Bathroom storage

Get fitted
One of the most inch-efficient ways of adding storage to the bathroom is with built-in units. These can be tailored to the available space, fitting neatly in nooks and crannies like under the sink or bath tub. They also have the added advantage of being a good way to hide away any unsightly plumbing. Made to measure units can be expensive though and you won’t be able to take them with you if you move house.

Freestanding
Freestanding storage units can add style and interest to your bathroom whilst subtracting the clutter. From small cabinets and chests of draws, to large closets or maybe even a dressing table with stool, the possibilities are limited only by your available space. Don’t be afraid to steal storage solutions from other rooms - the right wardrobe, plant stand, or even a tea trolley (sans cups and saucers of course!) can work brilliantly to store towels, toiletries, robes, etc. But if you’re using wooden furniture do make sure the varnish or paint will seal it well enough to prevent moisture damage.

Shelving
The placement of shelves is often overlooked in the planning stages. Only when people start to use their bathroom do they realise how annoying and possibly dangerous it is to have to stand up in the bath to reach for the shampoo, or stoop to pick up the soap from the bottom of the shower tray. So, do think about your shelving requirements early on.

A quick and easy way to add small shelves in areas where permanent fittings are difficult to install, such as tiled walls, is with suction mounted ones. Do go for quality though, or you might just regret it when you have to keep sticking the things back up! Try the Suction Divided Basket by OXO.

Shelves can have more than just a functional role, filled with matching jars, baskets, well displayed toiletries, or fluffy spare towels, they look fab. When placing shelving in wet areas be aware that they’ll need to be either slightly angled or have drainage holes to prevent stagnant pools of water forming.

Hooks, racks, and rails
You can’t really have too many of these in the bathroom. If you’re sick of the sight of discarded towels and crumpled piles of clothes on the floor, the addition of extra hanging places could be the end of your woes. Towel rails are indispensible for tidying, drying, and warming towels. Unless you have a heated towel rail, think about placing racks close to, preferably above, your radiator. If you already have a single wall-mounted towel rail, consider placing another above or below it. A two-tiered rack lets you hang double the amount of towels without the need for additional space.

Creative solutions
Be creative and look around for inventive ideas to add interest as well as storage space to your bathroom. A wire kitchen vegetable rack can work brilliantly for storing toiletries and other nick-nacks, or two or three tiered wire hanging baskets keep things off the floor and out of reach of little hands. For smaller items like your talc, hairbrush, or foot-scrubber, how about hanging a shoe rack on the back of the door? These are cheap and easy to get hold of, and if you buy a clear one you can quickly spot what you’re looking for without having to rummage.

Stuffit is a shower curtain with nifty mesh pockets to keep bathing necessity close at hand. It only seems to be available in the US at the moment, but you can order it online from USA Wallpaper.