15 Amazing DIY Bathroom Storage Ideas to Maximize Small Spaces

Let’s be real – bathrooms are basically the Bermuda Triangle of household storage. You’ve got towels, toiletries, that collection of hotel shampoos you swear you’ll use someday, and somehow there’s never enough space for any of it. Sound familiar?

I’ve spent the last few years turning my tiny bathroom from a cluttered disaster zone into something that actually makes sense.

And trust me, you don’t need to spend a fortune or knock down walls to make it happen. These 15 DIY storage solutions changed the game for me, and I’m betting they’ll do the same for you.

Floating Corner Shelves

Ever looked at those empty corners in your bathroom and thought, “What a waste of prime real estate”? Yeah, me too. Floating corner shelves are honestly one of the easiest wins you can score in bathroom organization.

I installed my first set about three years ago, and it took maybe an hour tops. You just need some basic brackets, a drill, and whatever wood or shelf material matches your vibe. The beauty here is that you’re using vertical space that’s literally doing nothing otherwise.

What Makes Them Work So Well

The magic happens when you realize corners are perfect for small items that usually clutter your counters:

Extra rolls of toilet paper
Decorative plants (fake ones if you’re like me and kill everything)
Small baskets for hair ties and bobby pins
That fancy soap you only use when guests come over

Pro tip: Stack them at different heights to create visual interest. I’ve got three in my main bathroom corner, and they hold everything from cotton balls to my husband’s collection of cologne he never wears.

Over-the-Door Towel Rack Organizer

This one’s a game-changer, especially if you’re renting and can’t drill holes everywhere. Over-the-door organizers turn the back of your bathroom door into storage gold.

I grabbed one from a thrift store for like $5, gave it a quick coat of spray paint to match my bathroom, and boom – instant storage upgrade. The best part? Zero damage to your door, which means your landlord won’t have a meltdown when you move out.

Making the Most of Door Space

Here’s what I’ve learned works best:

Use the top rack for clean towels
Middle sections for washcloths and hand towels
Bottom pockets (if it has them) for hair products or cleaning supplies
Add small S-hooks for even more hanging options

The key is not overloading it. Trust me, a door that won’t close because you’ve turned it into a mobile closet defeats the purpose.

Hanging Mason Jar Storage

Okay, I know mason jars might seem a bit Pinterest-basic, but hear me out – they’re actually brilliant for bathroom storage. Plus, you probably have a few lying around from that failed attempt at meal prep, right?

I screwed some hose clamps under my floating shelf (about $2 each at the hardware store), and now my cotton swabs, bath salts, and makeup brushes all have their own designated spots. It looks way fancier than it has any right to.

Why This Actually Works

Mason jars keep things visible and accessible while looking intentionally decorative:

Clear glass means you can see when you’re running low on supplies
Different sized jars accommodate various items
They’re easy to clean (unlike fabric organizers that get gross)
You can switch them out seasonally if you’re into that

FYI, use wide-mouth jars for easier access. Nobody wants to play Operation trying to grab a Q-tip in the morning.

Also Read: 15 Stunning Bathroom Mirror with Storage Ideas for Modern Homes

Under-Sink Pull-Out Drawers

The cabinet under your sink is probably a black hole where products go to die. Mine was, anyway. DIY pull-out drawers completely transformed this wasteland into actual usable space.

You don’t need to be a carpentry wizard for this one. I bought some basic drawer slides from the hardware store (about $15 per set) and repurposed some old wooden crates. Two hours later, I could actually find my cleaning supplies without performing a deep archaeological dig.

Installation Tips That’ll Save Your Sanity

The trick is measuring twice and drilling once:

Account for your plumbing – those pipes aren’t moving
Start with the bottom drawer and work up
Use lighter materials if you’re not confident in your cabinet’s strength
Label everything (seriously, future you will thank present you)

Ladder Shelf for Towels

Who says ladders are just for reaching high places? An old wooden ladder makes an incredible towel rack, and it adds that rustic spa vibe everyone’s after these days.

