Almost everybody can benefit from more storage space, but where do you find it? You might be surprised at just how much existing storage space you already have right in your own home. In addition, there are some hidden spaces which you probably haven’t considered that you can tap into. These can make a real difference in maximizing bathroom storage space, for more places to keep your things.
Basics in Bathroom Organization
While we all want and think we “need” more storage space, getting it isn’t as simple as it sounds. After all, we still want our stuff to be easily accessible and conveniently located. Here are some bathroom basics to think about:
- Use the upper part of the medicine cabinet for small bottle storage, as it offers narrow shelves and you can easily see and read labels when bottles are at that height.
- You’ll find that drawers tend to work better in the lower part of the cabinet than shelves or even rollouts, though this depends on what you’re storing. Why, you ask? Because you can access and see what’s in them much more easily. After all, no one likes having to get down on their hands and knees to access a rollout. In addition, a rollout also requires doors that open, which can quickly get in the way in a bathroom.
- It works best to separate makeup, small brushes, and the like into compartments in a top drawer. However, there’s now another option that can help. This new product, while designed primarily for use as a spice rack in a kitchen drawer, can help organize items such as these as well. Its unique wave-like design usually allows for four rows of items, and as it’s made out of plastic, it can easily be removed for cleaning or reorganizing. This way, you can organize items and actually see what you have in the drawer, versus everything getting jumbled into one big pile when you open it.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Bathroom Space
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some ideas that you can implement for maximizing bathroom storage space in your existing bathroom.
- Consider installing double towel racks. These are handy for guests and take up much less space than hanging a separate rack.
- Along the same lines, hang up robe hooks near the shower. If you have space and will be sharing the bathroom with guests, hanging more than one will make them feel welcome.
- Toilets can take up a lot of space in the bathroom, so make use of all the space around them. One option is to build a “toilet topper cabinet,” which is situated over the top of the toilet. However, these do have to be narrow (around 9” deep) so you don’t hit your head. In addition, you can install a “pistol top” counter that extends over the top of the toilet. This extension of the counter, while narrow (also about 9”), allows you to better utilize the space. Just remember, it must be removable so you can lift the top off the toilet for maintenance or cleaning.
- Consider installing a cabinet that can sit on top of the counter lip. This should be 9” deep at most. If you’re able to install one with an outlet inside, you can even leave things like electric shavers, curling irons, and other small appliances plugged in for convenience. When installing the cabinet, situate it several inches above the counter. This way, you won’t knock stuff like cups or toothbrush holders off the counter when opening the door.
- Consider putting a hair appliance pullout in one of the large bottom cabinets. Some bathroom cabinet manufacturers actually now offer this, but if you’re not replacing the cabinets just yet, you can DIY it. You’d only be utilizing the face of the existing cabinet, after all. Picture the racks they have at beauty salons, the ones with openings where they place hair dryers, curling irons, and other small appliances. It would work much like a roll-out trash can, with the exposed holes on the top and a simple base below. You could also include compartments on the top piece for smaller beauty implements.
- The space under the sink can become a dumping ground for miscellaneous items. While you’re limited due to the plumbing and sink trap, especially with a small vanity, a pull-out drawer can still be built. Because of the plumbing, it will probably end up in a “C” or “U” shape. However, since it utilizes a slide rail, this can be a very handy way to actually be able to reach all the items under your sink, especially those that usually get lost in the back. Add some well-placed partitions and compartments to finish it off and maximize your efforts.
- In the shower area, recess a soap/shampoo holder into a pocket or cubby. If you already have one and it’s not recessed, just think how nice it would be to have more elbow room in the shower!
- Along the same lines, consider adding a shallow recessed cabinet behind the door, or any interior wall space, really, by removing the drywall and portions of the studs, building it right into the wall. You simply build a frame and add the shelves. Contrary to popular belief, you’re not only limited to the area between the studs–these new shelving areas can be as wide as you want with the use of a header, as long as you have enough room to support and square it. Just think of all that extra shelving space!
Call Callen for Maximizing Bathroom Storage Space
Whether you want to completely overhaul your bathroom or simply want to do some minor bathroom remodeling to increase storage space, call Callen at 414-867-2207 or complete our online contact form to schedule your next project with the best remodeling company around!