Build A Bathroom Shelf For Custom Storage

If your bathroom needs more storage space, consider installing a bathroom shelf.

Purpose of the Shelves

Shelves can make great decorating tools. In large bathrooms, they can add to the overall theme and décor, while they can provide much needed extra storage space in smaller bathrooms. The trick with decorative shelving is to keep it open. You may consider installing one or two floating shelves on the wall to display items like pictures or candles. These shelves will have concrete function but should match the décor of your bathroom.

Deciding what you’re going to use the shelves for before installing them may help you decide which type of shelves are best to install.

Styles of Shelves

Whether you're looking to install open shelves or a compact unit, you can choose from a number of styles.

Soothing, simple styles, reminiscent of spas or inspired by Asian minimalism, are popular in modern bathrooms. This style adds elements of comfort, relaxation and sophistication into the bathroom.

Cubby-style shelves allow users to store not only items like rolled-up towels and linens, but also baskets or drawers filled with small goods, like perfume, extra soap or travel-sized shampoo.

Consider dainty glass shelves for smaller spaces. They can easily be cut and customized to fit any area, and add a fresh, clean feeling to any bathroom. Moreover, light passes through glass, unlike wood or metal. This creates the illusion that the items stored on glass shelves are floating, and the shelves don't seem to take up as much space. They will need a few metal brackets for support.

Wood shelves—like the cubby style—and glass shelves are both very common and very versatile for bathroom needs. Wood or metal shelves may be more cost-effective and provide more space than glass shelves, though they are less aesthetically appealing.

Storage Needs

Your storage needs may determine which type of bathroom shelf you install. You may want more shelves if you plan on storing linens and cleaning supplies in the bathroom, but fewer if they will only hold cosmetics. Glass shelves may be more appropriate if you’re not looking to store larger items and have a smaller space. If you have more space to store larger items such as towels, the cubby style shelves may best suit your needs.