How to Plan Bathroom Storage Solutions
The difference between a bathroom that feels chaotic and one that feels like a spa comes down to storage. Thoughtful storage planning during your remodel eliminates counter clutter, keeps daily essentials within reach, and ensures everything has a designated home. Get this right now, and you'll thank yourself every morning.
Quick Summary
Planning time
2-4 hours
Difficulty
Easy (planning) to Moderate (installation)
Budget range
$500 - $5,000+
Why Bathroom Storage Planning Matters More Than You Think
Most homeowners focus on the glamorous parts of a bathroom remodel—the tile, the vanity finish, the fixtures. But inadequate storage is the number one complaint in finished bathrooms. You end up with bottles cluttering every surface, towels piled on the toilet tank, and that beautiful countertop buried under toiletries.
Planning storage during the design phase (not after) gives you options that simply aren't available later. Built-in niches require framing work. Recessed cabinets need wall cavity space. Electrical for medicine cabinet lighting must be roughed in early. Here's what good storage planning delivers:
- Clutter-free countertops: Proper storage means everything has a home, keeping surfaces clear and clean.
- Morning routine efficiency: Daily items within arm's reach, backup supplies organized and accessible.
- Visual calm: Hidden storage creates the serene, spa-like atmosphere you're dreaming of.
- Better resale value: Buyers consistently rate bathroom storage as a top priority.
- Long-term functionality: A well-planned bathroom adapts as your needs change over years.
Start With a Storage Inventory
Before choosing any storage solutions, you need to know exactly what you're storing. Take 20 minutes to inventory everything currently in your bathroom, then add items you wish you had space for. This exercise often reveals that you need more storage than you initially thought—or that some items could move elsewhere.
Daily Use Items
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Face wash, moisturizer, serums
- Deodorant, razors, shaving cream
- Hair tools (dryer, straightener, curler)
- Makeup and cosmetics
- Contact lens supplies
Backup Supplies & Less Frequent
- Extra toilet paper (6-12 rolls)
- Cleaning supplies and sprays
- First aid supplies, medications
- Extra towels and washcloths
- Hair products and styling tools
- Guest amenities
Step-by-Step: Planning Your Bathroom Storage
1. Measure and Map Your Space
Before selecting any storage solutions, document every inch of available space. This prevents ordering a vanity that won't fit or planning a linen closet that blocks a door swing.
Key Measurements to Record
Walls
Length, height, and any jogs or offsets
Ceiling height
Standard is 8', note if higher or sloped
Window placement
Distance from floor, wall, and size
Door swing
Full arc of movement, clearance needed
Existing plumbing
Drain and supply line locations
Electrical
Outlet positions and switch locations
Note any exterior walls (which can't accommodate recessed storage) and walls containing plumbing stacks or HVAC ducts. These constraints shape your options significantly.
2. Plan Your Vanity Storage
The vanity is your primary storage workhorse. Choosing the right configuration affects daily usability more than almost any other decision. Consider both cabinet style and interior organization.
Drawer Vanities (Recommended)
Full-extension drawers provide easy access to contents without bending or reaching into dark cabinet corners. Ideal for daily items like toiletries, makeup, and hair tools.
- - Top drawer: 4-6" deep for daily items (toothbrush, razors, makeup)
- - Middle drawer: 6-8" deep for hair tools, larger bottles
- - Bottom drawer: 8-10" deep for backup supplies, cleaning products
Door Cabinets
Traditional hinged doors work well for storing taller items and cleaning supplies. Less convenient for daily access but offers flexible interior space.
- - Add pull-out trays or lazy susans for accessibility
- - Install door-mounted organizers for spray bottles
- - Consider U-shaped drawer around plumbing
Open Shelf Vanities
Modern floating vanities with open shelving create visual lightness in small bathrooms. Requires decorative storage containers to maintain tidy appearance.
