18 Small Bathroom Storage Ideas & Hacks

If you’ve ever been in a bathroom showroom, you’ll know how tight the display areas are… so we’ve learned a thing or two about making small spaces work! That’s why we’ve pulled together our best small bathroom storage ideas and space saving hacks, so you can do the same.

Small bathrooms have more storage spots than you might think, and we’ve grouped our ideas around these key areas:

• Under the sink
• Above the sink
• Over the toilet
• Baths or shower areas
• Wall areas
• Free floorspace

Under-the-Sink Bathroom Storage Ideas

1. Compact Vanity Units

Compact vanity units are one of the most reliable small bathroom storage ideas because they give you a basin and hidden storage in one tidy unit. With sizes ranging from 300mm to 500mm, compact vanities are usually small enough for cloakrooms or ensuites. 

Space Saving Hack: Add simple shelf inserts or small organisers so everything stays ordered instead of gathering in one big pile.

 2. Floating Vanity Units

A floating vanity sits off the floor, giving you storage while keeping the room feeling more open. It’s a great way to get usable space without blocking movement in a narrow bathroom layout.

Space Saving Hack: Use the free floor area underneath for baskets or a slim stool if you need extra room for kids’ bits and pieces

3. Wall Hung Basins

Wall hung basins are ideal in very small bathrooms where you need the room to feel as spacious as possible. Although these doesn’t come with built-in storage, they do offer lots of open space below for your own solutions, and they're usually very cost-effective.

Space Saving Hack: Add a compact cabinet or a wire basket underneath, choose something with lid or opaque drawers for hiding clutter. 

4. Countertop Basins

Countertop basins sit on top of a vanity, which frees up more usable storage space in the vanity underneath. They also leave a bit of worktop space around the bowl for bits you reach for daily.

Space Saving Hack: Keep the counter tidy with a small tray so your daily items stay gathered in one spot.

Over-the-Sink Bathroom Storage Ideas

5. Mirror Cabinets

Mirror cabinets give you two things at once: a bathroom mirror for daily use and hidden storage for the bits you don’t want sitting on the basin. They’re one of the most popular small bathroom storage ideas because they make good use of wall space without sticking out too far.

Space Saving Hack: Choose a cabinet with adjustable shelves so you can fit everything from tall bottles to smaller toiletries without wasting space.

6. Open Shelving

Open shelves above the sink area are a handy storage solution when you want quick access to everyday items in the bathroom. They’re especially useful in very small en-suites where there isn’t much room for deeper cabinets.

Space Saving Hack: Use small baskets, caddies or jars to keep things grouped together so the shelf looks tidy rather than cluttered.

7. Wall-Mounted Soap Dishes or Toothbrush Holders

Wall mounted soap dishes and toothbrush holders are a simple fix way to free up space around the basin. When the counter is small, even a soap bottle or electric toothbrush can make it feel crowded. Moving these items onto the wall keeps the area clear and looks tidier.

Space Saving Hack: Mount the dispenser slightly to the side of the mirror rather than directly above the taps. It keeps the basin clear and stops water splashes.

Over-the-Toilet Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms

8. Wall-Mounted Shelves

The space above the toilet often goes unused, which makes it a handy spot for wall mounted shelves. They’re great for storing things you want close by, like spare loo rolls, folded towels, or small baskets of toiletries.

Space Saving Hack: To maximise storage above the toilet, use two or three narrow shelves instead of one deep one.

9. Inset Shelves

Inset shelves, sometimes called niche shelves, sit inside the wall and don’t stick out at all. They're great if you want storage without adding bulk above the toilet. We advise planning inset shelving early (ideally during the design stage), as you’ll need a false wall to create the recess.

Space Saving Hack: Try adding two or three shorter, rectangular niches stacked vertically instead of one long one. This divides your storage space, making it easier to organise.

