Where should bathroom shelves be placed?

You can place shelves in your bathroom anywhere with open wall space. A common choice is over the toilet. Another popular place is on the wall near the vanity. While you could have one in the shower, it would need to be safe to get wet.

How do you arrange three floating shelves?

You can arrange three floating shelves is to place them directly over each other in a vertical line. Another option is to stagger them. Place them spread out on a wall at three different heights and not directly above or below each other.

What can you put in an empty corner of a bathroom?

If you have an empty corner in your bathroom, you could place a large potted plant there. If you need more storage, you could place a corner shelf or cabinet. A small chair or stool is also a good option.

Bathroom Shelf Ideas for Storage and Display

Couldn’t we all use more storage space in our bathrooms? It seems like no matter how big or small. There’s never enough room for all of your toiletries, towels, toilet paper, and bathroom essentials. Storage is a bathroom necessity, and adding extra storage could be as simple as adding a wall shelf or two. However, you shouldn’t add just any shelf. It needs to complement the design style of your bathroom.

These bathroom shelf ideas will help you add much-needed shelves to your bathroom walls.

1. Recessed and Custom Designed Bathroom Shelf

Designing your bathroom recessed shelving is an art. The shelves need to be placed far enough apart to give you enough space for bathroom decor and storage They also need to be cut to the perfect size to sit snugly in the recessed space.

Gray and white bathroom with a bathtub, a decorative shelf, a mirror, and a wooden bath tray holding purple flowers and candles — Source: @greyobsessedhouse via Instagram

Bathroom with white subway tile walls, shelves holding towels, wicker baskets, and a brown bottle; a green plant hangs by the door — Source: @ksidhome via Instagram

Bathroom corner with white marble walls, a window, gray towels on a rack, plants, and decorative shelves — Source: @life_at_number50 via Instagram

Two white shelves on a navy wall; top shelf with sand-filled bottles, bottom shelf with shells, candle, and miniature lion statue — Source: @lifeasthetylers via Instagram

White shelf with plants, bottles, candles, seashells, and art decor — Source: @oneroomat68 via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with two wooden shelves holding potted plants, a jar, and a wire basket, tissue box on toilet under a window — Source: @raisedranchrefresh via Instagram

Wall-mounted metal and wood shelf with plants, rolled towels, decorative items, and a hanging towel — Source: @thehomeofhope_and_grace via Instagram

It can help to look at bathroom shelving ideas to get an idea of the possibilities. You may already have a natural space to mount the shelves. If your bathroom architecture doesn’t allow for this, you can make your own recessed alcove.

2. Creative DIY Bathroom Shelf Project

You can build your own floating shelf for your bathroom. Check out DIY bathroom shelf ideas to get an idea for the best shelves to add storage space to your small bathroom. When you create your own DIY bathroom shelves, you have the freedom to make your shelf any way you want.

Bathroom with wooden shelves holding towels, toilet paper, a candle, and toiletry items, "Get Naked" is written on the wall — Source: @behindno.7 via Instagram

White shelves spelling "LOVE" on a dark wall, decorated with a plant, certificate, and glass dome with rocks — Source: @brandmade_woodworking via Instagram

A bathroom with a round mirror, sink, and vanity, shelves with plants and decor above the toilet, featuring a wall sign that reads "You're Beautiful — Source: @circleberryhome via Instagram

Bathroom with a storage cart holding toiletries, rolled towels, tissue rolls, and a basket of items beside a sink — Source: @ckmkdesign via Instagram

Bathroom with white shower curtain, wooden shelves above toilet, round mirror, and sink on cabinet — Source: @crafty_joxee via Instagram

Two shelves with beauty products, a small mirror, a potted plant, a candle, and a framed "inhale exhale" print — Source: @diy_did_we_start_this via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with a white tub, black tiled wall, and wooden shelves holding bottles and a seashell — Source: @edwardian_semi_northwest via Instagram

Modern bathroom with a round mirror, gold fixtures, wooden shelves with towels, a plant, and framed art on light gray walls — Source: @sapphireandmain via Instagram

Bathroom with round mirror, decorative shelves with plants, soap, a "BLESS" sign, and a woven basket with toilet paper rolls — Source: @sharystudio via Instagram

Wooden shelf with decorative figures, a toy truck, rolled towel, and hanging towels. Vintage and country-themed bathroom decor — Source: @thedairymanswife via Instagram

You could give the shelf a decorative front edge. Or you could use distinctive hardware. Popular choices are industrial pipe, geometric gold-colored metal, hidden supports, or rope to hang the shelves.

