15 Brilliant DIY Bathroom Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

Remember that time you knocked over seventeen bottles trying to find your face wash? Or when you realized you’d been buying new razors because the old ones were lost in the bathroom abyss?

Yeah, I’ve been there. My bathroom used to look like a tornado hit a beauty supply store.

But here’s the thing – you don’t need to drop hundreds on fancy organizers or hire a professional organizer.

With some basic tools and a free weekend, you can transform your chaotic bathroom into an organized oasis.

I’ve tried every DIY storage hack out there (some worked, some… didn’t), and I’m sharing the 15 best ones that actually made a difference.

Over-the-Toilet Floating Shelves

Let’s start with the easiest win – that empty space above your toilet. Building floating shelves here takes about an hour and gives you instant storage gold.

I built mine using basic pine boards from the hardware store and some sturdy brackets. Cost me around $25 total, and suddenly I had three shelves for towels, toilet paper, and those decorative baskets that hide my less photogenic bathroom supplies. The trick is measuring your space carefully – you want shelves deep enough to be useful but not so deep you whack your head standing up.

What You’ll Need:

• Wood boards (1×8 or 1×10 work great)
• Heavy-duty floating shelf brackets
• Wall anchors for drywall
• Level and measuring tape
• Sandpaper and stain/paint

Pro tip: Hit the studs if you can. If not, use toggle bolts – regular drywall anchors won’t hold the weight of loaded shelves. Trust me on this one.

Mason Jar Wall Organizers

Pinterest might have overplayed mason jars, but they’re actually genius for bathroom organization. I created a wall organizer using mason jars and a piece of reclaimed wood, and it’s both functional and kinda cute.

Mount a wooden board to your wall, then attach hose clamps or specialized mason jar hangers. The jars hold everything from cotton swabs to hair ties, and you can see exactly what’s inside. My favorite part? Unscrewing a jar to grab what you need feels weirdly satisfying.

Mason Jar Magic:

• Clear visibility of contents
• Easy to clean and refill
• Adds farmhouse charm
• Costs under $20 to make

Hanging Basket Storage Rack

Who says shower caddies have to hang in the shower? I repurposed a metal basket system as wall storage, and it’s been a game-changer for corralling bathroom chaos.

I found a three-tier wire basket at a thrift store, spray painted it white, and mounted it to the wall. Each basket holds different categories – hair products, skincare, medications. The open design means everything air-dries properly, and I can grab what I need without digging.

Basket Benefits:

• Versatile storage for various items
• Good ventilation prevents mildew
• Easy to remove baskets for cleaning
• Can be painted to match decor

Also Read: 15 Clever Bathroom Mirror with Storage Ideas to Organize Easily

Repurposed Ladder Towel Rack

Found an old ladder at a garage sale? Congrats, you’ve got a rustic towel rack waiting to happen. This project combines storage with serious style points.

I sanded down a vintage wooden ladder, sealed it with polyurethane (bathroom humidity is real), and leaned it against the wall. Each rung holds towels, and I added S-hooks for washcloths and loofahs. It takes up minimal floor space while adding vertical storage and that coveted farmhouse aesthetic.

Ladder Love:

• No wall mounting required
• Easily moveable for cleaning
• Multiple hanging points
• Adds decorative element

Under-Sink Pull-Out Drawers

The cabinet under your sink is probably a black hole of cleaning supplies and forgotten hair products. DIY pull-out drawers changed this disaster zone into organized bliss.

Using drawer slides and some plywood, I built simple boxes that fit inside the cabinet. Now everything glides out smoothly, and I can actually see what’s in the back. No more buying duplicate products because I forgot what I already had. The whole project cost about $40 and took a Saturday afternoon.

Pull-Out Perks:

• Maximizes deep cabinet space
• Everything stays visible
• Reduces duplicate purchases
• Customizable to your cabinet size

Magnetic Strip for Small Metal Items

This might be my favorite “why didn’t I think of this sooner” hack. A magnetic knife strip (yes, from the kitchen aisle) keeps all my metal grooming tools in one spot.

I mounted mine inside the medicine cabinet door. Now my tweezers, nail clippers, and cuticle tools stick right to it. No more excavation missions through drawers! FYI, this has saved me from buying multiple tweezers because I actually know where they are.

Magnetic Solutions:

• Prevents lost small items
• Super cheap (under $10)
• Hidden or visible mounting options
• Works for bobby pins too

Also Read: 15 Smart Bathroom Storage Solutions Ideas to Maximize Space

Pegboard Wall Organizer

Pegboards aren’t just for garages anymore. A painted pegboard with coordinating accessories creates customizable bathroom storage that actually looks good.

I spray painted a small pegboard white and added various hooks, baskets, and shelves. The beauty is the flexibility – when my storage needs change, I just rearrange. Currently, mine holds hair tools, brushes, and even a small potted plant. It’s like adult Legos, but useful.

Pegboard Possibilities:

• Infinitely customizable layout
• Change configuration anytime
• Affordable and easy to install
• Paint it to match your decor

DIY Wooden Storage Crates

Those wooden crates at craft stores? They’re bathroom storage gold waiting to be discovered. I turned three crates into wall-mounted storage that looks like it came from a high-end store.

