15 Stylish Bathroom Shelves Over Toilet Ideas for Small Spaces

Let’s be honest – that awkward space above your toilet just sits there, mocking you every single day. You know what I’m talking about, right? That weird void that screams “put something here!” but you’re not quite sure what would actually work without making your bathroom feel like a cramped storage closet.

Well, I’ve spent way too much time obsessing over bathroom storage (my friends think I’m weird, but whatever), and I’m here to share the 15 best over-toilet shelving ideas that actually work in small spaces.

Trust me, I’ve tried most of these in my own tiny bathroom, and some of them completely transformed the space.

Why Over-Toilet Storage Changes Everything

Before we jump into the good stuff, let me tell you why this particular storage solution rocks. You’re literally using dead space that would otherwise just collect dust particles floating around your bathroom. Plus, when you’re dealing with a small bathroom, every square inch counts.

I remember when I first moved into my current apartment – the bathroom was so small I could practically touch both walls while sitting on the toilet. Not exactly spacious, you know? But adding shelves above the toilet instantly gave me room for all those random bathroom essentials that used to clutter my sink counter.

1. Floating Wooden Shelves

The Classic That Never Gets Old

Floating wooden shelves are like the little black dress of bathroom storage – they work with everything. The beauty of floating shelves lies in their simplicity. No bulky brackets visible, no complicated installation (okay, maybe a little complicated if you’re not handy), and they make your bathroom look instantly more sophisticated.

I installed three oak floating shelves in my guest bathroom last year, and honestly? Game changer. The wood adds warmth to all that cold porcelain and tile. Plus, you can stain or paint them to match literally any decor style you’re going for.

Installation Tips That’ll Save Your Sanity

Here’s what nobody tells you about floating shelves:

• Always hit the studs (seriously, drywall anchors won’t cut it here)
• Space them at least 12-15 inches apart for actual functionality
• Consider the depth – 8-10 inches works perfectly without bonking your head
• Seal the wood if you’re in a humid climate (learned this the hard way)

2. Ladder-Style Shelving Unit

When You Want Something Different

Ever thought about leaning a ladder shelf against that wall? I know it sounds weird at first, but hear me out. Ladder shelves give you that trendy, magazine-worthy look while being ridiculously practical. They lean back slightly, which means stuff won’t randomly fall on your head mid-shower.

The best part? No drilling required if you get a freestanding one. Just lean it against the wall and boom – instant storage. Though FYI, you might want to secure it somehow if you have kids or particularly enthusiastic pets.

Making It Work in Tight Spaces

What makes ladder shelves perfect for small bathrooms:

• The angled design takes up less floor space than traditional shelving
• Multiple tiers mean vertical storage maximization
• Open design keeps things feeling airy
• You can easily move it when deep cleaning (or when you get bored)

3. Metal Pipe Industrial Shelves

For That Cool Urban Vibe

Industrial shelves made from metal pipes and reclaimed wood boards? Yes, please! These bad boys bring serious personality to your bathroom. The contrast between rough metal and smooth wood creates this amazing visual interest that makes even the tiniest bathroom feel intentional and designed.

I helped my brother install these in his bachelor pad bathroom, and let me tell you – they look expensive but cost way less than you’d think. Plus, they’re practically indestructible, which matters when you’re constantly reaching over the toilet to grab stuff.

DIY or Buy: The Eternal Question

Should you make these yourself or buy pre-made? Here’s my take:

• DIY if you want custom sizes and enjoy weekend projects
• Buy if you value your time and sanity
• Materials cost about $50-100 for DIY
• Pre-made versions run $75-200 depending on size

4. Corner Wall Shelves

Maximizing Every Awkward Angle

Got a toilet tucked into a corner? Corner shelves are your new best friend. These triangular wonders fit perfectly into spaces that would otherwise go completely unused. And unlike regular shelves, they won’t stick out and assault your hip every time you squeeze past.

My sister has these in her powder room, and they hold an impressive amount of stuff without looking cluttered. The key is keeping items uniform in height and not overloading them with random junk.

