A pet peeve for me in bathroom design is the need for more storage. I have too many cosmetics and never have enough space. I need a good designer and the biggest storage options.
Luckily, it’s easy to sort this out with some generous sized bathroom storage solutions. From vanity storage and freestanding furniture to bespoke designs there’s plenty on offer. Forget bathroom furniture that’s barely big enough to store your toothpaste and nothing else. The bigger, the better is the way forward.
Before you start, consider how much stuff you have and what you need to store in the bathroom. Some designers recommend getting all your products out, lining everything up and measuring the space you need. And that makes a lot of sense. Think height and width – some cosmetics or cleaning products are pretty tall – and figure out what you want to store and go from there.
Next it’s time to start planning. But first work out how much space you have to play with. “Before purchasing any furniture accurately measure your bathroom whilst factoring in door openings and where the plumbing connections are sited,” recommends Shamila Iqbal, director at Bathroom Mountain. Or alternatively, hire a good designer to do all the hard work for you. But it’s always good to know your own space before heading to a retailer.
Let’s dive into the different options available…
Bathroom vanities
Vanity units are one of the simplest ways to maximise storage in your bathroom. It uses space that would otherwise be wasted under the basin and keeps products close by, perfect for skincare or makeup. A space-saving solution is to have a deck-mounted basin on a worktop to save space on the plumbing. Or to have a vanity unit that is to the floor to maximise space and maintain a streamlined space.
Consider adding matching pieces of furniture to create even more storage solutions. “Choosing a combination vanity unit with additional storage for flexibility will help achieve a coordinated décor whilst providing storage space for all your bathroom essentials,” says Shamila.
Mix and match your big bathroom storage
Wall-hung options will keep your design looking and feeling clean, even if you go for larger pieces of furniture. Freestanding furniture, meanwhile, is an excellent option for renters or for anyone planning to move in the near future. “A mix of floor standing and wall-mounted storage will usually offer you the best use of space whilst allowing for products and medicines to be kept out of reach of small children,” continues Shamila.
Built-in shelves
Make sure to use any nooks and alcoves for built-in shelving as it’s a great way to add more storage space, and you can also use some contrasting materials to add extra interest to your design. Storage baskets will become your new best friend to hide away things and keep the shelving from feeling cluttered.
And good storage ideas can add some design flair. “Shelving doesn’t just have to be functional,” says Amit Malhotra, co-founder of Aflux Design. “If you’ve organised your storage, use the opportunity to dedicate shelves to express your own style. Adding greenery through plants is always a great addition, resulting in a calming oasis.”
Mirrored cabinets
Mirrored cabinets are a gift to bathroom design. They offer a practical mirror, which is valuable for any bathroom design, bounce more light back into the room, and offer additional storage. Whether you go for a medicine cabinet style or a full-length mirrored cabinet with multiple shelves, it’s a total win.
Bespoke solutions for big bathroom storage
For larger households you might want to consider a bespoke solution, which can be custom-built for specific or awkward spaces.