19 Smart Ways To Use That Space Above The Toilet
That awkward space above your toilet is prime real estate in most bathrooms, yet it often sits completely unused. Whether you’re dealing with a tiny apartment bathroom or just want to maximize your space, there are plenty of smart ways to put this area to work.
From stylish storage solutions to decorative touches, let’s explore how to transform this overlooked spot into a functional and attractive part of your bathroom.
1. Bathroom Plant Shelf
Transform your bathroom into a mini jungle oasis with some greenery. Plants that thrive in humidity like pothos, ferns, and peace lilies will flourish here.
A simple wooden shelf mounted above the toilet creates the perfect perch for these bathroom-friendly plants. The natural elements add life to an otherwise sterile space while improving air quality.
2. Floating Shelves For Storage And Display
Sleek and minimalist, these wall-mounted wonders create instant storage without taking up precious floor space.
The beauty lies in their versatility! Floating shelves can hold everything from extra toilet paper to decorative items. Install two or three in graduating lengths for a designer look, or go with matching pairs for symmetry that pleases the eye.
3. Hanging Baskets For Towels Or Toiletries
Rustic charm meets practical storage with this simple solution! Wire, wicker, or fabric hanging baskets add texture while keeping essentials within arm’s reach.
Hang these versatile containers from hooks or a rod above the toilet. They’re perfect for rolled washcloths, extra toilet paper, or those products you use daily but don’t want cluttering your counter space.
4. Decorative Wall Art Or Prints
Express your personality with eye-catching artwork that transforms your bathroom into a gallery space. From waterproof prints to framed photographs, the options are endless!
The wall above your toilet offers a perfect blank canvas. Choose pieces that complement your bathroom’s color scheme or go bold with statement art that becomes a conversation starter for guests using your facilities.
5. Ladder Shelving Units
Bring architectural interest to your bathroom with these space-saving vertical wonders! The angled design creates depth while providing multiple levels for storage and display.
Ladder shelves lean against the wall, requiring no installation. Their open structure prevents your bathroom from feeling cramped while offering plenty of spots for towels, plants, and decorative containers – all within easy reach above the toilet.
6. Built-In Niches For A Custom Look
Recessed shelving creates a sleek, high-end look that maximizes space without protruding into the room. During renovation, consider adding these architectural features!
Built-in niches can be tiled to match your shower or painted in a contrasting color for visual interest. They offer waterproof storage perfect for frequently used items while giving your bathroom that custom, thoughtfully designed appearance.
7. Small Hanging Plants Or Greenery
Breathe life into your bathroom with cascading greenery suspended from the ceiling! Trailing pothos, spider plants, or air plants thrive in bathroom humidity. Hanging plants draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height in smaller spaces.
Choose macramé hangers for boho vibes or sleek modern planters for contemporary bathrooms – either way, these living decorations purify air while adding natural beauty.
8. Towel Racks Or Bars
Practical yet stylish, mounted towel storage keeps linens accessible and on display. Multiple bars create a hotel-inspired look that elevates your bathroom’s functionality.
Towel racks installed above the toilet put otherwise wasted wall space to work. Choose finishes that complement your fixtures – brushed nickel, matte black, or warm brass – and enjoy the luxury of having fresh towels always within reach.
9. Stylish Mirrors For Added Light
Bounce natural light around your bathroom while creating the illusion of more space! A decorative mirror above the toilet serves double duty as both functional and fashionable.
Mirrors reflect light from windows or fixtures, brightening dark bathrooms instantly. Choose unusual shapes like sunbursts or hexagons for added visual interest, or go with a classic framed design that complements your bathroom’s existing elements.
10. Apothecary Jars For Storage
Glass containers with vintage pharmacy vibes add instant elegance to bathroom storage. Their transparent nature transforms everyday items into decorative elements!
Arrange a collection of different-sized apothecary jars on a shelf above your toilet. Fill them with cotton balls, bath salts, or colorful soaps for a spa-like display that’s both practical and pretty enough to leave in plain sight.
11. Over-The-Toilet Cabinets
Ready-made storage heroes that instantly multiply your bathroom’s organization capacity! These freestanding units sit right over your toilet, utilizing vertical space with enclosed storage.
Over-the-toilet cabinets come in countless styles from rustic to modern. Behind those cabinet doors, you can hide all the not-so-pretty bathroom necessities while keeping countertops clear and clutter-free.
12. Wall-Mounted Magazine Holders
Keep your bathroom reading material organized and accessible with sleek wall-mounted racks. Metal, wood, or acrylic options offer style variety to match any decor theme. Magazine holders installed above the toilet corral reading materials that might otherwise clutter surfaces.
Look for waterproof designs specifically made for bathrooms, or repurpose office organizers for an affordable solution that keeps entertainment within reach.
13. Hooks For Robes Or Towels
Simple yet incredibly useful, decorative hooks turn wall space into functional hanging spots. From vintage-inspired to modern minimalist, hook styles can enhance your bathroom’s design theme.
Installing a row of hooks above the toilet creates perfect perches for robes, towels, or shower caps. Unlike towel bars, hooks allow items to dry quickly since fabric isn’t folded, making them both practical and space-efficient.
14. Leaning Shelves For Visual Interest
Architectural and eye-catching, these space-saving units create dimension without permanent installation. The graduated design maximizes storage while maintaining an open, airy feel.
Leaning shelves rest against the wall above your toilet, offering multiple tiers for display and storage. Their angled profile adds visual interest to your bathroom while providing ample space for towels, baskets, and decorative items.
15. Woven Or Decorative Bins
Add texture and warmth to your bathroom with natural fiber containers that hide everyday clutter. Seagrass, water hyacinth, or bamboo bins bring organic elements into typically sterile spaces.
Place these decorative containers on shelves above the toilet to corral everything from extra toilet paper to hair tools. The natural materials soften the bathroom’s hard surfaces while providing practical, grab-and-go storage for daily essentials.
16. Framed Quotes Or Typography Art
Personalize your bathroom with words that inspire, amuse, or simply make guests smile. Framed sayings add character without taking up any physical space! The wall above your toilet offers prime real estate for meaningful quotes or humorous bathroom-appropriate sayings.
Choose water-resistant frames and high-quality prints to prevent humidity damage, and select typography that complements your bathroom’s existing color scheme.
17. Hanging Lanterns Or Sconces
Illuminate your bathroom with decorative lighting that doubles as art! Wall-mounted fixtures add ambiance while freeing up surface space elsewhere. Sconces installed above the toilet create a warm glow perfect for nighttime bathroom visits.
Battery-operated or plug-in versions offer lighting solutions without requiring electrical work, while hardwired options provide a more permanent, polished look.
18. Mini Gallery Wall
Create a conversation-starting focal point with a curated collection of small artwork. The unexpected location turns necessary bathroom visits into mini museum experiences! Arrange 5-7 small framed pieces in a pleasing configuration above your toilet.
Mix photos, prints, and small objects like mounted air plants for dimension. Use waterproof frames and avoid valuable artwork that might be damaged by bathroom humidity.
19. Chalkboard Or Corkboard for Notes
Functional and fun, these interactive surfaces make mornings more efficient for busy households. Leave reminders, inspiring quotes, or shopping lists where everyone will see them! Mount a framed chalkboard or corkboard above the toilet for practical communication central.
Sealed chalkboards resist humidity, while corkboards can display children’s artwork or important reminders. This unexpected touch adds personality while serving a genuine purpose in your daily routine.