Style Options That Actually Work

Corner shelves come in tons of varieties:

• Floating corner shelves for a minimal look
• Tiered corner units for maximum storage
• Glass corners for displaying pretty things
• Built-in options if you’re feeling ambitious

5. Over-the-Toilet Cabinet with Doors

When You Need to Hide the Chaos

Sometimes you just need doors to hide your stuff, and that’s totally okay! Over-toilet cabinets with doors instantly clean up the visual clutter while giving you tons of hidden storage. Perfect for all those not-so-pretty necessities like extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

I finally caved and got one of these after getting tired of looking at my collection of mismatched towels. Now everything has a place, and my bathroom actually looks like an adult lives there. 🙂

Choosing the Right Cabinet

What to consider when cabinet shopping:

• Measure three times, buy once (trust me on this)
• Leave at least 2 inches clearance from the toilet tank
• Adjustable shelves inside are a must
• Soft-close doors prevent 3 AM wake-ups

6. Glass Display Shelves

For the Aesthetically Obsessed

Glass shelves above the toilet? Absolutely gorgeous when done right. The transparency keeps small spaces feeling open while still providing storage. Plus, they force you to keep things tidy because everything’s on display.

I’ll admit, these require more maintenance than wood or metal options. Fingerprints and water spots show up immediately. But if you’re into that spa-like, pristine bathroom vibe, glass shelves deliver big time.

Styling Glass Shelves Like a Pro

How to make glass shelves look intentional:

• Stick to a color palette (all white or neutrals works great)
• Use matching containers for consistency
• Add one plant for life and color
• Keep items in odd numbers (designer trick!)

Also Read: 15 Practical DIY Shelves Ideas for Any Room

7. Rustic Reclaimed Wood Shelves

Bringing Farmhouse Charm to Small Spaces

Reclaimed wood shelves bring so much character to a bathroom. Each piece tells a story with its unique grain patterns, nail holes, and weathered texture. They make your bathroom feel like it belongs in a fancy boutique hotel rather than a standard apartment.

My neighbor scored some old barn wood and turned it into floating shelves. The result? Instagram-worthy storage that cost practically nothing. The rustic vibe works especially well if you’re going for that modern farmhouse look everyone’s obsessed with lately.

Where to Find Reclaimed Wood

Best sources for authentic reclaimed lumber:

• Local demolition sites (ask permission first!)
• Habitat for Humanity ReStores
• Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
• Specialty lumber yards
• Old furniture you can repurpose

8. Minimalist Floating Shelves

Less Really Is More

Minimalist floating shelves prove you don’t need fancy designs to make an impact. Clean lines and simple materials create a calm, uncluttered feeling that’s perfect for small bathrooms. Think thin profiles, hidden brackets, and absolutely zero ornamentation.

These work brilliantly in modern bathrooms where you want the focus on functionality rather than the shelves themselves. I’ve seen white minimalist shelves practically disappear against white walls, making stored items look like they’re floating.

The Art of Minimalist Storage

Keys to nailing the minimalist look:

• Choose shelves no thicker than 1 inch
• Paint them the same color as your wall
• Display only essentials in matching containers
• Leave plenty of negative space between items

9. Woven Basket Shelving Combo

Storage Meets Style

Why not combine open shelving with woven baskets? This combo gives you the best of both worlds – display space for pretty things and hidden storage for everything else. The texture of woven baskets adds warmth and breaks up all those hard bathroom surfaces.

I started using this system last year, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for organization. Each basket has a purpose (one for washcloths, one for hair stuff, etc.), and everything looks intentional even when I’m being lazy about tidying up.

Choosing the Right Baskets

What makes a good bathroom basket:

• Water-resistant materials like synthetic rattan
• Handles for easy grabbing
• Consistent sizing for visual harmony
• Labels if you’re really type-A (guilty!)

Also Read: 15 Affordable Wall Shelves Design Ideas for Every Home

10. Tiered Open Shelving

Vertical Storage on Steroids

Tiered shelving systems maximize vertical space like nothing else. These multi-level units can transform that dead zone above your toilet into a storage powerhouse. The graduated sizes also create visual interest that plain straight shelves just can’t match.

Have you ever noticed how tiered shelves make a small bathroom feel taller? It’s this weird optical illusion that draws your eye upward. IMO, it’s one of the best tricks for making cramped spaces feel larger.

Organizing Tiered Shelves Effectively

Smart ways to use different tiers:

• Top tier: Decorative items or rarely used stuff
• Middle tiers: Daily essentials at easy reach
• Lower tiers: Heavier items for stability
• Mix heights of stored items for visual balance

11. Mirrored Shelves with Storage

Double Duty Design

Mirrored shelves above the toilet? Genius move for small bathrooms. You get storage AND the illusion of more space thanks to the reflection. Plus, having an extra mirror in the bathroom never hurts when someone’s hogging the main one.

