10 Clever Storage Ideas for Towels in a Small Bathroom: Smart and stylish ways to keep your towels tidy without wasting an inchEvelyn HartSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Over-the-Door Towel Rack2. Floating Shelves Above the Toilet3. Recessed Wall Niches4. Slim Rolling Cart5. Ladder Rack6. Under-Sink Baskets7. Above-Door Shelf8. Towel Warmers with Storage9. Built-In Bench with Hidden Compartment10. Hanging Wire BasketsFAQTable of Contents1. Over-the-Door Towel Rack2. Floating Shelves Above the Toilet3. Recessed Wall Niches4. Slim Rolling Cart5. Ladder Rack6. Under-Sink Baskets7. Above-Door Shelf8. Towel Warmers with Storage9. Built-In Bench with Hidden Compartment10. Hanging Wire BasketsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client asked me to design a bathroom that could store twelve bath sheets, five hand towels, and a stack of face cloths — all in a space barely larger than a phone booth. I laughed... then I cried... then I got creative. Small bathrooms are like puzzle boxes — they push you to rethink every inch. Over the years, I’ve found some storage tricks that are both functional and, dare I say, a little stylish. Today, I’m sharing my 10 favorite ideas so you can have a charming, clutter-free bathroom without feeling like you’re in a storage war.By the way, if you’re planning a full bathroom overhaul, it’s worth playing with different layouts in a bathroom design tool before committing — you’d be surprised how much space you can free up just by shifting one fixture.1. Over-the-Door Towel RackI love using the back of the door for a slim rack or hooks. It’s a no-drill solution and works wonders in rentals. Just be mindful if the door swings inward — you don’t want bulky racks making it awkward to enter.save pin2. Floating Shelves Above the ToiletThis spot is prime real estate in small bathrooms. I’ve used narrow floating shelves here for rolled towels, and they become a cute, spa-like display. Just be sure shelves are deep enough to hold the rolls without tipping.save pin3. Recessed Wall NichesIf you’re renovating, carve out a recessed niche between studs. Towels fit nicely, and it feels built-in and clean-lined. It’s a bigger investment, but the seamless look is worth it.save pin4. Slim Rolling CartA narrow rolling cart tucks perfectly between sink and wall. I once styled one with three tiers — top for hand towels, middle for bath towels, bottom for toiletries. Plus, it’s mobile, so you can wheel it aside when cleaning.save pin5. Ladder RackLeaning ladders are stylish and take up surprisingly little space. Towels drape over the rungs, and if you choose a bamboo or natural wood finish, it adds warmth to all that bathroom tile.When I’m trialing multiple arrangement options — especially for quirky shapes — I like plotting them out in a free floor plan creator first, so I don’t waste money buying things that don’t quite fit.save pin6. Under-Sink BasketsEven if you don’t have a vanity, a simple open shelf under the sink can hold woven baskets. Towels stay dust-free, and the baskets help hide the less glamorous items.save pin7. Above-Door ShelfThis is one many people overlook. A shelf just above the doorway can hold seldom-used towels or seasonal items. It’s high up, so keep a small step stool handy.save pin8. Towel Warmers with StorageWall-mounted towel warmers can double as racks, killing two birds with one stylish stone. Just check the installation height so everyone in the house can reach comfortably.If you’re considering an entire small-space makeover, experimenting in an AI-powered home design tool can spark creative configurations you might not think of on your own.save pin9. Built-In Bench with Hidden CompartmentA bench in a walk-in shower or opposite the vanity can have a lift-up seat for towel storage. It’s like a little secret stash spot — and great for hiding guest towels.save pin10. Hanging Wire BasketsWire baskets mounted vertically on the wall can store rolled towels and act as decor. They’re breathable, so towels stay fresh, and you can mix sizes for a more dynamic look.save pinFAQQ: How do I keep towels from getting musty in a small bathroom?A: Make sure they’re completely dry before storing, and choose breathable storage like open shelving or wire baskets to allow air circulation.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