Bathroom Shelves: What Are Your Options?

Struggling to create extra storage space in your bathroom? Don’t shelve those dreams just yet... We explain everything you need to know about bathroom shelves and furnish you with some fabulous inspiration.

Bathroom shelves are a great way to add storage and style to your bathroom. They can be used to store everything from towels and toiletries to plants and candles. But with so many different types of bathroom shelves available, it can be hard to know where to start.

But never fear... Whether you’re looking to embark upon an epic journey into DIY or simply searching for a quick and easy way to declutter your space, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. Bathrooms (and bathroom storage solutions!) are our bread and butter, so allow us to inspire you with some creative ideas for bathroom shelves.

Wall mounted bathroom shelves

Wall mounted bathroom shelves are a classic choice and can be installed in any size or shape. They are also a good option for small bathrooms, like downstairs cloakrooms (see below), as they don't take up any floor space.

This type of shelving is extremely popular as it is relatively inexpensive and simple to put up, even for a DIY novice. You’ll find plenty of different designs, colours and finishes to suit your bathroom design, offering a quick way to increase surface space and reduce clutter.

Another great wall mounted shelf idea, especially for guest bathrooms and ensuites, is the towel shelf. This neat little piece of kit can be fitted to the wall, allowing you to both store clean towels and dry damp towels. How’s that for two birds with one stone?

Floating bathroom shelves

Floating bathroom shelves are another popular option for UK homeowners. Attached to the wall with brackets, so they appear to be floating in mid-air, this type of bathroom shelving can easily produce a modern, minimalist look.

And, whilst floating shelves are perfect for contemporary bathrooms, they work equally well in traditional settings too. With the right design and wall brackets, you can easily create a classic, timeless appearance that will never go out of fashion.

One thing to consider, when choosing the perfect bathroom shelving, is how your shelves will work with your other fixtures and fittings. For example, if you’re going for a gold theme with your taps and accessories, it pays to choose a matching metallic finish for your bathroom shelves (see below).

Corner bathroom shelves

Corners are often underused spaces, especially in bathrooms, but they can be turned to your advantage. Corner shelves can come in very handy, especially around baths and showers, providing a little extra storage space for shampoos, soaps and other toiletries.

If you have enough wall space to spare, you needn’t simply restrict yourself to just the one shelf. By choosing the right sized shelving for your requirements, you can double or even triple the additional storage space you create.

Built-in bathroom shelves

Built-in shelves are a permanent solution that can be customised to fit your bathroom perfectly. Whilst they may not be DIY option (you’ll likely need to ask your bathroom installer to factor this into your bathroom design, they are great if you have a large bathroom and want to create a specific look.

In this family bathroom below, a large shelving space has been built into the wall next to the shower bath, meaning shower gel shampoo are in easy reach, whilst towels and other items at the far end remain dry.

Of course, bathroom shelves needn’t look like the traditional notion of shelving. In this downstairs cloakroom below, we’ve added a false half height wall which does a sterling job in providing full length shelving down one side of the space. With a rustic wood finish, this keeps with the country style look we were attempting to achieve.

Countertop basin shelves

One of the big bathroom trends of recent times is the home spa look, and central to this is the countertop basin shelf. Not only is this design effortlessly stylish, but it also offers you a convenient place in which to store toiletries and other bathroom essentials—a neater alternative to a cluttered sink. Countertop basin shelves help keep your surfaces free, allowing you to show off your chosen wall and floor coverings to the max!

Moveable bathroom shelves

If you’re looking for a more flexible solution to your storage needs (especially one which requires no drilling into wall tiles!) there are plenty of creative options out there.

Instead of permanent bathroom shelves, why not consider a shower caddy (like the one below) which simply hooks over the top of your bath or shower screen?

Important considerations when choosing your bathroom shelves

When choosing your bathroom shelves, it’s important to consider the following factors:

• The size and shape of your bathroom: Make sure you choose shelves that are the right size for your bathroom. You don't want them to be too big or too small.
• The style of your bathroom: Choose shelves that match the style of your bathroom. If you have a modern bathroom, you might want to choose minimalist floating shelves or wall mounted shelves. If you have a traditional bathroom, you might want to choose cabinet shelves or built-in shelves.
• The materials used: Bathroom shelves are typically made from wood, metal or glass. Choose the material that you think will look best in your bathroom and that is durable enough to withstand humidity and moisture.
• Your budget: Bathroom shelves can range in price from as little as £20, for a simple floating shelf, to hundreds of pounds if you go for a bespoke option. Always set a budget before you start shopping so that you don't overspend.

No matter what type of bathroom shelves you choose, you should let your own personality and style flourish, by adding some of your favourite bathroom accessories. This will help to create a cohesive and stylish look in your bathroom.

Here are a few tips for styling your bathroom shelves:

• Use clear glass jars to store small items, such as cotton balls and bath bombs. This will help to keep your shelves looking neat and organised.
• Add a plant or two to your shelves for a touch of greenery. Find out which plants are suitable for bathrooms.
• Display some of your favourite photos or artwork on your shelves and create a curated display.
• Use a decorative tray to hold your most-used items, to avoid your shelves getting sticky from spills.

So, now you know everything you need to know about bathroom shelves, it’s over to you. With a little planning, you can easily choose the perfect bathroom shelves for your space. Time to get creative and have fun styling your shelves!

If you’re still searching for the perfect shelves for your bathroom, look no further than our fabulous selection at Victorian Plumbing. From simple glass shelves for your basin area to corner shelves for showers, you’ll enjoy browsing our range and love our low prices!