8 Creative Alternatives to Standard Bathroom Storage
Don’t fancy the usual wall cabinet and vanity unit in your bathroom? Check out these ideas for storage with a difference
If you’re hoping to add some character to your bathroom, the usual storage items might not cut the mustard. Instead, think laterally and add one of these quirky ideas for a room that’s both functional and full of personality.
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
Take a seat
Here’s another way to repurpose an item from a different area of the home. This garden stool is ideal for tucking towels beneath the basin.
It’s light enough to be moved around the room and used for other purposes, too, such as holding magazines by the bath or providing a perch for a post-shower set of clothes, and the bamboo finish on the legs adds a natural feel to the space.
Here’s another way to repurpose an item from a different area of the home. This garden stool is ideal for tucking towels beneath the basin.
It’s light enough to be moved around the room and used for other purposes, too, such as holding magazines by the bath or providing a perch for a post-shower set of clothes, and the bamboo finish on the legs adds a natural feel to the space.
Step up
Ladder shelves are a great way to add interest to a room and their slanted design ensures they don’t encroach on the space too much.
Choose a finish to match your interior style, whether that’s black, white or brightly coloured. In a rustic-style room, a natural wood ladder like this one works well. Style it by interspersing attractive toiletries and towels with a few decorative items.
Ladder shelves are a great way to add interest to a room and their slanted design ensures they don’t encroach on the space too much.
Choose a finish to match your interior style, whether that’s black, white or brightly coloured. In a rustic-style room, a natural wood ladder like this one works well. Style it by interspersing attractive toiletries and towels with a few decorative items.
Vamp up a vintage piece
A linen cabinet like this one can work well in a shabby-chic bathroom. Hunt in second-hand shops and markets to find old pieces you can upcycle.
As long as the structure is solid and the wood is in good condition, you can revamp the item with a few licks of paint. Sand well beforehand, and add at least two coats of furniture paint to ensure it stands up to scratches.
A linen cabinet like this one can work well in a shabby-chic bathroom. Hunt in second-hand shops and markets to find old pieces you can upcycle.
As long as the structure is solid and the wood is in good condition, you can revamp the item with a few licks of paint. Sand well beforehand, and add at least two coats of furniture paint to ensure it stands up to scratches.
Get wired
If you’re short on space, think about ways you can incorporate storage that doesn’t take up too much room.
This wall-hung wire shelf unit is an ideal space-saver for storing toiletries near the basin. The open design allows items – including plants – to be displayed, which adds character to the room.
If you’re short on space, think about ways you can incorporate storage that doesn’t take up too much room.
This wall-hung wire shelf unit is an ideal space-saver for storing toiletries near the basin. The open design allows items – including plants – to be displayed, which adds character to the room.
Build a pipeline
The industrial look has been popular in homes for a while now, so it’s possible to find some creative pieces that tie in with the look. This towel rack radiator is made from copper piping that’s been fashioned into three perfect slots for rolled-up towels.
An idea like this is not only practical, it also adds a quirky design feature to the space.
The industrial look has been popular in homes for a while now, so it’s possible to find some creative pieces that tie in with the look. This towel rack radiator is made from copper piping that’s been fashioned into three perfect slots for rolled-up towels.
An idea like this is not only practical, it also adds a quirky design feature to the space.
Work in some texture
In this glossy bathroom, the designers could have used standard white or glass shelves. Instead, they’ve gone for something more interesting.
Reclaimed wood has been cut to fit and inserted into a neat alcove next to the bath. The rough timber adds some rich, natural texture to the room.
Need some professional help with your scheme? Find bathroom designers and fitters in your area.
In this glossy bathroom, the designers could have used standard white or glass shelves. Instead, they’ve gone for something more interesting.
Reclaimed wood has been cut to fit and inserted into a neat alcove next to the bath. The rough timber adds some rich, natural texture to the room.
Need some professional help with your scheme? Find bathroom designers and fitters in your area.
Give it some metal
How’s this for an interesting storage idea? An old metal locker unit has been repurposed as a storage cabinet for this eclectic bathroom.
It’s sturdy and functional, and completely transforms the look of the room. The key idea to steal here is to think outside the box – just because something was originally intended for one purpose doesn’t mean it can’t be used for another.
Tell us…
How have you incorporated storage into your bathroom? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments section.
How’s this for an interesting storage idea? An old metal locker unit has been repurposed as a storage cabinet for this eclectic bathroom.
It’s sturdy and functional, and completely transforms the look of the room. The key idea to steal here is to think outside the box – just because something was originally intended for one purpose doesn’t mean it can’t be used for another.
Tell us…
How have you incorporated storage into your bathroom? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments section.
Embrace the freedom of an informal rustic bathroom by being creative with your storage options. Ditch the standard mirrored bathroom cabinet and use a piece of furniture you might not usually find in a washspace.
Here, the designers have chosen a wooden chest of drawers as sturdy storage. An item like this can transform a bathroom from a clinical, functional space into a cosy sanctuary.
If you’re going to use wooden furniture in your bathroom, protect it from moisture by applying a good-quality waterproof finish and ensuring the room is well ventilated.