We’ve all been there. You go to the bathroom and realize you don’t have anything to hold your toiletries. Maybe you forgot your mug, or maybe you didn’t want to bring it because of the risk of breaking it in transit. Whatever the reason, you need a way to store your items while using the facility. Luckily for you, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the number of options on how you can do this!
So, what are the different types of over-the-toilet storage? Well, the options are endless, and it is upon you to choose what you like. Some of the common over-the-toilet storage options include over door hooks, space saver, overhead cabinet, open shelf unit, rear-mounted drawer unit, under the toilet space saver, freestanding cabinet, and much more.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about over-the-toilet storage and some of the options available for you.
What Is Over-the-toilet Storage?
Over-the-toilet storage is a type of space saver which you mount above your toilet. It holds various items such as toiletries, towels, and daily essentials for easy access while using the facility.
Having over the toilet storage has some distinct advantages.
First, it is safe to store your items up there because no one would ever look for anything in that area. Secondly, it saves space within the bathroom. In addition to this, you can also save some money by avoiding buying a separate cabinet or shelf for storage!
Types of Over-the-toilet Storage
So, what are the different types of over-the-toilet storage that you can choose from? Let us find out.
1. Overdoor hooks
Overdoor hooks are a cheap and effective solution for those who want to save space and get fast access to their toiletries. It is also easy to install on any door, with no tools required!
These over-the-door storage racks can be used in different ways, too—some would hang towels or bathrobes, while others can be used to store toiletries.
The hooks come with a rubber band or hook that goes around one side of the door frame and hangs over into an area where a suction cup can be used to attach these hooks anywhere in the bathroom. This can be used for storing anything you want—from towels to toiletries and even toothbrushes!
2. Space saver
The space saver is another form of over-the-toilet storage that comes with a mount and shelves for storage. These are typically less expensive than other models, but they cannot hold as much weight.
On the other side, you can be assured that these units will last longer and won’t break easily. They are usually made of hard plastic or wood, and they have silicone feet at the bottom to prevent them from scratching your toilet seat during installation and use.
These slanted shelves and multi-level racks hold anything from towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. They are also adjustable to meet your storage needs.
However, you need to keep in mind that these units are not recommended for rough use or if you have kids in the house because they can be dangerous when used by small kids!
3. Overhead cabinet
The overhead cabinet offers a permanent installation option, and this means it can hold more weight than the space saver or shelf units. It is usually placed high on the wall with three brackets that screw into the wall studs from behind and above.
The model comes in a wooden frame, but it can also be found in plastic as well. An added benefit of this type of cabinet is that it offers you more storage space too.
However, these units are more expensive, and they require some expertise to install!
4. Open shelf unit
The open shelf units usually have four cubicles that give you a large storage area for your towels or toiletries. They do not come with doors, so items may get placed on top of them even if they are wet.
Open shelf units are made of PVC-coated particle or board for strength and durability as well as ease of cleaning. The shelves here can be slanted or flat-fronted, depending on the model.
The unit can hold a lot of weight, is easy to install, and comes with a mounting bar that attaches easily above the toilet tank or seat.
The storage usually comes in white or brown colors, and the shelves can be adjusted to meet your storage needs. However, as a permanent fixture in most homes, you must ensure this is right for your bathroom before installing it.
5. Rear-mounted drawer unit
This is a great solution for those who have limited space behind their toilet because it does not protrude out. It uses a simple adhesive pad to stick on the back of your toilet, and it can be left there as long as you want.
The advantage of this model is that it doesn’t take up a lot of space while being used, and it can be closed easily when not needed.
This drawer unit comes with small baskets or compartments that can be fully customized if you want.
6. Wall mount shelf unit
The wall mount shelf unit comes with multiple layers of wall mountable shelves, which makes it a great option if you have limited floor space in your bathroom or want something that does not clutter the floor.
This unit comprises six compact plastic shelves with rounded corners for safety, and each shelf can support up to 5 pounds of weight. The set includes double-sided adhesive pads (the mounting brackets), so they are very easy to install on any wall surface, and are removable too.
However, if you have kids at home, it is best not to install a unit like this because they may try to climb on it and fall, sustaining injuries in the process.
7. Over the tank shelf unit
Over the tank shelf unit simply mounts over your toilet tank, and it can be left there as long as you need. The set comes with three plastic shelves connected by a metal rod, which essentially reduces the weight per shelf so that you can store heavier items.
The good news is that these shelves are adjustable, so you can change them to meet your storage needs. They also come with rubber cushions here so they won’t scratch or damage the tank lid of your toilet when it is closed.
However, this model can be more challenging to install, and you need to make sure that the basket or shelf below does not interfere with the tank lid of your toilet.
8. Freestanding Over the Toilet Cabinet
This is, in our opinion, the best option for a freestanding unit. It will be able to hold the largest amount of storage and is also easy to move when cleaning behind it or even just relocating in your bathroom.
A freestanding unit is good for homes that have multiple bathrooms, and you can move it from one bathroom to the next as needed.
These units are usually made of wood or plastic, but they may also come in stainless steel or metal finishes.
A freestanding over-the-toilet cabinet gives you plenty of options to choose from, and we recommend looking for a model with removable shelves because this will give you much more flexibility when it comes to storage.
Changing the shelves can also help if you want to store a larger object here so that it is easily visible or reached when needed.
9. Small Bathroom Shelving Units Made of Wood
These bathroom shelving units come in various shapes and designs, but they all share a common goal: to give you more storage space in your bathroom.
If you invest in one of these units, you will find that they are usually made from either wood or composite material. This means that they can be durable and easy to clean at the same time. They also come with large shelves so you can store a lot here without worrying about them collapsing under the weight.
The only issue that we see with this type is that the shelves are not adjustable, and if you have a tall item, it may not fit on the shelf comfortably.
This means that there is a certain limitation when compared to units like the open shelf unit, which can be adjusted to accommodate different storage needs.
Summary
The variety of over-the-toilet storage options available today is amazing.
From hooks that attach to your door, space-saving solutions like a basic shelf unit or overhead cabinet, and even more ambitious ideas like rear-mounted drawer units, open shelving units on both sides of the tank for extra countertop space, and wall mount shelves – there’s something here for every bathroom design style.
