Arranging shelves above a toilet can be both a practical and stylish solution for utilising vertical space in a bathroom. This often-overlooked area provides an excellent opportunity to store essentials and decorative items while keeping them easily accessible. In this guide, we will explore various ideas and tips for how do you arrange shelves above a toilet, ensuring that your bathroom remains uncluttered and visually appealing. Whether you aim for a minimalistic design or a more ornate display, the right approach can transform this small space into a functional focal point.
Benefits of Adding Shelves Above a Toilet
Adding shelves above a toilet comes with several advantages that can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. Firstly, this setup maximizes unused vertical space, making it an ideal spot for storing items like toilet paper, towels, or personal care products, thereby reducing clutter on countertops. Additionally, shelves can serve as a decorative element, allowing you to display plants, artwork, or decorative baskets that reflect your style. This not only personalizes your space but also can create an inviting atmosphere. Furthermore, using shelves is a cost-effective way to upgrade your bathroom without extensive renovations, providing a simple yet impactful solution for improving organization and style.
Choosing the Right Shelves
When selecting shelves for installation above a toilet, consider both functionality and style to achieve a balanced look. Firstly, think about the material; sturdy options like wood or metal can withstand the humidity often found in bathrooms, while also providing a stylish finish.
Additionally, the depth of the shelves is crucial; opting for shallower shelves can prevent items from extending too far into the space and maintain accessibility. Aesthetically, choose colours and finishes that complement your existing bathroom décor, whether it be sleek and modern or warm and rustic. Lastly, consider adjustable or floating shelves, as they offer flexibility in arrangement and can adapt to your changing storage needs over time.
10 Methods How Do You Arrange Shelves above a Toilet
1. Measure and Plan the Space Carefully
Before installing any shelves, the first step is to measure the available space above the toilet. Understanding the height, width, and depth of this area will help you select the right type of shelving. Ideally, you want shelves that are wide enough to store items without overcrowding the space or interfering with the toilet itself. Make sure there’s enough clearance between the top of the toilet tank and the bottom of the first shelf, usually about 12-18 inches. This planning stage will also help you determine how many shelves you can install while keeping the area looking balanced and proportionate.
2. Choose the Right Style of Shelves
The style of the shelves you choose plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Depending on your decor, you can opt for floating shelves for a modern, minimalist look, or choose more traditional bracketed shelves for a classic feel. Wooden shelves can add warmth and texture, while metal or glass shelves create a sleek, contemporary vibe. When selecting shelves, consider how they will complement other bathroom elements such as mirrors, lighting, and hardware. The goal is to choose a style that enhances the look of the bathroom while providing useful storage space.
3. Balance Functionality and Aesthetics
When arranging shelves above a toilet, it’s important to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Use the shelves to store essential items, such as extra toilet paper, towels, or toiletries, while also leaving room for decorative touches. For example, you can place a few rolled-up towels on one shelf and add a small potted plant or a decorative vase on another. This mix of practical items and decorative elements will keep the shelves from looking cluttered while enhancing the overall look of the bathroom. Always consider what you need easy access to and place those items on the lower shelves.
4. Use Baskets and Bins for Organization
Incorporating baskets and bins into your shelf arrangement can help keep items organized and reduce visual clutter. Woven or fabric baskets can hold toiletries, spare towels, or cleaning supplies, making them easily accessible yet hidden from view. Choose baskets that fit neatly on the shelves and complement the overall design of the bathroom. For a coordinated look, opt for matching or complementary colors, textures, and styles. Baskets and bins are especially useful if you have open shelving, as they provide a tidy, contained way to store items that may otherwise look messy if left out in the open.
5. Consider Shelf Height and Layering
When installing shelves above a toilet, the height and layering of the shelves can impact both function and design. A good rule of thumb is to install shelves at varying heights to create visual interest. The bottom shelf can be used for storing larger items, such as baskets or folded towels, while the upper shelves can display lighter, smaller decorative pieces. Layering items such as books, candles, or small picture frames on different shelves can add depth and personality to the arrangement. Just be mindful not to overdo it – too much layering can make the space feel cluttered and overwhelming.
6. Incorporate Greenery for a Natural Touch
Adding greenery to your shelves above the toilet can instantly brighten up the space and create a calming, spa-like atmosphere. Small potted plants, succulents, or hanging plants are perfect for adding a natural element to the bathroom. Plants not only improve the air quality but also bring a refreshing contrast to the hard lines of shelving and the often sterile feel of bathroom fixtures. Consider placing a small pot on one of the lower shelves or hanging a trailing plant from the top shelf. Choose plants that thrive in humid environments, such as ferns, aloe vera, or pothos.
7. Mix Decorative and Practical Items
To create a visually appealing and functional shelf arrangement, it’s important to mix practical items with decorative ones. Start by placing essential items like toiletries, extra toilet paper, or hand towels on the lower shelves where they’re easily accessible. On the higher shelves, add decorative items such as framed artwork, candles, or decorative jars filled with bath salts or cotton balls. The key is to create balance: don’t overcrowd the shelves with too many functional items, and leave room for decor to shine. Mixing both types of items will help you achieve a cohesive, organized look.
8. Incorporate Mirrors or Artwork
Hanging a mirror or artwork above the toilet can add a stylish touch to your shelf arrangement. A mirror can make a small bathroom feel larger and brighter, while artwork can introduce color and personality to the space. If you choose to hang a mirror, make sure it’s proportionate to the shelves and the overall size of the wall. Artwork, on the other hand, can be framed and placed directly on a shelf or mounted on the wall behind the shelves for added visual depth. Choose pieces that complement your bathroom’s theme, whether it’s modern, vintage, or coastal.
9. Add Lighting for Ambiance and Function
Lighting can be an essential feature when arranging shelves above a toilet, especially in a bathroom where natural light may be limited. You can install small, battery-operated LED lights or string lights under the shelves to create a warm, inviting glow. These lights not only add ambiance but also improve visibility, making it easier to find items on the shelves. Another option is to incorporate decorative lighting, such as a small lantern or candle holder, which can serve as both a light source and a decorative piece. Lighting can enhance the functionality and atmosphere of your bathroom while highlighting the items on your shelves.
10. Personalize the Space with Unique Touches
Finally, don’t forget to personalize the shelf arrangement by adding unique touches that reflect your personality and style. This could be anything from displaying a favorite quote in a small frame to showcasing a collection of shells or vintage bottles. Personal items give the space character and make it feel more inviting. You could also consider adding a theme to the shelves, such as beach-inspired decor, minimalist chic, or a rustic farmhouse vibe. Personalization adds warmth to the space and transforms an otherwise functional area into a visually appealing focal point in your bathroom.
Conclusion
Arranging shelves above the toilet can be a delightful opportunity to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal in your bathroom. By carefully considering the selection, arrangement, and styling of items, you can create a space that not only meets your practical needs but also serves as a beautiful focal point. From incorporating greenery and decorative accents to using effective storage solutions, the right shelf arrangement can enhance your bathroom experience. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how do you arrange shelves above a toilet!
