These Brilliant Ideas Will Inspire You to Fill Up The Space Above the Toilet

Trista - April 27, 2022

Most people often leave the space above their toilets bare. Alternatively, they just save it for a roll of toilet paper. Well, we’re here today to open your eyes to the functional and decorative opportunities you’re missing with the blank canvas above your toilet space. Follow any of our tips, and you can successfully breathe new life into your bathroom without making it feel like you’re overcrowding the area. Keep reading for easy ways to fill the space above the toilet. Some of these above-the-toilet designs only take some DIY time, a few dollars, and creative vision. Others are more intricate depending on your bathroom setup. Either way, you’ll discover stylish shelves and bathroom accessories that will help make the most of your toilet area.

20. Hang A Picture Over Your Toilet

If this bathroom design sounds simple and obvious, that’s because it is. It’s no discovery that artwork is one of the critical elements of decor. You can place it on a flat surface, hang it on a wall, or even on the ceiling, like the paintings of Michelangelo in the Sistine chapel. Artwork is a breath of fresh air and wonder in any space and can catapult it from meh to magnificent. Most people don’t feel like the bathroom deserves special treatment, but it’s a part of your home, so why not?

The first step is picking some form of imagery; be it a painting, a framed picture of inspirational words, or a photograph of beautiful scenery. Whatever it is, it should be something you would not mind seeing every day that ties in very well with the aesthetics of your bathroom. Most experts suggest placing a painting at eye level. However, eye level is subjective to different people, so a solid tip would be to put it centered at about 12inches over your toilet.

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19. Install A Suspended Shelving Unit

We cannot overemphasize how vital shelving is in terms of storage and even decoration. It’s one of the best combinations of aesthetics and functionality. There are multiple types of bathroom shelving to choose from, each suiting various needs and decorative requirements. However, now we’ll be focusing on the concept of suspended shelves. Yes, it is more convenient to attach your shelves to the wall, and that is why this idea is all the more unique as it is a little different from the norm. Suspending your shelves from the ceiling is a great idea, especially if you struggle with crowded walls.

Before going out and buying just any type of shelf and suspension cable, allow us to give you some pro tips on the best options out there so you can make the right decision for you. You could invest in a swinging rope shelf, an industrial chain link shelf, a threaded steel rod shelf, or even wrought iron as the support for the wooden shelves. These methods work perfectly well, depending on the type of look you’re going for. After deciding on a support system, go ahead and pick out the shelving planks you would like. Fasten durable hooks to the ceiling, hang your shelves, and there you go!

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18. Try Some Succulents

Plants — both live and faux — are an easy, inexpensive yet effective way to give new, refreshing life to any bathroom. Some expert designers say that space without greenery is incomplete, and we wholeheartedly agree! Besides plants offering purification benefits and doing a fantastic job of transforming your bathroom into a zen oasis, many studies have shown that having any kind of plants around you improves your mood and overall mental and emotional state. There are just too many benefits to pass this terrific idea up!

Succulents are a stellar example of plants that would thrive in any bathroom, given as some of them do not require a lot of light and a low amount of humidity to do great and are also incredibly easy to take care of. Some succulents that could look great on a shelf above your toilet or on the toilet itself include the snake plant, Aloe vera, the Panda plant, the Fishbone cactus, and the Oxtongue succulent. You can place multiple potted succulents on the toilet lid and top it up with a framed succulent print, and you’re good to go. Keep reading for easy ways to fill the space above the toilet.

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17. Use Glass Features

No doubt, floating shelves are a fantastic concept. Now, glass floating shelves? A genius idea for sure. They occupy as little visual space as possible and fit in pretty much anywhere. It adds an elegant and eclectic feel to your bathroom while helping to create interesting reflections and shadows. The transparency of the glass bathroom shelves gives an airy, open look to your bathroom, which is precisely what you would want if you’re trying to avoid the space looking too messy. The entire concept feels like magic to us, and that’s why it’s one of your top tips today.

Glass shelves come in many different types, so it’s important to know which one to pick. You would first need to make sure it’s strong enough to hold a bit of weight just to be extra careful. Many designers advise using a glass destiny around 16-24 inches, and experts suggest using tempered glass. In terms of pattern, you could opt for frosted glass, matte frost glass, rain glass, and even iceberg glass. These options will add interesting texture and light reflections to your bathroom. Who said shelves had to be boring, right?

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16. Brass It Up

The popularity of metallic home decor is at an all-time high, and brass is one of the leading finishes of choice these days. It works so well because it fits into many different art styles, such as modern, rustic, and art deco. If you’re looking for a vintage yet, modern farmhouse feel, brass is right up your alley! Adding brass finishes to your bathroom will aid you in achieving a stylish yet charming look. Brass doesn’t have to be limited to just sink faucets and wall sconces; brass accessories are also chic.