3. Rustic Charm with Farmhouse Bathroom Shelf

If you’re looking to add open storage to your farmhouse bathroom, consider floating shelf toilet storage ideas. You can then place a basket or crate on the shelf to act as towel storage. Stick with the bathroom storage ideas that have a farmhouse design style.

Two wooden shelves with decor: "Scrub-A-Dub-Dub" sign, basket with toilet paper, potted plant, and a decorative "C" plaque — Source: @brandi.homeandlifestyle via Instagram

Cozy bathroom with towels on hooks, wall shelves, decor sign "Scrub-A-Dub-Dub," and "Take a Seat" framed art near the toilet — Source: @carlywithwhitewillow via Instagram

A modern bathroom with a white sink, navy cabinet, toilet, and striped shower curtain, featuring shelves that hold plants and decorative items — Source: @casadelrose_ via Instagram

Small wooden shelf with a potted succulent and a sign reading "hey you i love your face," above a red and black checkered towel holder — Source: @our_northern_nest_ via Instagram

Bathroom shelves with towels, plants, stacked toilet rolls, a black candle, a jar of cotton balls, and decorative stones arranged on top — Source: @our_star_valley_cabin via Instagram

Wooden shelves suspended with ropes displaying a variety of vases, a "HOPE" sign, and a diffuser against a white wall — Source: @upwoodandwild via Instagram

Bathroom shelves with towels, toiletries, plants, and decorative stones. Beige towels hang below. Light-colored design with curtain

Minimalist bathroom with a white toilet, wooden shelves, potted plants, towels, and a vanity with a marble top and basket storage

They are typically wood shelves that have some thickness to them. They also look like raw wood. However, you should wax the wood to help seal it and protect it from the high level of moisture in the bathroom.

4. Space-Saving Freestanding Shelf Solution

You don’t need a lot of floor space to have a freestanding shelving unit. You can buy a bathroom cabinet that fits over your toilet. Its legs are just wide enough to slide it back over the toilet. Look for a unit that fits your design style. They come in metal, wood, acrylic, PVC plastic, and wicker.

A modern bathroom with teal walls, round mirror, wooden shelf, and sink; window with a plant and toilet paper on a holder and basket — Source: @at_home_with_the_simpsons via Instagram

White shelf with decorative items beside a woven basket, heart ornament hanging — Source: @charlcleanhinch via Instagram

Wooden ladder shelf with plants, baskets, and decor next to a bathtub in a bathroom — Source: @home.caffeine.cacti via Instagram

Bright bathroom with a round mirror, white vanity with blue sink, open shelves with decor, and patterned floor tiles — Source: @johnston.escapes via Instagram

White ladder shelf with plants, candle, soap, and towels in a tiled bathroom next to a bathtub — Source: @life_at_number49 via Instagram

Gray shelf with towels, candles, reed diffuser, toiletries, and plants against a dark wall; a metal radiator is on the right — Source: @my_newmiddleton21 via Instagram

Bathroom with a sink, ornate mirror, toilet, and a ladder shelf holding toiletries and a potted plant — Source: @neewoodygh via Instagram

Modern bathroom with a white over-the-toilet storage cabinet, a tall shelf unit with towels, and a potted plant on a gray wall — Source: @riverridgehome via Instagram

Gray three-tiered shelf in bathroom with toiletries, plants, towels, and wicker basket; white subway tiles and wooden floor visible

Bathroom with green wall plants, a white toilet, and shelves holding potted plants, rolled towels, and a decorative basket

Some have open shelving, and others have an enclosed cabinet with doors. A shelf and cabinet combo is nice because you can use the shelf to display decor and the cabinet for hidden storage.

5. Modern and Sleek Glass Shelves

If you have a tiny bathroom, you need to maximize your available bathroom space. Open shelves are the best option for your small space because they don’t close the bathroom in. For even more visibility, use glass shelves instead of solid ones. You can easily see through the glass, so they disappear into the bathroom.

