Turn A Thrift Store Staple Into A Budget-Friendly Storage Addition For Your Bathroom

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Ample storage is both a problem and an opportunity in limited bathroom space, thanks to all the neat designs you can create to get the most out of it. A DIY means custom looks, size, and features, often for much less than buying something at a retailer. Still, sometimes it's nice to skip the hard work and have a quick and easy fix for our lack of storage. Though there are a few ways to make that happen, a repurposed bookshelf is an ideal solution with few compromises. A popular thrift store find, a small bookshelf allows an easy installation in a budget-friendly package, offering a great alternative to an over-the-toilet cabinet.

Measure the open space above the toilet, accounting for at least a 24-inch clearance between the tank and the bottom shelf. Keep the numbers handy when you find a short, three- or four-shelf bookcase. Check for damage that might make it unstable on the wall or create cosmetic issues. Minor defects are often easy to fix, and you can even get creative to hide irreparable damage. Maybe the bookcase can flip upside down to give you the same function but hide certain sides to cover up damage. In other cases, you may need to simply swap out or remove a part, like a broken shelf or flimsy backing. The point is, if you find a thrift store bathroom bookcase you love, take a moment to consider how you can get it to work.

Since your bookcase is going in a humid environment, take appropriate water-proofing measures. Sanding and applying varnish or lacquer can be crucial when refurbishing wood furniture. You could also spruce up the color with paint, a great idea for budget-friendly laminate bookshelves. For added aesthetics, combine paints with patterned contact paper on the panels.

When you're ready to mount the bookshelf, use a stud finder to locate studs that can provide a firm hold. Secure your bookshelf where you want to mount it, using a level to keep it straight. Drill pilot holes through the bookcase and into the wall, and install lag bolts. If drilling into drywall, be sure to install a heavy-duty wall anchor, like a toggle bolt, to manage the weight on that screw.

Bolting directly to the bathroom wall over the toilet can often work for wood bookcases. Those consisting of particle board or fiberboard, meanwhile, may not be strong enough to hang by screws. Instead, you can give these a hanging bracket to sit on. Sturdy L brackets, like HOZE Heavy Duty Shelf Brackets, sit under the bookcase. Acting as a shelf, these can support a few hundred pounds while staying relatively hidden. Install an anti-tip bracket connecting the top of the bookcase to the wall to keep it from falling. Once installed, fill your shelves with hand towels, toilet paper rolls, or any fashionable bathroom decor items from estate sales and thrift stores you happen to find while picking up your budget-friendly storage solution.