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We admit that over-the-toilet storage may spark memories of college dormitories or shoebox-size starter apartments. But no matter the square footage you’re working with (or the volume of stuff you need to tuck away), there is an art to crafting a visually pleasing area atop the loo. “What goes above the toilet is really dependent on your storage needs,” designer Emily Sanford tells us. If you’re graced with space and can use this as a purely decorative area, she suggests hanging art or installing a floating shelf for decor: “Fill it with a mix of pretty objects like a beautiful candle with a cloche, a chic glass match striker, a reeded diffuser, a plant, or even a beautiful tissue box cover.”
On the other hand, if you went a little too hard on your last Costco run and need somewhere to put all of your bulk toiletry goods, there are solutions for that as well. Sanford recommends hiding eyesore items—like extra bars of soap or toilet paper—in pretty baskets or behind the closed doors of a wall-mounted cabinet.
Whether you go for a freestanding cupboard or set of floating shelves (more on those different categories ahead), the material can also help it look more polished and less like a second thought. “Cerused white oak or natural walnut are our two favorite woods,” says Dekar Design cofounder of Caroline Grant. “We also love doing painted shelves to pick up a color in the tile.” Sanford adds that she tends to gravitate toward a mix of wood and marble, or glass shelving and brass hardware, but with a hint of natural materials in the form of a rattan tray.
And if the layout of your bathroom doesn’t even have space above the toilet to spare, don’t forget about the tank lid. “If there is a window above the toilet or the space does not allow for anything to be hung on the wall behind the toilet, opt for a pretty tray on top of the tank lid,” Sanford says. Ahead, a quick overview of the categories to pick and choose from when planning beautiful (and efficient) over-the-toilet storage.
Freestanding Storage
If ever there were a polarizing over-the-toilet storage piece, it’s the freestanding unit. According to Sanford, it’s better placed away from the toilet and in another area of your bathroom, if possible. “Freestanding furniture pieces in bathrooms are one of my favorite storage solutions,” she says. “If you have an empty wall and the space allows, vintage wood armoires or reeded glass cabinets can be beautiful. The options are endless.” That said, for those who live in especially snug spaces but have their sights set on something OTT (over the toilet, that is), look for options in modern silhouettes and materials that will complement and elevate your bathroom.
Our top picks include a bamboo slatted cabinet with an adjustable shelf; a slim, leaning shelving system from West Elm perfect for small spaces; a modern black sturdy frame initially designed to fit over a mini-fridge with enough clearance for a toilet; and a metal-and-wood-combo that shoppers can’t get enough of.
“Adds a ton of storage with very little footprint,” one reviewer writes. “I’ve tried a variety out through the years and most require threading behind the toilet and getting on the floor to fasten a bar which is gross. Most also take up a ton of space above and around the toilet and make it a little uncomfortable sitting and difficult when cleaning. Finally most are a little wobbly from baseboards and since being flush against the wall is what adds sturdiness they can be flimsy. This one however is a breeze to install. No getting on the floor. You won’t notice it’s even there while sitting and easy to mop around. And its design makes it super stable.”
Mounted Cabinet
“If you are going to opt for a cabinet or storage piece, attach it to the wall,” Sanford says. You can buy one that’s prefabricated or tap a local carpenter. “Usually custom-made cabinets are very expensive when creating an entire kitchen or vanity, but a single cabinet for a bathroom is worth the investment, especially when it comes to practical storage solutions.” she adds. If a custom build feels like too much, you can also play around with an existing cabinet to make it mirror the feel of your bathroom. “Ways to dress it up include painting or wallpapering the interior for a pop of color or swapping out the knobs,” she notes.
Installation note: If you’re installing a unit, Sanford says that the bottom of it should be at least 14 inches above the top of the tank (this frees up enough room to remove the tank lid if needed). “You also don’t want the cabinet to be any deeper than the tank itself. As a rule of thumb, we like to cap the depth at 10 or 11 inches from the wall (counting the 2 inches of space between wall and tank, and about 8 to 9 inches for the tank), but it depends on the style of toilet you have,” she adds.
Shelving
For a bathroom installation that’s less involved than a mounted cabinet, Dekar Design cofounder Dolores Suarez suggests shelving: “We love adding floating shelves above the toilet for towels (nicely folded, of course).” You can also incorporate artwork and decor alongside storage baskets and bins to optimize the shelving space. “Trays can help break up a space visually,” Sanford notes.
Our recommendations use different materials, from clear glass to a powder-coated steel number that our deputy shopping editor owns. (Her hot tip: add on the attachable swivel shelf for extra toiletry space.) We also found a handy unit that includes a built-in railing for towels.
Hooks and Baskets
If you’re feeling clever and crafty, you can incorporate hooks above the toilet in lieu of a shelf or cabinet and hang a basket for extra storage. “A hanging basket from the ceiling is also a decorative and practical way to store additional toilet paper,” Suarez notes. And while you can’t go wrong with a simple Ikea setup, elevate the look by pairing up ceramic pieces by Virgina Sin with handmade braided jute baskets outfitted with a handy loop.
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