You can pair a brass shelving unit above the toilet with brass-framed mirrors for a lavish, eye-catching vintage look. Plus, you don’t have to stop there; feel free to make all the hardware in your bathroom cohesive and continue the brass treatment. These days, a simple trip to your local hardware and finishing store could fetch you more than enough accessories to liven up a room. If you prefer online shopping, then you’re in luck as well. Pairing the brass shelves with items like a brass toilet paper holder or a brass towel rack will tie the look together.

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15. Consider Adding Cabinets

Not everyone is a fan of open shelving, and that’s okay. Some people just do not find the idea of displaying bathroom accessories and products appealing. They would prefer to keep it hidden away in a closed compartment because they feel it is more visually appealing. If you’re one of the said people, we say cabinets are an excellent choice. Whether it be pill bottles, toothpaste, cotton swabs, or even skin care products, leaving them just out in the open can make your bathroom look sloppy and disorganized. Cabinets to the rescue!

Medicine cabinets are the most common type of cabinetry in a bathroom. Some of the best medicine cabinets contain durable shelving and possess enough room for storage. We recommend using a mirror-front cabinet to provide you with extra get-ready space and help open up the room a bit, as mirrors do so nicely. Since mirrored medicine cabinet doors often come with metal frames such as chrome, it would be advisable to pick one with a finish that matches the sink and tub faucets to get a uniform look throughout your bathroom.

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14. Opt For Recessed Wall Shelves

Recessed bathroom shelves are some of the most stylish yet contemporary ways you utilize the space in your bathroom and get full functionality. Recessed shelves are typically built into the wall, although there are some types that you can add to your wall by making only a few renovation adjustments. Suppose you’re a bit concerned about the prospect of having extra furniture protrude against the wall. In that case, you’ll love the idea of recessed shelving as it doesn’t take any extra space, works with the already existing wall, and is indented inwards, offering peak convenience and a unique look.

The wall in your bathroom will determine how easy or feasible it is to get recessed shelves. For instance, while still messy, it would be much easier to install recessed shelves in a bathroom with drywall (as long as there is no plumbing in the way) because of the hollow space behind the wall instead of a brick or plaster walled bathroom. If you decide on recessed shelving in a bathroom without drywall, it will require a professional’s services. If possible, add inbuilt lighting to the top of your shelves for an even more modern look. Keep reading for easy ways to fill the space above the toilet.

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13. Hang A Towel Rack Over Your Toilet

Of course, towels are an essential part of any bathroom. You use them to dry your hands or wash them after washing in the sink. Plus, you need large body towels for after showering. Towels are simply an accessory the average human cannot do without. That is why the accessibility of a towel, much like toilet paper, is a necessary convenience and a priority for most people. Nothing is more upsetting than taking a shower and realizing you’re all out of towels.

As apartment dwellers and homeowners, we all often try to come up with the best ways to get the most out of functional, convenient, and visually pleasing decor in our homes, all without breaking the bank. So, why not opt for something that ticks pretty much all boxes? Hanging a simple towel rack near the bathtub solves the problem of accessibility and convenience as you can just reach over and grab a towel when you want. Also, there are extra slots for spare towels and extra storage space. A top-tier choice for bathroom designs, especially when it comes to above-the-toilet ideas!

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12. Keep It Clean And Simple

Because Scandinavian-based minimalist design has garnered extreme popularity over the years, it must mean that it’s a pretty solid design strategy, yes? You’d be correct! Less isn’t always more but considering you’re designing a bathroom. You might want to keep it simple and clutter-free. The essential tips are clear counter spaces, simplistic lines, and being very organized. However, this doesn’t mean you have to give up accessorizing completely; there are ways to add extra elements to your bathroom without stepping outside the minimalist zone.

Indoor plants help to add a lot of life to a space without making it look cluttered or upsetting to the eye. A simple succulent like a cactus or a small potted plant could do a great deal in a small space. To enhance the illusion of a wider, brighter space, it is encouraged that you employ the use of white paint or any other neutral light colors. The light will bounce off the walls and give everything an open, clean and simplistic look. A couple of baskets work great for keeping away certain items and, as a finishing touch, a simple framed photograph that ties in with the minimalist aesthetic.

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11. Extend Your Mirror

Like a piece of wall art, mirrors are a wonderment when contributing to designing and maximizing space. Not only do they provide additional illumination for any room because of the reflections of light it bounces around. In addition to this, adding mirrors to your space will also give the illusion of a bigger room and make everything feel more spacious. Mirrors add a decorative flair to any bathroom as well as serve as the focal point. You would want the focal point to create an impression, right? Well, we’re here to advocate the idea of wider-than-usual mirrors.

