Small bathrooms are a reality for many Australians, particularly those living in apartments, townhouses, or older homes. The average Australian bathroom measures around 5-8 square metres, and ensuites are often even more compact. While you can't magically expand your floor space, you can dramatically improve how that space functions. This guide explores practical storage solutions that work in real Australian bathrooms—no major renovations required.
The Principles of Small Bathroom Storage
Before diving into specific solutions, understanding a few key principles will help you make better decisions for your space:
Think Vertically
When floor space is limited, walls become your greatest asset. The area above your toilet, beside your mirror, and around your shower represents valuable storage real estate that's often underutilised. Every square centimetre of wall space is an opportunity.
Prioritise Accessibility
Items you use daily should be within arm's reach. Less frequently used items can be stored higher up or in less accessible locations. This seems obvious, but many people store things based on where they fit rather than how often they're needed.
Embrace Multi-Function
In small spaces, every item should ideally serve more than one purpose. A mirror that opens to reveal storage, a stool that holds towels underneath, or a caddy that can move from shower to vanity are all examples of multi-functional thinking.
The secret to small bathroom storage isn't finding more space—it's using existing space more intentionally. Before buying any storage solution, identify exactly what you need to store and where you need to access it.
Shower and Bath Storage
The shower or bath area typically needs to accommodate multiple bottles, razors, soap, and other daily essentials. Here are the most effective solutions for small showers:
Corner Caddies
Triangular corner shelves utilise space that would otherwise go to waste. They're particularly effective in compact shower cubicles where a hanging caddy might swing into your space. Look for multi-tier options to maximise vertical storage without increasing the footprint. Suction-mounted versions work well for renters, while screw-mounted options provide more stability.
Over-Door Caddies
If you have a glass shower screen with a door, an over-door caddy adds significant storage without using any wall space. These hook over the top of the door and typically offer multiple baskets or shelves. They're completely removable and leave no marks—perfect for rental properties.
Tension Pole Systems
In showers with good ceiling height, a tension pole caddy provides substantial storage capacity. The pole extends from floor to ceiling and holds multiple adjustable shelves. While they have a larger presence than other options, they're ideal for households with many products to store.
Consolidate products where possible. Instead of multiple bottles, consider refillable dispensers mounted to the wall. This reduces clutter and eliminates the need for large storage solutions altogether.
Above-Toilet Storage
The wall space above your toilet is prime storage territory that's frequently overlooked. This area is perfect for items you don't need to access during showering:
Floating Shelves
Simple floating shelves provide open storage for decorative items, extra toilet paper, and small baskets of toiletries. In rental properties, look for shelves that mount with adhesive strips rather than screws. Style tip: keep items on floating shelves organised and minimal—cluttered shelves can make a small space feel even smaller.
Ladder Shelves
Freestanding ladder shelves lean against the wall behind the toilet, offering multiple tiers of storage without any mounting. They're easy to move and reposition, making them excellent for renters. Choose slim designs specifically proportioned to fit the narrow space behind toilets.
Cabinet Units
Over-toilet cabinet units provide concealed storage that keeps the bathroom looking tidy. These freestanding or wall-mounted cabinets fit around the toilet tank and offer both open shelving and enclosed cupboard space. They're particularly useful for storing cleaning supplies, medications, and other items you'd prefer to keep out of sight.
Vanity and Sink Area Optimisation
The vanity area handles much of your daily bathroom routine, so optimising this space has an outsized impact on functionality.
Under-Sink Organisation
The cabinet under your sink often becomes a chaotic dumping ground. Transform it with:
- Stackable drawers: These let you access items without removing everything in front
- Tension rods: Install a tension rod to hang spray bottles, freeing up floor space
- Door-mounted organisers: These attach to the inside of cabinet doors for small items
- Lazy Susans: Rotating trays make corner cabinet space accessible
- Clear containers: Group similar items together and make everything visible
Medicine Cabinet Alternatives
If you don't have a medicine cabinet, create similar functionality with:
- A mirror with built-in shelving on one or both sides
- Narrow wall-mounted cabinets beside your existing mirror
- Magnetic strips for holding metal items like tweezers and nail clippers
- Small suction-mounted containers for daily essentials
Benchtop Management
Keeping the benchtop clear makes a small bathroom feel larger. Strategies include:
- Use a single attractive tray to corral daily essentials—it looks intentional rather than cluttered
- Mount a toothbrush holder and soap dispenser to the wall to free up benchtop space
- Store only what you use daily; everything else goes in cabinets or drawers
Before purchasing any storage solution, measure your space carefully. Small bathrooms have little margin for error, and a unit that's slightly too large can make the room feel cramped and impede movement.
Door and Wall Space
Every door and wall section offers potential storage that doesn't take up floor space:
Back-of-Door Storage
The back of your bathroom door can hold:
- Over-door hooks for towels and robes
- Hanging organisers with multiple pockets for toiletries
- Narrow shelving units designed to fit door-mounted
Consider clearance carefully—make sure anything mounted to the door clears the toilet and other fixtures when the door swings.
Towel Storage Solutions
Towels take up significant space. Efficient storage options include:
- Towel bars stacked vertically: Multiple bars on one wall section
- Ladder-style towel racks: Lean against the wall and hold several towels
- Rolled towel storage: Wine rack-style holders for rolled towels
- Hooks instead of bars: Hooks take up less space and allow faster drying
Hidden Storage Opportunities
Sometimes the best storage is what you don't see. Consider these often-overlooked spaces:
Recessed Shelving
If you own your home and are willing to do minor renovation, recessed shelving built into wall cavities provides storage without protruding into the room. This is particularly effective in shower walls, where a recessed niche eliminates the need for any shower caddy at all.
Under-Bath Storage
Some bathtubs, particularly freestanding models, have accessible space beneath them. Custom panels can convert this area into pull-out storage for cleaning supplies or seldom-used items.
Ceiling Storage
In bathrooms with high ceilings, the upper wall space can accommodate long-term storage. A high shelf running along one wall stores items like extra toilet paper, towels, and seasonal items you don't need daily.
Decluttering: The Ultimate Space-Saver
No storage solution can compensate for simply having too much stuff. Before investing in organisation products, ruthlessly evaluate what you actually need in your bathroom:
- Expired products: Check dates on medications, sunscreen, and skincare products
- Duplicates: Do you really need three half-empty shampoo bottles?
- Rarely used items: Move these to a linen closet or bedroom storage
- Free samples and travel sizes: Use them or donate them
- Worn towels and washcloths: Replace and recycle the old ones
For many small bathrooms, the most transformative storage solution isn't a product at all—it's a commitment to keeping only what you need and use. Combined with the strategic solutions outlined above, even the smallest bathroom can become an organised, functional space that supports your daily routine rather than frustrating it.