By Kerry Hale

The Ultimate Guide To Bathroom Shelving

  • Wednesday 13 November 2024
  • 5 minute read

 

Storage is a must for every bathroom. Bath products, spare towels and toiletries can quickly take over, making the space less tranquil and more cluttered. Because bathrooms tend to be on the smaller side, cupboards or large storage units are often too bulky to work well.

Shelves can help keep your bathroom clutter-free and make the most of the available space. Discover our bathroom shelf ideas below and find out how to elevate this room with practical, stylish storage.

What are the benefits of bathroom shelves?

Adding bathroom shelves is a great way to declutter your bathroom and make it more organised and user-friendly. This can help it feel more spacious and make getting ready in the morning stress-free.

Shelving offers ample storage space for toiletries, towels and other essentials, and there are different options to suit every bathroom, from corner shelves to ladder designs. It can also enhance the look of your bathroom, adding a touch of elegance and plenty of visual interest.

Explore our bathroom accessories buying guide for more inspiration on how to make the most of your space.

Bathroom shelf styles

Whether you have a small or a spacious bathroom, discover our top bathroom storage shelving ideas to find your favourite styles.

Floating shelves

Floating and wall-mounted shelves are great options for smaller bathrooms. They attach to the wall, freeing up valuable floor space, and offer a sleek, minimalist look. They’re available in various materials, from wood to metal, so you can find a design that blends seamlessly with the rest of your bathroom.

A great way to utilise space in your bathroom is to hang your floating shelves in clever areas around the room. The space above the toilet is the perfect location to add multiple shelves for bath products, washcloths and toilet tissue. For a chic look, try decanting products into storage baskets or glass jars.

Ladder shelves

Often used as decorative shelving elsewhere in the home, ladder shelves can be a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to your bathroom. These shelves have a tiered look and can add a stylish touch to the room. They’re great for displaying decorative accessories like bath towels and provide ample storage without taking up too much floor space.

 

For practicality, you could store essentials like toilet tissue and towels in stylish boxes towards the bottom of the shelf and add decorative touches (like plants or beautiful bath products) to the upper shelves.

Corner shelves

The corners of the bathroom are often overlooked when it comes to storage – adding shelves to these areas is a great way to use the space. Corner shelves are typically available as open shelving and are ideal for storing everything from cleaning products to soaps and perfumes.

Wondering how to make a statement in your bathroom? For a cohesive design, you could try painting your corner shelves the same shade as your walls. This is particularly effective if you’ve painted your space a bold shade. Look for accessories like candles that contrast well with your chosen hue.

Built-in shelves

Built-in shelves can help you maximise the space in your bathroom. A great option is recessed shelving, which is typically built directly into the wall inside a shower enclosure. It can be used to hold shower gel and other bathroom products, making them easily accessible while in the shower. It also prevents products from piling up on the shower floor and can add a modern look to your bathroom.

Bathroom shelf materials

Bathroom shelves come in various materials, each with its own advantages. Discover some of the most popular choices below.

Glass bathroom shelves

Glass bathroom shelves are perfect for small spaces. Because they’re transparent, they avoid a cluttered look and can make the room seem larger. They’re also super durable and can support heavier products, making them a reliable choice for bathrooms.

Glass shelves are well-suited to contemporary and classic bathrooms and come in a range of designs. Best of all, they’re easy to maintain and are resistant to moisture and warping.

Wooden bathroom shelves

Wooden shelves are a sustainable option and can bring a rustic look to your bathroom. The natural texture of wood can add warmth to the space, helping it feel cosy and inviting.

Of course, bathrooms are moisture-prone environments, so you may be wondering whether wooden shelves are suitable. Mahogany, bamboo and oak are water-resistant, durable options that can work well in bathrooms, offering timeless elegance and a natural feel. You can choose from a range of light and dark shades to find something that complements the rest of the room perfectly.

Plastic bathroom shelves

Plastic shelves are a lightweight storage solution and come in a variety of sizes and colours. Plastic is easy to clean, helping your shelves stay looking great for longer. Plus, it’s highly resistant to warping, making it ideal for humid environments. Whether you need somewhere to store toiletries or want to display beautiful ornaments, plastic shelves are a brilliant option for every bathroom.

FAQs

Where should bathroom shelves be placed?

Bathroom shelves should be placed in convenient areas around the room to keep products within easy reach. Popular spots include next to the bath, shower or sink, and above the toilet. Wall-mounted shelves can work well in small bathrooms where you want to free up floor space.

How deep should bathroom shelves be?

Shelves with a depth of 14” are ideal if you’re planning on installing them over the toilet. This will give you plenty of space to display your products without making the shelves look cluttered.

What to put on bathroom shelves

You can fill your bathroom shelves with essentials like shampoo and shower gel, as well as plants and accessories. You could group together items like candles, diffusers and neatly stacked towels to bring a sophisticated and spa-like feel to your bathroom.

Here are some bathroom shelf décor ideas:

  • Soaps
  • Plants
  • Wooden baskets
  • Diffusers
  • Glass jars
  • Vases
  • Pictures

Visit the Mira blog to find more tips for creating the perfect bathroom, and browse our showers and accessories to upgrade your space with the latest designs. From digital showers that offer precise thermostatic temperature control to shower heads designed to enhance your showering experience, you can find it all in our range.

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