Small Narrow Bathroom Shelf
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28 Bathroom Shelf Ideas for a Chic, Clutter-Free Space
Marie Kondo would definitely be proud.
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ
Strategic storage solutions are an essential ingredient in creating a stylish, organized bathroom, no matter what size it is. And right now, we're spotlighting 28 bathroom shelf ideas, as shelving allows you to take advantage of wall space while keeping clutter to a minimum and displaying decor. Read on for a fresh batch of clever, designer-approved ideas, from built-in storage units to sleek floating shelves, floor-to-ceiling cubbies, and even windowsills that serve double duty.
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Consider Use Case
Have you ever seen a more adorable bathroom shelf? In their room at the Kips Bay show house, Studio DB installed this tiny wall-mounted tray by the tub for any bath products or a bathtime cocktail.
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Use a Window Sill
Though there aren't any actual shelves in this bathroom by Jae Joo Designs, the windowsill gets the job done just fine. For a similar look, lean a small piece of art against the window and add a plant for a burst of energy. And wall hooks are great for towels or other linens, of course.
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Customize a Vanity
Full of fun patterns and whimsical motifs, this powder room designed by Chango & Co. proves that small spaces can still shine. Style aside, the strategically built vanity features extra shelves on one side to accomodate hand towels and decor.
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Go Below The Sink
This marble sink vanity in a bathroom by Nicole Hollis Studio is a minimalist's dream. With plenty of space for bathroom essentials in the sleek, handleless drawers as well as on the shelf above the floor, you can keep clutter to a minimum and let the beautiful washstand take the design spotlight.
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Animate a Corner
In this modestly sized powder room designed by Corinne Mathern Studios, the tiny shelf transforms an awkward corner into something chic. It's just large enough to fit a select few cosmetics or a vase with flowers.
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Free Up Space For Design Moments
If you add a small shelf for your soap and/or hand lotion, you can install a much cooler, larger sink—even if it doesn't offer any surface space. Interior designer Heidi Caillier spotlighted a retro-inspired schoolhouse sink to contrast with the more formal gold touches and intricate floral wallpaper. Hidden shelves behind the mirror will come in handy, too.
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Use Every Square Inch
NYC-based design firm Shapeless Studios took advantage of every nook and cranny in this bathroom. To make extra storage room for bath products and extras, they install two marble floating shelves over the tub.
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Install Floor-To-Ceiling Cubbies
These floor-to-ceiling cubbies in a bathroom designed by Robson Rak provide ample room for storage. Put things like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and other bulk items behind closed doors, then show off your décor and towels on the open shelves. I love how these tonal towels reflect the wood grains of the storage unit itself.
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Build In a Bench
Even if your bathroom only has space for a small shower, you can still make it feel and look luxe. Take, for example, this one designed by Romanek Design Studio. The baby blue zellige tiles and sleek matte black and glass enclosure makes a modern statement. A floating bench adds both formal and functional value, too.
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Bring a Stool Into the Shower
If you don't have a built-in bench in the shower, bring in a stool. You can use it as extra surface space for shower supplies. We like how this bathroom by Fitz Pullins features a wooden stool to warm up the otherwise light cool marble shower.
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Install It Over The Sink
Install a floating shelf above the sink for your décor, essentials, and other small knick-knacks, as Heidi Caillier did here. This is especially convenient for anyone who doesn't have a hidden cabinet behind the bathroom sink. You could also arrange a few floating shelves above the toilet if space is an issue.
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Look For An Etagere
An étagère is the perfect shelving unit for renters, someone who doesn't want to make any permanent design decisions, or anyone with a tiny bathroom. They tend to be slim and lightweight—and don't require power tools to install.
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Bring In a Bath Caddy Tray
If there aren't any built-in shelves by the bathtub, opt for a bath caddy tray. Simple in design, super convenient, and much more affordable than getting a contractor to build shelves. The one in this Studio DB-designed bathroom introduces a touch of warmth to the contrasting marble materials.
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Blend In With The Surrounding Materials
A built-in shelf will definitely be useful above a freestanding bathtub. Let it blend in with the surrounding wall by sticking with the same materials throughout. If you love organic, clean lines, use this nook as inspiration.
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Put It Behind the Tub
Even better, install a floating shelf right next to a tub. It's as convenient as it gets without actually building extra storage into the wall nor taking up floor space next to the bathtub with bulky furniture. This one fits right into the eclectic bathroom by Sean Scherer.
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Be Creative with Scale
Hecker Guthrie added a little shelf for hand soap and lotion in the same material as the marble backsplash so as to not interrupt visual flow. There's also extra cabinet space under the sink for stowing away bathroom essentials, too, so the shelf won't get overcrowded.
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Have It Serve Double Duty
Furniture that offers two functions is always a good idea. This wide shelf doubles as a bench and makes the purple hexagonal tiles in this bathroom by Studio DB pop even more. The extra floating shelf under the sink brings in added spatial intrigue (and a place to put towels), too.
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Make Use of Existing Surfaces
Use all available surfaces as makeshift shelves, whether it's a windowsill or mantel. While fireplaces aren't exactly frequent bathroom fliers, we're digging this one as an unexpected statement in a space designed by Elizabeth Roberts Architecture & Design.
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Consider Other Storage Options
Don't fret if you don't have shelves by the tub in your bathroom—there are plenty of other storage options. Bring in stools, baskets, and a ladder to hang linens.
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Be Resourceful
If your bathroom is too small for shelves with a lot of depth, add extra storage by placing a tray over the hamper. Keep your hand towels and florals there to brighten up the room.
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Extend A Sink Vanity
Extend a customized vanity to float next to the bathtub as a shelf, like Robson Rak did here. It's the perfect spot to perch your artwork and florals for a pop of style in the bathroom. Don't you love how the light pink flowers and accents in the painting reflect the rose gold faucet?
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Find Clever Pieces
In this bathroom designed by Robert McKinley Studio, the wall mirror also features a little bonus shelf. We're loving the accent lighting on it, which doubles as cheeky art.
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Make It Artful
For something more visually unique than a classic floating shelf, scatter a few wall brackets along the wall, like Eddie Ross did at hishome. It could also help you stay organized if each little shelf is dedicated to a different step in your bathroom routine. Think of it as a gallery wall for the shower.
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Build In Shower Nooks
Even better, invest in built-in shower nooks for hair and body care products. They save a ton of space and also ensure that the shower looks sleek and clean, as it should. The curved edges of the built-in shelving contrast with the hexagonal tiles for a unique look in this bathroom by Justina Blakeney.
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Take Advantage Of Happy Accidents
This bathroom by Studio Shamshiri has a handy little ledge behind the bathtub that can be used for surface storage. And for whatever else doesn't fit, prop a stool next to the tub and slide up a side chair.
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Use Unexpected Furniture
Bring in an antique side chair for an eclectic look that also offers up an extra seat. Then give the room a pop of color with a vibrant garden stool and a small side table for florals. For even more storage, you could also add an antique armoire—though we often imagine it as a traditional storage unit in the living room or dining room, it can be super handy in a bathroom.
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Choose a Roomy Washstand
When shopping for washstands, keep your eye out for any that have a deep bottom shelf, like the metal one in this Catherine Kwong bathroom. This will free up space for florals and essentials on top of the vanity while your bottom shelf can store linens.
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Install Cubbies and Open Shelves
Opt for open shelves below the sink instead of drawers and cabinets for a more interesting aesthetic. Then bring in baskets and bins to hide any essentials that belong behind closed doors. Installing cubbies and plenty of hooks will take care of towel storage.
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Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.
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