- - Best for powder rooms or guest baths with minimal storage needs
- - Pair with additional closed storage elsewhere
- - Use matching baskets or bins for cohesive look
Vanity Size Guidelines
Powder Room
18-24" width minimum
Single User
30-36" width ideal
Double Vanity
60-72" for two sinks
3. Select Your Medicine Cabinet
Medicine cabinets have evolved far beyond the basic mirrored box. Modern options include LED lighting, defogging mirrors, integrated outlets, and adjustable shelving. The key decision is recessed vs. surface mount.
Recessed Medicine Cabinets
- Flush with wall for sleek look
- Doesn't protrude into room
- Ideal for small bathrooms
- Requires wall cavity space
- Not for exterior/plumbing walls
Surface-Mount Medicine Cabinets
- Easy installation on any wall
- Simple to replace later
- Often deeper shelves available
- Projects 4-6" into room
- Can feel bulky in small spaces
4. Design Your Shower Storage (Niches)
Built-in shower niches are the gold standard for shower storage. They're sleek, easy to clean, and eliminate the need for rust-prone caddies. But they must be planned during framing—you can't add them later without major work.
Shower Niche Sizing Guide
Single User Shower
- - One 12" x 24" niche typically sufficient
- - Add horizontal shelf for two levels
- - Consider foot-level niche for shaving
Shared Shower
- - Two separate niches or one large with divider
- - Different heights for different users
- - Min 24" total height per person
5. Plan Linen and Towel Storage
Every bathroom needs dedicated space for towels, washcloths, toilet paper reserves, and cleaning supplies. The solution depends on your available space and bathroom layout.
Built-In Linen Closet
The ideal solution if space permits. A 24" wide closet provides ample storage for a family bathroom.
- - Shelf spacing: 10-12" for folded towels, 14-16" for baskets
- - Include one adjustable shelf for flexibility
- - Consider door-mounted storage for small items
Linen Tower Cabinet
Freestanding or wall-mounted tall cabinet, typically 12-18" wide and 60-80" tall. Good option when closet space isn't available.
- - Match to vanity finish for cohesive look
- - Wall-mount to save floor space in small baths
- - Consider glass doors for display items
Over-Toilet Storage
Utilizes often-wasted vertical space above the toilet. Options range from simple shelves to full cabinet units.
- - Allow 12" clearance above toilet tank
- - Secure firmly to wall studs (not drywall only)
- - Open shelving requires neat, matching containers
Towel Storage Calculation
A comfortable towel rotation for a primary bathroom:
Bath towels
4-6 per person
Hand towels
4-6 per bathroom
Washcloths
6-10 per person
Toilet paper
8-12 roll reserve
6. Add Floating Shelves and Supplemental Storage
Floating shelves are excellent for maximizing unused wall space. They work particularly well above toilets, beside vanities, or in alcoves. The key is choosing the right locations and maintaining a curated appearance.
Best Locations for Floating Shelves
- Above toilet (12"+ above tank)
- Beside vanity mirror
- In corner alcoves or nooks
- Near bathtub for candles/decor
Shelf Installation Tips
- Always anchor into studs or use heavy-duty wall anchors
- Space multiple shelves 10-12" apart vertically
- Choose moisture-resistant materials (not raw MDF)
- Consider lipped edges to prevent items rolling off
7. Plan Drawer and Cabinet Organizers
Even the best storage furniture needs interior organization to stay functional. Budget for drawer dividers, pull-out organizers, and door-mounted storage when planning your total investment.
Storage Solutions for Small Bathrooms
Small bathrooms require creative thinking. The key is maximizing vertical space, choosing multi-functional fixtures, and being ruthless about what actually needs to be stored in the bathroom.
Go vertical with storage
Use the full wall height. Tall narrow cabinets, stacked floating shelves, and over-toilet storage capitalize on unused vertical space without expanding the footprint.
Choose a floating vanity
Wall-mounted vanities create visual space by revealing floor area beneath. The open space makes a small bathroom feel larger while still providing drawer storage.
Maximize the medicine cabinet
A recessed medicine cabinet provides significant storage without stealing floor space. Choose the largest size your wall can accommodate—often wider than the vanity mirror.
