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We admit that over-the-toilet storage may spark memories of college dormitories or shoebox-size starter apartments. But no matter the square footage you’re working with (or the volume of stuff you need to tuck away), there is an art to crafting a visually pleasing area atop the loo. “What goes above the toilet is really dependent on your storage needs,” designer Emily Sanford tells us. If you’re graced with space and can use this as a purely decorative area, she suggests hanging art or installing a floating shelf for decor: “Fill it with a mix of pretty objects like a beautiful candle with a cloche, a chic glass match striker, a reeded diffuser, a plant, or even a beautiful tissue box cover.” 

On the other hand, if you went a little too hard on your last Costco run and need somewhere to put all of your bulk toiletry goods, there are solutions for that as well. “If you need to store things that might be an eyesore, fill the shelves with pretty baskets that hold the unsightly items, like extra bars of soap, toilet paper, etc. Or opt for enclosed storage, like a wall-mounted cabinet,” Sanford adds. 

Whether you go for a mounted cabinet or something like a floating shelf (more on those different categories ahead), the material of your storage solution can also help it look more polished and less like a second thought. “Cerused white oak or natural walnut are our two favorite woods,” says Dekar Design cofounder Caroline Grant. “We also love doing painted shelves to pick up a color in the tile.” Sanford adds that she tends to gravitate toward a mix of wood, marble, glass shelving with brass hardware, and natural materials, like a rattan tray.

And if the layout of your bathroom doesn’t have space above the toilet, don’t forget about the tank lid. “If there is a window above the toilet or the space does not allow for anything to be hung on the wall behind the toilet, opt for a pretty tray on top of the tank lid,” Sanford says. Ahead, a quick overview of the categories to pick and choose from when planning beautiful (and efficient) over-the-toilet storage.

If ever there were a polarizing over-the-toilet storage piece, it’s the freestanding unit. According to Sanford, it’s better placed away from the toilet and in another area of your bathroom, if possible. “Freestanding furniture pieces in bathrooms are one of my favorite storage solutions,” she says. “If you have an empty wall and the space allows, vintage wood armoires or reeded glass cabinets can be beautiful. The options are endless.” That said, for those who live in especially snug spaces but have their sights set on something OTT (over the toilet, that is), look for options in modern silhouettes and materials that will complement and elevate your bathroom.

West Elm Modern Leaning-Over-the-Toilet Cubby

“If you are going to opt for a cabinet or storage piece, attach it to the wall,” Sanford says. You can buy one that’s prefabricated or tap a local carpenter. “Usually custom-made cabinets are very expensive when creating an entire kitchen or vanity, but a single cabinet for a bathroom is worth the investment, especially when it comes to practical storage solutions.” she adds. If a custom build feels like too much, you can also play around with an existing cabinet to make it mirror the feel of your bathroom. “Ways to dress it up include painting or wallpapering the interior for a pop of color or swapping out the knobs,” she notes.

Installation note: If you’re installing a unit, Sanford says that the bottom of the unit should be at least 14 inches above the top of the tank (this frees up enough room to remove the tank lid if needed). “You also don’t want the cabinet to be any deeper than the tank itself. As a rule of thumb, we like to cap the depth at 10 or 11 inches from the wall (counting the 2 inches of space between wall and tank, and about 8 to 9 inches for the tank), but it depends on the style of toilet you have,” she adds.

For a bathroom installation that’s less involved than a mounted cabinet, Dekar Design cofounder Dolores Suarez suggests shelving: “We love adding floating shelves above the toilet for towels (nicely folded, of course).” You can also incorporate artwork and decor alongside storage baskets and bins to optimize the shelving space. “Trays can help break up a space visually,” Sanford notes. 

Anthropologie Launis Two-Tier Bathroom Shelf

Pottery Barn Linden Handcrafted Marble Double-Tier Shelf

If you’re feeling clever and crafty, you can incorporate hooks above the toilet in lieu of a shelf or cabinet and hang a basket from the hook for extra storage. “A hanging basket from the ceiling is also a decorative and practical way to store additional toilet paper,” Suarez notes.  

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