Is your bathroom in need of a mini makeover? Do your shelves look lackluster or unfinished? Decorating your bathroom shelves is an easy and affordable way to transform the look of your space. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can take your shelves from drab to fab in no time.
From choosing the right shelves to personalizing with special touches, we’ve got all the inspiration you need to makeover your shelves.
Assess Your Bathroom Shelf Space and Purpose
Before shopping for shelves, take some time to evaluate your bathroom’s layout and determine how you want to utilize the shelves. This will help you choose the right shelves for your needs and maximize your available space.
Take Measurements
Grab a tape measure and jot down the dimensions of the wall area where you want to add shelves. This includes the height from the floor to the ceiling and the length of the wall. Be sure to locate and mark any studs within this space as well. You’ll need to anchor floating shelves into studs for security. Also consider existing fixtures like the toilet, vanity and bath/shower area. Make sure the shelf placement doesn’t obstruct natural traffic flow or movements in your bathroom.
Determine Shelf Purpose
How do you envision using your new shelves? Will they primarily display neatly folded towels and toiletries? Or do you want them to hold decorative items like candles, greenery and artwork? Defining the intended purpose will shape the type and size of shelves you choose. It’s smart to select shelves that can adapt over time as your storage needs evolve.
Choose a Focal Point
Anchor your shelf arrangement around a stunning decorative item that grabs attention. This eye-catching piece will serve as the focal point, and you can coordinate the rest of your shelves around it. For example, an intricate wall mirror or abstract metal sculpture would make a great statement. Place shelves around the focal point to accentuate it.
Select the Right Shelves for Your Bathroom
Once you’ve assessed your space, it’s time to choose shelves that fit. There are lots of stylish options to suit any bathroom. Consider these factors as you shop shelf styles:
Type of Shelves
Popular varieties include floating shelves, wall-mounted shelves, built-in shelves, corner shelves, glass shelves and freestanding shelves. Think about your bathroom’s layout and your personal preferences. Floating shelves add modern appeal. Built-ins blend seamlessly into tile. Corner shelves maximize awkward unused space.
Size of Shelves
How long and deep your shelves should be depends on your measurements and what you intend to display. Wider shelves around 10-12 inches can hold folded towels. More slender shelves around 5 inches work for toiletries. Measure the items you want to store to gauge adequate shelf dimensions.
Finishes and Materials
Wood, metal and glass are most common. Choose a finish that coordinates with your existing bathroom decor. For a natural spa-like look, try wood shelves with a light stain or whitewash. Sleek glass or nickel shelves add contemporary flair. Or pick a vibrant color that pops against neutral tile.
Spacing Between Shelves
Make sure there’s enough breathing room between shelves for the items you want to display. Around 10-12 inches of clearance is comfortable for neatly folded towels or decorative objects. Adjust spacing as needed – closer for slimmer items or further apart for bulky items.
Complement Your Decor with Shelf Style
The style of your shelves should complement your overall bathroom decor. Use these tips to create cohesion through color, texture and theme:
Color Scheme
Choose shelf finishes that pull in colors already present in your tiles, towels, shower curtain or other fixtures. Your shelves will look more natural and blended this way. For a soothing spa vibe, try light wood shelves paired with sage green towels.
Texture and Patterns
Add visual interest to your shelves with contrasting textures and patterns. Fold textured bath towels in cool hues. Arrange woven baskets next to gleaming glass canisters. A chunky ceramic vase can provide nice contrast beside sleek metal shelves.
Theme
Let your shelves reflect your bathroom’s overall theme or style. For an airy, coastal look, try weathered driftwood shelves holding shells and starfish. Modern glass shelves work for a sleek, high-end spa theme. Or go traditional with built-in cherry wood shelves stocked with monogrammed linens.
Functional Bathroom Shelf Ideas
While decorating your shelves, don’t forget practicality! Here are ways to keep your shelves neat, organized and functional:
Neatly Folded Towels
There’s nothing like a stack of plush folded cotton towels in white, patterns or colors to give shelves a spa vibe. Roll towels vertically for height or fold them into tidy squares.
Everyday Essentials
Keep frequently used items within reach but out of clutter by stashing them on shelves. Candles, perfumes, cotton balls and cosmetics look pretty yet functional corralled together. Use bins and baskets to contain smaller items like hair ties, Qtips and lip balms.
Plants and Flowers
A little greenery instantly livens up any space! Display fresh floral bouquets, potted plants or even faux botanicals on shelves. The colors and textures plants provide can soften a bathroom. For safety, avoid plants that require lots of moisture in this humid space.
Bins, Baskets, Boxes
Corral loose items like makeup, hair accessories and medications in handy storage containers on shelves. Attractive woven baskets, glass canisters, and lidded boxes keep necessities organized while contributing to your decor.
Personalize with Special Touches
Now for the fun part! Add personality and flair to your shelves with these unique ideas:
Artwork
Make your shelves a mini gallery display. Lean floating frames against the wall showcasing vacation photos, botanical prints or meaningful quotes. Or hang a small canvas picture or round mirror above the shelves as an anchor.
Found Objects
Give your shelves a collected look by scattering cherished items like sea shells, smooth stones, ceramic figurines or crystal prisms you’ve gathered. Your shelves should reflect you!
Meaningful Accessories
Work in special items that make you happy or feel pampered. Display your favorite scarf, an engraved jewelry box passed down, or monogrammed hand towels on your personalized shelves.
You can change the look of your bathroom shelves with a little planning. Don’t be afraid to mix up materials, textures, colors and styles until you achieve your perfect look. Shelves offer great creative potential to infuse your own personal flair into the bathroom. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to decorating shelves to match your taste and style!
