Bathroom storage is a vital aspect of achieving the right balance in one of the smallest rooms in the house. According to experts, it’s not about having a lot of storage, but rather having the right kind, designed from the very beginning.
Good storage should be almost invisible, yet it’s obvious when it’s an afterthought, both visually and practically. You don’t want to be wrestling with over-filled cupboards or have loo rolls stacked up on the cistern.
Designing Storage Solutions
Francesca Leat, owner and head designer at Francesca Leat Interiors, made a bold decision to raise the height of a bespoke in-built vanity unit to 900cm for a couple who are very tall. The unit also features an integrated laundry bin and electric toothbrush charger point concealed internally.
Georgina Fraser, managing director at Jeffreys Interiors, suggests writing a list of everything you use daily, weekly, and occasionally to clarify priorities. Justine Bullock, director at The Tap End, asks clients to rate their storage needs on a scale of one to five, with most homeowners requiring a moderate amount of storage.
Essential Storage Elements
Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, emphasizes the importance of considering the type and size of items that require storing. She notes that tall bottles need deep shelving or a tall cabinet, while small cosmetics can get lost in a deep drawer.
A vanity unit with well-configured drawers is probably the hardest working piece of furniture in the room, according to Louise. A mirrored cabinet is also essential, as it doubles up storage without taking up additional visual space and keeps the basin area clutter-free.
When choosing a vanity unit, consider interior organizers, soft-close drawers, ergonomic integrated handles, and a deeper bottom drawer for taller items.
Maximizing Storage Space
Converting skinny floorstanding pot cupboards into vanities can be a good trick for really petite bathrooms. Drawer space under the basin and open storage underneath can help keep a sense of lightness in the room.
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Jo Sangster, senior sales design consultant at Ripples London, points out that floorstanding vanities are great for hiding pipework and taller, unsightly cleaning products. However, they can make the space feel heavy and take up floor space, in which case a tall, narrow, wall-hung unit may be better.
Recessing your mirrored cabinet can also help create more space and make the room feel calmer. Recessed niches in the shower or above the bath are fantastic for bottles and products, and because they sit flush with the wall, they don’t eat into the floor plan or feel bulky.
A recess or niche in the bath area can be a clever storage solution that doesn’t compromise space. Either built into an existing wall void or formed within new stud walls, it can also conceal pipework or cisterns.
Layering Different Types of Storage
Ultimately, the most successful schemes layer different types of storage, combining concealed, highly functional elements with more open, decorative features to create a space that feels both practical and serene. Open shelving can be used in moderation, with the rule being that if you can see it, it should be worth looking at.
Studio Raymond’s founder, Carina Raymond, adds that open shelving allows the eye to travel more freely around the space, creating a lighter, relaxed atmosphere while still keeping everyday essentials within easy reach. Stacking neatly folded towels, ceramics, or baskets helps soften the practical nature of the bathroom and introduces personality without clutter.
The key to successful bathroom storage is finding the right balance between function and aesthetics. By considering the specific needs of the room and its users, and incorporating a mix of concealed and open storage solutions, you can create a space that is both practical and beautiful.
When planning your bathroom storage, also consider the kitchen sink and how its design can influence the overall feel of the space.
