Looking for clever ways to maximize bathroom space? This blog post is packed with the best over-the-toilet storage ideas to help you organize smarter and style better.
The wall space above your toilet is often overlooked, but it offers prime real estate for creative storage solutions—especially in smaller bathrooms. Whether you’re aiming to free up space, add visual interest, or simply tidy things up, we’ve gathered stylish and functional ideas to help you make the most of every inch.
Table of Contents
Why Over the Toilet Storage Is a Smart Choice
Bathrooms often suffer from a lack of storage. The space above your toilet is typically left empty, yet it’s a prime spot to add vertical storage without compromising valuable floor space. Over the toilet units can hold everything from towels and toiletries to plants and decorative items. This makes them ideal for:
- Small bathrooms and powder rooms
- Shared bathrooms in family homes
- Renters who need non-permanent solutions
- Organizing clutter without remodeling
Types of Over the Toilet Storage Ideas
Here’s a helpful breakdown of the types of over the toilet storage ideas, each with its own benefits for style, function, and bathroom size:
Freestanding Over the Toilet Cabinets
- Description: Tall units that straddle the toilet with built-in shelves or cabinets.
- Best For: Renters or anyone looking for no-drill solutions.
- Pros: Easy to install, movable, provides ample closed and open storage.
- Cons: May take up floor space; less stable without wall anchoring.
Floating Shelves
- Description: Wall-mounted shelves above the toilet.
- Best For: Small bathrooms or minimalist designs.
- Pros: Clean look, customizable layouts, great for decor and essentials.
- Cons: Open storage can appear cluttered if not organized.
Wall-Mounted Cabinets
- Description: Closed units mounted directly to the wall.
- Best For: Bathrooms with limited floor space.
- Pros: Protects items from moisture, sleek and discreet.
- Cons: Requires wall drilling; may need a professional install.
Towel Racks or Hooks
- Description: Metal or wooden racks/hooks mounted above or near the toilet.
- Best For: Quick towel access in tight spaces.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, easy to install.
- Cons: Limited storage use; mostly suited for towels or robes.
Built-In Niches
- Description: Recessed wall cavities custom-built for storage.
- Best For: Remodels or high-end bathrooms.
- Pros: Seamless, elegant look; fully customizable.
- Cons: Higher cost; requires professional renovation.
Storage Baskets or Trays
- Description: Decorative baskets or trays placed on the toilet tank or mounted.
- Best For: Budget makeovers or guest bathrooms.
- Pros: Affordable, quick to set up, adds charm.
- Cons: Limited capacity, not ideal for long-term storage.
Adjustable Shelving Systems
- Description: Modular wall-mounted shelves on rail brackets.
- Best For: People who need flexible storage.
- Pros: Height-customizable, ideal for mixed item sizes.
- Cons: Industrial look may not suit all styles.
15 Smart Over The Toilet Storage Ideas That Work Wonders
1. Add Floating Shelves
- NATURAL WOOD: The floating shelf is made of 100% solid pine, selected for its beautiful wood grain texture and knotted into points, the surface is sanded, then hand-brushed, and then painted twice with golden oak stain, with a brownish-yellow color, bringing a rustic, natural and warm feeling to the space.Note: All steps are done by handmade, each ledge is slightly different, but equally stunning
- SAFE AND STRONG :Our brackets for these shelves are designed to be completely invisible, giving the illusion that the shelves are floating on the wall. This creates a sleek and modern look, while still being extremely safe and strong. In fact, our brackets are capable of supporting up to 50LB of weight, making them suitable for holding a variety of items.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Installation of these shelves is quick and easy, even for those who may not be particularly handy. We provide all the necessary hardware and easy-to-follow instructions, so you can have your new shelves up and ready to use in no time.
- MAKE YOUR WALLS LOOK BETTER: In addition to being practical and functional, our floating shelves are also beautiful and stylish. The natural pine wood and invisible bracket design make them a visually appealing addition to any room. They are suitable for use in a variety of settings, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more.
- 100% QUALITY GUARANTEE :We stand behind the quality of our floating shelves and offer an after-sales guarantee for your peace of mind. If you experience any issues with your purchase, we will work with you to find a resolution. Our customer service team is always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring that you are completely satisfied with your purchase
Floating wood shelves offer a modern, minimalist vibe while providing a convenient spot to store daily essentials. Display small baskets, potted plants, or decorative items for a balance of function and style.
2. Install a Medicine Cabinet
Need more concealed storage? A mirrored medicine cabinet over the toilet keeps your beauty products, first-aid items, or prescription meds safe and out of sight. Mirrored doors also help visually expand small bathrooms.
