I would put a towel ring (takes up less space) on the wall in the second picture with guest towels on it. Then put a picture (large) or group smaller ones above the toilet.

I not sure I know what floating shelves are could u send me pics I

I agree with yoboseiyo, floating shelves above the toilet will definitely give you the best use of space with the option to use them for many things. If it is a guest bath, I would suggest room for towels since many guest don't like to search for them, but there are plenty of small-space options other than your traditional towel bar, which can protrude up to 4" from the wall.

You can use a wall wine rack to store rolled up towels, just make sure to find the right size.

You could find a thin ladder to hang towels. You could cut a vintage wood ladder down to the appropriate size, or you could make a towel rack like this on your own. It's great for a small bathroom with a rustic look.

With the floating shelves, you can choose deeper or shallower shelves depending on what you need, or you can choose shelving according to your style. Here's some comtempory shelves floating over a bath.

I like a towel ring because it takes up less space. Put the towel ring on the wall with the outlets. Then you can use the area behind the toilet for the things yoboseiyo suggested :) I wash towels in our towel ring almost everyday because we use our downstairs bath as much as our upstairs baths. Towels in a ring can get stinky faster because they get bunched up in the ring. Enjoy your project! Post pics when you get it it done :)))

Floating shelves just means that the hardware that holds the shelf up does not show. The more open appearance makes a small area feel roomier, which is why it's great for a small bathroom.

Here are some more examples:

lol : We have sliding doors to our shower/tub, so our towel rack is the top of the sliding glass doors. Hang pictures if you want, but in my case, my other half has shelves and she stores whatever on them. I have yet determined her system of madness. lol

Or hange a decent cabinet. You can fit more in it & close the doors on things like extra TP that are not particularly decorative.

@keesee : love those floating shelves

Curt, my hubby does the same thing! Drives me nuts. I tell him one more towel in the wash won't make any difference. Maybe it's a "man" thing :D

@happyasaclam
Ref: Chess: Check & mate i.e. your point takened and understood

Curt, LOL! No chiding or nagging intended :) It's just a "woman" thing :D

One thing I omitted on the other side of the toliet is a built in closet with doors I was mainly go put a towel rack behind toliet for looks rather than usefulness.....since I have linen closet already is it ok not to have towels hanging in bathroom.im recently divorced so I'm new to the decorating thing but I get really great ideas on here.....

I prefer some sort of towel rack or ring to put a towel on. I once stayed in a very nice hotel and there was no place to hang the towel. It was very inconvenient.

Put either a ring or bar near the sink. You don't need a towel above the toilet. :)

Hello Hyle Robbins

I agree, floating shelves are a great addition for artwork and rolled up hand towels for guests etc. You could also inset a small cabinet into the wall between the studs which acts as storage for some things you may not want on display, but still has an open shelf below for some knock knacks. You can see this in my portfolio of 'The Kodiak Spa' project at www.behance.net/HeritageCarpentry. You could add a rack below this for hanging towels if necessary.
Good luck
Cheers
Andrew McL

Knick knacks

I only have one bathroom so it has to serve guests. When I have company I take away the hand towel and put out a clear acrylic tray with decorative paper hand towels. When just me I have a chrome hook on the vanity door for a hand towel

condomary, love your ginko tray! :) My favorite tree.

I agree with condomary. I use the disposable hand towels for company. They come in all different designs and colors. Company won't have to share a towel. This will free up your space for art.

Hyle Robbins, if you already have a linen closet, you don't need a towel rack. Why take up more space for things you already have storage for? Floating shelves can provide space for other things that you may want in the bathroom. You can put art on or above the shelves, a box of tissues, lotion is a nice touch, or you can add a plant (fake or real) or candle(s). If you're newly single and decorating isn't your thing, just go for simple stuff. Art or framed photos always look great and are an easy addition to shelves, tissues will take up good space, and a candle is always a good thing to have burning when you have guests over. If you still have empty space and you're not sure what to add, roll up some extra hand towels. They always look neat, clean, and welcoming - and it's perfect "decor" for a bathroom. (See "Rental ReStyle: Small Bath Makeover" in my previous post for ideas.)

I'd also add some sort of towel holder (ring or tray) to the vanity area just to keep one towel handy.

My floating shelves lost their license because they kept crashing into my flying carpet.

Bonjour, We did a guest bathroom with little space and this was our solution.

Hey Chook. LOL

I would put a colorful piece of art there

Have you thought about a back-of-the-toilet shelving unit? I really like the look of them in a small bathroom, they give lots of storage space and still look very elegant and tasteful.

Shelving units like the one Oregon Re-Bath has posted sometimes have a ring attached. This particular unit is very nice. The doors do make it look very stylish and I like the option of having an extra electic outlet, although I can see instances where that might be a dangerous idea, especially with kids :)

I just found this pic how would small shelve look below the pic?

I think a small shelf would look great below your picture. Since the frame has a dark border and you have a darker curtain rod, go with a dark stain or painted shelf.

Pics are great, Hyle. Then a shelf under it, and you're set to go!