15 Creative Bathroom Shelves Over Toilet Ideas to Try Now

Look, we need to talk about that awkward empty wall above your toilet. You know the one I’m talking about – that weird void that makes your bathroom feel incomplete.

After renovating three bathrooms in my own homes (and helping countless friends with theirs), I’ve discovered that bathroom shelves over toilet spaces are absolute game-changers.

Trust me, once you nail this often-overlooked area, your bathroom transforms from “meh” to “magazine-worthy.”

And the best part? You don’t need to be a DIY wizard or blow your budget to make it happen.

Floating Wooden Shelves with Plants

Let’s kick things off with my personal favorite – floating wooden shelves decorated with plants. I installed these in my master bathroom last year, and honestly, they completely changed the vibe of the space.

The beauty of floating shelves lies in their simplicity. You get that clean, modern look without bulky brackets stealing the show. I went with reclaimed oak shelves (about 2 inches thick), and the natural wood grain adds so much warmth to what was previously a cold, sterile bathroom.

Now, here’s where the magic happens – adding plants to these shelves creates an instant spa atmosphere. My go-to plants for bathroom shelving include:

• Pothos (basically impossible to kill)
• Snake plants (they love humidity)
• Air plants (no soil mess!)
• Small succulents (if your bathroom gets decent light)

Want to know the secret sauce? Mix your plants with other bathroom essentials. I keep rolled white towels next to my pothos, and the contrast looks incredibly intentional. FYI, if you’re worried about water damage, seal your wood shelves with polyurethane – learned that one the hard way.

Rustic Ladder-Style Over-Toilet Shelf

Ever thought about propping a ladder against your bathroom wall? Sounds crazy, right? But ladder-style shelving units have become my go-to recommendation for friends who want that farmhouse charm without going full Chip and Joanna Gaines.

These shelves work brilliantly because they lean against the wall at an angle, creating natural depth. The rungs get progressively narrower as they go up, which tricks your eye into thinking the ceiling is higher. Pretty clever, huh?

I helped my sister install one of these last month, and we found the perfect weathered wood version at a local antique shop for $45. The key features that make ladder shelves work:

• Multiple tiers for maximum storage
• Open design that doesn’t crowd small bathrooms
• Easy installation (literally just lean it against the wall)
• Versatile styling options

Pro tip: secure the top to the wall with a small bracket if you have kids. Nobody wants a ladder avalanche during bath time.

Minimalist Metal Frame Shelving

Sometimes less really is more. Minimalist metal frame shelves deliver that sleek, contemporary look that makes your bathroom feel like it belongs in a boutique hotel.

I recently switched to black metal frames in my guest bathroom, and the transformation shocked me. The thin lines practically disappear, making whatever you display the star of the show. These shelves work especially well if you’re dealing with:

• Small bathrooms that need visual breathing room
• Modern or industrial decor styles
• A rental where you can’t go crazy with installations

The metal frames I chose measure just ½ inch thick, but they hold up to 30 pounds per shelf. Not bad for something that looks like it could blow away in a strong breeze!

Also Read: 15 Creative Bathroom Corner Shelves Ideas with Tub Ideas for Modern Homes

Glass Shelves with LED Lighting

Ready to get fancy? Glass shelves with integrated LED lighting turn your bathroom into a luxe experience. I splurged on these for my powder room, and every guest comments on them.

The combination of transparent glass and soft lighting creates this floating effect that’s absolutely mesmerizing. The LEDs I installed run along the back edge, casting a gentle glow that highlights whatever sits on the shelves. It’s like having a mini art gallery above your toilet.

Here’s what makes this setup work:

• Tempered glass (safety first!)
• Waterproof LED strips with dimmer controls
• Chrome or brushed nickel brackets for that high-end finish
• Remote control option (because who wants to reach over the toilet?)

Corner Shelves Above Toilet Space

Got an awkward corner situation? Join the club. Corner shelves saved my sanity in our old apartment bathroom where the toilet sat at a weird angle.

These triangular wonders maximize every inch of available space. I managed to fit five corner shelves in that tiny bathroom, creating tons of storage without making the room feel cramped. The trick is spacing them about 12-14 inches apart – enough room for taller items but not so much that you waste vertical space.

Corner shelves excel at:

• Utilizing dead space
• Creating visual interest with asymmetry
• Holding lightweight decorative items
• Making small bathrooms feel more organized

Open Cube Storage Shelves

Think outside the box – or rather, think inside multiple boxes. Open cube storage units bring geometric appeal while keeping everything super organized.

I installed a 9-cube unit (3×3 grid) above my kids’ bathroom toilet, and it’s been a game-changer. Each cube becomes its own little zone. We use fabric bins in some cubes for hiding less attractive items, while others showcase cute bathroom accessories.

The best part about cube storage? Flexibility. You can rearrange the contents whenever you get bored. My setup currently includes:

• Rolled washcloths in one cube
• A small succulent garden in another
• Woven baskets holding hair accessories
• Open cubes displaying pretty soap bottles

Also Read: 15 Amazing Floating Shelves Bathroom Ideas with Tub Storage

Vintage Bracket Wall Shelves

Want instant character? Vintage brackets paired with simple wood shelves deliver old-world charm that new construction just can’t replicate.

I scored a pair of ornate cast iron brackets at an estate sale for $20. Combined with a basic pine board from the hardware store, they created shelving that looks like it’s been there for decades. The decorative brackets become art pieces themselves.

