By creating a cabinet without any visible hardware, you get extra storage with a seamless, clean look. This minimalist cabinet option definitely makes a statement.
There are a number of ways to accomplish this hidden storage solution. This Modern, Minimalist Bathroom Cabinet with a Magnetic Push Latch from ACCOHOHO is a solid option. With a little experience, you can even DIY your own push-to-open cabinets with push-to-open hinges and door latches. Once you've installed or bought your hardware-less cabinet, use containers, bins, shelves, and more to keep everything organized.
Consider baskets as storage solutions instead of shelves
Not only are baskets a cute and stylish addition to any room, but they are also great for storage. How do they fit into the bathroom, you ask? Baskets can be good for linens, towels, toilet paper, and more. If you want this to be a hidden storage solution, be sure to get a basket with a lid so the contents stay out of sight.
The right storage basket will depend on the available space in your bathroom and your style. This Vintage Multipurpose Basket from Best Choice Products is great if you have a lot to store. If you'll be storing towels in your basket, be sure to properly fold (or roll) the bath towels. This Storage Basket with a Lid from GREENSTELL is another option if you'd rather have a rectangular storage solution. Baskets come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, so find one that fits your space and get storing.
Include a medicine cabinet for concealed storage
A medicine cabinet is a classic hidden bathroom storage solution. You know what they say, if it ain't broke ... Medicine cabinets aren't just for your prescriptions. Often smaller beauty products, serums, nail products, dental items, and more can be stored in a medicine cabinet. There are also so many medicine cabinet options to choose from; you're sure to get the space you need to keep all those items off the counter.
Recessed medicine cabinets are ideal if you're looking for a sleek, modern vibe in your bathroom. Mirrored medicine cabinets are one of the most common options. This Single Door Beveled Medicine Cabinet by KOHLER is a top-rated choice. Or, this Concealed Picture Frame Medicine Cabinet from Fox Hollow Furnishings is a super sneaky to get more storage space.
Use drawer dividers to make the most of drawer space
If you have drawer space, but you're not using any dividers, you're not using your space to its highest potential. The last thing you want to do is dig through your drawers when you're already behind in the morning. If everything is tidy in your drawers, you may also be less inclined to just leave items on the counter. Use drawer dividers so you can easily find items when you need them.
Depending on which products you'd like to store, you can use different sizes of bins and containers or strictly straight drawer dividers. These Dividers from Vtopmart are an excellent choice for your bathroom drawers, and you can adjust them to fit your space. Or this Clear Plastic Drawer Organizer Set from WOWBOX comes with 25 different pieces to maximize your storage space. You can declutter your bathroom forever by following the "flat surface rule," which is if something shouldn't be on a counter or surface permanently, it shouldn't stay there. Drawer dividers are a great way to keep items easily accessible and off your counters.
Try tilt-out storage solutions in your vanity
Ready for a super unique yet practical storage solution for your bathroom? Try a tilt-out drawer. Now, these often don't offer a ton of space, but they're great for small items. With a tilt-out drawer, you don't have to leave your toothbrush and toothpaste on the counter; instead, you can keep them tucked away. Sounds sweet, right?
Now these drawers will have to be installed, but it normally isn't too difficult. Oftentimes, you'll need to start by taking off the false front, then use the hardware that came with the tip-out drawer to screw it on the false face. You'll need to attach the appropriate hardware to the inside of the cabinet as well. Be sure to follow all instructions for your specific tip-out tray when installing. Here's a Tip-Out Plastic Sink Tray from Rev-A-Shelf that could work well in a bathroom.
Conceal essentials with a solid-sided rolling cart
A solid-sided rolling cart isn't just a great solution for your hidden storage needs, but it's also really convenient. Since it rolls, it's super easy to move around your bathroom and get to items when you need them. They also come in different sizes so you can choose an option that is appropriate for your bathroom.
This Slim Rolling Storage Cart from YAMAZAKI is perfect if you only have a narrow space to work with. It comes in a couple color options as well. It's best to store items you don't need every day on these carts, especially if you turn them around so your items are hidden. Consider putting cleaning supplies, extra toilet paper, or soap refills on this cart.
Incorporate an over-the-toilet storage unit that features cabinet doors
A small bathroom with limited space may require you to get a little creative with storage solutions. Over-the-toilet storage units can be a good choice. They offer additional space without taking up any footprint in your bathroom. The space above your toilet may be an underutilized area that's just begging to be put to use.
Over-the-toilet storage can sometimes include open shelving or cabinets, but if you're hoping for a hidden storage solution, be sure to choose a unit with cabinet doors. This Drop Door Over-the-Toilet Bathroom Spacesaver from Walmart is a top choice. It adds three tiers of storage space, which can be used for anything from toiletries to toilet paper.
Consider a behind-the-door medicine cabinet
Say you have a large mirror over your vanity that you love, but you're desperate for a medicine cabinet. Rather than part ways with your mirror, consider a behind-the-door medicine cabinet. It sounds crazy, but it's a real thing. This is a unique and nifty solution that can attach right to door hinges.
This Deluxe Mirrored Behind the Door Adjustable Medicine Cabinet from Cabidor is perfect if you have many products and items to store. It has a very large storage capacity, so you can keep all those items off your bathroom counters. If you don't have any wall space for a medicine cabinet, this is the solution. It is also a great example of a bathroom cabinet that will add storage and declutter your countertops.