3. Use a Freestanding Storage Unit
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: This bathroom cabinet over the toilet is constructed of high-quality engineered wood, adding style and charm with decorative beadboard paneling and silver knobs. The anti-toppling fitting can anchor to the wall for security and stability.
- AMPLE STORAGE: This over toilet bathroom organizer features a storage cabinet with doors for storing toiletries out of sight and an additional open shelf at the bottom for easy access or display. The adjustable shelf inside the cabinet can accommodate items of different sizes.
- PRACTICAL SPACE SAVER: Keep your bathroom organized without taking up too much space with the bathroom shelf over toilet. The overall size of the storage cabinet above toilet is 24.8"(W) x 9"(D) x 66"(H), suitable for most standard-height toilets with 33.3" from the bottom shelf to the floor.
- ELEGANT DESIGN: This white bathroom storage cabinet is finely carved with the clean lines and simple silhouette, bringing a modern and elegant look to your bathroom. Upgrade your home storage while adding classic decor with Spirich bathroom space saver over toilet.
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Detailed install instructions will guide the assembly step by step. All parts and accessories of the over the toilet storage cabinet are numbered and easy to distinguish. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us for solutions.
No drilling required! A tall, freestanding cabinet over the toilet is a renter-friendly option that’s easy to assemble and offers plenty of room for towels, toilet paper, and decor.
4. Mount a Towel Rack
A towel rack placed above your toilet saves space elsewhere and keeps towels within easy reach. Want to treat yourself? Go for a heated towel rail to add a luxurious spa-like element.
5. Install Adjustable Shelves
- FITS OVER MOST TOILETS - Different than the normal type, our over toilet storage is supported by floor and ceiling when installing, the narrow foot can be easily fit into space behind your toilet, won't get in the way of pipes, it fits this bathroom cabinet virtually anywhere
- ADJUSTABLE HIGHT & WIDTH - Each toilet shelf is adjustable, you can adjsut the height an width, it will better to hold your multiple items that vary in size and size. The over the toilet shelf no knocking your head when you on the toilet and the lid will not touch the shelf
- LARGE SPACE ORGANIZER - The shelves over toilet bathroom organizer are adjustable up to 28 inches in length, provides roomy storage. The opening area for easy access to toilet paper, towels, shampoo, and other bathroom essentials, allowing you to neatly organize toiletries and they are at your fingertips
- VERSATILE STORAGE SHELF -This storage rack is not confined to the bathroom, it also finds utility in the laundry room for clutter clearance, on the balcony as a display for flowers and plants, or even as a pantry or closet organizer. Regardless of its placement, it consistently delivers optimal performance, making it an ideal choice for your house
- TOOL-FREE ASSEMBLY - The bathroom cabinet organizer requires no tools or drilling, eliminate all your assembly troubles! Please note that it is not suitable for sloped ceilings
Adjustable shelving lets you customize shelf height to accommodate different items—from tall bottles to small bins. Ideal for vertical storage when wall space is tight.
6. Build a Recessed Niche
If you’re remodeling, a built-in wall niche adds permanent, sleek storage without intruding into your space. Add baskets or leave it open for a clean, modern look.
7. Use a Decorative Tray
- 【Black Modern Bathroom Decor】 Add a toilet tank tray to complete the modern bathroom decoration to make it look more presentable and perfect. Choosing to use a rectangular bamboo organizer box and place it over the toilet tank. Then you can use it to display tissue so that it will be easier to access,or display cotton, candles, house plants and others so that it will look more attractive
- 【Bathroom Counter & Wall/Drawer Organizer】 Guest towel,countertop canister look excellent displayed on this bathroom countertop organizer tray. The edges on this one help keep bottles in their place. Also, you can put a bamboo tray on the floating shelves that hang on the wall, to keep accessories, cleaning supplies, and personal products from dropping
- 【Stackable Makes More Room】 If your vanity has pullout drawers, maximize their storage capability by placing these vanity trays inside. This will allow you to neatly sort items by category—like makeup brushes, extra travel-sized cosmetics, face creams, and more, while making the most of the space available to you.Perfect for everything from cutlery and spices to hairbrushes and body lotion. Top are used daily/often and those on the bottom are used less often.With these black tray you make room for a lot, even in small spaces
- 【Multi-functional】These storage organizer trays are a great choice for storing a wide range of household items from kitchen tools like cutlery and utensils to craft supplies. Use them in a single large drawer to organize all of your desk accessories, household tool storage, makeup drawers,or use them as a coffee station organizer on the countertop
- 【Materials & Care】 Bamboo, renewable materials, come from living sources that can be regenerated at the same rate as they are used up. Solid bamboo material, tight corner joins, smooth surface of bathroom storage organizer tray shows the unique workmanship and fine arts and crafts. Just wipe clean using a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Wipe dry with a clean cloth
Sometimes all you need is a chic tray on the toilet tank. Use it to display a candle, air freshener, or backup toilet paper rolls—perfect for guest bathrooms.
