Finding adequate and attractive storage can be a challenge in any bathroom. The clean lines and retro-modern aesthetic of mid century style offer chic solutions to organize your space. With some clever ideas, you can maximize your storage in a way that feels tidy, functional, and uniquely mid century.
The mid century modern look emerged in the 1940s-60s and celebrates simplicity, functionality, and elegant design. Natural materials like wood, glass, and metal with organic shapes create a timeless, casual vibe. When it comes to storage, the focus is on smart solutions that keep clutter contained while complementing the soothing look and feel of the space.
Mid Century Modern Vanity Units
A Mid century style vanity forms the stylish centerpiece of your modern bathroom. Choose between a sleek freestanding vanity on a metal or wood base, or a wall mounted version to save floor space. Storage options abound, from open shelving to display decorative jars to closed cabinets concealing toiletries. Drawers keep brushes and cosmetics neatly tucked away. Built-in organizers provide a home for all your essentials.
The clean lines and minimalist shapes of mid century vanities create a calming oasis for starting your day. Materials like teak, acrylic, chrome, and concrete add texture and depth. Put your own creative twist on the classic design by opting for a colorful lacquered or patterned finish. Vintage vanities from the era also make charming additions to a new or remodeled bath. With ample counter space and storage, a mid century vanity combines form and function.
Key Benefits of Mid Century Vanities
- Timeless, elegant aesthetic
- Material options like wood, glass, and metal
- Closed, concealed storage or open shelving
- Integrated sink and counter space
- Freestanding or wall mounted installation
Wall-Mounted Mid Century Bathroom Mirror Cabinets
Make the most of vertical wall space with a mid century style mirrored bathroom cabinet. Mounted above the vanity or sink, mirrored cabinets prevent a cluttered countertop. Choices include simple glass-fronted cabinets with shelves inside or those with concealed storage behind the mirror.
For a light, airy feeling, try open shelving flanking the mirror on each side. Enclosed cabinets keep toiletries and medications out of sight but easily accessible. Install lighting along the top or sides of the mirror to provide task lighting for grooming. Position a mid century inspired mirror cabinet on a side wall for a unique look and extra storage. The geometric lines and clean edges of these wall-mounted cabinets enhance the retro modern aesthetic.
Tips for Positioning Mirror Cabinets
- Above a wall mounted sink or vanity
- Side wall, perpendicular to a vanity
- Over a freestanding vanity against back wall
- Flanking a simple rectangular mirror on each side
Glass-Fronted Mid Century Medicine Cabinets
For easy access to daily essentials, try a glass-fronted mid century medicine cabinet. Available as both recessed and wall-mounted units, the transparent glass door maintains an open, uncluttered look. install interior shelving, hooks, and organizational trays to corral small items. An integrated mirror lets you check your look discreetly.
Position adjustable interior lighting to brightly illuminate the contents. For a creative touch, mount a few low-profile baskets vertically inside to hold brushes, cosmetics, and other small necessities. A glass medicine cabinet provides both hidden storage and a way to subtly display decorative jars and bottles. The see-through design embodies mid century modern principles of functionality and simplicity.
Benefits of Glass-Fronted Medicine Cabinets
- Light, airy quality from transparent glass
- Mirrored door doubles as functional mirror
- Discreet storage behind closed door
- Easily access contents while keeping organized
- Display items attractively
Mid Century Modern Floor Storage Cabinets
Freestanding floor cabinets lend a mid century vibe while offering enclosed bathroom storage. A spare corner is perfect for a narrow vertical cabinet. Opt for an all-wood cabinet or mix materials like wood and metal for contrast. Simple hardware in a dark finish or bright brass keeps the look minimalist and sleek.
Closed cabinets maintain a streamlined appearance by concealing necessities inside. Glass-fronted doors allow visibility of contents. For more visual interest, try open shelves or a combination of open and closed storage. Place rolled towels, baskets of toiletries, or ceramic canisters on shelves. Position a slim floor cabinet next to a vanity for a handy spot to store extra soap and beauty products. Let a floor cabinet’s retro legs show by leaving space between it and the wall for easy cleaning.
Floor Cabinet Placement Ideas
- In a corner or narrow unused wall space
- Beside a bathroom vanity or sink
- Under a window to take advantage of natural light
- Floating style away from walls to allow floor cleaning
Over-the-Toilet Mid Century Bathroom Storage
Make use of the often overlooked space above your toilet with a narrow mid century cabinet installed atop the toilet tank. This smart storage solution takes advantage of vertical real estate without consuming floor space. The rectangular cabinet adds a retro modern touch with its simple lines and minimalist form.
Try open shelves or an enclosed cabinet to conceal extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and other bathroom necessities. Glass-fronted cabinets maintain an airy vibe. Make frequently used items easy to access by placing them on the top shelf or in slide-out drawers. A slot along the back is perfect for holding rolled towels. Over-toilet cabinets keep essentials close at hand when nature calls!
