Although compact, your bathroom is a hub of daily activity for personal grooming, hygiene, and relaxation. The space can quickly become cluttered, clustered, and disorganized without proper storage solutions, hindering your ability to get ready in the morning or unwind after a long day.
Bath storage is an essential aspect of any bathroom design and should be given ample consideration from the beginning. With that in mind, we present to you 8 common bathroom storage mistakes you can dodge to keep your bathroom neat. Whether it’s improperly measuring your storage space or neglecting to incorporate shelves and baskets, these mistakes can make all the difference between a functional and cluttered bathroom.
So, take note of these bathroom storage tips and turn your smallest room into a clean, organized, and relaxing space.
Choosing a Too-Small Vanity Unit for the Bathroom
Your bathroom vanity unit is the focal point of your bath, and its size can make or break the overall design. Opting for a larger vanity unit is often the better choice as it provides lots of storage space for your essentials and adds character, color, and elegance to the space. However, many homeowners tend to make the mistake of choosing a vanity unit that is too small, resulting in a cramped and cluttered space.
The solution is to carefully measure your available space and choose a vanity unit that is as wide and as deep as possible. This way, you can avoid storage problems and ensure that your bathroom is functional and visually appealing.
Too Deep or Too High Wall-Mounted Storage
Wall-mounted storage solutions can be a lifesaver in a small bathroom, but it’s important to get the depth and height just right. The wrong measurements can result in storage units that are either too deep or too high to be functional. Deep storage units may leave you with a chaotic bathroom as your essentials simply won’t fit, and high units will make it difficult to reach the items stored inside. You must consider the depth and height of your wall-mounted storage solutions carefully.
How about opting for shallow-depth over-basin cabinets? This will ensure that your essentials are within reach. Additionally, when choosing a mirrored bathroom cabinet, make sure that the height suits your height if you want to make it easier to reach the items stored inside.
Carefully considering these factors will make your wall-mounted storage solutions functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Not Including Shelving Near Electrical Points
It’s a common blunder to overlook the importance of shelving near electrical points in your bathroom. Many products require an electrical point to be used or charged in today’s world, like electric toothbrushes and razors. Without a designated shelf to rest these items on, you may end up cluttering your bathroom counter or accidentally knocking these items into the sink or onto the floor.
To avoid this, consider how many electrical items you need to use at once and if each product has a safe and convenient place to rest when not in use.
One solution to this problem is to add a narrow ledge above the tiled backsplash. This also provides a visual element that can add a touch of style and elegance to your bathroom design. Consider incorporating this practical and beautiful shelving solution to keep your electrical items organized and accessible. This simple addition saves you the hassle of disorganized counters, messy wires, and an untidy bathroom, making your grooming routine stress-free.
Not Organizing Your Storage
Having the right storage elements in your bathroom is only half the battle. The true key to keeping your bathroom organized and clean lies in the effective organization of these elements.
To start, consider separating your items into different sections. For example, you can dedicate a section for skincare and grooming products, another for towels, and a separate area for cleaning supplies. This will not only make it easier to find what you’re looking for but also prevent clutter from building up on your bathroom countertop. It’s also important to only keep the items on the countertop that you use every day, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The fewer items on the countertop, the cleaner and more organized your bathroom will look!
Categorizing your bathroom storage is a great opportunity to create a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing space. Whether it’s by using baskets, bins, or shelves, the options are endless when it comes to managing your bathroom essentials.
With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, turn your bathroom into a functional and beautiful sanctuary. So take a step back, assess your storage solutions, and consider how you can effectively systematize your items to achieve a tidy bathroom.
Storing the Wrong Items in a Bathroom
Storing the wrong items in your bathroom can have consequences beyond just jumbled counters and cabinets.
Certain items are just not meant to be kept in the bathroom due to factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to moisture. For starters, nail polish should never be stored in a bathroom as the changing temperature and humidity levels can cause its consistency to deteriorate and affect its wearability. Similarly, mouthwash can dissolve bathroom paint, causing unsightly discoloration and damage to your bathroom walls. Medicines (come on, it’s 2023!) can also lose efficacy when stored in a bathroom, as the fluctuating temperature and humidity levels can cause them to break down and lose potency.
When it comes to storing items in your bathroom, consider their impact on the environment, as well as their effectiveness and longevity. So, before you toss that bottle of mouthwash into your bathroom cabinet, think about where it would be best stored to keep it in top condition and protect your bathroom from damage.
Poor Towel Storage
Proper towel storage is a must. It plays a key role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Imagine entering someone else’s bathroom and being faced with a pile of damp, crumpled towels on the floor – not exactly the best first impression.
Open storage options, such as woven baskets or slatted shelving, are great for storing towels. These options allow your towels to be easily seen and accessed, so you’ll never have to search through stacks of linens to find what you’re looking for. Not to mention, these open storage options also offer a touch of rustic charm to your bathroom, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal.
A dedicated towel rail! Not only does it provide major storage space for your towels, but it also allows them to be heated through, so they’ll be cozy and ready for use when your guests arrive. It’s a small touch, but it goes a long way in making your guests feel at home and comfortable in your bathroom.
Ignoring ‘Dead Space’
The concept of “dead space” refers to those overlooked and underutilized areas in your bathroom. These spaces are often ignored, but with some creativity and strategic planning, they can be transformed into valuable storage solutions.
To take advantage of dead space in your bathroom, consider installing shelves or cabinets in areas that are otherwise unused. You might be surprised at just how much extra storage these areas can provide. Think of a set of floating shelves above the toilet or a narrow cabinet in an empty corner, or incorporate baskets or containers into these spaces.
For instance, you can hang a basket on the back of the bathroom door to store towels or add a wicker basket under the sink to store cleaning supplies. These baskets not only help to arrange your bathroom essentials but also add a hint of agrarian charm to the space.
Overloading Countertops
Think about the items you use daily, such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand soap, and keep these items on the countertop. Everything else, such as hairbrushes, cosmetics, and other grooming products, should be stored away. Limiting items on the countertop will free up space and create a more attractive bathroom.
Use decorative containers and organizers to store your essentials to further simplify your countertop. A pretty soap dispenser or a matching set of canisters for your cotton swabs and q-tips; adds a glimmer of style to the space.
The Takeaway
Maximizing storage and creating a clutter-free bathroom requires careful consideration of the design and organization of the space. From choosing the right vanity unit and wall-mounted storage to utilizing every inch of space and keeping only the essentials on the countertop, every aspect of your bathroom design can have an impact on its functionality and appearance.
Take the time to plan and implement thoughtful storage solutions that suit your lifestyle and personal aesthetic to transform your bathroom into a serene and organized oasis.