Who says mirrors have to end over a vanity or the sink? Not us. You can achieve a unique and airy look when you install a long mirror reaching beyond the threshold of the vanity and over your toilet. The mirror can either be framed or unframed, depending on the kind of look you’re going for. Framed mirrors range from simple, clean trims to bold, ornate designs. If you’re looking to fill in space, then this is probably a better choice, but if you’re looking to create the effect of having an even more considerable margin, then we would recommend going with frameless mirrors.

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10. Consider Wall Treatments

Simplicity is king sometimes, and you may not need many items above your toilet for it to feel like it’s complete. We know how enticing it can be to want to decorate every wall and fill up every space, but we’re here to tell you that less is indeed more in some cases. Installing a simple patterned wallpaper or tile can go a long way in filling up the space as you desire, without being too much or putting any extra materials on your wall. The type of tile or wallpaper varies with whatever bathroom decor you have, and your decision is entirely up to you, so pick whatever your heart desires.

When choosing wallpaper or tiles, it’s important to note that the amount of natural lighting coming into the bathroom can impact how the treatment looks on your walls. The absence of a flood of natural light, which is not strange in most bathrooms, will become more evident if you add dark hues. Darker hues make your bathroom seem smaller and darker than it is, and that is why it is wiser to pick lighter shades and patterns. In terms of wall treatment, wainscoting is also a good choice. Keep reading for easy ways to fill the space above the toilet.

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9. Bring Nature Indoors

Research shows that spending time in nature improves your mood, relieves stress, and lowers blood pressure. In short, it is excellent for your overall physical and mental health. However, we can’t be outdoors all the time but thank goodness that indoor plants have similar benefits. There is an impressive number of indoor plants that we can bring into our bathrooms for that beautiful pop of green. If you’re worried that they may not have access to direct sunlight, then that isn’t a problem at all. Many plants thrive in low light, perfect for bathroom use.

In choosing plants for your bathroom, you need to consider low light, humidity, and temperature swings. However, don’t worry, we’ll give you some suitable examples. Hanging, overflowing potted plants that spill over the edges, such as the ‘Pothos,’ come highly recommended as they add a unique ‘jungle’ look to your bathroom. They look elegant, and they love the highly humid environment of the bathroom. Other beautiful, low-maintenance plants you should invest in for your bathroom include the Begonia, the Snake plant, the Peace lily, and the Bird’s nest fern.

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8. Combine Different Elements

We’ve taken a look at many different ideas we can employ to fill in the space above a toilet and elevate the overall look of the bathroom. From shelving to mirrors to wall treatment and artwork, there are a lot of beautiful concepts to choose from. However, have you considered the impact combining two or more of the ideas would have? As the saying goes, “the more, the merrier.” Much like going to a furniture showroom and seeing different pieces arranged together to form a cohesive unit to give you an idea of what they would look like in your home, it is the same with combining decor ideas for a unique, personalized look.

Perhaps you have a particular piece or multiple pieces of artwork you would like to display and, at the same time, a nice shelf you want to put up. You may be thinking of throwing in some plants and even a little wall treatment to spice everything up. Are you scared that so many ideas would look chaotic and clash? No need to be! It all depends on how you combine the elements and colors. Following your bathroom theme, pick out pieces that suit your taste and mix and match as much as you want. As long as you don’t go overboard, everything will look super!

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7. Give Baskets A Go

Baskets may not be the first idea on everyone’s mind when you think of decoration or statement pieces because they seem so ordinary. Yes, they’re great for helping you carry your lunch outside for a picnic. However, baskets, whether for the brilliant purpose of pretty, pristine storage or simply for decoration, are a great choice for durable storage in any bathroom. Although available in different colors, their popular warm, brown tones will give a very earthy and calming feel to any room it’s placed in.

Besides placing them on the toilet lid for storage, you can achieve so much else with them. Have you ever heard of a basket wall? Well, it’s a gorgeous idea, especially if you’re into the more rustic, boho aesthetic. You could create an excellent coordinated design above your toilet and bring a retro flair into your space by getting about two or more flat woven baskets of your choice. Similarly, you could also hang deeper baskets facing outwards, mirroring a shelf for storage and functionality. Keep reading for easy ways to fill the space above the toilet.

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6. Fall In Love With Ladder Storage

Ladders aren’t just for getting to places you can’t reach anymore. Ladder storage has garnered an impressive amount of popularity over the years. A bathroom ladder shelf might be the perfect, minimal effort solution for filling the space above your toilet and providing excellent storage space. It’s incredibly efficient and convenient because you don’t have to drill holes or make any significant readjustments to your wall. You don’t even have to go through the tedious affair of ensuring your shelves are level. You need to shop for a ladder that suits your state and place it over your toilet. Voilà.