I snagged mine from a garage sale for $10, gave it a good sanding, and leaned it against my bathroom wall. No installation required – just lean and load. Each rung holds rolled towels, and the top’s perfect for a plant or decorative basket.

Styling Your Ladder Storage

Here’s how to make it look intentional rather than “I forgot to put the ladder away”:

Roll your towels uniformly for that hotel aesthetic
Mix in some decorative elements between towels
Use S-hooks on the sides for loofahs or small baskets
Keep heavier items on lower rungs for stability

Magnetic Strip for Toiletries

This might be my favorite hack because it’s so stupidly simple. A magnetic strip (like the ones for kitchen knives) holds all those metal grooming tools that usually end up scattered everywhere.

I mounted mine inside my medicine cabinet door. Now my tweezers, nail clippers, scissors, and bobby pins all have a home. No more digging through drawers trying to find that one specific tool when you’re already running late.

What You Can Actually Magnetize

You’d be surprised what sticks:

Tweezers and nail tools
Bobby pins and hair clips
Small metal containers for pills or jewelry
Even some makeup compacts with metal pans

Just make sure your magnetic strip is strong enough. The cheap ones won’t hold heavier items, and nobody wants their expensive tweezers taking a toilet dive.

Also Read: 15 Stylish Bathroom Storage Solutions Ideas You’ll Love Today

Repurposed Wooden Crate Shelves

Remember when everyone was obsessed with wooden crates? Well, they’re still amazing for bathroom storage, and you can usually find them free or cheap at craft stores or farmer’s markets.

I’ve got three stacked and secured to my wall, creating instant cubby storage. Each crate becomes its own little zone – one for towels, one for toiletries, and one for those random bathroom things that don’t fit anywhere else.

Making Crates Look Polished

The difference between “crafty storage solution” and “I nailed garbage to my wall” comes down to the details:

Sand and stain them to match your bathroom
Line the bottoms with decorative paper if you want to get fancy
Add small dividers inside for better organization
Mount them at varying angles for visual interest

DIY Vanity Organizer Tray

Your bathroom counter doesn’t have to look like a cosmetics explosion happened. A simple DIY tray corrals all that daily-use stuff into one manageable area.

I made mine from an old picture frame and some decorative paper. Seriously, that’s it. Remove the glass, cover the backing with pretty paper, and you’ve got yourself a custom vanity tray that actually matches your decor.

What to Include in Your Tray Setup

Keep it to the essentials:

Daily skincare products
Frequently used makeup items
A small dish for rings and jewelry
Hand lotion and lip balm

The key is editing. If you haven’t used it in a week, it doesn’t belong on the tray. This isn’t the place for your entire Sephora haul 🙂

Tension Rod Hanging Baskets

Tension rods are basically the Swiss Army knife of bathroom organization. Stick one under your sink, hang some baskets, and suddenly you’ve doubled your storage without any permanent changes.

I’ve got two rods in my under-sink cabinet – one holds cleaning supplies in hanging baskets, the other has S-hooks for spray bottles. It’s like adding a whole extra shelf without actually adding a shelf.

Maximizing Tension Rod Potential

Here’s what I’ve learned works best:

Use coated rods to prevent rust in the humid bathroom environment
Wire baskets drain better than solid ones
Adjust the height based on what you’re storing
Don’t overload them – tension has its limits

Also Read: 15 Brilliant Bathroom Wall Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

Pegboard Wall Storage

Pegboards aren’t just for garages anymore. A small pegboard section in your bathroom creates completely customizable storage that changes with your needs.

I installed a 2×2 foot section next to my vanity, painted it to match the walls, and now it holds everything from hair tools to small baskets of products. The best part? When my storage needs change, I just rearrange the pegs.

