17 Cheap But Elegant Bathroom Shelf Ideas

What belongs on a bathroom shelf?

There are a ton of things you can put on bathroom shelves to really make your space appear wonderful! To get you going, consider these suggestions:

  • Towels: When you need them, rolled or folded towels are quite convenient and provide a sense of elegance. 
  • Storage Bins and Baskets: These work well for keeping tiny goods like makeup, toiletries, and cleaning supplies organized.
  • Decorative Items: You may make your bathroom seem wonderful and add a personal touch with plants, candles, or colorful jars.
  • Toiletries: Store your regular amenities close at hand, such as lotion, shampoo, and soap. 
  • Books and Magazines: You can store your best books and magazines on the shelves if you enjoy reading in the bathtub.
  • Extra tissues or toilet paper: This should always be available and ready.
  • Artwork or Framed Photos: You can use some artwork or framed photos to give the area uniquely yours.
  • Bath Accessories: To create a spa-like ambiance, arrange your preferred loofahs, bath bombs, and bath salts on display. 

Bathroom Shelf Ideas

Take Advantage of Corners

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Using corner shelves in your bathroom is a clever idea. Start by identifying which corners could benefit from added shelves. Though often overlooked, these spots can be incredibly useful. Choose shelves that fit nicely into the corners and install them securely on the wall. Regular cleaning and tidying will keep them looking nice. These simple bathroom shelf ideas can help you maximize your space and maintain a neat and tidy bathroom.

Make It Invisible

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Glass shelves are an excellent choice for anyone looking to make their bathroom appear clean and spacious. By allowing light to pass through and creating a sense of openness, these shelves give an illusion of more space, making the room feel larger. Additionally, their transparency allows them to blend seamlessly into the background, giving the impression that your items are floating.

Go For a Wide Shelf

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In small bathrooms, opting for one large shelf over several smaller ones can reduce clutter and enhance the feeling of spaciousness. A single large shelf offers ample storage, making organization easier and items more accessible. This approach also provides flexibility in placement and design, optimizing vertical space and improving the overall look. For smart bathroom shelf ideas in small spaces, a large shelf combines practicality and style.

Repurpose Crates

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Repurposing old wooden crates as shelving units in your bathroom offers a rustic and eco-friendly solution. Start by cleaning and sanding the crates to smooth out rough edges. You can leave them natural or paint them to match your decor. Stack them vertically or horizontally to create shelves for towels, toiletries, or decorative items. This not only gives the crates a new purpose but also adds character to your bathroom while reducing waste.

Match Shelves to Walls

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To effortlessly enhance your bathroom’s appearance, consider matching your shelf color with the wall. This simple trick creates a seamless and cohesive look. First, choose a wall color that complements your decor. Then, select a shelf color that either closely matches or harmonizes with it. This approach requires minimal effort but yields a balanced and polished result, elevating your bathroom space.

Narrow Bathroom Shelf Idea

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Adding a narrow vertical bathroom shelf is a smart way to maximize space in small bathrooms. It provides additional storage without taking up floor space. With wooden shelves and a distressed finish, it adds modern rustic charm to your bathroom. This slim shelf is practical and blends in seamlessly.

Go For Industrial Pipe Shelves

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Consider using reclaimed wood and black iron pipes to create trendy industrial-style shelves in your bathroom. Cut and sand the wood to the desired size, then assemble the pipes into a support structure. Securely attach the wood shelves to the pipes and decorate them with industrial-inspired accents. This combination of rustic wood and metal adds a stylish touch to your bathroom while providing practical storage solutions.

Beadboard Bathroom Wall Shelf

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Introducing a beadboard bathroom wall shelf to your decor is a stunning addition to your list of bathroom shelf ideas. This charming shelf not only offers additional storage but also infuses a hint of traditional flair, characterized by narrow wooden planks with decorative grooves, imparting a cozy and inviting atmosphere to your bathroom.

Incorporate Wall Niches

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If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, adding wall niches is a fantastic idea. These recessed storage areas offer both practicality and style, maximizing space without cluttering the room. They provide a more spacious and elegant appearance, replacing bulky shelving units with a sleek and minimalist look. Wall niches are a smart addition to your list of bathroom shelf ideas, especially if you have a spacious bathroom.

Mix Different Materials

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Mixing different materials for your bathroom shelves can greatly enhance your bathroom’s aesthetics. By combining materials like wood, metal, glass, or acrylic, you can add various textures and colors to your decor. This approach allows you to create a unique and visually appealing look that adds depth and interest to your bathroom.

Add a Bath Tray

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If you’re a fan of bath trays and use them frequently, you can also utilize them as shelves for your bathroom necessities. Simply place your bath tray across the bathtub or on a nearby surface, and you instantly have a convenient shelf for items like soaps, shampoos, candles, and even a book or glass of wine for added relaxation. Bath trays are versatile, serving as both a stylish accessory for your bathtime rituals and a functional storage solution.

Under The Sink Bathroom Shelf

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If you have some empty space under your sink, adding a shelf is a smart idea for extra storage in your bathroom. With a shelf there, you can keep small things like toiletries or cleaning supplies tidy and easy to find. You might even store hand towels there if needed. Using this space with a shelf helps keep your bathroom organized, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.

Built-In Bathroom Shelf

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For a clever storage solution, adding built-in shelves is a fantastic idea. These shelves can be customized to your liking by installing them into the wall, either between studs or as part of a vanity. Built-in shelves save space, as they’re integrated into the wall, and they blend seamlessly with your bathroom decor, offering a neat and tidy look.

Go For Multi-Purpose Shelves

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Using bathroom shelves that serve multiple purposes is crucial, especially in small bathrooms. These shelves can hold various items like towels, toiletries, or decorations. Their versatility allows you to make the most of limited space. Often designed with added features like hooks or baskets, multi-purpose shelves are particularly useful in tight spaces.

Try Different Sizes

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Combining different shelf sizes adds visual interest and dimension to your bathroom decor. Mixing various sizes creates a dynamic and personalized look. Experiment with different sizes and configurations, such as pairing larger shelves with smaller ones or incorporating floating shelves alongside traditional ones. This trendy idea is gaining popularity and can significantly enhance your bathroom’s appearance.

Hang Shelves On a Mirror

Woodshop Diaries

For a farmhouse-style bathroom, consider hanging a shelf over your mirror. Placing the shelf above the mirror creates a focal point in the room, drawing the eye upward and making the space feel larger and more open. This stylish arrangement adds charm and functionality to your bathroom decor.

Try High Shelving Designs

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Making use of every available space, including the high space close to the ceiling, is essential in your bathroom. Utilizing vertical space near the ceiling frees up room for other essentials while keeping your bathroom organized and clutter-free. This innovative approach maximizes storage without sacrificing floor space, ensuring a tidy and efficient bathroom.

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