After staining them to match my vanity, I mounted them in a pyramid pattern on the wall. They hold rolled towels, extra toilet paper, and decorative items. The rustic look adds warmth to the bathroom, and building them took less time than assembling IKEA furniture.

Crate Creation:

• Multiple arrangement options
• Deep storage compartments
• Can be stained or painted
• Stack or mount separately

Over-the-Door Hanging Organizer

Your bathroom door is valuable real estate doing absolutely nothing. An over-the-door organizer fixes that instantly, no tools required.

I use a canvas shoe organizer (brilliant repurposing, right?) with clear pockets. Each pocket holds different items – hair products, medications, cleaning supplies. When guests come, I just close the door and everything’s hidden. It’s like a secret storage closet that doesn’t take up any space.

Door Storage Wins:

• Zero floor space required
• No installation needed
• Perfect for renters
• Hides clutter instantly

Also Read: 15 Practical Bathroom Wall Storage Ideas for Everyday Use

Recycled Tin Can Vanity Holders

Before you toss those tin cans, consider this: they make excellent DIY organizers for bathroom counters. This project costs literally nothing and takes minutes.

I wrapped empty cans with decorative paper and sealed with Mod Podge. Now they hold makeup brushes, toothbrushes, and hair accessories. Group different sized cans together for a cohesive look. It’s recycling that actually makes your life easier – win-win!

Tin Can Tips:

• Free materials from recycling
• Customize with any paper/fabric
• Various sizes for different items
• Easy to clean or replace

Floating Corner Shelves

Corners are the wallflowers of bathrooms – always there but never useful. DIY corner shelves finally make these spaces earn their keep.

Using triangular wood pieces and brackets, I created three floating corner shelves. They fit perfectly in that dead space and hold way more than you’d think. Mine showcase pretty bottles on top and hide less attractive necessities below. The angular design adds visual interest too.

Corner Conquest:

• Utilizes wasted space
• Surprisingly spacious
• Adds architectural interest
• Great for small bathrooms

Tension Rod Storage for Cleaning Supplies

Here’s a genius hack I learned from a professional organizer: tension rods under the sink create hanging storage for spray bottles.

Install a tension rod toward the front of your under-sink cabinet. Hang spray bottles by their triggers, freeing up the cabinet floor for other items. I added a second rod further back for smaller bottles. This simple addition literally doubled my under-sink storage capacity. Mind. Blown.

Tension Rod Tactics:

• No drilling required
• Adjustable and removable
• Maximizes vertical space
• Costs under $10

Rope and Wood Hanging Shelves

Want storage that looks like it belongs in a spa? Rope shelves bring that beachy, relaxed vibe while being totally functional.

I made mine using pine boards, thick rope, and some basic drilling. The shelves hang from ceiling hooks and seem to float. They’re perfect for lightweight items like extra toilet paper and decorative elements. Plus, the slight sway adds a zen quality that makes me feel like I’m at a fancy resort 🙂

Rope Shelf Rewards:

• Unique aesthetic appeal
• Adjustable shelf spacing
• Great conversation starter
• Budget-friendly materials

DIY Medicine Cabinet with Hidden Storage

If your medicine cabinet is bursting or non-existent, building a hidden storage cabinet behind a mirror or artwork solves both problems.

I built a shallow box cabinet and attached a framed mirror as the door. Magnetic catches keep it closed, and nobody knows it’s there unless I show them. Inside, I added small shelves and magnetic strips for organization. It’s like having a secret bathroom speakeasy for toiletries.

Hidden Cabinet Hints:

• Concealed storage solution
• Customizable interior layout
• Maintains clean wall appearance
• Great for small bathrooms

Wall-Mounted Acrylic Storage Boxes

For a modern look that keeps everything visible, DIY acrylic boxes mounted to the wall provide sleek storage without visual weight.

Using acrylic sheets from the craft store and acrylic cement, I created custom-sized boxes for my wall. They hold everything from cotton balls to bath bombs, and the clear design makes the bathroom feel larger. It’s like having floating storage that barely looks like it’s there.

Acrylic Advantages:

• Modern, minimal aesthetic
• See contents at a glance
• Easy to clean
• Won’t yellow over time

Making These DIY Projects Work for You

After years of bathroom organization trials (and some spectacular failures), I’ve learned that the best DIY storage solutions solve your specific problems.

Start by identifying what drives you absolutely bonkers about your bathroom situation.

Pick one or two projects that address your biggest pain points. Once those are working, you can always add more. Remember, these aren’t just about saving money – they’re about creating solutions that fit YOUR space and YOUR needs perfectly.

The beauty of DIY is the customization. Don’t like my color choices? Paint yours differently. Need deeper shelves? Adjust the measurements.

That’s the power of doing it yourself – you get exactly what you need, not what some designer thinks you need.

What bathroom storage disaster are you ready to tackle first? Grab your tools, put on some good music, and let’s turn that bathroom chaos into organized heaven.

Your future self will thank you every single morning. IMO, there’s nothing quite like starting your day in a bathroom where you can actually find things :/