8. Hang Wire Baskets
- Farmhouse and Industrial Metal Wire Storage Baskets,made of sturdy iron wire and solid wood bottom plate. The metal mesh in hollow design, sleek and sturdy construction keeps not easy deformed, natural wood with clear texture in the bottom prevents fall-through of smaller items, keep items stay more smoothly and avoid wet countertop such as kitchen and bathroom
- The neat iron mesh hollow design, modern and simple style will be suitable for any home style and space. It can used as a spice rack for kitchen countertop, store spice bottles,salt&pepper glass, condiments and its supplies. In bathroom, it can work as small caddy organizer, store lotions, make-up, shampoo, nail polishes, cleansers etc, keep the counter top out of clutter.This wire storage shelf matched with most household styles and keeps home organized, shift from tabletop or wall mounted
- This iron storage rack can be placed on countertop or optional wall hangs installation. The hooks mount to the wall with included hardware, then just hang the basket and you are ready to go.Save the space and bring country rustic accents to your home
- This wire storage basket set of 3, the large size wire storage basket allows you to store entire rolls of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, or you can use the space to display other decorative items like plants or flowers. The smaller basket organizer easy create storage centers in mudroom,entryways garages,and home offices. Bigger: 15x6.4x5.2 Inch,Medium:13x5.5x4 Inch,Small: 11x4.7x3.5 Inch. Different size but nestle nicely save space when not in use
- Great gifts for friends or family who renovated bathroom or kitchen, farmhouse style lover. This wire basket storage is sure to delight with its functional and versatile uses. If you have any dissatisfaction with our products, please contact us and we will offer you a satisfactory solution within 24 hours
Wire or wicker wall-mounted baskets add rustic charm while keeping essentials like washcloths, cotton pads, or toilet paper within easy reach.
9. Mix Shelf Sizes for Visual Interest
Combine shelves in various shapes and sizes to create a more dynamic and personalized look. Great for small bathrooms where flexibility is key.
10. Upcycle an Antique Cabinet
Vintage-style bathrooms shine with a unique, repurposed cabinet above the toilet. Thrift one or give a modern piece a distressed paint makeover for timeless character.
11. Use Statement Shelves
- DECORATIVE WALL SHELVES: A contemporary and industrial design makes it attractive on any wall
- STURDY & STYLISH: Featured with robust honeycomb metal frame and premium particleboard wood, which ensures years of reliable use. It is water-resistant and rust-resistant, hexagon shelves help to maintain its new look for a long time
- FUNCTIONAL& SPACE-SAVING: Hexagon floating shelves provide versatile solution for organizing at home or office; Display books, vases, photos, etc. in the bedroom, and perfect spice rack in the kitchen or any other place
- WORRY-FREE ASSEMBLY: Geometric floating shelf comes with detailed and illustrated instructions and wall mounting hardware, hangs securely with keyhole hangers on the back
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: We are always available to provide a professional customer service before and after your purchase, don't wait any longer and enjoy it right now
Elevate your storage game with bold geometric or textured shelving. Marble, black metal, or rattan materials can transform practical shelves into eye-catching design features.
12. Repurpose a Window Sill
A window ledge above the toilet? Don’t waste it! Add a few baskets or organizers to keep things stylish and functional.
13. DIY a Wooden Slat Wall
A slatted wood panel adds a cozy, Scandinavian touch and serves as a base for hooks or mini shelves. A great DIY project that adapts to your storage needs.
14. Install Glass Shelves
- 【QUALITY MATERIALS】The metal bracket is made of rust-resistant stainless steel with a polished chrome-plated surface,smooth and pristine,resist daily scratches, corrosions,and discolorations. Raised stainless steel guardrail design minimizes accidental dropping of items.Ideal for wet environments such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- 【LARGE AND PRACTICAL】20-Inches of storage space,maximum weight capacity is 44 lbs.Transparent glass with brushed metal design, the perfect combination of beauty and practicality.Whether it's toiletries and towels, ornaments or miscellaneous items, floating glass shelves can organize them all, bringing a neat and tidy atmosphere to your space.
- 【TEMPERED GLASS】0.3 Inch-Rounded tempered glass with high thermal strength, When the glass is accidentally broken, it shatters into small particles rather than jagged shards like flat glass, making it less likely to cause injury , provide a safer, kid-friendly bathroom.
