When it comes to maximizing storage in a smaller bathroom, the space above the toilet tank is prime real estate for storage. The usual solution is to install floating bathroom shelves and cabinets above it.
But if you’re in a renter situation or you want to keep drilling to a minimum, a standing shelving unit is a good option.
IKEA may already have the answer to your bathroom storage needs. We’ll start with what IKEA has to offer in the bathroom department and then move on to a few hacks for storage above the toilet seat.
10 ideas for over-the-toilet storage, including drill-free ideas for renters:
1. HEMNES bathroom shelf
An over-the-toilet storage unit from the classic HEMNES range, with the same kind of details to match other pieces of furniture in the HEMNES series. The construction is simple: two doors open up to reveal an adjustable shelf to hold your bathroom essentials. An open shelf below it makes it easier to access frequently used items.
Material-wise, it’s made from fiberboard, which means it won’t stand up to a lot of water and dampness. Always keep the area surrounding the HEMNES bathroom storage unit dry.
Best to secure the unit to the wall at 4 specified spots.
More inspiration: Stunning bathroom vanity with wood slab top and stone basin
2. ENHET wall storage combination
The ENHET series is a great addition to IKEA’s bathroom solutions. Here, they show an elegant combination of closed storage to store “less pretty” bathroom items and open shelving. We love open shelves for the stuff we want on display — rolled-up towels, a basket full of tasteful toiletries … you know the drill.
You can tailor the combination to the wall space around your toilet, choosing either the 24″ or 30″ wide wall cabinet at the top.
The cabinet is made from particleboard (as usual), while the open shelves are powder-coated galvanized steel. The metal should hold up well in a damp bathroom. Nevertheless, to minimize the risk of rust, don’t let it stand in puddles of water.
3. Enhet Open Wall Shelves
If you’re dealing with a truly tiny bathroom, the open and airy designs of the ENHET series can be a space-enhancing game-changer. Forgo a bulky closed cabinet in favor of ENHET’s powder-coated (for durability) steel open shelving units. It comes in various sizes.
4. Enhet Mirror Cabinet
Alternatively, consider IKEA’s ENHET mirror cabinet (24″x6 3/4″x30″) to essentially double your square footage—at least perceptually. By reflecting the room back on itself, mirrors magically trick the eye into perceiving more expansiveness.
5. NYSJÖN Cabinet for washing machine
While designed by IKEA to sit atop a front-loading washing machine, the NYSJÖN storage cabinet will fit above most standard toilet tanks. For many, the idea of open shelving above the toilet feels unsanitary due to the risk of dispersing tiny particulate matter with every flush.
The NYSJÖN offers the perfect enclosed alternative to prevent any potential splashes or droplets. The other advantage is that all parts have protective edge bands fixed with humidity-resistant glue to prevent moisture and humidity from penetrating. A sleek, space-efficient design that provides valuable bonus storage.
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6. Frösjön Over-The-Toilet Shelf
IKEA recently introduced a new (and cheap $44.99) over-the-toilet shelving unit with three tiers of storage space called the FRÖSJÖN. It was a great, no-fuss space-saving solution. The shallow depth of the open shelves allows it to fit snugly above the commode, transforming that often wasted area into handy storage real estate for toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and more. Yet it barely encroaches on your floor space.
The metal wire construction serves dual purposes – the sides and front lip prevent items from falling off, while the open design maintains a spacious, airy feel. Adjustable feet ensure the shelf sits level, even on uneven floors. Plus, the removable shelves make cleaning a breeze.
Bathroom Vanity Idea: Easy, Affordable DIY Bathroom Vanity
Maximize The Wasted Space Above The Toilet With IKEA Hacks
If IKEA’s readymade solutions don’t fit the bill, start hacking and DIY your own custom shelving to squeeze in more storage over the toilet. All hacks depend entirely on the space and dimensions around your toilet. Be sure to carefully measure the width and height first, then compare them to the product specs on IKEA’s website to ensure a proper fit.
7. IVAR over the toilet storage for renters
When you’re renting and dealing with a small bathroom without closet space, it requires some creative thinking to maximize storage. Natasha, a New Yorker, wanted an attractive enclosed storage unit that allowed access to the only inconveniently located power outlet above the toilet. Thinking outside the box with an IKEA hack became the answer. By repurposing components from the IVAR pine shelving system, she constructed a freestanding, Scandinavian-inspired cabinet tailored for the over-the-toilet nook—all on a budget.
