10 Clever Bathroom Storage Ideas Under the Sink: Smart ways I've used to make the most of that tricky under-sink space

A while back, I worked on a tiny apartment where the bathroom was so small that the client joked she could brush her teeth while sitting on the toilet. The under-sink space looked like a black hole where shampoo bottles went to disappear. That project taught me one of the golden rules of small-space design — hidden corners are opportunities in disguise. Today, I’m sharing 10 bathroom storage under sink ideas I’ve personally used to make the most of that overlooked spot.

1. Pull-Out Drawers

Instead of cramming bottles at the back, I fit slim pull-out drawers. They turn awkward depths into neatly organized trays you can access without crawling on the floor. The only hiccup? Measuring around the plumbing takes patience — but it’s worth it, just like in this bathroom layout project where drawers doubled our usable space.

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2. U-Shaped Shelves

Custom shelves that wrap around the sink pipe can instantly triple your storage. They’re perfect for smaller toiletries. Just be sure to seal any wooden surface because bathrooms love to attack with moisture.

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3. Stackable Bins

I once used transparent bins stacked like Lego blocks for a client who wanted everything visible. It looked tidy and made it impossible to “forget” what you owned — less chance of buying a third bottle of hair spray you didn’t need.

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4. Sliding Baskets

Think of them as drawers without fronts. In one remodel, I mounted wire baskets on runners — cheap, easy to install, and you can whip them out in seconds for cleaning. I even coordinated metal finishes with the faucet for a coherent style.

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5. Mini Tension Rod

This trick blew my client’s mind — adding a small tension rod under the sink to hang spray bottles. It frees up the bottom surface for bulkier items and costs under $10.

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6. Under-Sink Organizers with Adjustable Shelves

A lifesaver in rentals where you can’t drill. These modular racks adjust height and width around pipes. I used one in a mid-century apartment where the sink base was shallower than usual, but it still worked great. For clients curious about how we visualize such constraints, I sometimes show them quick layouts inside a floor plan mock-up before buying anything.

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7. Door-Mounted Trays

For small items like toothpaste, door trays are the unsung heroes. Bonus: they use the vertical space most people forget exists.

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8. Lazy Susan

Yes, in the bathroom. I tried this in a circular under-sink space — spin it to reach anything, no more knocking over everything else. Downside? It’s only worth it if the cabinet is wide enough.

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9. Labelled Containers

Sometimes it’s not about fancy hardware, just clear labelling. I used chalkboard labels for a family with kids — if even the 5-year-old can find the body wash, you know it’s working. We sketched it out in a 3D bathroom model so the kids could “see” their new storage before it was real.

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10. Hidden Pull-Out Hamper

If you have the depth, a slide-out laundry basket makes dirty clothes disappear instantly. It’s a luxury touch that keeps the bathroom floor clutter-free.

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FAQ

Q: Can I DIY most of these under-sink storage ideas?

A: Absolutely. Many options, like tension rods, door trays, or stackable bins, can be done with basic tools and a small budget.

Q: What if my under-sink space is very narrow?

A: Focus on vertical storage — door-mounted racks, hanging baskets, or slim pull-out drawers. Customize around the pipes rather than forcing a standard product.

Q: How do I keep it organized long-term?

A: Group items by category, label where needed, and do a quick monthly tidy-up to prevent clutter build-up.