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Built-ins Boost Storage in Small Bathrooms
Need more space for sundries in a compact bathroom? Check out these 10 innovative ideas for building storage into the plan
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
I have the world's tiniest master bathroom. Although it's plagued by a grab bag of design issues, such as brass sconces that someone inexplicably hung at chest height, my most pressing problem is storage. The skimpy cabinets and pint-size vanity top sometimes make me want to yank my hair out (especially as I blow dry it in a space the size of a breadbox).
My current "solution" is a basket that corrals toiletries, at least when I remember to stick them back in there. But hope is on the horizon: We're planning a remodel, sooner rather than later. And though we won't be gaining square footage, I've been on the hunt for storage strategies that can help us squeeze the most from the space we do have. These 10 clever built-ins are going into the idea file.
My current "solution" is a basket that corrals toiletries, at least when I remember to stick them back in there. But hope is on the horizon: We're planning a remodel, sooner rather than later. And though we won't be gaining square footage, I've been on the hunt for storage strategies that can help us squeeze the most from the space we do have. These 10 clever built-ins are going into the idea file.
by Amoroso Design
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This slim structure packs in a lot of function, from the cabinet and towel cubby on one side to the open shelving on the other. Small slices of space like this, often lurking next to a sink, tub or mirror, cry out to be put to use.
Here's another great example of wasted space turned workhorse. A slender built-in unit rises between the mirrors, keeping toiletries close at hand when getting ready for the day.
by Harmonique Home
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A shallow niche puts a minimal spin on between-the-mirrors storage. This also is a great way to break up a frameless wall-to-wall mirror.
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No wall space is too skinny for shelving. It's generally pretty easy to retrofit a bath with recessed units, especially if you can place them between wall studs.
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I don't have a tub, but if I did I'd totally copy this look. The beadboard-backed shelves pull double duty: Not only do they house towels and other miscellany, but they also give a blank wall a needed focal point. You could even try this treatment with a freestanding, premade shelving unit, as long as you bolt it securely to the wall.
by knowles ps
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With a mirrored cabinet and open shelving integrated into a single piece, these built-ins are a textbook example of efficient design.
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Shelves tucked behind a full-length mirror expand the traditional medicine cabinet approach — especially in a bath with windows over the sink, like this one.
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by Rough Linen
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| In a small bathroom, you have to squeeze function from every inch of space — even right over the door. A built-in shelf provides extra room for supplies. Even the DIY-challenged like me could probably handle a simple project such as this. |
The sliver of space next to this sink could have languished unused, but these homeowners saw an opportunity and pounced. A tiny recessed cabinet offers just enough room to keep bath necessities from crowding the sink.
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I've saved the best for last. Some people might have tucked guest towels into this powder room shelving unit; these homeowners loaded it with books. What a clever and unexpected way to carry their collection throughout the house!
More:
2012 Trends: What's New for Your Bathroom Cabinets
A Stylish Place for Bath Towels
Smart Ideas to Use in Small Baths
More:
2012 Trends: What's New for Your Bathroom Cabinets
A Stylish Place for Bath Towels
Smart Ideas to Use in Small Baths
Ideabook published on March 18, 2012.
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Lisa, I think we must have the same master bath...ours is so tiny, too.
We hope to one day take out the tub/shower and replace with just a glass enclosed shower to visually expand the space, since enlarging the square footage is not an option.
But until then, there are several ideas here that I think would work wonders in our bathroom! Thanks!
In a dream world I could add 4 ft onto the back of the house and extend the kitchen, living room, our bedroom and add another bathroom, but it's cheaper to move than endure that kind of remodel/ build. However, this bathroom has to be redone long before we could move and I finally know what I'm going to do because of the ideas here.
1 thing I have going for me-- a son who makes beautiful cabinets because this room is so small the cabinets have to be custom made.
1. Two 12 in wide by 2ft deep- floor to ceiling cabinet by hall door and between sink & commode.
2. Sink area, Over the sink another cabinet that goes to ceiling with mirror on doors.,
3. Last cabinet is over commode to ceiling
4. 4 in. lip under commode cabinet
5. 8 inch inset cabinet over hall door to ceiling for TP
6. Frame out the wall behind hall door for additional storage (IKEA cabinet sits on other side) with towel hooks.
7. Make Master door a pocket door.
8. Rip out plastic surround/ tub and replace with real tub/ tile/ shower and niches above for decorations.
9. Lighting from ceiling and under cabinets.
10. Turquoise green on the walls, a lighter tile ( dry Grand Canyon look) on floor,up the walls, and tub area.
Now I have to wait until summer - so its warm enough to set up "camp shower" and I have a week to do the DIY project.