A storage cabinet less than six inches wide can hold a dozen toilet paper rolls and a toilet brush, proving even the tiniest bathrooms can be highly organized. This ultra-slim design by Yamazaki Home transforms seemingly unusable spaces into functional areas, maximizing every overlooked inch. Many assume small bathrooms must be cluttered or bland, but a new wave of innovative designs proves they can be both highly functional and stylish. Homeowners and renters are now empowered to transform cramped spaces into efficient, personalized sanctuaries, challenging traditional notions of bathroom design.
1. Yamazaki Home Pull-Out Bathroom Storage Cabinet
Best for: Maximizing storage in extremely narrow spaces, discreetly hiding essentials.
This innovative Yamazaki Home cabinet, less than six inches wide, stores up to 12 toilet paper rolls and a brush, according to Architectural Digest. Its 22.05”D x 5.24”W x 21.65”H dimensions prove that even the smallest gaps can become vital storage. This unit redefines what "unusable space" truly means in a compact bathroom.
Strengths: Ultra-slim profile; significant hidden capacity; includes space for a toilet brush. | Limitations: Only suitable for very narrow items; specific design might not fit all aesthetics. | Price: Varies.
2. Mirrored Medicine Cabinet with Ledge
Best for: Combining mirror functionality with storage, especially for pedestal sinks.
A mirrored medicine cabinet with a ledge solves storage problems, particularly for small bathrooms with pedestal sinks, according to houzz. This dual-purpose design offers both concealed storage and an accessible surface, effectively creating counter space where none existed. It’s a smart way to reclaim vertical real estate.
Strengths: Dual-purpose (mirror and storage); provides a small display or quick-access area; ideal for bathrooms lacking counter space. | Limitations: Limited storage depth; ledge can collect dust. | Price: Varies.
3. Mustard Made Mixer Cabinet
Best for: Adding a bold aesthetic statement, customizable color options.
The Mustard Made Mixer Cabinet comes in 12 bold colors, allowing significant personalization, reports Architectural Digest. Measuring 39.4”H x 29.5”W x 15.7”D, it proves that even functional storage can be a vibrant design element. This cabinet challenges the notion that small spaces must be neutral.
Strengths: Wide range of color options; adds personality to a small space; provides substantial enclosed storage. | Limitations: May be too large for extremely tiny bathrooms; specific color choices might limit versatility. | Price: Varies.
4. Rejuvenation Wallace Bath Storage Cabinet
Best for: Design-conscious individuals seeking customizable, elegant storage.
This Rejuvenation cabinet offers 10 knob options, allowing seamless integration with various design styles, states Architectural Digest. Its 20”W x 72”H x 17”D dimensions maximize vertical space, demonstrating that luxury and personalization aren't exclusive to larger bathrooms.
Strengths: High degree of customization; elegant design; tall profile maximizes vertical space. | Limitations: Higher price point; may require professional installation. | Price: Varies.
5. West Elm Mid-Century Bathroom Pharmacy Cabinet
Best for: Organized storage with a specific design aesthetic.
This West Elm pharmacy cabinet offers a classic mid-century design, providing organized storage for smaller items. Its 20.25”W x 14”D x 50”H dimensions, detailed by Architectural Digest, prove that even compact storage can make a strong stylistic statement. It allows you to infuse character without sacrificing utility.
Strengths: Distinctive style; multiple compartments for organization; relatively compact footprint. | Limitations: Specific aesthetic may not suit all decors; limited depth for larger items. | Price: Varies.
6. Crate & Barrel Batten Bath Storage Tower
Best for: Adding vertical storage in a modern, streamlined style.
The Batten Bath Storage Tower, measuring 16”W x 14.9”D x 33.9”H, offers a functional vertical storage solution. Architectural Digest notes its space-saving utility, making it a perfect choice for showcasing neatly folded towels or decorative items. It turns everyday essentials into part of your decor.
Strengths: Modern design; good for towels and toiletries; relatively small footprint. | Limitations: Open shelving may require tidy presentation; less discreet than enclosed cabinets. | Price: Varies.
7. Above-Toilet Wall Storage
Best for: Utilizing often-unused vertical space above the toilet.
Utilizing the wall space above the toilet with shelves or open baskets adds significant storage, freeing up valuable floor space, according to houzz. This simple strategy transforms dead space into a functional zone, proving that every inch counts.
Strengths: Maximizes vertical space; keeps items off the floor; can be customized with various shelf styles. | Limitations: Requires careful installation; items must be accessible without difficulty. | Price: Varies depending on components.
8. High Wall-Mounted Shelves
Best for: Storing less frequently used items out of the way.
Mounting a shelf above head height effectively stores items not needed daily, keeping them organized without cluttering eye-level space, notes houzz. This approach creates a sense of spaciousness by elevating clutter, making your bathroom feel larger and more serene.
Strengths: Excellent for maximizing unused vertical space; keeps clutter out of sight; maintains a minimalist look. | Limitations: Requires a step stool for access; not suitable for daily essentials. | Price: Varies.
