If you have ever organized a messy cabinet or junk drawer, you know just how life-altering it can be. When it comes to a bathroom closet, a tidy display can do wonders since products in the bathroom as used quite often. The most important first step to organizing a bathroom closet is decluttering. Once you’ve figured out which items are worth keeping, separate each product by category and sort them into organizers like bins and turntables.
In the article, we will give you ideas for a clean, organized bathroom closet layout and some organizational necessities that can make the most out of your closet space. Say goodbye to a cluttered bathroom closet because after reading this article and implementing these ideas, nothing will go missing in your bathroom closet again!
Bathroom Closet Organization Tips
Purge and Clean
This is the most time-consuming part. You don’t want to keep everything. You want to purge and throw items out that you no longer use or will never use. You will want to take the time to sift through everything and ensure that you aren’t keeping unnecessary items.
After you purge and go through everything empty out the closet and give it a thorough cleaning. Wipe down all the shelves and the back of the closet.
Assess Your Mess
After you have purged, categorize each item and set them in piles. This will help you see the type of storage you need for this project.
If you’re unsure how or where to begin your bathroom organization, start with some simple categories: hair, makeup, lotions, etc. Divide your products up into groups, then sort them into labeled bins for easy access.
Product Selection
You will want your closet to be fully functional and easy to find exactly what you need in little time. It’s also nice to have a closet that aesthetically has some decorative flare. You will want to get a variety of bins/baskets. It makes it easier to ensure you capture all your item needs.
A quick tip to up your bathroom’s aesthetic is to store everything, and we mean everything, in baskets and bins. Especially for homeowners who need an open shelf to accommodate all their toiletries, place your belongings in a decorative basket or a practical organizer before setting in on the shelf.
Placement
Regarding the placement of your bins and organizational totes, this will differ for everyone, but it’s ideal to place the baskets/bins of items that you use every day up front and center. You can make a layout template to design your closet or place them as you go.
If you want an appealing bathroom closet, think about making it symmetrical. Matching bins with labels will bring a balanced look to your closet and make it more cohesive rather than random sizes bins everywhere.
Labeling
Sometimes when you organize, it can be difficult to remember where you moved everything. To help in this regard, it is wise to label everything. It is so helpful in finding the things you need in the shortest amount of time, too.
Go for Cohesion
One of the reasons bathrooms can so quickly become cluttered is the myriad of products they’re meant to store. Simplify the space with a set of matching storage baskets or bins. If you can find an option with a lid, it will be even easier to keep your bathroom closet looking tidy.
Choose a Color Palette
Your bathroom closet may feel like a cluster of expired toiletries and long-lost bobby pins, but even this space merits some cosmetic attention. Before organizing your closet, select a color palette to keep the look clean.
Don’t Overcrowd
Just because you have room doesn’t mean you need to fill it. One of the easiest ways to minimize mess is to allow empty space on your shelves. Instead of cramming your lotions and soaps altogether, try to leave a little wiggle room.
Everything Should Have a Home
Bathroom closets can feel cluttered when homeowners use the space as a catch-all for everything from vitamins to bath salts. To keep your closet neat, give every stored item a suitable home. Dividing your products into baskets and bins is an easy way to ensure everything in your closet is put there on purpose.
Stack Items
A great to maximize your storage area without overcrowding is to buy a set of stackable storage bins. You can purchase options that are minimal and practical, and plastic material makes for easy clean-up in case of any leaks or spills — so keep that in mind.
Budget-Friendly
For many of us, the bathroom closet isn’t a space worth splurging on. Instead, adhere to a budget and opt for basic storage solutions. For example, this affordable bathroom closet, organized by the team at A Fresh Space, required nothing more than a few white plastic bins and some attention.
Use Short Bins
For the products and lotions you know you’ll often use, pay attention to the height of your storage containers. Choose organizers that won’t take up the whole height of your closet shelf, so you won’t have to pull out a bin full of toiletries to grab the item you need.
Roll Your Towels
If you’re looking for innovative ways to make your bathroom closet a little more aesthetically appealing, try playing with the towels. You can fold them, roll them, or try a combination of the two. This is an easy and affordable way to beautify a commonly cluttered space.
Ditch the Busy Labels
Not every bath product needs to be stored away. However, if you’re struggling to decide which products to put in the closet and which to display on an open shelf or counter, keep products with loud or colorful labels hidden. Instead, set out simpler items like towels and toilet paper.
Groups of Two or Three
A good rule of thumb for interior design is to group decor in twos or threes, and this same concept can be applied to your bathroom closet. If you have open shelving storage in your bathroom, separate items like hand towels and bath salts into smaller groups to create an eye-catching display.
Refresh with a Coat of Light Paint
Lighter shades of paint not only help light things up but also make it more effortless to see everything that’s in your linen closet. Stuff won’t go missing as often.
Toss Packaging
If unsightly, bulky packaging clashes with your bathroom closet organization, try replacing them with more appealing storage solutions. For instance, cotton swabs, cotton balls, and the like can be stored in smaller containers like glass apothecary jars to save space and add some visual interest.
