Get Behind-The-Door Storage For Small Bathrooms With IKEA's BILLY Unit

Small bathrooms are notoriously difficult to organize; not only does the space have to be functional on the daily, but that functionality is very much wrapped up in how effective your storage solutions are. Even if you find that your small bathroom lacks a sizable storage closet or cabinetry, there are countless ways to make your space seem bigger. One way is by adding storage for stowing everything from cosmetics and personal hygiene products to extra towels and tools like hair dryers. One such option IKEA's affordable BILLY/OXBERG unit, which can fit perfectly behind doors even in teeny tiny bathrooms.

Utilizing the BILLY bookcase from IKEA works wonderfully in many small bathrooms, so long as there's a bit of clearance behind the door. Showcased by TikTok creator @thenicehome_diy, the influencer positions the BILLY unit behind the bathroom door, which adds multiple shelves of space with ease. While you can choose any BILLY that fits behind your door, this creator has selected the BILLY/OXBERG ($94) in Black/Brown. Prior to purchasing your own BILLY bookcase to utilize in this way, be sure to measure the footprint behind your bathroom door; the BILLY requires 15 ¾ inches by 11 ¾ inches of floor space. Perhaps the best part of this storage solution is that it uses what would otherwise be dead space in your bathroom.

While the BILLY isn't the most expensive storage solution you could purchase for your small bathroom, the specific model from the video is nearly $100 so it's only logical to do your homework before committing. At first glance, the BILLY/OXBERG is well-reviewed, with a 4.7-star average out of over 130 reviews. Customers appreciate that the appearance is chic and that the storage potential is high. One specific review mentions how useful it is in a small bathroom space: "This small cabinet is exactly what I was looking for. Remodeled a very small bathroom and this is perfect for holding items that are a must have for any bathroom area."

The BILLY is a great way to make the most of your small bathroom, but if you're not wild about spending $94 on a single unit, you can always opt for the open-shelving option, which lacks the door and has a simpler aesthetic overall. The cheapest option for this BILLY unit is the all white one, which costs only $39. If you have a hankering for something with a bit more character, you can achieve that through the lighter wood options, or the darker black and brown hues that cost $49. Whatever color and model you choose, the BILLY lineup is highly reviewed by customers and should provide ample storage.

As with most storage solutions, the effectiveness of the unit lies in how you choose to use it. The TikTok creator who positioned the BILLY/OXBERG behind the bathroom door increases the storage potential of the shelving and the visual appeal by placing a couple of baskets on the top shelves. While you can't see what's inside the baskets, it's easy enough to imagine that they could be used to conceal everything from toilet paper to unseemly items like extra bottles of shampoo or shaving cream. Whether you're worried about hiding the contents of your cabinet or not, baskets or bins can be a great idea to help stay organized. Individual labeled baskets or bins can also allow you to easily retrieve what you need in a short amount of time, without knocking over the items in front.

Though the BILLY/OXBERG is a pretty nice looking piece of furniture, it's always advised to do what you can to help tie a piece into the style or theme of your space. The BILLY/OXBERG comes in a number of shades that can help you do just this. The light birch option would play well in a coastal-themed bathroom, while a darker black oak works great for a more monochromatic space. Whether you need to maximize storage in your small space or just another way to stay on top of your current inventory, the BILLY/OXBERG unit is a great place to start.