Perth is home to countless charming older homes and modern apartments - many with bathrooms that could generously be described as "cosy." But a small bathroom doesn't mean sacrificing storage. With clever design and the right cabinetry, you can maximise every centimetre.
Here are our top 10 storage ideas for small Perth bathrooms.
1. Floating Vanities
A floating vanity is perhaps the single most impactful change you can make in a small bathroom. By mounting the vanity off the floor, you create visual space and the illusion of a larger room.
Benefits:
- Floor space remains visible
- Easy cleaning underneath
- Modern, streamlined appearance
- Room for baskets or scales below
Pro tip: Choose a vanity with soft-close drawers rather than doors. Drawers maximise accessible storage and don't swing into the room.
2. Tall Boy Cabinets
When floor space is limited, think vertical. A slimline tall boy cabinet provides surprising storage capacity in a minimal footprint.
Ideal for storing:
- Towels and linens
- Toiletries and backstock
- Cleaning supplies
- Medicines (upper shelves, away from children)
A 400mm wide tall boy can hold as much as a standard bathroom cabinet while taking up less than half the floor space.
3. Mirrored Shaving Cabinets
Every bathroom needs a mirror - so why not make it work double duty? A recessed or surface-mounted mirrored cabinet provides essential storage without taking any additional space.
What fits inside:
- Daily skincare products
- Medications
- Dental care items
- Razors and grooming tools
- Small cosmetics
Design tip: Choose a cabinet with adjustable shelves to accommodate items of different heights.
4. Over-Toilet Cabinets
The wall space above your toilet is prime real estate in a small bathroom. An over-toilet cabinet or open shelving unit captures this otherwise wasted area.
Options include:
- Enclosed cabinets for concealed storage
- Open shelving for display and access
- Combination units with both
Be mindful of height - leave enough clearance for comfortable use of the toilet and avoid head-bumping hazards.
5. Niche Shelving in Showers
If you're renovating anyway, consider built-in niches within your shower recess. These recessed shelves eliminate the need for hanging caddies and keep products within easy reach.
Planning considerations:
- Position away from direct water spray
- Make deep enough for shampoo bottles
- Waterproofing is critical
- Consider lighting for added luxury
6. Under-Sink Storage Solutions
Don't waste the space beneath your vanity. Purpose-designed storage solutions can transform awkward under-sink areas into organised storage havens.
Solutions include:
- Pull-out drawers around plumbing
- Stackable bins and containers
- Door-mounted organisers
- Tiered shelf units
The key is measuring carefully and choosing solutions that work around pipes and plumbing.
7. Corner Units and Carousel Systems
Corners are notoriously difficult in small bathrooms. Rather than leaving them empty, corner vanity units or carousel systems capture this awkward space.
Corner vanity benefits:
- Use otherwise dead space
- Create unique design feature
- Increase bench and storage space
- Available in various sizes
8. Ladder Shelves
Leaning ladder shelves offer a lightweight storage solution that doesn't require wall mounting - perfect for renters or those avoiding drilling into tiles.
Best for:
- Towel display and storage
- Plants and decorative items
- Toiletry baskets
- Books and candles
Choose rust-resistant materials like powder-coated metal or sealed timber for bathroom environments.
9. Magnetic Strips and Wall Organisers
Small items create big clutter. Wall-mounted organisers keep everyday essentials accessible without cluttering bench space.
Smart solutions:
- Magnetic strips for bobby pins and tweezers
- Toothbrush holders
- Soap dispensers
- Small pocket organisers
These small additions make daily routines more efficient and keep benches clear.
10. Baskets and Containers
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Matching baskets and containers create organised storage on any surface.
Styling tips:
- Choose matching or coordinating styles
- Label containers for easy identification
- Use different sizes for different items
- Natural materials like rattan add warmth
Planning Your Bathroom Storage
When planning storage for a small bathroom, consider:
- What you actually use daily - Keep these items most accessible
- What you use weekly - Store in convenient but not prime locations
- What you use rarely - Store high, low, or outside the bathroom
- What you don't need - Declutter before designing storage
Custom Solutions for Perth Bathrooms
At Arc Interiors, we specialise in custom-sized bathroom cabinetry that maximises your specific space. Whether you have an awkward layout, unusual dimensions, or specific storage needs, we can design solutions that work.
Our popular bathroom products include:
- Custom floating vanities
- Slimline tall boys
- Mirrored shaving cabinets
- Over-toilet units
- Laundry hamper systems
Ready to maximise your bathroom storage? Contact us for a free consultation and let's design the perfect solution for your Perth home.