Your bathroom should be a relaxing retreat, but when clutter piles up (toiletries, towels, cleaning products), the space can quickly feel cramped and disorganized. That lack of storage not only creates frustration, but it can also diminish the aesthetic and functionality of your space.
At Custom Built, we understand the importance of thoughtful, functional design. With over 20 years of remodeling experience, we’ve helped homeowners across the Greater Lansing and Northern Michigan areas create bathrooms that not only look beautiful but also work seamlessly for their daily routines.
In this article, we’ll explore the top eight bathroom storage solutions to consider during your remodel, along with essential design tips that can help you maximize space and keep things organized for years to come:
- Drawer-Based Vanities
- Recessed Medicine Cabinets
- Shower Niches
- Tall Linen Cabinets
- Vanity Drawer Organizers
- Floating Shelves
- Toe-Kick Drawers
- Over-Toilet Storage Cabinets
1. Drawer-Based Vanities
Drawer-based vanities have gained popularity for their efficiency and custom appeal. They offer individual compartments that make organizing small bathroom items much easier. Compared to standard cabinet doors, drawer-based vanities provide a higher-end, more tailored look and often require fewer baskets or additional storage solutions.
Drawer-based vanities:
- Maximize accessibility by allowing you to view all contents at once
- Offer greater organization with built-in dividers or custom layouts
- Improve the aesthetic with sleek, modern lines
- Enhance the functionality of small bathroom spaces
- Provide a clean, minimalistic design with fewer visual distractions
What to Consider
- If placing a full drawer directly under the sink, plumbing can limit space.
- A U-shaped drawer around plumbing lines can still offer storage, though with slightly reduced space.
2. Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Recessed medicine cabinets are built into the wall, using otherwise empty wall cavities between studs. They offer efficient storage for smaller, everyday items and keep counters clear, providing easy access right at eye level.
Recessed medicine cabinets:
- Keep bathroom counters clear and organized
- Provide a modern, seamless look with built-in storage
- Keep daily essentials easily accessible without opening large cabinets
- Help maintain a clean, minimalist bathroom design
What to Consider
Before installing:
- Can the cabinet be physically installed in the wall?
- Are there plumbing, ductwork, or wiring in the way?
- Is the wall interior or exterior? (Exterior walls in Michigan require insulation.)
- Finish options are more limited than with a standard wall-mounted mirror, so consider balancing function and aesthetics.
3. Shower Niches
Shower niches are a popular and practical addition to bathroom remodels. They also offer a chance to add architectural interest with accent tiles while keeping your space looking clean and organized.
Shower niches:
- Eliminate the need for shower caddies, which can take up valuable space
- Integrate seamlessly into the shower’s design for a cohesive look
- Offer hidden, organized storage for shampoos, soaps, and other products
- Make better use of vertical wall space
What to Consider
- Ensure there’s enough room in the wall for the niche.
- Check for plumbing or HVAC lines in the way.
- Avoid placing niches on exterior walls in colder climates (Michigan requires insulation in exterior walls).
- Consider the sizing:
- How many shelves do you need?
- What will be stored in the niche?
- Should the niche be a focal accent or blend in subtly with the rest of the design?
- Make sure the niche aligns with the tile layout. Misaligned or awkwardly cut tiles will disrupt the overall aesthetic.
4. Tall Linen Cabinets
PC: Lowe’s
Tall linen cabinets are a great way to make the most of vertical space in bathrooms, especially when you’re short on room. They offer flexibility, especially if freestanding, allowing for easy rearranging or swapping out later. You can even bring in antique furniture pieces for added charm and personality.
Tall linen cabinets:
- Use vertical space efficiently without taking up floor space
- Provide additional storage for towels, bedding, and cleaning supplies
- Offer a stylish, practical solution for smaller bathrooms
What to Consider
- What exactly will you be storing in the cabinet?
- Do you want the contents visible (glass doors) or hidden?
- Is this a guest bathroom or a primary bathroom?
- Plan the depth of the shelves and door style based on your storage needs.
5. Vanity Drawer Organizers
PC: Dura Supreme
Even the best drawer systems can get messy without proper organization. Modular drawer organizers are a simple yet effective solution.
They allow you to:
- Customize sizes to fit your drawers
- Separate toiletries and grooming items
- Keep everything organized and easy to access
What to Consider
- Make sure the organizers fit your drawer dimensions properly.
- If the organizer is smaller than the drawer, consider adding drawer liners to prevent shifting when opening and closing.
6. Floating Shelves
PC: The Home Depot
Floating shelves are a simple, modern way to add storage without the visual weight of full cabinetry. They keep the room feeling open while still giving you practical space for everyday items. In smaller bathrooms, especially, they can make the space feel larger and less crowded.
Floating shelves are:
- Less expensive than cabinetry
- Great for personalization
- Easy to style with baskets and decor
What to Consider
Before installing floating shelves, think through:
- What will be placed on them?
- Are the items heavy? (If so, reinforce support.)
- Are you comfortable dusting more frequently?
- Open shelving requires more upkeep than closed cabinets
7. Toe-Kick Drawers
PC: House Digest
Toe-kick drawers make use of the space beneath your vanity, an area that’s typically left empty. While they won’t replace traditional drawers, they’re a smart way to add hidden storage without changing your layout.
Toe-kick drawers are great for:
- Extra storage
- Small, rarely used items
- Maximizing otherwise wasted space
What to Consider
Keep these limitations in mind:
- Not much fits in this space
- Does plumbing run through the floor?
- Is there enough depth to justify the installation?
- They’re a bonus feature, not a primary storage solution
8. Over-Toilet Storage Cabinets
PC: Family Handyman
The space above the toilet is often underutilized, but it offers valuable storage potential. Over-toilet cabinets allow you to add function without sacrificing floor space, making them especially practical in small or guest bathrooms.
Over-toilet cabinets:
- Store extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies
- Provide room for decorative accents
- Add storage without taking up floor space
- Keep everyday items accessible
What to Consider
Make sure to plan for:
- Secure installation that doesn’t obstruct toilet access
- Proper ceiling clearance to avoid a cramped feel
- A style that complements your bathroom aesthetic
- Accessibility for frequently used items
- Awareness of plumbing fixtures nearby
Next Steps to Remodeling Your Bathroom
When your bathroom lacks proper storage, even simple routines can feel frustrating. Cluttered counters, overflowing drawers, and nowhere to put the essentials can make what should be a calm, functional space feel cramped.
Thoughtful storage solutions, planned early and designed intentionally, help eliminate that daily stress. The right mix of built-ins, drawers, and smart organization allows your bathroom to feel both beautiful and effortless to use.
At Custom Built, we design bathrooms with real life in mind, incorporating practical storage solutions that support how you and your family actually live.
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, let’s talk about how we can create a space that’s not only stunning but also organized, efficient, and built around your needs.
Now that you know more about the top storage ideas for your bathroom remodel, let’s explore the first step of your project with Custom Built, how much your bathroom will cost, and the factors that influence that final price:
- What is a Discovery Call with Custom Built? - This article details what your first call with Custom Built looks like as you start planning your remodel.
- How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - Discover accurate price ranges for your potential bathroom remodeling project.
- 10 Factors That Affect the Cost of Bathroom Remodels - Learn more about the details that impact the cost of your bathroom remodel before you sign on the dotted line.
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