9 Brilliant Over-The-Toilet Storage Hacks (Yes, For Renters Too!)
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When space is at a premium in a compact bathroom, get creative with every nook and cranny – including the often overlooked area above the toilet tank. While floating shelves or cabinets mounted on the wall are a common storage solution here, they require some installation work. If you’re renting or want to avoid any major drilling, that may not be an option. A freestanding shelving unit that simply slots over the toilet can be an ideal alternative.
If your bathroom is tiny, the space above the toilet tank is prime real estate for storage. Make use of these 9 ideas for over-the-toilet storage, including drill-free ideas for renters.
IKEA has some smart options to maximize this vertical space, from ready-made over-the-toilet cabinets to hackable shelving units. We’ll explore IKEA’s bathroom storage lineup along with some savvy DIY hacks to squeeze in bonus storage above your commode. Get ready to reclaim that wasted space.
1. Hemnes Bathroom Shelf Unit, $139.99
An over-toilet storage unit from the classic HEMNES range, with the same kind of detailing to match other pieces of furniture in the HEMNES series. The construction is simple: two doors open up to reveal an adjustable shelf to hold your bathroom essentials. An open shelf below it makes it easier to access frequently used items (extra toilet rolls?)
Material-wise, it’s made from fiberboard, which means it won’t stand up to a lot of water and dampness. Always keep the area surrounding the HEMNES bathroom storage unit dry.
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2. Enhet Storage Combination, $375.00
IKEA’s ENHET series brings a fresh, modular approach to bathroom storage. This line showcases an elegant mix of closed cabinets to neatly stash away unsightly clutter alongside open shelving to proudly display decorative accessories. We all love open shelves for showing off those plush, rolled towels or a stylish basket brimming with our favorite toiletries.
The beauty of ENHET is its customizability to suit your space, even that snug area around the toilet. Choose either the 24″ or 30″ wide wall cabinet as the base, then complement it with as much or as little open shelving as you need below. While the cabinet is crafted from moisture-resistant particleboard, the open-shelf components are made of powder-coated galvanized steel for added durability in humid conditions. Just be mindful of any standing water to prevent any potential rust issues over time.
3. Enhet Open Wall Shelves, from $55.00
If you’re dealing with a truly tiny bathroom, the open and airy designs of the ENHET series can be a space-enhancing game-changer. Forgo a bulky closed cabinet in favor of ENHET’s powder-coated (for durability) steel open shelving units. It comes in various sizes.
4. Enhet Mirror Cabinet, $112.00
Alternatively, consider IKEA’s ENHET mirror cabinet (24″x6 3/4″x30″) to essentially double your square footage—at least perceptually. By reflecting the room back on itself, mirrors magically trick the eye into perceiving more expansiveness.
5. NYSJÖN Cabinet for washing machine, $99.99
While designed by IKEA to sit atop a front-loading washing machine, the NYSJÖN storage cabinet will fit above most standard toilet tanks. For many, the idea of open shelving above the toilet feels unsanitary due to the risk of dispersing tiny particulate matter with every flush.
The NYSJÖN offers the perfect enclosed alternative to prevent any potential splashes or droplets. The other advantage is that all parts have protective edge bands fixed with humidity-resistant glue to prevent moisture and humidity from penetrating. A sleek, space-efficient design that provides valuable bonus storage.
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6. Frösjön Over-The-Toilet Shelf, $44.99
IKEA recently introduced a new (and cheap) over-the-toilet shelving unit with three tiers of storage space called the FRÖSJÖN. It was a great, no-fuss space-saving solution. The shallow depth of the open shelves allows it to fit snugly above the commode, transforming that often wasted area into handy storage real estate for toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and more. Yet it barely encroaches on your floor space.
The metal wire construction serves dual purposes – the sides and front lip prevent items from falling off, while the open design maintains a spacious, airy feel. Adjustable feet ensure the shelf sits level, even on uneven floors. Plus, the removable shelves make cleaning a breeze.
Maximize The Wasted Space Above The Toilet With IKEA Hacks
If IKEA’s readymade solutions don’t fit the bill, start hacking and DIY your own custom shelving to squeeze in more storage over the toilet. All hacks depend entirely on the space and dimensions around your toilet. Be sure to carefully measure the width and height first, then compare them to the product specs on IKEA’s website to ensure a proper fit.
7. Ivar Bathroom Space Saver For Renters
When you’re renting and dealing with a small bathroom without closet space, it requires some creative thinking to maximize storage. Natasha, a New Yorker, wanted an attractive enclosed storage unit that allowed access to the only inconveniently located power outlet above the toilet. Thinking outside the box with an IKEA hack became the answer. By repurposing components from the IVAR pine shelving system, she constructed a freestanding, Scandinavian-inspired cabinet tailored for the over-the-toilet nook—all on a budget.
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8. Billy Bookcase Over-The-Toilet Storage Hack
Scoring a free bookcase on Craigslist sparked the idea to hack it into a space-optimizing over-the-toilet cabinet. To customize the fit, Annie removed the back panel entirely, though you could cut it to size for the middle shelf if desired. Since it would sit directly over the toilet tank, the bottom shelf was also eliminated, utilizing all the remaining shelves. Conveniently, the fixed middle shelf landed at just the right height to clear the tank.
A simple hook was added to the side for towels. You could easily install a few more hooks as needed for extra storage potential. While the particleboard construction isn’t ideal for showers, consistent bathroom ventilation has allowed this piece to hold up for months.
9. DIY Affordable, Sturdy Over-The-Toilet Storage
Despite its flimsy design, the HYLLIS galvanized steel shelving unit from IKEA proves surprisingly sturdy when repurposed for bathroom storage. Its compact size tucks neatly beside the vanity and toilet, offering ample extra shelving without overwhelming the space.
To transform the HYLLIS into an over-the-toilet unit, only the top two or three shelves are used, with the unit elevated with bed risers or wood blocks. For added stability, one of the remaining HYLLIS shelves is attached to the two rear unit legs of the shelving unit.
The genius of this hack lies in its simplicity and economical nature. No special tools or cutting are required—just some basic assembly tweaks to the off-the-shelf HYLLIS. Best of all, it provides a stylish storage boost at a far more reasonable price point than typical over-the-toilet cabinets.
This article originally appeared on IKEA Hackers.