DIY Bathroom Storage Ideas: Easy and Affordable Projects

March 25, 2023

Written by: Deane Biermeier / Facts Checked by; Ryan Cullenward / Products Tested by Licensed Interior Designers

  • Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • DIY Bathroom Storage Ideas: Easy and Affordable Projects

The bathroom is one of a home's most used rooms, and keeping it organized and tidy is essential. One of the great ways to do this is by having adequate storage. Bathroom storage is essential to keep towels, toiletries, and other necessities in their place and within easy reach. Without proper storage, the bathroom can quickly become cluttered, messy, and difficult to use. 

Benefits of DIY Bathroom Storage Projects

While there are many pre-made bathroom storage solutions available on the market, DIY bathroom storage projects offer several benefits. Firstly, DIY projects can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. You can choose the size, style, and color of your storage solutions to match your bathroom décor and personal taste. Additionally, DIY projects can be much cheaper than store-bought options, allowing you to save money while still getting the storage you need. 

DIY bathroom storage projects can also be a fun and rewarding activity. Creating something with your own hands can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. And when you're done, you'll have a functional and beautiful addition to your bathroom. 

Planning Your DIY Bathroom Storage Project 

Assessing Your Bathroom Storage Needs

Before embarking on a DIY bathroom storage project, it's important to assess your storage needs. Look at your bathroom space and determine what items you need to store. This can include toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, and other bathroom essentials. Determine how much storage space you need and where you can add storage to maximize your available space. 

Identifying the Right Materials and Tools

Once you have determined your storage needs and budget, it's time to identify the right materials and tools for your project. Consider the style and design of your bathroom and choose materials that complement your existing décor. Common materials for bathroom storage projects include wood, metal, and plastic. 

When selecting tools, ensure that you have the necessary equipment to complete the project. Common tools needed for bathroom storage projects include a drill, saw, hammer, measuring tape, and level. If you are unsure of the tools required, research the project online or consult with a hardware store professional. 

DIY Bathroom Storage Projects 

Floating Shelves 

Floating shelves can be a great addition to any bathroom as they provide a stylish and functional storage solution. Here are some benefits of adding floating shelves to your bathroom, materials and tools required to build them, a step-by-step guide to building them, and some styling tips to make them look great. 

Materials and Tools Required

  • Wood boards (1x8 or 1x10) 
  • Wood screws 
  • Wall anchors 
  • Stud finder 
  • Level 
  • Power drill 
  • Saw (circular or table saw) 
  • Sandpaper 
  • Wood stain or paint (optional) 

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Floating Shelves

  1. Measure the space where you want to install the shelves and decide on the length and width of the shelves. 
  1. Cut the wood boards to the desired length using a saw. 
  1. Sand the edges and surfaces of the wood boards. 
  1. Stain or paint the wood boards if desired and let them dry completely. 
  1. Utilize a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where you want to install the shelves. 
  1. Mark the locations of the studs on the wall. 
  1. Use a level to draw a line where you want the bottom of the shelf to be. 
  1. Attach the wall anchors to the wall where the studs are not located. 
  1. Attach the wood boards to the wall anchors and studs using wood screws. 
  1. Repeat steps 8 and 9 for each shelf. 

Styling Tips for Floating Shelves in the Bathroom

  • Use baskets or storage containers to keep small items organized and hidden from view. 
  • Add some greenery to the shelves with small potted plants or succulents. 
  • Display pretty bottles or jars filled with bath salts or soaps. 
  • Use a mix of textures such as woven baskets, metal containers, and glass jars to add interest to the shelves. 
  • Add some color with decorative towels, artwork, or candles. 

Over-the-Toilet Shelves

Over-the-toilet shelves are a great addition to any bathroom. They not only provide extra storage space but also add a decorative touch to the room.  