Creative Ways to Use Over-Toilet Storage
- Enclosed cabinet to conceal toiletries
- Glass shelves to display candles, small plants
- Built-in charging station for electric toothbrush
- Slide out drawer for rolled towels
Modern Wall-Mounted Bathroom Shelves
Wall mounted shelves infuse a mid century vibe while adding open display space. Floating shelves make a statement with their minimalist form hovering above the vanity. Try a contrasting finish like matte black metal brackets supporting a warm wood shelf. Or opt for sleek glass shelves with chrome posts. Float shelves at staggered heights for visual interest.
Metal mesh shelving evokes an industrial edge. Position utilitarian wire shelves near the shower to hold bottles. Wooden ledges mounted perpendicular to the wall provide a spot for rolled towels. Floating shelves work well with wall mounted faucets and sinks to maintain a streamlined, uncluttered aesthetic. Use them creatively to add a touch of mid century flair.
Creative Ways to Use Wall-Mounted Shelves
- Display decorative bottles and ceramics
- Hold bathroom linens like rolled towels
- Mount at varying heights for interest
- Combine materials like wood shelf + black metal brackets
Mid Century Bathroom Standing Shelves
Slim freestanding shelves provide a lightweight storage option perfect for tucking into tight spaces. Their clean, minimalist silhouette embodies mid century style. Try a tall wooden ladder-style shelf in a corner to hold folded towels. Or opt for slender steel wire units that take up little space while holding essentials.
A tiered set of floating shelves adds handy open storage. Place everyday items like soap, cotton balls, and candles on their surface. Up the mid century appeal with wooden shelves and black metal frame and legs. Position a slim shelf unit next to your vanity or sink to hold brushes and beauty products. Their simplicity makes standing shelves ideal for even the smallest powder rooms.
Tips for Using Standing Shelves
- Tuck into narrow unused spaces and corners
- Hold linens, toiletries, and decorative objects
- Choose metal, wood, or wire frame
- Stack units vertically to maximize storage
Mid Century Modern Chrome and Glass Organizers
Sleek and minimalist glass and chrome storage adds a dash of mid century style while keeping essentials in order. Wall mounted shelves made from tempered glass make an artful display. Line up votive candles, perfume bottles, or small indoor plants on the transparent ledges. Over-sink glass shelves hold brushes and grooming tools.
Retro chrome caddies mount to walls or cabinet doors to corral bathroom necessities. Keep cotton balls, Q tips, and other items in easy reach. Chrome-framed glass shelves have an ultra modern vibe. Floating wall mounted racks store rolled towels or toilet paper rolls out of the way. The simplicity and shine of glass and chrome organizers embody mid century design principles.
Creative Uses for Glass & Chrome Organizers
- Wall-mounted glass shelves for display and storage
- Chrome razor holder and wall-mounted toothbrush holder
- Glass jars for cotton balls and Q-tips
- Over-sink organizers for brushes and cosmetics
Vintage-Inspired Mid Century Bathroom Signs
Add a playful dash of retro flair with a mid century style bathroom sign. Opt for a vintage looking metal or wood sign affixed to cabinetry or walls. Painted wood signs with cheeky slogans like “Powder Your Nose” evoke 1950s motels. Rustic metal signs send a more industrial vibe. Place them over the toilet, on cabinets, or above sinks.
For a brighter pop of color, try custom neon bathroom signs. Light up a pink or blue neon “Bathroom Sweet Bathroom” marquee inside a vanity or on the wall. Or create your own saying. Hanging pendant light boxes with cheeky phrases illuminate countertops. Whatever your sign says, it’s sure to spark some serious mid century style.
Creative Bathroom Sign Display Ideas
- Painted wood sign above sink or vanity
- Rustic metal sign on front of floor cabinet
- Glass box sign with LED lights inside vanity
- Neon marquee sign over toilet or on wall
Mid Century Bathroom Wall Storage with Drawers
For a seamless look and expansive hidden storage, install custom mid century style built-ins with drawers. Wall units with a mix of open and closed storage prevent clutter while organizing essentials out of sight. Opt for drawer fronts with angled edges or circle cut-outs for a retro modern touch.
Choose drawer sizes that perfectly fit your needs. Shallow drawers corral small items like cosmetics, while deeper ones store bulkier rolled towels. Position drawers at varying heights for ergonomic access and visual interest. Combine with open shelving flanking each side or going above. The retro vibe plays well off countertops and vanities in stone, cement, or wood. Durable hardware in black, brass, or chrome keeps the look timeless and sleek.
- Customize drawer sizes based on what you need to store
- Incorporate classic mid century drawer shapes and hardware
- Combine open shelving with drawer storage
- Mount at different heights for easy access
You can organize your bathroom with smart storage solutions. From wall mounted cabinets and shelving to retro vanities and floor cabinets, the options to contain clutter are endless. Simple shapes, clean lines, and natural materials embody the mid century design ethos. Accent with a playful custom sign or sleek organizers for a pulled together, peaceful bath with storage to spare.
