Enough With Dated Storage Cabinets: The Modern IKEA Upgrade Your Bathroom Needs

In bathrooms, upgrading old cabinets for something a little more modern and upscale can go a long way. But a full bathroom remodel isn't always worth the financial investment. Instead of custom cabinetry and expensive upgrades, you can just get a storage unit from IKEA and install it yourself. Look at it as a way to use bathroom cabinets to add storage and declutter your countertops without breaking the bank. 

The ENHET storage cabinet from IKEA sells for just $257.99 at the time of this writing. It's a cute and modern storage solution that's made up of one closed white cabinet and a black or white open shelf on top. This storage combination measures about 48 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and has a flipped "L" shape, where the longer side measures 60 inches in height, with the shorter one about half of that.

This unit isn't free-standing, but rather meant to be attached to the wall. The screws you need are all included in the package, but you do need a stud finder to be able to set it up properly. You'll also need enough space on the wall to hang it: if you already have cabinets and shelves, you might have to remove them first and reuse the same spot to attach the IKEA unit, depending on the size of your bathroom. As with any new cabinets, make sure to measure your space thoroughly before making the purchase, and you'll be good to go. 

This genius bathroom storage solution is great for organization, but its shape does require some unique considerations. Don't let this deter you, though. The unit is like a flipped "L" shape, with a hollow section on the bottom right of the unit (next to the closed cabinet). Use this to your advantage, for example, by placing it above a toilet. You can also use the hollow section to add floor storage, like a bathroom trolley or towel rack. Another option is to store your laundry basket or garbage bin in that empty space. In any case, the goal is to arrange it like you would a Tetris game, using its interesting shape to your advantage. 

In terms of organizing the cabinet, use the closed section for anything that's not aesthetically pleasing: cleaning supplies, mismatched bottles, and sanitary products, for example. On the open shelves, arrange items that are more decorative, like candles, plants, or rolled-up spa-style towels.

You can also use the open shelves for bins and baskets, which can help conceal some of the visual clutter of bathroom products while still utilizing the space for storage. Given that the shelves are 12 inches deep and about 15 inches tall, check the dimensions of bins and baskets beforehand. For instance, IKEA's TRUMMIS rattan baskets would fit on the shelves, and handles make it easy to pull things out of storage whenever you need access. For a softer look, IKEA's LJUNGAN baskets are perfect for sanitary products, creams and serums, or hair brushes. And if you'd like something with a bit more visual interest, the FLADIS basket is round and woven seagrass with handles on both sides, good for hand towels and random clutter.