10 Clever Bathroom Towel Shelving Ideas: Smart Space-Saving Tricks for Stylish & Functional BathroomsLena MorrisSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Floating Shelves Above the Toilet2. Ladder-Style Shelving3. Recessed Wall Niche4. Over-the-Door Rack5. Built-in Bench with Storage6. Tiered Corner Shelf Unit7. Hanging Rope Shelves8. Rolling Cart9. Under-Sink Open Shelf10. Wall-Mounted BasketsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEA few years ago, I designed a tiny city apartment bathroom, and the client—let’s call him Tom—insisted on storing a dozen plush bath sheets “within arm’s reach” of the shower. In a space barely big enough for a yoga mat, that sounded impossible. But as I learned (and as you’ll soon see), small bathrooms can inspire the most creative storage solutions. Today, I’m sharing my 10 favorite towel shelving ideas that I've tested in real projects.1. Floating Shelves Above the ToiletThe vertical space above the toilet is often wasted, but installing slim floating shelves there turns it into premium real estate. The trick is to keep the shelves shallow enough so they don’t overwhelm the room, but sturdy enough to hold a neat stack of rolled towels. I’ve even mocked this up in a room planner before showing clients, so they can instantly visualize the impact.save pin2. Ladder-Style ShelvingA freestanding ladder shelf can lean casually against the wall and give you easy access to clean towels. It’s an effortless way to add both function and decor. Just be mindful that in smaller bathrooms, you’ll need to measure carefully to avoid blocking the door swing.save pin3. Recessed Wall NicheIf you’re remodeling, carving out a recessed niche in the wall creates towel storage without eating into floor space. This works beautifully in showers too—but don’t forget to waterproof thoroughly.save pin4. Over-the-Door RackWhen floor and wall space are maxed out, think about the back of the door. A multi-tiered over-the-door rack can store rolled or folded towels while keeping them accessible. It’s budget-friendly and easy to swap out.save pin5. Built-in Bench with StorageIn bigger remodels, I love adding a bench under the window or beside the tub, with a lift-up seat hiding a storage compartment. It feels a bit spa-like, but still practical—just ensure ventilation to avoid musty towels.save pin6. Tiered Corner Shelf UnitThat awkward bathroom corner? Perfect for a tiered shelf tower. It makes use of dead zones for fresh linens. I once used this in a project where the corner was plotted first in a free floor plan creator to check sightlines.save pin7. Hanging Rope ShelvesFor a touch of rustic charm, consider rope-hung wooden planks. They offer flexibility in height placement and give texture to your bathroom without looking heavy.save pin8. Rolling CartA slim rolling cart tucks neatly beside the vanity or tub, and you can move it around during cleaning. It’s also great if you need to store more than just towels—think bath salts or candles.save pin9. Under-Sink Open ShelfIf your vanity has space underneath, swap out the closed cabinet for an open shelf to display neatly folded towels. You’ll have to keep it tidy, but the airy look is worth it. This idea sparked for me while testing proportions in an bathroom design tool and realizing how open shelving lightened the space.save pin10. Wall-Mounted BasketsMount wire or wicker baskets directly to the wall for a textured, cottage-style feel. Roll towels to fit, and you’ve got storage that doubles as wall art.save pinFAQQ: How do I keep towels fresh in open shelving?A: Make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated, and rotate towels regularly so they don’t sit too long unused.Q: What’s the easiest towel shelf idea for renters?A: Over-the-door racks and ladder shelves—no drilling required.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE