Shelf Ideas for Towel Storage Above the Toilet

In-Wall Cabinet

• In a bathroom where every inch counts, consider installing a small towel storage area in the wall above the toilet. You can do this by cutting away the drywall, removing any studs that are in the way and inserting a frame inside of the wall. You can then create a small cabinet with a front that is flush with the wall, or a slightly larger cabinet that extends out of the wall, creating space for small towels and washcloths. This method is similar to how many medicine cabinets are installed over bathroom sinks.

Towel Racks

• Racks are easier to build and install than cabinets, and are just as effective at holding towels if you only have a small number. You can buy commercially made towel racks from any home improvement store or make your own out of dowels and some cleats. When you attach the racks to the wall, be sure to screw them directly into a wall stud for maximum strength. Install the racks high enough above the back of the toilet so that towels can hang without touching the toilet tank.

Open Shelf

• An open shelf is more versatile than a towel rack because it can be used to store items other than towels as well. An open shelf can be as simple as a single board supported with two cleats or as elaborate as a series of carved shelves with decorative brackets between them. Clean, stacked towels in an attractive open shelf can give a bathroom a warm and welcoming aura. Open shelves can be permanently attached to the wall or can be freestanding with a support on each side of the toilet.

Standing Cabinet

• Most standing cabinets consist of a closed box that extends all the way to the floor, but you can purchase or build one that is custom made to fit over the top of a toilet in a bathroom. A cabinet with glass doors on the front provides a view of its contents, while a solid cabinet with wooden doors can give a bathroom a more minimalist feel by hiding away a number of small objects. Get a cabinet that provides enough open space above the back of the toilet so that you can access the reserve tank in an emergency.