Bathrooms
5+ Storage Tips To Consider Before you Reno Your Bathroom
Published on May 13, 2026
Bathrooms are one of the hardest working rooms in the home, making smart storage essential. If you’re renovating a bathroom — big or small — take note of these bathroom storage tips. Inset niches, floor-to-ceiling cabinets and hidden electrical outlets are just some of the ways these designers maximize space through thoughtful design and smart planning.
Go Long With Elongated Niches
Designers know niches are a great way to steal space, and are a less obtrusive alternative to shower caddies or wall shelves. Designer Ali Budd advocated for a generous, elongated shower niche that mimics those she has seen in hotels. She prettied it up by lining it with a raised, peony-pattern honed tile.
Mind The Gap
In this compact kids’ bathroom, the designer made use of an awkward gap between the vanity and tub with a marble waterfall countertop that extends down to the tub surround to create additional surface area.
Maximize Ceiling Height
For this generous ensuite, designer Keeley McClearly added a custom full-height cabinet, a worthwhile investment for the owners, who needed more storage. “It holds more than two of our linen closets,” says Evelyn.
Hide Electrical Outlets
This vanity has plenty of discreet storage, including a docking drawer with hidden electrical outlets for hair tools and toothbrushes. “If you don’t have to put outlet holes in your gorgeous backsplash or millwork, that’s a bonus,” says Keeley . “It helps keep things cleaner visually.”
Don’t Center Your Sink
A centered sink may look symmetrical, but it doesn’t always maximize counter space. For a wall-to-wall vanity, consider offsetting the sink to create a larger, more usable surface for everyday essentials like toiletries, makeup or decorative displays.
Float Your Storage
In small bathrooms like powder rooms, floating shelves are a great way to store soaps and hand creams without taking up valuable space around a traditional pedestal sink. To make this shelf feel integrated into the design, the designer selected a patinated brass finish to complement the mirror and faucet.
Swap Out the Built-In Tub for a Freestanding One
Swapping out the built-in tub for a freestanding model gave this designer extra space beside the vanity and bathtub. She installed open shelving for art and objets. “I wanted to showcase pieces that are meaningful to me,” she says. Bonus tip: if you’re going custom, design your vanity like a piece of furniture with plenty of drawers for bathroom essentials.