Materials and Tools Required

  • Two 1x6 boards (length depends on the width of your toilet) 
  • One 1x3 board (length depends on the width of your toilet) 
  • Wood glue 
  • Wood screws 
  • Brad nailer or hammer and nails 
  • Sandpaper 
  • Paint or stain 
  • Paintbrush 
  • Saw 
  • Measuring tape 
  • Drill 
  • Level 

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Over-the-Toilet Shelves 

  1. Measure the width of your toilet and cut the 1x6 boards to the appropriate length. 
  1. Cut the 1x3 board to the same length as the 1x6 boards. 
  1. Sand all of the boards until they are smooth. 
  1. Apply wood glue to the back of one of the 1x6 boards and attach it to the wall above the toilet. Make sure it is level. 
  1. Drill pilot holes into the board and screw it into the wall using wood screws. 
  1. Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the other 1x6 board. 
  1. Apply wood glue to the back of the 1x3 board and attach it to the wall above the toilet, between the two 1x6 boards. 
  1. Drill pilot holes into the board and screw it into the wall using wood screws. 
  1. Use a brad nailer or hammer and nails to attach the 1x6 boards to the 1x3 board. 
  1. Sand any rough edges or spots. 
  1. Paint or stain the shelves and let them dry completely. 

Styling Tips for Over-the-Toilet Shelves 

  1. Use decorative baskets or boxes to store bathroom essentials like toilet paper, towels, and washcloths. 
  1. Add plants or flowers to bring a touch of nature into the room. 
  1. Display decorative items like candles, vases, or framed art to add some personality to the space. 
  1. Keep the shelves organized and clutter-free to maintain a clean and cohesive look. 

Mason Jar Storage 

Benefits of Mason Jar Storage

  1. Mason jars are great for organizing small items like cotton balls, q-tips, and makeup brushes. 
  1. Mason jars have a rustic and vintage look that can add a decorative touch to your bathroom. 
  1. Mason jars can help protect your items from dust and moisture. 
  1. Mason jars are eco-friendly and can be reused for other purposes. 

Materials and Tools Required

  • Mason jars of various sizes 
  • Wood board or plywood 
  • Screws and drill 
  • Sandpaper 
  • Paint or stain (optional) 
  • Saw (optional) 

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Mason Jar Storage

  1. Determine the size and number of mason jars you want to use for storage. 
  1. Cut the wood board or plywood to the desired length and width. 
  1. Sand the edges and surface of the board. 
  1. (Optional) Paint or stain the board to match your bathroom decor. 
  1. Arrange the mason jars on the board to determine the spacing and layout. 
  1. Drill pilot holes for the screws where you want to attach the mason jars. 
  1. Screw the mason jar lids onto the board. 
  1. Fill the jars with your desired items and attach them to the lids. 

Styling Tips for Mason Jar Storage in the Bathroom

  1. Use jars of different sizes and heights to create visual interest. 
  1. Label the jars with vinyl stickers or chalkboard labels to identify their contents. 
  1. Add greenery or flowers to the jars for a natural touch. 
  1. Hang the board on the wall using hooks or attach it to the back of the bathroom door. 
  1. Coordinate the color of the mason jars with your bathroom decor. 

Towel Rack with Shelf 

A towel rack with a shelf is a practical and stylish addition to any bathroom. It provides space to store towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials, while also keeping everything within easy reach. Here are the benefits, the materials and tools required, a step-by-step guide to building one, and some styling tips. 

Materials and Tools Required

  • 1 x 6 board (cut to desired length for the shelf) 
  • 2 x 2 board (cut to desired length for the towel rack) 
  • Wood screws 
  • Wood glue 
  • Sandpaper 
  • Stain or paint (optional) 
  • Saw 
  • Drill 
  • Screwdriver 

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Towel Rack with Shelf

  1. Cut the 1 x 6 board to the desired length for the shelf and sand the edges. 
  1. Cut the 2 x 2 board to the desired length for the towel rack and sand the edges. 
  1. Attach the 2 x 2 board to the wall with wood screws. Use a level to confirm it is straight. 
  1. Attach the shelf to the 2 x 2 board with wood glue and wood screws. Make sure it is level. 
  1. Sand the towel rack and shelf to remove any rough spots. 
  1. Stain or paint the towel rack and shelf if desired. 
  1. Let the towel rack and shelf dry completely. 
  1. Attach the towel rack to the 2 x 2 board with wood screws. 

