Medicine cabinets might be the go-to, but let’s be honest – they’re not always the most exciting part of a bathroom. If you’re craving something with a little more style, character, or function, it’s time to think outside the mirror box.
Imagine using antique hutches, sleek wall niches, or even unexpected items like bar carts to keep your essentials close and your bathroom looking sharp.
Dive into 18 creative alternatives that make bathroom storage feel like part of the design, not an afterthought.
1. Floating Glass Shelves
Nothing adds a touch of modern elegance quite like transparent shelving that seems to float on your wall. These sleek additions create visual lightness while providing ample space for your everyday items.
The beauty of glass is how it reflects light around your bathroom, making smaller spaces feel more open. Plus, you can easily spot everything you need without rummaging through drawers or cabinets.
2. Vintage Apothecary Cabinet
Who says practical can’t be charming? A repurposed apothecary cabinet brings old-world appeal while offering numerous small drawers perfect for organizing everything from cotton swabs to makeup brushes.
These conversation starters often feature beautiful craftsmanship with brass hardware and rich wood tones. Hunt for authentic pieces at antique shops or find modern reproductions that capture the same nostalgic vibe.
3. Ladder Shelving
Rustic yet refined, a leaning ladder shelf creates vertical storage without the commitment of wall-mounted options. The graduated depth naturally showcases taller items at the bottom and smaller essentials up top.
You’ll love how easily this piece can be repositioned whenever you’re in the mood for a bathroom refresh. Select natural wood for warmth or painted finishes to match your existing color scheme.
4. Repurposed Armoire
Have you considered bringing bedroom furniture into your bathroom? A slender armoire transforms into a statement storage piece that conceals everything from towels to toiletries behind beautiful doors.
The substantial height takes advantage of vertical space that often goes unused. For moisture protection, apply several coats of polyurethane to wood surfaces or choose a painted finish that stands up to bathroom humidity.
5. Wall-Mounted Cubbies
Square compartments arranged in playful configurations bring both personality and practicality to bathroom walls. Unlike traditional cabinets, these open-faced storage units keep everything visible and within easy reach.
Mix and match cube sizes for visual interest, with smaller spaces for skincare products and larger ones for towels or baskets. The geometric look adds architectural interest that plain walls simply can’t match.
6. Rolling Bar Cart
Cocktail hour meets self-care when you wheel a stylish bar cart into bathroom duty. These versatile pieces typically offer two or three tiers of storage with guard rails to keep items from tumbling off.
The mobility factor is a game-changer, allowing you to roll your essentials wherever they’re needed most. Metal carts resist moisture naturally, while glass shelves create an airy look that works beautifully in compact spaces.
7. Reclaimed Wood Floating Vanity
Bringing the warmth of nature indoors, a floating vanity crafted from reclaimed timber creates a striking focal point while providing generous storage underneath. The character-rich wood tells a story through its knots, grain patterns, and subtle color variations.
Paired with vessel sinks and wall-mounted faucets, this arrangement maximizes counter space for daily essentials. Baskets or decorative boxes underneath keep everything organized yet accessible.
8. Over-the-Toilet Étagère
Making use of that awkward space above your toilet requires some clever thinking. An étagère (fancy word for a freestanding shelf unit) fits neatly in this often-wasted area, adding valuable storage without requiring a single hole in your wall.
Look for models with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of various heights. Some even include a small cabinet section for hiding less display-worthy necessities like extra toilet paper or cleaning supplies.
9. Hanging Mason Jar Organizers
Country charm meets space-saving genius with this DIY-friendly solution. Mounted on a rustic board or directly on the wall, mason jars create see-through storage for smaller bathroom necessities like cotton balls, makeup brushes, or toothbrushes.
The clear glass makes finding what you need a breeze. For an extra decorative touch, choose jars with blue or green tints, or paint the lids in colors that complement your bathroom palette.
10. Woven Basket Tower
Infusing natural texture into sterile bathroom environments, stacked woven baskets bring a spa-like serenity while keeping essentials beautifully contained. The organic materials create welcome contrast against typical bathroom surfaces like tile and porcelain.
Choose water hyacinth, seagrass, or rattan varieties for durability in humid conditions. Some towers come with frames for stability, while others can be individually arranged to fit your specific space requirements.
11. Magnetic Makeup Board
Goodbye, cluttered countertops! A framed magnetic board transforms your makeup collection into an artistic display while keeping everything visible and accessible. Simply attach small magnets to the backs of your compacts, eyeshadows, and other metal-containing cosmetics.
The vertical orientation frees up valuable horizontal space. Choose a frame that complements your décor – from ornate vintage styles to sleek modern designs – for a storage solution that doubles as wall art.
12. Industrial Pipe Shelving
Embracing the raw appeal of exposed plumbing takes an intentional turn with purpose-built pipe shelving. The combination of metal pipes and wood planks creates sturdy platforms for everything from towels to toiletries.
Unlike many bathroom storage options, these shelves actually look better with age as the metal develops a subtle patina. The industrial aesthetic works particularly well in modern and loft-style bathrooms or as a contrasting element in more traditional spaces.
13. Hanging Fruit Baskets
Kitchen storage gets a clever bathroom makeover with tiered hanging fruit baskets repurposed for toiletries and small essentials. The open design promotes air circulation – perfect for items that need to dry between uses.
Suspended from the ceiling or a sturdy hook, these space-savers keep countertops clear while adding unexpected visual interest. Metal varieties offer a modern look, while woven versions bring natural texture to typically hard-surfaced bathroom environments.
14. Windowsill Garden Shelf
Turning that sunny bathroom window into a combination plant haven and storage solution creates a refreshing focal point. A custom-cut piece of glass or water-resistant wood across the windowsill expands the usable surface.
Moisture-loving plants like ferns and orchids thrive in bathroom humidity. Between your green friends, arrange pretty containers holding cotton balls, bath salts, or other essentials for a display that’s both functional and rejuvenating.
15. Upcycled Wooden Crates
From humble shipping containers to bathroom storage stars, wooden crates stack, mount, and arrange into endless configurations. Their rustic character adds warmth to typically cold bathroom surfaces.
Stand them vertically for taller items or horizontally for different compartment shapes. A light sanding and several coats of water-resistant finish prepare them for bathroom duty. Group several together for a custom storage wall that costs a fraction of built-in cabinetry.
16. Shower Curtain with Pockets
Unexpected storage appears where you least expect it with a pocket-equipped shower curtain. The mesh pouches keep shampoo, conditioner, and other shower essentials within arm’s reach without cluttering tub edges.
This solution works wonders for shared bathrooms, allowing each family member to have designated storage space. Look for quick-dry materials that resist mildew and have reinforced stitching to support the weight of bottles and bath products.
17. Decorative Tray Organizers
Corralling bathroom counter chaos becomes an art form with beautiful trays that group related items together. Unlike built-in storage, these portable surfaces can be lifted and moved when it’s time to clean.
Choose materials that complement your bathroom style – hammered metal for industrial spaces, ceramic for traditional rooms, or acrylic for modern aesthetics. The raised edges keep small items from rolling away while transforming necessary products into curated displays.
18. Tension Rod Hanging System
Making magic out of thin air, tension rods installed between bathroom walls create adjustable hanging space for spray bottles, washcloths, and other lightweight essentials. S-hooks or small baskets suspended from the rods maximize their usefulness.
The beauty of this system lies in its impermanence – perfect for renters or anyone hesitant to drill holes. Install multiple rods at different heights to create a customized storage wall that can evolve with your changing needs.