How To Make The Most Of The Space Above Your Toilet

Whether you have a small bathroom or just like to make the most of every space in your home, you may want to ensure that you're not leaving the area above your toilet bare. From practical uses to aesthetic additions as well as options that are perhaps unexpected and creative, there are various ways that you can transform this sometimes overlooked space.

Indeed, when decorating your bathroom, you might first focus on aspects like the paint color on the walls, the lighting fixtures, or what kind of tiles you'd like in your shower. However, you'll surely see the benefits of taking advantage of seemingly random yet surprisingly useful spots like the one above your toilet. As Kerrie Kelly, the founder of a design lab and studio that goes by her same name, explained to Today, "The more solutions you use to keep items off the floor and countertops, the less cluttered and bigger the space will look." Of course, in order to truly make the most of the space above your toilet, you'll need to decide what use of this specific spot best suits your style, your needs, and your particular bathroom.

You can enjoy extra shelves in your bathroom with the Gold Otha Metal Freestanding Over-the-Toilet Storage that regularly sells for $369. Along with the fact that the three shelves will offer you space to store beauty products, towels, and tissues, as well as display plants and décor, the legs stand on either side of the toilet with enough room above to ensure that you won't bump your head when you sit down. If a gold finish isn't quite your style, then you may be pleased to find out that it also comes in oil-rubbed bronze.

Shelves are certainly handy to have around to store your toiletries. However, we understand if you don't want everything on display. In that case, you may want to consider a storage unit that fits over your toilet but includes both shelves and a cabinet. For instance, the Pinecrest Freestanding Over-the-Toilet Storage which is sold for $99.99, has a classic wood design and mostly white finish that would work with a number of bathroom styles. If there's any concern about it tipping, the piece comes with hardware to safely secure it to the wall.

Ladders that are meant to be used as shelves are a stylish way to add storage to any room. However, there are also options that alter the design slightly to fit above a toilet. Just take a peek at the Ervey Solid Wood Freestanding Over-the-Toilet Storage which costs $179.99 and boasts three spacious shelves. The wood finish that's whitewashed in a purposefully rough manner gives it an almost rustic touch that would look amazing in bathrooms that feature anything from a cottage-core vibe to a contemporary boho-chic aesthetic.

Shelving with legs that extend on either side of a toilet doesn't suit every bathroom layout or may not be to your particular taste. In that case, you might prefer sleek independent shelves. The Senjie Floating Shelves Wall Mounted with Storage Basket and Protective Guards which are sold for $25.99 to $31.99 depending on the color of the wood, offer spots for toilet paper, small towels, beauty products, and more. Along with black steel frames that keep everything secure, the wood shelves come in light brown, dark brown, rustic brown, white, and black.

A shelving option where you can also hang your brushes as well as a roll of toilet paper that's ready to use, a multi-purpose piece that sits on the back of your toilet and reaches into the space above is both easy to set up and just as fast to take down if necessary. Although there are plenty of options available, the lightweight yet sturdy and durable Godboat Over The Toilet Storage offers a one-tier option that is sold regularly for $28.98 while the two-tier version is a little more at $39.99.

Add a creative touch to your bathroom that may also put a smile on your face by hanging up quirky wall art. Frankly, it might be impossible to resist this eye-catching design printed on waterproof canvas with fade-resistant ink that also boasts a retro aesthetic and dynamic color. Costing $18.56 for an unframed version, this Black Cat Bathroom Wall Art is also sold with a frame for $40. Both options are 16 by 24 inches which means that it should fill the space above your toilet nicely without visually overwhelming the area.

You can choose something functional while also opting for an easy choice by grabbing a tray to sit above your toilet. Simply place it on the lid to create a storage shelf for your toiletries. For instance, the non-slip FARIRICAJON Silicone Bathroom Shelf that is selling for $12.99 each will ensure that everything stays sorted, secure, and clean. It also features an open space in the middle to access flush buttons on the lid. Coming in white or blue-green, they're also sold in pairs of the same shade or one in each color.

If you don't have a linen closet or simply like to keep towels close at hand when you're in the bathroom, then you should definitely consider placing a rack in the space above your toilet. Instead of typical shelves, the $28.99 JOIN IRON Wall Towel Rack with a black finish includes three roomy curved sections that are perfectly suited for rolled towels. This means the towels will look nice which is a definite plus since they're out in the open for anyone in your bathroom to see.

Both adorable and artistic, text art with a cute message is an ideal choice for your bathroom. Of course, you need to find something that says just the right thing. For example, the Vivegate "Hello Sweet Cheeks" Metal Black Bathroom Wall Décor that is sold for $17.99 is welcoming and, er, cheeky (sorry, we couldn't resist). On top of that, it's made to resist rusting over time and is 11 inches wide and 15 inches long so it should span the space above your toilet nicely.

There's no doubt that nature is filled with beautiful things which is why items that you can find outdoors can also look incredible in your home. When it comes to your bathroom, you can add real plants or, for those who don't have a green thumb, you can opt for faux versions. For $18.99, the Artificial Eucalyptus Wall Hanging Decor is a handmade piece that features fake leaves hanging in rows from a single branch that is suspended by a thin rope. There is also a second option that includes wooden discs and costs $25.99.

You don't have to commit to a full mural in order to enjoy art that's relatively sizable and applied directly to your wall. Instead, you can opt to use wall decals or wall stickers. Pre-made in seemingly endless designs, all you need to do is peel off the backing and apply them to the wall above your toilet. The hilarious (yet honestly helpful) "Text Me Toilet Paper" Wall Decor Sticker which is sold for $8.29 is made of vinyl that's waterproof, non-toxic, removable, repositionable, and safe for various wall surfaces.

While some people apparently use their phones while on the toilet, what do you do if you leave your device behind? That's the situation that inspired the KAIRNE Forget Your Phone Bathroom Sign which includes a toilet-themed word-search puzzle to keep people busy while they're taking care of business. Sold for $15.99, the canvas item is hung with a wood frame. Just remember: don't get too distracted by this addition to the space above your toilet, otherwise, you might make a mess if you don't pay attention to what else you're doing.

Macramé décor has come back into style and can be used in countless ways these days. That includes filling the space above your toilet with an item that's practical and attractive. With a look that would work for anything from a bohemian abode to a rustic residence not to mention a bathroom with a nautical theme, the Hanging Mesh Toilet Paper Storage Holder that's sold for $12.99 has a base of wood sticks that are held up by cotton ropes made of brown, beige, or dark green threads.

The space above your toilet is not only the perfect spot to store things, but it's also a highly visible spot for anyone who visits your bathroom. That's why you can use it to show off your personality and style in fabulous and fun ways that might surprise you. For instance, get yourself an almost sculptural piece to hold your toilet paper. Although that could be something that's cute, chic, or classic, there's also the black metal Bigfoot Toilet Paper Holder Stand that's sold for $30.99 and can fit eight full rolls.

Putting away rolls of toilet paper may usually be a mundane task, however, it doesn't have to be. Thanks to the fact that the rolls make the shape of the letter "o" when seen from the side, they make an ideal addition to a game of tic-tac-toe that can be installed above your toilet. The Wall Mount Toilet Paper Holder is $89 and includes both the shelf which acts as the playing board and comes in various colors, as well as "x" shapes in red, blue, black, or beige.