9. Wall-Mounted Open Wire Baskets
Best for: Accessible storage that doubles as a decorative element.
Wall-mounted open wire baskets utilize wall space but require contents to be visible and attractively styled, advises houzz. This means your storage itself becomes part of your decor, encouraging mindful organization and adding visual interest.
Strengths: Easy access to items; adds texture and visual interest; simple installation. | Limitations: Contents are always visible; requires consistent organization and styling. | Price: Inexpensive.
10. Vonhaus Under Sink Bathroom Cabinet
Best for: Renters and those seeking practical under-sink storage with added features.
This Vonhaus under-sink cabinet, priced at £79.99, includes soft-close doors and adjustable shelves, according to Livingetc. It offers a functional, concealed solution, proving that even temporary homes can benefit from thoughtful, built-in-style organization.
Strengths: Concealed storage; soft-close doors; adjustable shelves for customization. | Limitations: Requires specific under-sink clearance; design might be purely utilitarian. | Price: £79.99.
11. Next Natural Rib Under Sink Storage Cabinet
Best for: Discreet storage under a pedestal basin, offering privacy.
The Next Natural Rib Under Sink Storage Cabinet offers two concealed shelves for privacy, as noted by Livingetc. This design is particularly useful for pedestal sinks, transforming an often-wasted space into a private, organized zone. It’s a game-changer for maintaining a tidy aesthetic.
Strengths: Provides privacy for stored items; stylish design; specifically designed for pedestal sinks. | Limitations: Limited to under-sink placement; specific dimensions may not fit all basins. | Price: Varies.
Comparing Top Storage Solutions
| Solution Type | Key Feature | Dimensions (approx.) | Best For | Style/Customization | Discreet vs. Open |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamazaki Home Pull-Out Cabinet | Ultra-slim design, 12 TP rolls | 22.05”D x 5.24”W x 21.65”H | Narrow gaps, hidden storage | Minimalist, functional | Discreet |
| Mirrored Medicine Cabinet | Mirror + Ledge | Varies | Pedestal sinks, dual function | Classic, practical | Both (hidden + open ledge) |
| Mustard Made Mixer Cabinet | 12 bold colors | 39.4”H x 29.5”W x 15.7”D | Adding personality | Bold, customizable | Discreet |
| Rejuvenation Wallace Cabinet | 10 knob options | 20”W x 72”H x 17”D | Design-conscious, vertical space | Elegant, highly customizable | Discreet |
| West Elm Pharmacy Cabinet | Mid-century design | 20.25”W x 14”D x 50”H | Organized small items | Mid-century aesthetic | Discreet |
| Crate & Barrel Storage Tower | Modern, streamlined | 16”W x 14.9”D x 33.9”H | Towels, toiletries | Modern, simple | Open |
| Above-Toilet Wall Storage | Utilizes wall space | Varies | Maximizing unused area | Flexible, DIY | Both (shelves/baskets) |
| High Wall-Mounted Shelves | Out-of-reach storage | Varies | Infrequently used items | Minimalist | Open |
| Wall-Mounted Open Wire Baskets | Visible contents | Varies | Accessible, decorative | Industrial, modern | Open |
| Vonhaus Under Sink Cabinet | Soft-close, adjustable shelves | Varies | Renters, practical storage | Utilitarian | Discreet |
| Next Natural Rib Under Sink Cabinet | Two concealed shelves | Varies | Pedestal sinks, privacy | Natural, discreet | Discreet |
Transforming Tiny Spaces into Organized Retreats
As innovative designs continue to emerge, small bathrooms are likely to evolve from mere functional spaces into highly personalized, efficient sanctuaries, with customizable and adaptable solutions empowering every homeowner and renter to maximize their overlooked inches with both style and smart organization.
Your Small Bathroom Storage Questions Answered
How can I maximize storage in a very small bathroom?
To maximize storage in a very small bathroom, focus on vertical space and multi-functional items. Mount shelves above head height for less-used items, or install an above-toilet storage unit. The Yamazaki Home Pull-Out Bathroom Storage Cabinet, at less than six inches wide, proves even tiny gaps can provide significant storage for essentials like toilet paper.
What are some clever bathroom storage hacks for apartments?
For apartments, prioritize non-permanent, adaptable solutions that won't require structural changes. Under-sink cabinets, such as the Vonhaus Under Sink Bathroom Cabinet, are excellent freestanding options. You can also use wall-mounted open wire baskets for visible items, or high wall-mounted shelves for discreet storage of infrequently accessed supplies.
How do I choose between visible and hidden storage in a small bathroom?
Choosing between visible and hidden storage depends on your aesthetic and what you need to store. Architectural Digest points to the Yamazaki Home Pull-Out Bathroom Storage Cabinet for discreetly storing up to 12 toilet paper rolls and a brush. In contrast, houzz suggests hanging open wire baskets, which means you must curate what is on display as part of your decor.
