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Trendey • Ideas by Room • Bathrooms • 10 Bathroom Shelf Ideas for Storage and Display

10 Bathroom Shelf Ideas for Storage and Display

10 Bathroom Shelf Ideas for Storage and Display

  • by — Andra DelMonico
  • Published on February 23, 2022

  • Updated on April 7, 2024

Couldn’t we all use more storage space in our bathrooms? It seems like no matter how big or small. There’s never enough room for all of your toiletries, towels, toilet paper, and bathroom essentials. Storage is a bathroom necessity, and adding extra storage could be as simple as adding a wall shelf or two. However, you shouldn’t add just any shelf. It needs to complement the design style of your bathroom. 

These bathroom shelf ideas will help you add much-needed shelves to your bathroom walls.

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1. Recessed and Custom Designed Bathroom Shelf

Designing your bathroom recessed shelving is an art. The shelves need to be placed far enough apart to give you enough space for bathroom decor and storage They also need to be cut to the perfect size to sit snugly in the recessed space.

Recessed bathroom shelf
Source: @greyobsessedhouse via Instagram
Recessed bathroom shelf
Source: @ksidhome via Instagram
Recessed bathroom shelf
Source: @life_at_number50 via Instagram
Recessed bathroom shelf
Source: @lifeasthetylers via Instagram
Recessed bathroom shelf
Source: @oneroomat68 via Instagram
Recessed bathroom shelf
Source: @raisedranchrefresh via Instagram
Recessed bathroom shelf
Source: @thehomeofhope_and_grace via Instagram

It can help to look at bathroom shelving ideas to get an idea of the possibilities. You may already have a natural space to mount the shelves. If your bathroom architecture doesn’t allow for this, you can make your own recessed alcove.

2. Creative DIY Bathroom Shelf Project

You can build your own floating shelf for your bathroom. Check out DIY bathroom shelf ideas to get an idea for the best shelves to add storage space to your small bathroom. When you create your own DIY bathroom shelves, you have the freedom to make your shelf any way you want.

DIY bathroom shelf
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DIY bathroom shelf
Source: @brandmade_woodworking via Instagram
DIY bathroom shelf
Source: @circleberryhome via Instagram
DIY bathroom shelf
Source: @ckmkdesign via Instagram
DIY bathroom shelf
Source: @crafty_joxee via Instagram
DIY bathroom shelf
Source: @diy_did_we_start_this via Instagram
DIY bathroom shelf
Source: @edwardian_semi_northwest via Instagram
DIY bathroom shelf
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DIY bathroom shelf
Source: @sharystudio via Instagram
DIY bathroom shelf
Source: @thedairymanswife via Instagram

You could give the shelf a decorative front edge. Or you could use distinctive hardware. Popular choices are industrial pipe, geometric gold-colored metal, hidden supports, or rope to hang the shelves.

3. Rustic Charm with Farmhouse Bathroom Shelf

If you’re looking to add open storage to your farmhouse bathroom, consider floating shelf toilet storage ideas. You can then place a basket or crate on the shelf to act as towel storage. Stick with the bathroom storage ideas that have a farmhouse design style.

Farmhouse bathroom shelf
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Farmhouse bathroom shelf
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Farmhouse bathroom shelf
Source: @casadelrose_ via Instagram
Farmhouse bathroom shelf
Source: @our_northern_nest_ via Instagram
Farmhouse bathroom shelf
Source: @our_star_valley_cabin via Instagram
Farmhouse bathroom shelf
Source: @upwoodandwild via Instagram
Farmhouse bathroom shelf
Farmhouse bathroom shelf

They are typically wood shelves that have some thickness to them. They also look like raw wood. However, you should wax the wood to help seal it and protect it from the high level of moisture in the bathroom.

4. Space-Saving Freestanding Shelf Solution

You don’t need a lot of floor space to have a freestanding shelving unit. You can buy a bathroom cabinet that fits over your toilet. Its legs are just wide enough to slide it back over the toilet. Look for a unit that fits your design style. They come in metal, wood, acrylic, PVC plastic, and wicker.

Freestanding bathroom shelf
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Freestanding bathroom shelf
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Freestanding bathroom shelf
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Freestanding bathroom shelf
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Freestanding bathroom shelf
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Freestanding bathroom shelf
Source: @my_newmiddleton21 via Instagram
Freestanding bathroom shelf
Source: @neewoodygh via Instagram
Freestanding bathroom shelf
Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram
Freestanding bathroom shelf
Freestanding bathroom shelf

Some have open shelving, and others have an enclosed cabinet with doors. A shelf and cabinet combo is nice because you can use the shelf to display decor and the cabinet for hidden storage.

5. Modern and Sleek Glass Shelves

If you have a tiny bathroom, you need to maximize your available bathroom space. Open shelves are the best option for your small space because they don’t close the bathroom in. For even more visibility, use glass shelves instead of solid ones. You can easily see through the glass, so they disappear into the bathroom.

