Ditch Baskets & Bins: IKEA Has Space-Saving And Stylish Bathroom Storage Alternative

In the world of space-saving solutions for your home, few items outperform wall shelves. Since they require no square footage to pull off, they can be implemented into even the smallest of rooms, all while increasing your available storage space. For bathrooms, using vertical wall shelves, like IKEA's APOTEKARE, is a sleek alternative to storage if you have formerly relied on baskets and bins.

Priced at $34.99, the APOTEKARE features a sleek, black design, with some metal detailing on the side supports that connect the top and bottom shelves. The shelf measures 7 ⅛ inches deep by 19 ⅝ inches wide by 20 ½ inches high. With a maximum load capacity of 33 pounds (given proper mounting techniques for your particular walls), the APOTEKARE is sturdy enough to make a dent in your bathroom storage. Instead of storing bottles of products that would otherwise clutter your vanity in bins, keep items like makeup, lotions, and facemask packs stored neatly on this shelf.

You can also use the APOTEKARE to help declutter under-cabinet space by using it to hold rolled-up washcloths other small essentials, provided that they are neatly contained in a tray like the TAVELÅN ($13.99/2-pack) or an organizer, such as the NOJIG ($0.39) Since the shelves are designed with a lip around the edges, you can confidently place items on the shelves without worrying they'll slip off. At the time of writing, customers had given the APOTEKARE a 4.8-star average from more than 100 reviews. The categories of appearance and performance received the highest marks. One five-star review states, "I love this shelf. It's well made, and it looks great."

Whether your bathroom is ultra-compact or generously sized, the APOTEKARE could help ease any storage pressure you're experiencing. Small vanities or bathrooms with a pedestal sink, for example, will benefit from this shelf placed within arm's reach, since it can be used to hold soap pumps, tissues, or a spray bottle of room freshener. For master bathrooms, consider installing a couple of the shelves — one on each side — adding shelves to maximize space in your bathroom without relying on space-stealing baskets and bins.

Since the APOTEKARE is available only in black, it can deliver modern-looking vibes to your bathroom, even if there is another hardware finish present. You might find success using this black shelf in your space if you have chrome, nickel, or brass hardware or fixtures present already. Should you want to create a particularly attractive corner of your bathroom, you can consider using the lower shelf as a plant stand, placing a trailing plant — such as an ivy — on it; the natural green will complement the black shelf while the plant's somewhat wild growth pattern will be of high visual interest.

Outside of the bathroom, the shelf could easily be installed in a kitchen where it could hold spice bottles, herb plants, or in a living room setting for housing books, a designer candle, or framed photos, too. For a completely different look, you can also ditch baskets and bins for an IKEA storage shelf that can fit with boho aesthetics.