Bathroom shelves with candles, decorative items, soap, and toiletries neatly arranged on glass shelves — Source: @homeintheborough via Instagram

Glass corner shelving with decorative vases, reed diffusers, and potted succulents; wall mirror reflecting part of the setup — Source: @house_proud_styling via Instagram

Minimalist bathroom with glass shelves holding white decor, towels, and a plant; gray walls and a towel on a heated rack in the corner — Source: @jenfrankish_home via Instagram

Three glass shelves hold cotton balls, a tissue box, perfume, reeds in a blue bottle, skincare products, and a vase with pink flowers — Source: @karissabianco via Instagram

Wall-mounted shelf with plants, baskets, a clock, and toiletries lidded with a soft light. Minimalist decor — Source: @lamaisondemanuella via Instagram

Bathroom shelves with decorative items, soaps, towels, and a framed line art sketch on a beige wall — Source: @love_my_print via Instagram

Bathroom sink with decorative pumpkins and gourds, glass shelves holding various bottles, and a window with hanging plants — Source: @sanctuarybathrooms via Instagram

Glass shelves tend to have a sleek and modern look so they may look out of place in a farmhouse or rustic bathroom. However, choose a set with gold hardware accents, and they are the perfect addition to your vintage or art deco bathroom.

6. Durable and Stylish Metal Shelves

Metal shelves are durable and come in a wide variety of designs, making them perfect for use in your bathroom. You could add a freestanding metal shelving rack to sit over your toilet. Or you could add a metal shelving unit to hang on the wall.

Wire bathroom shelf with candles, skincare products, and a "Bathe" sign, mounted on a light green wall — Source: @diy_wannabe via Instagram

Two wall-mounted wire shelves hold shampoo, conditioner, gel, a candle, a small plant, cotton swabs, pads, and hair ties in jars — Source: @fieldview_home via Instagram

Bathroom with granite countertop, round mirror, and a shower curtain. Shelves above the toilet hold plants and a sign — Source: @kdfoulks via Instagram

Modern bathroom with a small vanity, circular mirror, and shelf with plants on beige tiled walls next to a window with blinds — Source: @makingahomeat101 via Instagram

Wire shelf with decor: plants, jars, and candles; wicker basket below; vase with flowers on tiled bathroom ledge next to a window — Source: @mygreeneyedinteriors via Instagram

Three-tiered black shelf with plants, books, baskets, a jar, and decorative items against a white wall — Source: @rachlivingwell via Instagram

Geometric black wall shelves with plants, decor, and a "Smile" sign against a white wall in a modern interior — Source: @where_lou_lives via Instagram

They also make the perfect addition to your DIY bathroom shelf project. Cut out the drywall between two studs and line the hole with fresh drywall. Paint the surface and mount a recessed shelf in the space.

7. Simplicity and Elegance in Minimalist Shelves

Floating shelves are perfect for a minimalist design. They have a clean and streamlined design that’s the perfect addition to your bathroom. Taking a minimalist approach is smart because it keeps your bathroom feeling open and clutter-free. A thick piece of wood is best for a spa-like feel because it adds a natural touch to your bathroom.

Bathroom with a white sink, radiator, yellow towel, and wall shelf with a potted plant — Source: @brentwoodvictorian_no.6 via Instagram

Wall shelf with a potted plant, a metal grater, and a patterned tissue box — Source: @inmysparetimeblog via Instagram

Two wooden shelves with decorative items, including baskets, candles, toilet paper rolls, a vase, and a plant cascading down — Source: @mynorthernabode via Instagram

Wall shelf with plants, a framed abstract art, soap dispenser, and a decorative elephant figurine — Source: @ourfirstcottage_ via Instagram

Bathroom with wooden shelves above a toilet, holding baskets, toiletries, a tissue box, a small plant, and a towel on the side — Source: @shewoodco via Instagram

A black metal shelf adds a nice touch to your industrial, rustic, or vintage bathroom. Try to follow the other lines in your minimalist bathroom. For example, a modern bathroom typically has a long floating vanity. Your floating shelf could follow this line for a cohesive design.

8. Functional Storage Shelf Option

Your shelves need to be functional, so while tiny decorative shelves may look cute, they probably won’t be worth the trouble to mount them on the wall. Your shelves should be deep and long enough to give you enough space to use them for storage. You should also consider what you plan to put on them.