Styling Tips for Towel Rack with Shelf in the Bathroom

  1. Use baskets or bins on the shelf to keep small items organized. 
  1. Add hooks to the bottom of the towel rack for additional hanging space. 
  1. Choose a stain or paint color that complements the existing decor in your bathroom. 
  1. Use decorative towels or colorful baskets to add visual interest. 

Crate Shelving 

Crate shelving is a great way to add storage and a rustic touch to any room, including the bathroom. Here are the materials and tools list, step-by-step guide, and styling tips. 

Materials Required

  • Wooden crates (can be found at craft stores, home improvement stores, or online) 
  • Sandpaper 
  • Wood stain or paint (optional) 
  • Paintbrush (optional) 
  • Drill 
  • Screws 
  • Wall anchors (if not attaching shelves to studs) 
  • Level 
  • Measuring tape 
  • Pencil 

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Towel Rack with Shelf

  1. Sand the wooden crates with sandpaper to remove any rough edges or splinters. 
  1. Optional: If desired, paint or stain the crates with your preferred color or finish. Allow it to dry completely. 
  1. Decide on the placement of the crates on the bathroom wall. Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark where the screws will go. 
  1. Using a drill, attach the crates to the wall with screws. Make sure to use wall anchors if not attaching to studs for added stability. 
  1. Use a level to ensure the crates are even and straight. 

Styling Tips for Crate Shelving in the Bathroom

  • Use crates of different sizes and arrange them in a visually appealing pattern. 
  • Add plants or small decor items to the shelves for added interest. 
  • Use matching baskets or bins to store toiletries and keep the shelves looking tidy. 
  • Coordinate the color of the crates with the existing bathroom decor for a cohesive look. 

Upcycling Bathroom Storage:  

Upcycling is taking something that would otherwise be discarded and transforming it into something useful and beautiful. Upcycling bathroom storage has several benefits such as reducing waste, saving money, and creating a unique and personalized space. Here are some ideas for upcycling bathroom storage, along with the materials and tools required and a step-by-step guide to get you started:  

Ideas for Upcycling Bathroom Storage

  1. Use mason jars to store bathroom essentials like cotton balls, Q-tips, and toothbrushes.  
  1. Use vintage suitcases as shelves or storage containers in your bathroom.  
  1. Wooden crates can be used to store towels, toilet paper, and other bathroom essentials.  
  1. Repurpose wine racks into towel racks for your bathroom.  
  1. Old ladders can be used as towel racks or as a place to hang baskets for storage.  

Conclusion  

In conclusion, there are many easy and affordable DIY bathroom storage ideas that you can try. From repurposing old items to creating new storage solutions, you can improve your bathroom's organization and style without breaking the bank. Whether you need more counter space, extra storage for towels and toiletries, or a creative way to display your plants or beauty products, there is a DIY project for you. With a little creativity, you can transform your bathroom into a functional and beautiful space that meets all of your storage needs. So, get inspired and start your DIY bathroom storage project today! 

Disclosure: Sanitarysupply.org receives an affiliate commission on some, but not all, of the products we recommend—but only if you decide to click through to the retailer's site and make a purchase.

Deane Biermeier - A senior contractor and an experienced freelance writer - expert for reviews

Deane is an amazing freelancer with wide range of skills. He has good ideas and a prominent passion of writing. He is currently working on many websites including Sanitary Supply.


You may also like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Never miss a good story!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to keep up with the latest trends!