Supplies needed:
- IVAR side units x 2
- IVAR shelf x 4
- OBSERVATOR cross-brace x 2
- LENDA fabric (1 yard)
- Push-pins (2 dozens)
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
BUDGET: $80
TIMING: 2 hrs
“Hacking it was not difficult,” she explains, “I used the two side posts to build a tower with cross-braces. Then, mounted shelves every where except the bottom. Lastly, covered the side panel with fabric and made a curtain to cover it all from the front side. Easy-peasy but very pretty looking if you are into Scandinavian design.”
IVAR now has cane doors, which makes this hack even easier.
~ by Natasha
8. IKEA bookcase over the toilet storage hack
Scoring a free IKEA bookcase on Craigslist sparked the idea to hack it into a space-optimizing over-the-toilet cabinet. To customize the fit, Annie removed the back panel entirely, though you could cut it to size for the middle shelf if desired. Since it would sit directly over the toilet tank, the bottom shelf was also eliminated, utilizing all the remaining shelves. Conveniently, the fixed middle shelf landed at just the right height to clear the tank.
A simple hook was added to the side for towels. You could easily install a few more hooks as needed for extra storage potential. While the particleboard construction isn’t ideal for showers, consistent bathroom ventilation has allowed this piece to hold up for months.
“Given it’s made of particleboard material, it’s probably not the best idea to place it next to the shower,” cautions Annie, “But I’ve been using it for a few months, and it’s still holding up. The most important thing is to air your bathroom.”
Safety Warning: If there are kids in the home, this organizer unit should be attached to the wall with L-brackets.
~ by Annie Handley
9. DIY affordable, sturdy over the toilet storage
The HYLLIS shelf always looked too flimsy to be very useful, but it’s surprisingly sturdy. And it was a good size for Aje’s bathroom. Slotted in right next to the bathroom vanity and toilet paper holder, the bathroom organizer offers plenty of storage. Best thing, it’s non-gratuitously priced like most toilet cabinets.
Materials:
- HYLLIS shelving unit
Optional:
- Bed risers/wood blocks
- Paint
- Extra fasteners/lashing materials
1. Assemble HYLLIS using only the top 2-3 shelves, depending on the height of your toilet and whether or not you use risers to elevate the HYLLIS unit.
2. Place HYLLIS over the toilet, securing to risers via glue or lashing materials.
3. Using one of the remaining shelves, screw the shelf into the two rear unit legs so that the shelf goes behind the toilet (this is only possible with certain plumbing configurations – Aje’s plumbing goes into the floor, so it is possible, but yours may go into the wall behind the toilet, possibly making it impossible to add this stability bar without using tin snips to cut the shelf, which may decrease its stabilizing abilities). The shelf will be vertical and aligned flush with the rear unit legs.
4. Optional – stabilize the shelf to the wall. Aje’s HYLLIS was stable enough and not tippy at all, so they deemed this step unnecessary.
~ by AJE, Ann Arbor, MI
10. LERBERG shelf into storage-over-toilet unit
Charlie had been looking for an economical and aesthetically pleasing over-the-toilet storage unit. Unfortunately, most options were over $80 and often didn’t meet his needs. For example, the spacing between the shelf slats was frequently too large, causing small items like medicines to fall through.
Previously, he had used the LERBERG as a bookshelf. However, frustrated with his search for an over-the-toilet unit, he measured the height and width of the IKEA LERBERG (minus the bottom two shelves). Surprisingly, it fit the dimensions of his toilet and the limited space in his bathroom.
Steps to DIY above the toilet storage with IKEA LERBERG
1. Assemble the LERBERG as usual with all 4 shelves.
2. Take out the bottom two shelves.
3. Place the bolts/screws in the holes that used to hold the third shelf. Otherwise, it may be a little ‘wobbly.’
*Note: this hack depends entirely on your toilet’s space width. Measure the width and height first, then compare with product dimensions/ information on the IKEA product site.
Simple and easy IKEA hack for a new bathroom storage cabinet.
~ by Charlie
Post updated with current information.