Open white bathroom cabinet with toiletries on shelves, reflected in a mirror, black countertop, light fixture above — Source: @ben.builds.it via Instagram

White shelves with folded towels, woven baskets, a lantern, a glass jar, and decorative objects on a wall — Source: @insidenumber.8 via Instagram

An enclosed cabinet is a better option for hiding bathroom essentials. No one wants to look at your stockpile of toilet paper and cleaning products. It can also help to have several storage options throughout the bathroom. That way, your toiletries don’t have to share a space with your toilet scrub brush.

9. Creative Wall-Mounted Shelf Arrangement

Start your project by measuring your available wall space. Measure the length and height of your bathroom wall. You can then use these dimensions to decide the size of your open shelf. In some cases, you may want to use one large shelf. In others, several small shelves will look better.

Bathroom with a white freestanding tub, tiled walls, and a window. Shelf with plant and candles above, light floods in — Source: @fairfield_home via Instagram

Wall-mounted shelf with small potted plants, a candle, and a trailing plant set against a white wall with black triangle decals — Source: @faizargh.home via Instagram

Bathroom shelves with toilet paper, small plants, decorative trees, two jars, and a soap bottle; wall with decorative patterns — Source: @homewith_liz via Instagram

Small bathroom with gray walls, a toilet, sink with cabinet, wall shelves holding toiletries, and a basket with toilet rolls — Source: @huxfordhome via Instagram

Bathroom with green walls, shelves with decor, a "Wash Your Hands" sign, dried plants, towels, and a basket on a toilet tank — Source: @mrscarr_ via Instagram

Bright bathroom with a glass shower, white toilet, and bathtub. Plants decorate the shelves and floor, adding a fresh touch — Source: @renovating_no18 via Instagram

Bathroom with a pedestal sink, toilet, mirrored cabinet, and shelves; tiled walls, starfish mat, and small trash bin present — Source: @rufford_stella via Instagram

Consider the placement of your shelves on the wall. Generally, eye level or higher is the best option. Lower than that, and someone could bump into them and hurt themselves. If you add a shelf to the wall above your toilet, it needs to be at least two feet higher than the toilet so that you don’t hit your head on it.

10. Natural and Warm Wooden Shelf Design

Adding a wooden shelf to your bathroom is a doable DIY shelf project. You can buy a plank of wood at your local home improvement store. Then you can leave it raw, stain, varnish, or paint it.

Bathroom shelf with towels, perfumes, clock, and small plant; art prints above show a squirrel and cat; patterned shower curtain nearby — Source: @cozyhomeottawa via Instagram

Bathroom with a wooden ladder shelf holding toilet paper, towels, soap, and other toiletries beside a white shower curtain — Source: @cpnagle_cnc via Instagram

Wooden shelves with framed art, vases, and decorative items on a light wall; dried grasses and a plant add a natural touch — Source: @ellesancz via Instagram

Bathroom with a clawfoot tub, toilet, plant shelf, and a "get naked" print; ladder holds towels; plants add greenery — Source: @homeat22_ via Instagram

Wooden shelves against a dark wall with toilet rolls, a candle, a rabbit mug with flowers, and a bottle with flowers on top — Source: @house_of_scaffold via Instagram

Wooden wall shelf with rope handles holding decor items, towels, and toilet paper rolls in a bathroom — Source: @inkuniwoodworks via Instagram

Bathroom with marble-tiled wall, wooden shelves with toiletries, plants, and decor above a toilet with a small potted plant — Source: @numbertwentytwosomerset via Instagram

Wicker wall shelf with skincare items, a round basket with products, a pink pouch, framed art, a plant, and candles on a ledge — Source: @our_home_at_ribbbonfields via Instagram

Bathroom wall shelf with decorative jars, towel, wicker basket with toilet paper, and a hanging robe — Source: @oursoutheastlondonhome via Instagram

Two wooden shelves with plants, soap dispensers, and a "CLEAN" sign against a white wall with horizontal lines — Source: @sweet.home.savanna via Instagram

The treatment you give the wood will depend on the type of look you’re going for and the overall design style of your bathroom. Adding a wood shelf is nice because you can customize it. Measure the space you have available for your DIY bathroom storage shelves, then cut the wood to fit. This could require you to cut both the length and width.