An Expert’s Guide To Bathroom Storage

Clutter ruining your perfectly curated bathroom setup? It’s time for a change – and some sneaky storage hacks. And we’re not just talking about a few extra hooks on the door or a basket in the corner; this year, transformational changes are all the rage. Here, we tap some of our favourite interior designers for their top tips on securing chic storage opportunities in the bathroom.

The Woes Of A Busy Bathroom

It’s a classic scene: the household morning rush, with the bathroom playing host to a revolving door of people scrabbling to get ready and out before 8am. The whirlwind of activity is nothing new, nor is the haphazard state of the bathroom counter afterwards – brushes, bobbles and makeup products strewn across the counter, shower caddies overspilling into the bathtub, used towels peeking out of the laundry basket. For such a small space, your bathroom has a lot to contend with.

Emma Sherlock (photography Boz Gagovski)

‘Bathrooms are often one of the smallest rooms in the home, yet they hold a huge number of everyday essentials,’ agrees Alicia Meirles, creative director at multidisciplinary design studio OWN LONDON. And when it comes to storing these essentials away, many of us leave that thought until much later – which is how you end up with miscellaneous mess, boxes and trays all over the bathroom. 

‘People tend to underestimate how much built-in storage is needed at the planning stage, worrying it will make the space feel smaller,’ continues Alicia. ‘In reality, considered joinery is one of the most important elements of bathroom design and actually helps the room feel more spacious and well organised.’

But for those looking for opportunities post-bathroom design, there’s still hope. ‘You need to be as clever as you can with the space that you have,’ emphasises interior designer Emma Sherlock. ‘You want your bathroom to be a calm and enjoyable space to relax in, and organising your storage in an efficient way is part of the process.’

OWN LONDON (photography by Darren Chung for One Menagerie)

‘The key is to keep surfaces as clear as possible and hide away all the practical but less beautiful items,’ Alicia adds. ‘Think about your favourite spa or hotel bathroom, there are always dedicated storage spaces for towels, products and everyday “equipment” so nothing becomes an eyesore and the room feels calm and serene.’ 

Expert Tips: How To Create Storage Space In The Bathroom

Use The Walls

Make use of the space – yes, all of it. Look beyond (or rather, above) the freestanding vanity to the walls, where you can find multiple opportunities to hide any lingering clutter. Alicia emphasises that ‘wall-mounted vanity units with inbuilt storage are a must; they keep the floor open while offering plenty of hidden space.

‘Look for unused wall areas where you can introduce recessed shelves or wall-mounted shelving with integrated towel rails, especially in tighter spaces.’

Stick To Statement Shelving

Speaking of walls – you can also get creative with your choice of shelving. If recessed shelves aren’t an option, then look for something you can happily display on the wall. ‘Antique shelving above a bath can add real charm to a bathroom and be useful for storage,’ suggests Emma. 

Emma Sherlock (photography Boz Gagovski)

Keep To Curves

‘In the bathroom, you’re often trying to fit quite a few bulky components with different shapes into a relatively small space – so one of my top tips is to avoid adding in any more “hard surfaces” for storage,’ says Emma. ‘Vanity units with curved edges, for example, can store lots of products below your sink but feel easier and more spacious to walk around than rectangular ones.’

Skirt Around The Problem

If bucolic countryside interiors are more your speed, then you might want to try a sink skirt. As Emma highlights: ‘A gathered skirt underneath a sink can soften the feel of a bathroom and hide a myriad of things.’

OWN LONDON (photography by Dean Hearne)

Close The Curtain

Working with glass-fronted cabinets? A little bit of fabric can work some magic here too. ‘You want to avoid too much product “on show”,’ emphasises Emma. ‘Lining cabinet door glazing with gathered fabric will hide all the beauty products, keep the room looking tidy and organised – making your bathroom feel more calm and relaxing to be in.’