15 clever bathroom shelf ideas
Bathrooms are hardworking rooms that need to balance many practical demands while still looking stylish, so finding the right bathroom shelving is key to keeping this space organised.
Nowhere is this more important than in small bathrooms, where every inch of space needs to be carefully considered and utilised to minimise clutter and visual disturbance.
Whether you are planning a complete renovation, incorporating built-in shelving and storage, or looking for bathroom cabinets and shelves that you can add to your existing scheme, it's important to consider bathroom storage carefully at every stage of your bathroom's design.
How to style bathroom shelving
The secret to beautiful-looking bathroom shelves is knowing what to hide and what to put on display. Interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke recommends incorporating as much concealed storage as possible for cleaning products, bottles and vials, explaining: 'The more products you can hide away, the more successful your bathroom will be.' If you only have open shelving, stash these products into storage baskets, which will look more attractive on display.
However, Naomi adds: 'Some bath and beauty products are works of art and should be proudly displayed. Make sure you have some open shelves and countertop space for candles and beautiful bottles.' Grouping beautiful items like candles, vases and neatly-rolled towels on your bathroom shelving can elevate your space and create a spa-like feel.
15 bathroom shelf ideas
We've gathered a selection of our favourite bathroom shelf ideas and shelving inspiration, from clever corner solutions to shower nooks, to help you maximise storage space.
Make the most of sloping ceilings
In rooms with sloping ceilings, opt for built-in storage to make use of tricky areas with limited head room. Nook shelving is always a good option in small spaces – consider a darker colour to make a feature of them.
For similar tiles, try Aurelia sage tiles, House Beautiful Collection at Homebase
Use panelling
As well as being a beautiful way to conceal pipework, wood panelling can also double up as useful bathroom shelving. It's also a great way to try a bolder wallpaper design without committing to a whole wall.
Pictured: Buckley wall lights, David Hunt Lighting
Make shelves work harder
Bathroom shelves can be so much more than just a flat surface. String Furniture's bathroom storage systems are customisable and feature hooks and other handy add-ons to maximise your storage space.
Pictured: String Furniture bathroom system, Utility Design
Find a nook
Nook shelving is a great option in the bathroom, maximising space and providing a handy shelf for bath and shower essentials. Keep the look sleek by lining it with the same tiles as on the surrounding area.
Choose a design that picks up the colours of the hardware and accessories, like this terrazzo-effect porcelain, to keep the overall look light and fresh.
Pictured: Ravello Terrazzo porcelain tiles, Boutique Stone
Mix and match open and closed shelving
Where space is tight, look for wall-mounted shelving with a streamlined design, such as this modular unit by Britton Bathrooms that allows you to choose your configuration of open and closed shelving.
Pictured: Hackney shelf unit, Britton Bathrooms
Consider radiator shelving
Multifunctional pieces are worth splashing out on in small bathrooms where space is at a premium. This clever towel rail features add-on shelving for extra storage without eating into any additional floor or wall space.
Pictured: Fender towel rail, The Radiator Centre
Upgrade bath time
A small shelf above a bath may not seem like a drastic change, but allowing space for a few products and a scented candle within arm's reach can turn bath time into a luxurious and relaxing experience.
For similar wallpaper, try Etsy
Fit bathroom shelves under a sink
This clever unit fits under an existing pedestal sink, so you can add extra concealed shelving for products without having to buy a whole new basin and unit.
Pictured: Shrewsbury under sink basin unit, VonHaus
Don't forget corners
In a small bathroom, eke out every inch of storage space by adding corner shelves. These floating shelves are a useful spot for products, toothbrushes and even a compact wireless lamp.
Pictured: Portable lamp, Hay
Colour drench
For a bold, modern look, paint bathroom shelving in the same shade as the walls in a nod to the colour drenching trend. This will also help to blend them into the wall, which is great for making a small space seem larger.
Pictured: Trumpet claypaint, Earthborn
Build shelving in
Make the most of any recesses with built-in shelving, which can be fitted all the way to the ceiling to maximise space. Keep more everyday items, like cleaning products, in baskets and put on a display with vases and candles where space allows.
Pictured: Arena console, Crosswater
Light it up
The right lighting can instantly elevate bathroom shelving into a high-end design feature. Under-shelf lighting needn't mean getting an electrician in, though: wireless LED lighting strips are easy to stick under a shelf or cabinet for instant wow factor.
Pictured: PLAIN Alabaster porcelain tile, Boutique Stone
Reflect on it
If you're opting for recessed bathroom shelving, consider adding a mirrored background – not only will this bounce light around and make your space feel larger, but it will also double up as a useful bathroom mirror.
Pictured: Picket green mosaic tile, Porcelain Superstore
Style a spa bathroom
A thoughtful mix of candles, lanterns and accessories on bathroom shelving can transform your space into a spa-like sanctuary. Try mixing different heights and textures for a luxurious feel.
Pictured: Southbourne duck board & Adlestrop lanterns, all Garden Trading
Match colours and patterns
If your bathroom is packed with pattern, pick out a colour from this to use for your shelving to keep things cohesive, like the green cloakroom unit and white shelving in this scheme.
When mixing patterns, it's best to stick to a limited colour palette to avoid overwhelming the space.
Pictured: Alo cloakroom unit, Crosswater
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