Key elements that make vintage bracket shelves work:

• Substantial brackets that can support real weight
• Distressed or stained wood for authentic aging
• Mixed metals for added visual interest
• Period-appropriate styling (think apothecary jars and vintage bottles)

Hanging Rope Shelf for Bathroom Decor

Okay, this one might sound a bit out there, but hear me out. Rope shelves bring that beachy, relaxed vibe that makes every day feel like vacation.

I installed rope shelves in my beach house bathroom using thick nautical rope and driftwood boards. The shelves literally hang from the ceiling, swaying slightly when you walk by. Is it practical for heavy storage? Nope. Does it look amazing with lightweight decor? Absolutely.

The rope shelf setup requires:

• Marine-grade rope (at least ¾ inch thick)
• Ceiling hooks rated for the weight
• Level boards (driftwood, reclaimed wood, or bamboo)
• Patience for getting the heights just right

Tiered Bamboo Shelving Unit

Bamboo shelving hits that sweet spot between eco-friendly and stylish. Plus, bamboo naturally resists moisture – perfect for bathroom environments.

My tiered bamboo unit features four shelves that gradually decrease in depth from bottom to top. This pyramid-like structure prevents the unit from looking top-heavy while maximizing storage capacity. The natural bamboo color brightens up the space without competing with other design elements.

Why bamboo rocks for bathrooms:

• Natural water resistance
• Lightweight yet strong
• Sustainable material (grows crazy fast)
• Neutral color that matches everything

Also Read: 15 Creative Bathroom Shelves Ideas for Small Bathrooms

White Shiplap Floating Shelves

Nothing says “modern farmhouse” quite like white shiplap paired with floating shelves. I installed this combo in my mom’s bathroom renovation, and she still sends me photos of how she’s styled them each season 🙂

The shiplap creates texture behind the shelves, making even simple white shelves pop against the wall. We went with 8-inch deep shelves to accommodate larger decorative pieces and storage baskets.

The winning formula includes:

• Horizontal shiplap for that classic look
• Thick floating shelves (at least 1.5 inches)
• Hidden brackets for clean lines
• Consistent spacing between shelves (usually 12-15 inches)

Industrial Pipe and Wood Shelves

Want to make a statement? Industrial pipe shelving brings that urban loft aesthetic right into your bathroom. I built my first pipe shelf system three years ago, and people still ask where I bought it.

The combination of black iron pipes and reclaimed wood creates this perfect balance of rough and refined. Building these shelves yourself costs about half what you’d pay for pre-made versions. The pipes thread together like giant Legos – seriously, if I can do it, anyone can.

Essential components for pipe shelving:

• ½ or ¾ inch black iron pipes
• Floor flanges for wall mounting
• Thick wood boards (at least 1.5 inches)
• Pipe fittings (elbows, tees, and caps)

Woven Basket Wall Shelves

Here’s a twist – woven baskets mounted as shelves. I discovered this idea on Pinterest and immediately knew I had to try it.

Cut the back off sturdy woven baskets and mount them directly to the wall. They create these awesome shadow-box style shelves with built-in texture. IMO, this works best with a collection of similar baskets in varying sizes.

The basket shelf approach offers:

• Instant texture without additional styling
• Natural materials that warm up cold bathrooms
• Hidden storage (stuff things deep in the basket)
• Unique visual appeal that guests always notice

Small Cabinet-Style Over-Toilet Storage

Sometimes you need doors. Cabinet-style storage above the toilet hides all those not-so-pretty necessities while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

I installed a small cabinet with glass doors in my powder room, and it’s the perfect compromise. The glass keeps things feeling open while the doors hide the chaos. Choose cabinets with adjustable shelves inside for maximum flexibility.

Cabinet features worth considering:

• Soft-close hinges (trust me on this)
• Interior lighting for finding things easily
• Mixed door styles (solid bottom, glass top)
• Depth that doesn’t interfere with toilet use

Painted Floating Shelves with Hooks

Why settle for plain shelves when you can add functionality? Painted shelves with integrated hooks give you double the storage potential.

I painted my shelves a bold navy blue (Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy, if you’re curious) and added small brass hooks underneath. The contrast against white walls creates this stunning focal point. The hooks hold hand towels, loofahs, and even small baskets for extra storage.

Making painted shelves pop:

• Choose a color that complements your bathroom palette
• Quality paint designed for humid environments
• Decorative hooks that match your hardware
• Strategic placement of hooks (every 6-8 inches works well)

Modern Geometric Wall Shelves

Last but definitely not least, geometric wall shelves bring artistic flair to your bathroom storage. Think hexagons, triangles, and asymmetrical shapes that double as wall art.

I arranged five hexagonal shelves in a honeycomb pattern above my toilet, and it looks like a custom installation. Each shelf holds something different – one has a tiny air plant, another displays fancy hand soap, and the center one showcases a small sculpture.

Geometric shelving success tips:

• Plan your arrangement on paper first
• Mix sizes for visual interest
• Keep styling minimal (let the shapes shine)
• Use a level religiously during installation

Making Your Choice

Choosing the perfect over-toilet shelving really comes down to three factors: your bathroom’s style, your storage needs, and your DIY comfort level.

I started with simple floating shelves and gradually worked my way up to more complex installations as my confidence grew. Don’t feel like you need to tackle the most complicated option first. Sometimes the simplest solution creates the biggest impact.

Remember, whatever style you choose, the space above your toilet doesn’t have to remain that awkward blank wall. With the right shelving solution, you’ll transform dead space into your bathroom’s best feature. And honestly? Once you see how much better your bathroom looks and functions with proper over-toilet storage, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to make the change.