Setting Up Your Pegboard System

The setup is easier than you’d think:

Get pegboard from any hardware store
Frame it with trim for a finished look
Use a variety of hooks, baskets, and shelves
Keep frequently used items at eye level

PVC Pipe Hair Tool Holder

Your hair dryer, curling iron, and straightener don’t have to live in a tangled mess under the sink. PVC pipes create perfect holsters for all your hot tools.

Cut PVC pipe to size (about 12 inches usually works), mount them inside a cabinet door or on the wall, and slide your tools right in. I spray painted mine matte black because, let’s be honest, white PVC screams “plumbing” not “decor.”

Making It Work for Your Tools

Consider these factors:

Measure your tools first – nothing worse than pipes that are too small
Mount at a slight angle so cords don’t tangle
Leave space between pipes for easy access
Add felt pads inside if you’re worried about scratching

Bathroom Wall Caddy from Old Drawers

Got old drawers from that dresser you replaced? Turn them into wall-mounted bathroom caddies. It sounds weird, but trust me on this one.

I mounted an old drawer on its side, added a few dividers, and created the perfect spot for toiletries. The drawer pull even works as a towel hook. It’s recycling meets organization meets “wow, where’d you get that?”

Drawer Transformation Tips

Here’s how to pull it off:

Sand and paint to match your bathroom
Add dividers using thin wood or sturdy cardboard
Mount securely – these can get heavy when loaded
Consider depth – shallow drawers work better than deep ones

Hanging Basket Storage Ladder

Similar to the towel ladder, but this time we’re thinking baskets. A ladder suspended horizontally from the ceiling creates overhead storage that doesn’t eat up wall space.

Mine hangs over the toilet area (that dead space nobody knows what to do with), and each rung holds a basket. Extra toilet paper, guest towels, and backup products all live up there, accessible but out of the way.

Installation Without Disasters

Safety first with overhead storage:

Use sturdy ceiling hooks rated for the weight
Test with empty baskets first
Keep heavier items in lower baskets
Secure the ladder so it doesn’t swing

Roll-Out Cabinet Organizer

That deep cabinet under your sink doesn’t have to be a mystery zone. DIY roll-out organizers bring everything to you instead of making you crawl around looking for that one specific product.

I built mine using drawer slides and a simple wooden frame. Total cost? About $20. Time saved not losing things in the cabinet abyss? Priceless.

Building Your Roll-Out System

The basics you need to know:

Measure your cabinet interior precisely
Account for plumbing obstacles
Use full-extension slides for maximum access
Add lips to shelves to prevent roll-off disasters

IMO, this is one upgrade that pays for itself in saved frustration alone.

DIY Hanging Planter Storage

Who says planters are just for plants? Hanging planters make excellent bathroom storage, especially for lightweight items that tend to clutter counters.

I’ve got three macrame planters at different heights holding everything from spare washcloths to travel-sized toiletries. They add texture and interest while being genuinely useful.

Creative Planter Storage Ideas

Think beyond the obvious:

Roll washcloths and display them like a spa
Store bath bombs and shower melts
Keep kids’ bath toys contained
Use waterproof liners for items that might leak

The vertical storage doesn’t take up any counter or floor space, which is golden in a small bathroom.

Wrapping It Up

Look, transforming your bathroom storage doesn’t require a contractor, a huge budget, or even that much time. These 15 DIY solutions prove that with a little creativity and maybe a trip to the hardware store, you can turn bathroom chaos into organized bliss.

Start with one or two projects that address your biggest pain points. For me, it was the under-sink disaster and the counter clutter. Once you see how much difference a small change makes, you’ll be motivated to tackle more.

Remember, the best storage solution is the one you’ll actually use. Don’t get so caught up in making things Pinterest-perfect that you create systems too complicated to maintain. Keep it simple, make it work for your space, and enjoy having a bathroom where you can actually find things when you need them.

What’s stopping you from starting your first project this weekend? Seriously, pick one and give it a shot. Your morning routine will thank you, and you might just surprise yourself with how handy you actually are. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about looking at your organized bathroom and thinking, “Yeah, I made that happen.”