5 Steps to Make Bathroom Shelving Look Less Cluttered

You may not think about them very often, but your bathroom shelves deserve attention to detail. All of these small items (the ones you actually need every day) shouldn’t be messed around in drawers or left behind dark, abandoned cabinets. They should be located front and center and add color to your bathroom décor.

So, how do you get all the clutter in your bathroom ready and ready for your company? Easier said than done, but the expertise of stylist Kathleen Varner in Birmingham, Alabama gives us all the tips on how to decorate bathroom shelves. She shares her solid advice on bathroom rack design, as well as focusing on storage solutions that are both smart and attractive.

1. Choose Adjustable Shelves in a Small Bathroom

Varna likes to use built-ins in larger bathrooms, but finds being able to easily switch the height and position of shelves is key for small areas. “Stands or floating shelves are great for smaller spaces and can be adjusted as your needs change,” she says. There are a variety of options for shelving in bathrooms, including glass shelving, freestanding shelving units, towers skimming the ceiling, and small feature shelving. Determining how much storage space you need, your space parameters, and your aesthetic will help you decide which style of shelf best suits your needs.

2. Make It Work

When it comes to bathroom shelves, their purpose should be twofold. “I like to add something special, like a small picture frame, maybe a couple of small pieces of art, but I also want to make sure it meets everyday needs,” Varner said. To achieve this, consider what should be the most accessible. Brushes, makeup, and a safe place to store jewelry are all items that should be on the bathroom shelf. Cotton swabs, cotton balls, bath salts, and more can be removed from store-bought containers and placed in beautiful glass jars to instantly enhance their appearance while being easy to grab when needed.

3. Use Boxes and Bins to Keep Clutter Under Control

One of the biggest drawbacks of open shelves – whether they’re in the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom – is the obvious clutter. That’s why Varner says boxes, bins, and baskets are must-haves to hold all the gadgets. “I don’t collect too many patterns, but I will keep the containers in a similar color story and keep the balance of solid and glass items,” she says. Varna also suggests that keeping similar items together (such as makeup brushes in one area and cotton swabs and makeup pads in another) can make items look neat and tidy, while also helping you find them more easily. It’s a win-win.

4. Go for the Unexpected and Add a Personal Touch

Decorating bathroom shelves is all about elevating what you’re using. Using antique and vintage items instead of store-bought plastic containers can make your shelves look professional-style. “Try something unexpected, like your favorite porcelain-patterned teacup saucer, give your favorite little earrings a nice landing spot, and small mugs to store your makeup,” Varner said. She also likes to use vintage etched wine glasses as makeup brushes or as unexpected vases. When it comes to bathroom shelves, the more individual the details, the better. “I do think it’s a fun area to add those super personal items that make you smile,” Varner said. “I have a pink Holende bunny that I bought for my daughter’s first birthday and I keep it on the shelf in her bathroom until she’s old enough not to break!”

5. Add Flowers

Whether Varna is taking a photo styling or helping a client fix a boring area of their home, details matter. In order to create a space that looks complete, it is often necessary to arrange flowers. “All you need is a stem of something,” she said. Varna always has a large number of small vases for a carefully selected selection of small vases. “My daughters have been enjoying flower picking lately, and the bathroom shelf is a great place for them. Of course, no bathroom shelf is complete without candles. “Why not make your bathroom feel like a spa?” She asked.