- 【EASY INSTALLATION】 The glass shelves are wall mounted, no assembly required, only four holes need to be punched on the wall when installing. Mounting hardware and installation instructions are included in the package. Watch the installation video to help complete the installation faster. The hardware on the glass shelves is removable. The “Hex Wrench” helps you adjust the spacing between the hardware.
- 【AFTER SERVICE】We provide lifetime warranty and free replacement service.Please feel free to contact us if the product is damaged, missing parts, or other problems. You can get feedback within 24 hours.
Glass shelves look sleek and airy, perfect for small spaces. Use them to store elegant containers, perfumes, or rolled hand towels.
Shopping Guide: What to Consider Before Buying Over The Toilet Storage
Measure Your Space
- Height & Width: Measure the distance from the top of the toilet tank to the ceiling and the width between walls.
- Depth Clearance: Make sure there’s enough space in front of the toilet so the unit doesn’t stick out too far.
Tip: Most over-the-toilet storage fits spaces 22–30 inches wide and 60+ inches tall
Storage Needs
- What Are You Storing?
Toiletries, towels, cleaning products, or decor? - Open vs. Closed Storage:
- Open shelving is great for easy access and display.
- Cabinets are better for privacy and protecting items from moisture.
Choose adjustable shelves if you want more flexibility
Material & Durability
- Wood: Warm, stylish—but watch for warping in humid bathrooms unless it’s treated.
- Metal: Sleek, moisture-resistant, often used in minimalist or industrial styles.
- MDF or Particleboard: Budget-friendly but less durable long term unless sealed well.
- Plastic: Lightweight, moisture-proof, and easy to clean.
For bathrooms with poor ventilation, go with rust-proof metal or plastic
Mounting Type
- Freestanding Units:
Easy to install and great for renters. - Wall-Mounted Cabinets or Shelves:
Saves floor space but requires drilling. - Built-Ins or Niches:
Best for long-term homeownership or remodeling projects.
Make sure freestanding units are stable or can be anchored to the wall
Style & Aesthetic
- Match the material and color with your bathroom decor:
- Rustic bathrooms: Wood shelves or wicker baskets.
- Modern bathrooms: Metal or glass shelves.
- Boho or vintage: Rattan, antique finishes, or eclectic shelving.
Choose finishes that complement your faucets or mirror frame for a cohesive look
Ease of Assembly
- Look for units that come with clear instructions and all necessary hardware.
- Pre-assembled or snap-together designs can save time and frustration.
Budget
- Under $50: Basic shelves or baskets.
- $50–$150: Mid-range freestanding or wall-mounted units.
- $150+: Designer or built-in options with premium materials.
Balance between price and long-term durability
Frequently Asked Questions
Is over the toilet storage safe to install in a small bathroom?
Yes, over the toilet storage is one of the best solutions for small bathrooms because it utilizes vertical wall space without occupying valuable floor area. For safety, always ensure wall-mounted units are securely anchored into studs or use freestanding options that are stable and designed to fit around the toilet base.
What are the best materials for over the toilet storage in humid bathrooms?
The best materials for humid environments are:
Metal with rust-resistant coatings (e.g., powder-coated steel)
Tempered glass
PVC or moisture-resistant wood finishes
Avoid untreated wood or MDF, which can warp or degrade over time with humidity exposure.
Can I install shelves or cabinets above a toilet with a flush tank lid?
Yes, but it’s important to leave enough clearance between the top of the tank and the bottom of your shelf or cabinet. A gap of at least 12–15 inches is recommended for easy access to the flush tank and lid in case you need repairs or cleaning.
What’s the difference between open shelving and closed storage over the toilet?
Open shelving is great for storing or displaying frequently used items like towels, toilet paper, and decor. It keeps everything visible and accessible.
Closed storage like cabinets hides clutter and protects items from dust and moisture—ideal for medications, cleaning supplies, or spare toiletries.
A combo of both often works best: open for daily use, closed for extras.
Are there renter-friendly over the toilet storage options?
Absolutely. Look for freestanding over the toilet units that don’t require wall drilling. These are perfect for renters and often easy to assemble. You can also use adhesive hooks, over-the-door baskets, or tension poles to create storage without permanent fixtures.
Final Thoughts
The area above your toilet is a hidden gem when it comes to bathroom storage. Whether you’re into sleek floating shelves or charming antique cabinets, the right setup can drastically improve your bathroom’s style and organization.
Don’t be afraid to get creative—combine open and closed storage, play with textures, and make the space your own. With a bit of planning, your bathroom can become a clutter-free, stylish sanctuary.