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The 11 best over-the-toilet storage solutions to declutter your bathroom, according to the pros
The 11 best over-the-toilet storage solutions to declutter your bathroom, according to the pros

CNN

time06-08-2025

  • General
  • CNN

The 11 best over-the-toilet storage solutions to declutter your bathroom, according to the pros

Over-the-toilet storage quick picks A cabinet that conceals clutter: RiverRidge Somerset 3-Shelf Over-the-Toilet Storage A compact editor favorite: YouCopia Hideaway Toilet Cabinet A stylish natural option: Catgood Over-the-Toilet Bamboo Storage An organizer with adjustable shelving: Vevor Adjustable Over-the-Toilet Storage Your bathroom doesn't have to be small to benefit from over-the-toilet storage. Really, if you've ever found yourself wishing you could use a little more storage space for toiletries, cleaning supplies or any other items you keep in the bathroom, some extra shelving will definitely prove helpful. But with so many different kinds of over-the-toilet organizers to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for your space? To answer this question, I spoke to a home improvement expert and a professional organizer. They shared advice on features and materials to look for, as well as their product recommendations. The final list has something for everyone, whether you want a container with a small footprint and easy installation or a storage solution with a cabinet that hides your messy makeup collection. It's all here! Veikous 2-Shelf Over-the-Toilet Storage Cabinet organizers are one of the most popular kinds of over-the-toilet storage. Brian Shaunfield, a Lowe's store manager in North Carolina, called out this one as a trending model for the retailer. It has three shelves — one of which is adjustable and two of which are concealed behind doors — making it a good option for people looking to store a larger quantity of items, like body care refills and cleaning supplies. Professional organizer Megan Golightly likes this similar cabinet-style organizer from Amazon, which comes in several finishes and features an adjustable shelf. Costway 4-Tier Over-the-Toilet Storage Rack For an industrial-looking option, look no further than this durable metal and engineered wood rack. Copy editor Danielle Poiesz owns it and said it was easy to assemble. Of course, that's not all she loves about the organizer. 'Unlike a lot of wire storage racks, it's also very sturdy and super easy to dust and wipe down,' she said. 'It's affordable too — and usually on sale — without looking cheap. Win after win after win here!' Design Ideas Meshworks 3-Tier Bathroom Shelf Shoppers after a slender but strong shelving system should check out this steel organizer, which has three adjustable shelves that can hold up to 440 pounds each. Professional organizer Melanie Summers recommends it because of the simple design and the fact that it won't take up a lot of space in a small bathroom. The shelf extends out from the wall less than 10 inches, so it won't make the surrounding area look congested. YouCopia Hideaway Toilet Cabinet I've had this over-toilet cabinet suctioned to the lid of my toilet tank since the beginning of the year, and it's the perfect size for my small bathroom. I frequently switch out the products I keep inside it, but I tend to store my current favorite skin care serums, wet wipes and contacts. And honestly, I like that it's made of plastic. 'Plastic organizers are lightweight, waterproof and easy to clean for low-maintenance storage,' Shaunfield said. 'They're also typically the most affordable option.' Umbra Bellwood Over-the-Toilet Shelf When it comes to beautiful bathroom organizers, Umbra's Bellwood collection is the one to beat. Sporting a two-toned steel and wood construction, this unit features three surfaces for all your bathroom essentials and backups. It comes with all the hardware needed for easy assembly, and it would look so cute decorated with plants and other decor. West Elm Modern Leaning Over-the-Toilet Cubby Wood is another viable material to look for when shopping for over-toilet storage systems. 'Wood not only adds warmth and character but also creates a more elevated feel and is great for making bathrooms feel less sterile,' Shaunfield said. He added that wooden furniture intended for use in bathrooms is usually treated and sealed to resist moisture. This leaning wooden shelf system from West Elm is made from commercial-grade, kiln-dried mahogany wood to resist splitting and warping. It also has sealed metal hardware that won't rust or corrode. RiverRidge Somerset 3-Shelf Over-the-Toilet Storage This shelf system is relatively slim in profile despite its generous capacity. Like most over-the-toilet organizers in its category, it comes with anti-tip and wall-mounting hardware, making it a great choice for homeowners and parents. Honey-Can-Do 3-Tier Metal Bathroom Shelf Space Saver 'Metal is great for a clean, modern look,' Summers said, pointing to this Honey-Can-Do unit as one of her favorites. The steel organizer is popular among Amazon shoppers too, and it's generally a solid choice for people who prefer a shelf that blends into the background. Plus, its design is versatile. If you wanted to, you could also use it as pantry storage in the kitchen. Catgood Over-the-Toilet Bamboo Storage Not only does bamboo look chic but it also doesn't damage easily. Golightly even named it a go-to material for moisture resistance. 