The first time I saw these in a friend’s bathroom, I couldn’t figure out why the space felt so much bigger than mine. Then I realized – mirrors everywhere! The shelves reflected light around the room and made the whole space feel twice as large.

Installation Considerations

Things to think about with mirrored shelves:

• Weight matters more than with regular shelves
• Use heavy-duty anchors rated for mirror weight
• Consider safety backing in case of breaks
• Position to avoid awkward reflections (trust me)

12. Hanging Rope Shelves

Nautical Vibes for Days

Rope shelves bring that breezy, coastal feeling to any bathroom. The combination of wood planks and thick rope creates this relaxed vibe that makes you feel like you’re at a beach house, even if you’re landlocked in Ohio.

These actually work better than you’d think in small spaces because the rope takes up way less visual weight than traditional brackets. Plus, they add movement and softness to all those rigid bathroom lines.

DIY Rope Shelf Success

How to make rope shelves that won’t fail:

• Use marine-grade rope (it handles humidity better)
• Drill holes slightly larger than your rope diameter
• Add washers under knots for stability
• Test weight capacity before loading up

Also Read: 15 Stylish Shelves in Bedroom Ideas and DIY Inspiration

13. Modular Cube Shelves

Customize Your Configuration

Modular cube shelving lets you play designer with your bathroom storage. Start with one or two cubes and add more as needed. The beauty here is flexibility – you can rearrange them whenever you get bored or your storage needs change.

What’s cool about cubes is they work both horizontally and vertically. Stack them high for more storage or spread them out for a lower profile. I’ve even seen people use different colored cubes to add pops of color to neutral bathrooms.

Making Cubes Work in Tight Spaces

Cube shelf strategies for small bathrooms:

• Stick to 12-inch cubes or smaller
• Use fabric bins in some cubes for hidden storage
• Alternate open and filled cubes for balance
• Mount them asymmetrically for visual interest

14. Wall-Mounted Plant Shelves

Bringing Life to Your Loo

Who says bathroom storage can’t be gorgeous? Wall-mounted plant shelves above the toilet turn that space into a mini indoor garden. Plus, many plants actually thrive in bathroom humidity – it’s like a win-win situation.

I started with just one small shelf and a pothos plant. Now I’ve got three shelves with a whole collection of humidity-loving plants. My bathroom feels like a spa, and the air quality is noticeably better. Just saying. :/

Best Bathroom Plants for Shelving

Plants that actually survive in bathrooms:

• Pothos: Practically indestructible
• Spider plants: Love the humidity
• Air plants: No soil needed!
• Small ferns: Thrive in low light
• Orchids: If you’re feeling fancy

15. Custom Built-In Shelves

The Ultimate Storage Solution

If you’re ready to commit (and have the budget), custom built-in shelves are the ultimate answer to over-toilet storage. They look like they’ve always been there, maximize every inch of space, and add serious value to your home.

My parents went this route during their bathroom remodel, and the difference is incredible. The shelves fit perfectly around their quirky plumbing, and there’s not a millimeter of wasted space. Sure, it cost more than a ladder shelf from Target, but the result looks like something from a design magazine.

Planning Your Built-In Project

Essential considerations for built-ins:

• Hire a pro unless you’re seriously handy
• Account for plumbing access needs
• Include lighting for ambiance
• Mix open and closed storage
• Consider moisture-resistant materials

Making Your Choice: What Really Works?

So which option should you choose? Here’s my honest take after trying way too many of these myself. Your lifestyle matters more than trends. If you’re neat and organized, open shelving looks amazing. If you’re more of a “shove it in and close the door” person (no judgment!), cabinets are your friend.

Consider your bathroom’s humidity level too. Some materials handle moisture better than others. And please, measure everything twice before ordering anything online. Nothing ruins your day quite like assembling shelves that don’t actually fit.

Final Thoughts on Bathroom Storage Bliss

Look, transforming that dead space above your toilet doesn’t require a complete bathroom overhaul or a trust fund. Pick something that matches your style and budget, and just go for it. Even the simplest floating shelf can make a huge difference in a small bathroom.

The best part about any of these solutions? They’re not permanent. If you hate it, you can change it. If you’re renting, most of these options won’t upset your landlord. And when done right, that awkward space above your toilet becomes the perfect spot for both storage and style.

Remember, your bathroom should work for you, not against you. Whether you go for industrial pipes or delicate glass shelves, the goal is the same: making your small bathroom more functional and way less cluttered. And honestly? That empty wall above your toilet has been waiting for this makeover all along.