Glass bathrooms shelves
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Glass bathrooms shelves
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Glass bathrooms shelves
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Glass bathrooms shelves
Source: @karissabianco via Instagram
Glass bathrooms shelves
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Glass bathrooms shelves
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Glass bathrooms shelves
Source: @sanctuarybathrooms via Instagram

Glass shelves tend to have a sleek and modern look so they may look out of place in a farmhouse or rustic bathroom. However, choose a set with gold hardware accents, and they are the perfect addition to your vintage or art deco bathroom.

6. Durable and Stylish Metal Shelves

Metal shelves are durable and come in a wide variety of designs, making them perfect for use in your bathroom. You could add a freestanding metal shelving rack to sit over your toilet. Or you could add a metal shelving unit to hang on the wall.

Metal bathroom shelf
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Metal bathroom shelf
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Metal bathroom shelf
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Metal bathroom shelf
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Metal bathroom shelf
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Metal bathroom shelf
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Metal bathroom shelf
Source: @where_lou_lives via Instagram

They also make the perfect addition to your DIY bathroom shelf project. Cut out the drywall between two studs and line the hole with fresh drywall. Paint the surface and mount a recessed shelf in the space.

7. Simplicity and Elegance in Minimalist Shelves

Floating shelves are perfect for a minimalist design. They have a clean and streamlined design that’s the perfect addition to your bathroom. Taking a minimalist approach is smart because it keeps your bathroom feeling open and clutter-free. A thick piece of wood is best for a spa-like feel because it adds a natural touch to your bathroom.

Minimalist bathroom shelf
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Minimalist bathroom shelf
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Minimalist bathroom shelf
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Minimalist bathroom shelf
Source: @ourfirstcottage_ via Instagram
Minimalist bathroom shelf
Source: @shewoodco via Instagram

A black metal shelf adds a nice touch to your industrial, rustic, or vintage bathroom. Try to follow the other lines in your minimalist bathroom. For example, a modern bathroom typically has a long floating vanity. Your floating shelf could follow this line for a cohesive design. 

8. Functional Storage Shelf Option

Your shelves need to be functional, so while tiny decorative shelves may look cute, they probably won’t be worth the trouble to mount them on the wall. Your shelves should be deep and long enough to give you enough space to use them for storage. You should also consider what you plan to put on them.

Bathroom storage cabinet
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Bathroom storage cabinet
Source: @insidenumber.8 via Instagram

An enclosed cabinet is a better option for hiding bathroom essentials. No one wants to look at your stockpile of toilet paper and cleaning products. It can also help to have several storage options throughout the bathroom. That way, your toiletries don’t have to share a space with your toilet scrub brush.

9. Creative Wall-Mounted Shelf Arrangement

Start your project by measuring your available wall space. Measure the length and height of your bathroom wall. You can then use these dimensions to decide the size of your open shelf. In some cases, you may want to use one large shelf. In others, several small shelves will look better.

Wall mounted bathroom shelf
Source: @fairfield_home via Instagram
Wall mounted bathroom shelf
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Wall mounted bathroom shelf
Source: @homewith_liz via Instagram
Wall mounted bathroom shelf
Source: @huxfordhome via Instagram
Wall mounted bathroom shelf
Source: @mrscarr_ via Instagram
Wall mounted bathroom shelf
Source: @renovating_no18 via Instagram
Wall mounted bathroom shelf
Source: @rufford_stella via Instagram

Consider the placement of your shelves on the wall. Generally, eye level or higher is the best option. Lower than that, and someone could bump into them and hurt themselves. If you add a shelf to the wall above your toilet, it needs to be at least two feet higher than the toilet so that you don’t hit your head on it.

10. Natural and Warm Wooden Shelf Design

Adding a wooden shelf to your bathroom is a doable DIY shelf project. You can buy a plank of wood at your local home improvement store. Then you can leave it raw, stain, varnish, or paint it.

DIY wood shelf
Source: @cozyhomeottawa via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @cpnagle_cnc via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @ellesancz via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @homeat22_ via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @house_of_scaffold via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @inkuniwoodworks via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @numbertwentytwosomerset via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @our_home_at_ribbbonfields via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @oursoutheastlondonhome via Instagram
DIY wood shelf
Source: @sweet.home.savanna via Instagram

The treatment you give the wood will depend on the type of look you’re going for and the overall design style of your bathroom. Adding a wood shelf is nice because you can customize it. Measure the space you have available for your DIY bathroom storage shelves, then cut the wood to fit. This could require you to cut both the length and width.

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FAQs

Where should bathroom shelves be placed?

You can place shelves in your bathroom anywhere with open wall space. A common choice is over the toilet. Another popular place is on the wall near the vanity. While you could have one in the shower, it would need to be safe to get wet.

How do you arrange three floating shelves?

You can arrange three floating shelves is to place them directly over each other in a vertical line. Another option is to stagger them. Place them spread out on a wall at three different heights and not directly above or below each other.

What can you put in an empty corner of a bathroom?

If you have an empty corner in your bathroom, you could place a large potted plant there. If you need more storage, you could place a corner shelf or cabinet. A small chair or stool is also a good option.

Andra DelMonico

Writer

With over ten years of experience, Andra understands the unique challenges that come with home improvement projects and interior design.

With over ten years of experience, Andra understands the unique challenges that come with home improvement projects and interior design.

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