Create Drawers Within the Closet
Smaller items like lipsticks and travel-sized toiletries can easily become lost in your bathroom storage. Create space for these smaller items with a set of clear, petite drawers. Instead of searching through a basket of hairsprays and leftover lotion bottles, you’ll be able to spot what you need quickly and move on with your day.
Keep Things Folded
It might seem obvious, but making sure everything is neatly folded before putting it back in the closet can make a huge difference. Just learn how to fold them the exact same way every single time.
Make DIY Labels
Customize your baskets with cute DIY labels! All you need is a hole puncher, card stock, clear label tape, and a label maker.
Use Shelf Liners
If you have wire shelving in your bathroom closet and are tired of small items slipping through the gaps, shelf liners are the perfect solution—and they’re super easy to install, too.
Make Space for Laundry
If you have extra room, slip your laundry hamper into the bottom of your bathroom closet. A multi-parter like this makes it easy to keep things sorted ’til laundry day.
Add Wall Hooks
You can add wall hooks right inside your bathroom closet. This will give you extra space to hang towels and free up some shelf space.
Use a Variety of Containers
Buy a variety of baskets and containers in various sizes that best suit whatever you store in them. For example, bigger containers are better for linens and towels, while smaller baskets are perfect for shampoos and lotions.
Use an Extra Storage Cabinet
If you’re limited on closet space but have room to spare in a bathroom, add a storage cabinet for extra towels and toiletries. Attach a hook on the side, and voilà! Yet another place to hang towels.
Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Own Style
If your style is a little more diverse, don’t be afraid to use a blend of storage solutions for your bathroom closet. For instance, this adorable cabinet doubles as a bathroom cabinet and linen closet and features a blend of wicker and wire storage containers, with products stowed away and on display.
Go with the Essentials
As you are ready to organize your bathroom closet, evaluate each item’s use and frequency. Specifically for bathrooms with minimal storage space, prioritize your essential, everyday items and toss or hide away the rest.
Make it Your Own
Just as is the case with interior design, not every organizing tip will appeal to every homeowner. Evaluate the ideas presented above and give yourself license to pick and choose what works for your space and your style.
The Best Bathroom Closet Organizers
When it comes to the actual organizing of your bathroom closet, what are the best tools and materials to use? We have compiled a helpful list of some of our favorite organizational items that work great in the bathroom closet.
Glass Apothecary Jars
If you’re after a little elegance in your bathroom closet, look no further than a glass apothecary jar. These see-through canisters add a bit of class and style all while keeping your toiletries organized and easily accessible.
They look so stunning inside the bathroom closet!
Plastic Bins
Plastic bins are a perfect organizational tool for the bathroom closet. You can use these for lotions, shampoos, or even hair tools. Storing hot tools can always be challenging. These containers easily fit hair dryers, flat irons, and extra towels, vitamins, and soaps.
The open top also makes it easy to see what’s inside and quickly grab what you need.
Interlocking Towel Organizer
With an interlocking towel organizer (designed in Japan with small spaces in mind) you’ll be able to store and display as many towels as you want without worrying if they’ll fall out of place.
Over the Door
When it comes to the back side of your closet door, you can cleverly use this space — just get yourself an over-the-door storage solution. This one here comes with hooks and lots of shelving, providing you with tons of extra options for storage.
Tall Shelf Dividers
If you want the option to fold and roll your towels, consider these shelf dividers. The adjustable hardware can be spaced out to conveniently fit anything you want to organize.
Open Weave Baskets
A natural fit for your bathroom closet. These simple yet durable baskets are perfect for the decorator looking for form and function. Use as a hand-woven storage solution — here, they are shown for the kitchen, but they could easily be used in the bathroom closet instead. Plus, they come ready with chalkboard labels.
Open Drawer Organizer
A Lazy Susan
No one likes searching through their bathroom closet for the missing bottle of shaving cream or the odd lotion you use occasionally. Instead, use a couple of small turntables. One spin and you’ve found what you’re looking for.
Go For Beauty With Open Closets
Sometimes, your bathroom closet may not have a door so you may feel the forced need to be organized and decorated. Using pretty baskets to store toilet paper is a great idea. Who knew toilet paper could look so pretty?
An open-shelf closet is a perfect spot to display your toilet paper in a fun way. For instance, this bathroom closet uses a gorgeous rattan basket in the space pictured here. This tip will spare your guests from searching for an extra roll.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What do you put in a bathroom closet?
A bathroom closet can accommodate essentials such as towels, toilet paper, soap, and other toiletries. More room could mean space for other linens, hair tools, cleaning products, and anything else that's relevant to the tasks that take place there.
Should a linen closet be in the bathroom?
The majority of home buyers (78%) have expressed that a linen closet in the bathroom is a desirable or an essential/must-have bathroom feature, putting it in first place in the most wanted bathroom features list.
Where do you put towels in a bathroom without a closet?
A cloth or wicker hamper in your bathroom is the perfect place to store clean, folded towels. Just ensure your guests know it isn't meant for items that need to be washed. Alternatively, you could add a storage cabinet or washstand or even install shelves.
Is it better to store towels rolled or folded?
The trifold, bifold and deep fold methods will save space on your closet shelves. However, the best space-saving towel folding method is the spa-style roll. Rolled towels take up significantly less space than flat-folded towels. Rolled towels can be stored easily in other places if you have limited storage space.
