Not Cabinets, Not Drawers: The Bathroom Storage Solution You Can Find At The Thrift Store

Bathrooms are a bit tricky to organize thanks to the fact that they're often lacking in space. More often than not, homeowners rely on big-ticket solutions like cabinets, shelves, and drawers to keep things tidy, but there are other ways to maintain orderliness in a typically small area. Instead, consider picking up a thrift store find that works double duty to organize and decorate a space: a vintage tray. Whether it's wood, ceramic, or metal, vintage trays are great, inexpensive finds that can make a bathroom space feel more organized and polished without requiring any installation or renovation.

One thing that makes thrifted trays such a smart buy is how easy it is to repurpose them as add-on storage solutions. For example, you can use one to pull off a clever trick of increasing bathroom counter space while getting ready. Simply place a tray on your sink to extend your counter space, so you have enough room for your hygiene products, makeup, and other essentials. Almost every thrift store has at least one vintage tray tucked between kitchenware or home decor items, and they usually cost way less than brand new ones. Since vintage trays come in varying shapes, sizes, and materials, you can get creative with how you incorporate them into your bathroom. A wooden or brass tray with ornate designs and patterns can be both the perfect storage solution and statement piece for a stunning powder room.

Just like how a dated hair tool rack can become a vintage thrift store find that's perfect for keeping bathroom essentials organized, a vintage tray can double as a stylish countertop organizer for just about anything. Instead of leaving your most-used soaps, lotions, perfumes, and self-care items scattered around the sink or piled on top of a cabinet or shelf, arrange them neatly on a tray to keep your space clean and organized. Not only does grouping items this way make it easy to find or keep track of your bath essentials, but it also makes wiping down the counter easier, since you can lift the tray instead of moving the products individually.

Use smaller trays to organize personal items. A shallow dish or decorative tray, for instance, can act as a holder for jewelry, hair ties, bobby pins, and other personal effects while you shower or get ready for the day. This helps prevent tiny accessories from getting lost in the sink or cluttering the counter. You can also use small- to medium-sized trays as organizers inside drawers, corralling nail supplies, skincare solutions, and makeup products in one easy-to-access spot. They can also make stylish catchalls for remotes, beauty tools, and other miscellaneous items. With so many practical and decorative uses, investing in vintage trays is easily one of the best and most affordable storage upgrades you can make in your bathroom.