'Bathrooms are humid zones, so skip anything that warps, rusts or makes you regret your purchase a year later,' Golightly said. You certainly won't regret this bamboo organizer's three wide shelves, anti-slip foot pads or bottom bar that adjusts to fit around plumbing. Vevor Adjustable Over-the-Toilet Storage Summers likes an organizer with adjustable shelving, and this freestanding unit is a good example of that. It's available in three colors and comes with three removable hooks that you can use to hang towels, scrub brushes and more. It's easy on the eyes too, not to mention a foolproof choice for people who don't want an industrial aesthetic. Kalrin Over-the-Toilet Storage Rack Golightly recommends this storage rack because it's 'sleek, stable and doesn't scream 'dorm room.'' Similar to the Costway model, it has four roomy tiers and sports a two-toned construction, though you can also buy a monochromatic version. Golightly also said to look for something with hooks and a raised edge on the shelves so items don't fall off — two features included in this rack. When shopping for over-the-toilet storage, Summers said to look for a design that makes the most out of vertical space while keeping items you frequently reach for easily accessible. Ideally, the unit will fit your bathroom's layout without crowding the space or making it feel more cluttered than before. To avoid a bad fit, Golightly said to measure the wall space, toilet height, baseboards and plumbing. Her biggest piece of advice, though, is to be realistic. 'If you're already dealing with bathroom chaos, don't buy something that looks like a Pinterest dream but doesn't actually fit your lifestyle,' she said. 'The best organizer is the one that helps you breathe easier every time you walk in the room.' Although open shelving is helpful for easy access to toiletries, Shaunfield said some people might prefer to keep things tucked away for a more organized bathroom aesthetic. In that case, it's best to go with a cabinet-style organizer. Finally, think about whether you'd prefer a no-frills design or something with special features like adjustable shelves and drawers, which Summers noted can help organize items of different sizes. 'Ease of installation and cleaning are always a plus,' she added. The following FAQs have been answered by professional organizers Megan Golightly and Melanie Summers, and home improvement expert Brian Shaunfield. How do you install over-the-toilet storage? How do you install over-the-toilet storage? Shaunfield said it's important to assess your bathroom before buying an over-the-toilet storage solution. 'Measure from the floor to the top of your toilet tank and the width between any nearby walls or fixtures to ensure a proper fit,' he said. He added that you should choose an organizer with anti-tip brackets and sturdy feet, especially if you have pets or kids, to prevent sliding. 'Wall mounting can add extra stability and safety too, but make sure you know what kind of walls you're working with,' Shaunfield said. 'Anchoring into tile, for example, can be trickier than drywall.' What should you store in an over-the-toilet organizer? What should you store in an over-the-toilet organizer? 'Over-the-toilet organizers are great for storing things like extra towels, toilet paper, toiletries and even decorative items like plants or candles,' Summers said. 'I also love using the space for organizing first-aid kits, extra bathroom cleaning supplies or backup bathroom products that don't need to be accessed every day.' Golightly suggests using matching bins and baskets to store items like extra towels, wipes and shampoo and, in turn, create a calmer, more cohesive aesthetic. 'Hide the visual noise,' she said. 'Show the pretty stuff.' For this article, I consulted the following home improvement and organizing experts to gain their insights. Megan Golightly, professional organizer and founder of GoSimplified Brian Shaunfield, Lowe's store manager in North Carolina Melanie Summers, professional organizer and founder of I Speak Organized CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska talked to home improvement and organization experts to determine the over-the-toilet storage solutions worth shopping.

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