Use door and wall-back space
Over-door hooks, towel bars on the back of the door, and narrow wall-mounted baskets add storage without impacting the room's visual openness.
Install recessed shelving
Recessed shelves between studs provide 3.5 inches of depth without protruding into the room. Perfect for toilet paper storage or small display items.
Consider pocket or barn doors
A standard door swing takes up 7-9 square feet when open. Pocket or barn doors reclaim this space for storage or movement.
Pro Tips from Bathroom Designers
Plan for electrical inside cabinets
An outlet inside your vanity drawer means you can charge electric toothbrushes and shavers out of sight. This small detail makes a big difference in countertop clutter.
Include a dedicated hair tool zone
Hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners need heat-safe storage and convenient outlet access. Plan a drawer with heat-resistant lining near an outlet.
Don't forget cleaning supply storage
Every bathroom needs space for toilet brush, plunger, cleaning sprays, and extra supplies. Under-sink or a small utility closet works well.
Design for aging in place
Grab bars can double as towel bars. Walk-in showers with niches are easier to navigate. These choices add function without sacrificing style.
Test storage heights in person
Before finalizing niche heights or shelf placement, stand in the actual bathroom and reach to the planned heights. What looks good on paper may be impractical in reality.
Common Storage Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating shower storage needs
Why it's a problem: Most people have more bottles than they realize. A single small niche leads to bottles on the shower floor.
What to do instead: Count your current bottles and plan niche space for that number plus a few extras. Shared showers need significantly more space.
Forgetting about the toilet paper reserve
Why it's a problem: Nobody wants to store TP in the open, but it needs to go somewhere accessible.
What to do instead: Include dedicated enclosed storage for 8-12 rolls within easy reach of the toilet—not across the room.
Choosing style over function for the vanity
Why it's a problem: That gorgeous vintage dresser conversion has no drawer dividers and plumbing eating up cabinet space.
What to do instead: Prioritize vanities with efficient drawer configurations and U-shaped drawers that work around plumbing.
Planning storage after plumbing and framing
Why it's a problem: Recessed options become impossible or expensive once walls are closed up.
What to do instead: Finalize all storage decisions during design phase, before permits are pulled.
Ignoring who uses the bathroom
Why it's a problem: Children, guests, and adults have different storage needs and reach heights.
What to do instead: Consider each user's needs: lower storage for kids, accessible guest supplies, personal zones for shared primary baths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal size for a shower niche?
A standard shower niche is 12 inches wide by 24 inches tall by 3.5 inches deep, fitting between wall studs. For taller bottles like shampoo, plan for at least 12-14 inches of vertical clearance per shelf. Multiple smaller niches or one large niche with a horizontal divider are popular options for shared bathrooms.
Should I choose a recessed or surface-mount medicine cabinet?
Recessed medicine cabinets provide a sleeker look and don't protrude into the room, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms. However, they require cutting into the wall and may not work with exterior walls or walls containing plumbing or electrical. Surface-mount cabinets are easier to install and can be replaced without wall modifications.
How much storage space do I need in a bathroom vanity?
For a primary bathroom, plan for at least 30 inches of vanity width per person. A 60-inch double vanity provides adequate storage for couples. Include at least one drawer per person for daily items, plus cabinet space for backup supplies. Drawer organizers can increase usable storage by 30-40%.
What are the best storage solutions for small bathrooms?
Small bathrooms benefit from vertical storage solutions: tall narrow cabinets, over-toilet shelving, recessed medicine cabinets, and wall-mounted storage. Floating vanities create visual space while providing storage. Built-in shower niches eliminate the need for shower caddies. Consider pocket or barn doors to maximize floor space.
How do I plan storage for a bathroom with multiple users?
Assign dedicated zones for each user: separate vanity drawers, divided medicine cabinet shelves, and individual shower niches or caddy sections. Color-coded storage containers help maintain organization. For children's bathrooms, include lower storage that's accessible and consider step stools with built-in storage.
Ready for the Next Step?
With your storage solutions planned, you're ready to select the materials and finishes that will bring your bathroom design to life.