When you think about over-the-toilet storage, your mind likely goes straight to the bathroom, where space is often limited. However, this clever storage solution can be used in other rooms of your home, offering unexpected ways to maximize space and reduce clutter. From the kitchen to the living room and beyond, integrating over-the-toilet storage can transform any space into a more organized, functional, and stylish area. Here's how to think beyond the bathroom and make the most of this underutilized storage option.
1. In the Kitchen: Maximize Vertical Space
Kitchens often struggle with limited counter and cabinet space. The area above the toilet can be repurposed with shelving or cabinets in your kitchen to store essentials and keep frequently used items within easy reach.
- Spice Rack or Shelf : Install a narrow shelf above the kitchen toilet or sink to hold spices, cooking oils, or small kitchen gadgets. This not only frees up counter space but also keeps things organized and accessible.
- Hanging Pot Rack : If you have a bit of extra height, you could hang a pot rack or hooks to store your pans, utensils, or towels. This keeps the kitchen looking neat while also utilizing vertical space efficiently.
2. In the Bedroom: Extra Storage for Clothes and Accessories
For smaller bedrooms or apartments, finding additional storage space can be a challenge. The area above the toilet can be turned into a stylish storage solution for your clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- Wall-Mounted Shelves : Use this space to install floating shelves or small cabinets for storing shoes, purses, or seasonal items like scarves and hats. These shelves can keep your bedroom tidy while still providing easy access to your favorite items.
- Hanging Organizer : If you have a little extra space, consider a hanging closet organizer with hooks or baskets for storing jewelry, scarves, or belts. It's a space-efficient way to keep accessories organized and off the floor.
3. In the Living Room: Stylish Storage and Display
The living room is another area of the home that can benefit from over-the-toilet storage. Adding a functional, yet decorative, piece above the toilet can help store items while also adding style to the space.
- Bookshelves or Decorative Cabinet : Add a narrow bookshelf or wall-mounted cabinet to store books, media, or decorative items like plants and vases. This gives the living room a clean, sophisticated look while making the most of otherwise unused space.
- Console Table with Storage : A slim console table can be placed above the toilet to store blankets, magazines, or board games. It's both a practical and stylish addition to your living area.
4. In the Entryway: Keep Things Neat and Accessible
Entryways, especially in smaller apartments, can become cluttered with shoes, jackets, bags, and other items. Over-the-toilet storage can be incorporated into your entryway to help keep things organized without taking up precious floor space.
- Slim Wall Shelves : Install narrow shelves above the toilet to store keys, mail, and other small essentials. This helps keep the entryway clear and makes these items easily accessible as you come and go.
- Storage Bench : Place a storage bench with a slim profile above the toilet. This provides additional seating while also offering storage space for shoes, bags, and other accessories.
5. In the Home Office: Keep Supplies Close and Organized
A home office, especially in a small apartment, can benefit from any extra storage space. Utilize the area above the toilet to organize office supplies and create a more streamlined workspace.
- Wall-Mounted Filing Cabinet : A small filing cabinet or shelf above the toilet can store important documents, notebooks, or office supplies like pens, paper, and folders.
- Storage Baskets : Decorative storage baskets placed on shelves can keep cables, notebooks, and office essentials organized, reducing clutter on your desk and surrounding surfaces.
6. In the Laundry Room: Utilize Every Corner
Laundry rooms can sometimes feel cramped and cluttered. The space above the toilet can be transformed into a handy spot to store detergent, cleaning supplies, or extra linens.
- Over-the-Toilet Shelf for Supplies : Install a shelf for detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning products. This keeps everything in one convenient spot and frees up floor space for larger items.
- Baskets for Linens : Use storage baskets to keep towels, washcloths, and other linens organized and out of sight. Baskets above the toilet can help you maintain a neat and functional laundry room.
7. In the Hallway: Maximize Storage in Transition Spaces
Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to storage, but the space above the toilet can be a great way to add extra storage in these transition spaces. This can be particularly useful in apartments or homes with narrow hallways.
- Narrow Shelves or Cabinets : Install floating shelves or a cabinet above the toilet to store seasonal items, shoes, or even extra blankets. This keeps the hallway from feeling overcrowded while maximizing storage.
- Hooks for Bags or Hats : A row of hooks above the toilet can hold bags, hats, scarves, or coats, offering an easy spot to grab items on the way in or out.
8. In the Bathroom: Keep the Essentials Organized
Of course, the bathroom remains the most common place for over-the-toilet storage, and it can serve a dual purpose as a space-saving solution while keeping toiletries and essentials organized.
- Over-the-Toilet Storage Unit : A classic over-the-toilet shelving unit can hold towels, toiletries, and other bathroom supplies. Choose one that matches the aesthetic of the bathroom to make it both functional and stylish.
- Towel Rack or Hooks : Hang towels, robes, or other accessories above the toilet for easy access. This frees up space in cabinets and drawers for other items.
Conclusion
Over-the-toilet storage is not just a bathroom hack---it's a versatile solution for any room in your home. By thinking creatively, you can utilize this often-underused space to store items in the kitchen, bedroom, living room, entryway, office, laundry room, and hallway. Whether you use it for functional storage or to display decorative items, integrating over-the-toilet storage in unexpected places can help you maximize your space and keep your home organized without sacrificing style.