Bath & Shower Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms

10. Caddies & Shower Shelves

Caddies and baskets are one of the easiest small bathroom storage ideas because you can add them without any major changes. They hold shampoos, soaps, kids’ toys, and spare bits that normally end up sitting around the bath ledge. They’re ideal for renters who need temporary storage.

Space Saving Hack: Choose a corner caddy or hanging basket so it sits neatly out of the way and doesn’t take up any part of the shower you need to stand in.

11. Shower Niches

A shower niche is a small recessed shelf built into the wall to hold your bottles - they are perfect for narrow or  very small shower areas. It’s similar to an inset shelf above the toilet, but this version is designed to cope with constant water.

Space Saving Hack: If you’re planning a new bathroom, ask your designer to place the niche away from the shower spray. Your bottles will stay cleaner and the niche won’t pool water!

12. Bath Trays

Bath trays sit across the width of the bath and give you a handy spot for razors, soaps, or even your phone. They’re great when you’ve no built in ledge or you want storage that you can lift away when the kids are using the bath.

Space Saving Hack: Pick a tray with adjustable sides so it fits securely on your bath and doesn’t slide around.

Wall Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms

13. Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets are a solid option when you need extra storage but don’t have much floorspace to spare. They keep toiletries, medicines, and spare bits out of sight and off the counter, which helps a small room feel tidier.

Space Saving Hack: Go for a shallow cabinet so you get the storage without the unit sticking out too far into the room.

14. Wall-mounted hooks and towel rails

Bathroom hooks and towel rails make good use of vertical space and stop towels ending up in piles around the room. They’re simple, affordable, and work well in tight layouts where storage is limited.

Space Saving Hack: Fix hooks on the back of the door if wall space is tight. It keeps towels handy without taking over the room.

15. Towel radiators

Towel radiators warm and dry your towels while doubling as storage. They’re a smart choice in a small bathroom because they remove the need for a separate rail or bulky heater.

Space Saving Hack: Choose a tall, narrow model. It gives you more hanging space without taking up much wall area.

Freestanding Storage Ideas for Small Bathrooms

16. Freestanding Cabinets or Ladders

Freestanding bathroom cabinets (or even ladders!) are an easy way to add storage to a bathroom without changing the layout. You can move them around to suit your space, they're usually an inexpensive solution, and you can add them at any time.

Space Saving Hack: Hang towels on a tall floorstanding ladder, to get a similar look to a wall-mounted towel rail.  

17. Baskets or Boxes

Baskets and boxes are simple, flexible storage solutions. They fit into awkward spaces, sit neatly under basins, or stack on shelves. They’re great for grouping smaller items that would otherwise scatter around the room.

Space Saving Hack: Use one basket per “category” - for example, hair products, bath toys, or cleaning bits - so you can pull out only what you need.

18. Trolleys

Slim trolleys are handy in tight bathrooms, especially ones with little built-in storage. They can slide beside the toilet, beside the bath, or into small corners, giving you extra shelves without feeling bulky.

Space Saving Hack: Pick a trolley with wheels so you can move it out of the way when cleaning or when you need more room.

Maximise Your Bathroom Storage with Bassetts

If you’d like help turning these small bathroom storage ideas into a plan that suits your own home, we’re here to help! With over 40 years’ experience in bathroom design, our team knows how to turn your small bathroom into a tidy, practical space.

Book Your Free Consultation

FAQs

How can you create storage in a very small bathroom?

To create storage in a very small bathroom, start by using the wall space, as it keeps the floor clear and gives you room for shelves or slim cabinets. Look for units that combine a basin with hidden storage, and add baskets or trays to group smaller items.

What material is best for bathroom storage?

Materials that handle moisture well are always best for bathroom storage, like PVC, aluminium, treated wood, and high quality laminates. These all do better in warm, steamy rooms. Avoid anything untreated or likely to swell.

How can I hide storage in my bathroom?

To hide storage in your bathroom, use vanity units, mirror cabinets, or tall cupboards with opaque doors that keep everything out of sight. For quick fixes, use baskets inside cabinets or under the sink to keep things organised without leaving them on show.