There are two types of ladder shelves: freestanding and leaning ladder shelves. Leaning ladder shelves rely on the wall for support, while freestanding ladder shelves can support their weight. The choice is entirely up to you. Ladder shelves come in many different colors, sizes, and designs. They are also incredibly portable and lightweight, and this is a huge plus if the time should ever come that you need to redecorate or repurpose them. Overall, ladder shelves are an efficient and fitting option to consider in decorating the space above your toilet.

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5. Install A Towel Holder And Shelf Decor

Simply sticking to one idea or tip just isn’t enough for some of us, and we want to add some more ideas to the mix! There just isn’t enough space for some, so we have to maximize as best we can and do more with less. That is where the principle of combination comes in very handy. Perhaps you’re sentimental or what we like to call a “minimalist,” and you’re somewhere between mini and maxi, wanting a space to be filled but not cluttered. As a result, you have multiple items you’d like to display.

Allow us to direct your attention below. Is there not much space in this half bath between the toilet and vanity? It was not a problem for the decorator; they made the absolute most out of the situation and placed a towel holder above the toilet, close to the sink, the perfect distance for a hand towel. Also, the shelf above the toilet is simple but perfectly matches the aesthetic while simultaneously offering support to some plants in a glass vase and two mini picture frames. The succulents in the vase on the toilet lid are the cherry on top, as this cements the cozy yet stylish look.

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4. Use Decorative Shelves

Makeover your bathroom by adding wooden shelves to make a decorative statement as well as provide excellent storage to the area above the toilet that is frequently left empty. In addition, you can add some farmhouse-style decorations to create a stylish, sleek bathroom. You can display some items such as plants, photos, baskets, and small toiletries on top of a shelf or implement new design skills to suit your taste. These over toilet shelves will give your bathroom an organized and designer look as they can fit snugly without taking up a lot of space.

Choosing the right type of paint for your shelf is a relatively easy chore to match your modern bathroom decor. Ideally, quick-drying acrylic paint is the best consideration on bathroom shelves. Adding a protective finish to the shelves can help improve their durability. Paint them with the color of your choice. You can include neutral colors to keep your bathroom feeling dapper and soothing. This above-the-toilet design will also add to your bathroom’s overall beauty. Keep reading for easy ways to fill the space above the toilet.

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3. Try Surrounding Storage

You can try something new in your bathroom by maximizing the storage space – and making it look dashing – by placing a small and thin sofa table over the surface of the toilet without taking a lot of space. This above-the-toilet design will give your bathroom a sleek and rustic look. However, it can also be the perfect place to store oil diffusers, toiletries, and decorative items without filling the space disorderly. Placing an aesthetically pleasing woven basket on the table will alter, improve, and modernize the appearance of your bathroom. You might even choose to keep some washcloths or extra hand towels in the basket, which would look just as wonderful.

In addition, you can create a gallery of decorative mirrors on the wall just to spice things up. Mirrors are fascinating because they allow you to play around with shape, size, and even color. This bathroom design will give a sense of class to your area, but it will also provide depth and improve the overall appearance of the space. You can also place some artificial succulents in ceramic holders that go well on the floor to add more aesthetics to the toilet location. When you utilize the right blend of bathroom accessories, the area appears to be a separate space.

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2. Use Practical Toilet Paper Dispensers And Storage Baskets

It can be a bother to store toilet paper, even in the bathroom. Consider using a storage basket as an effective place to keep a few extra rolls conveniently out of sight, providing storage for other bathroom necessities. You can also improvise by using unusual containers that you can repurpose and put to new usages. There are so many toilet paper holders that suit your style.

Another interesting way is attaching a trolling rod to the tip of the basket, which serves as a perfect place to hold the rolls. In addition, you can pair it with other baskets of different sizes, shapes, and weaves for bathroom countertop storage. Asides from acting as a storage, it also serves as a big statement piece. Just place one or two baskets on your toilet and watch your bathroom turn into a beautiful place.

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1. Install A Hanging Shelf

Did we save the best above-the-toilet design for last? Perhaps. Either way, shelves are a subtle way to add a luxurious appeal to bathroom space, and as such, you can bring elegance and a personal tone into your bathroom by hanging this shelf above your toilet. This wall-mounted wooden shelf is exquisite, but it’s quite sturdy to keep a few items such as family photos, a portable flower vase, nail polish, or makeup conveniently nearby. You can simply incorporate it into window or wall space.

Hanging shelves bring a statement when adequately mounted and matched with similar decor and personal style. The jute rope is relatively strong and sustainable, and you can easily adjust the length to your discretion. A simple nail or a hook is enough to hang it on the wall, and the choice is yours! Share with us your bathroom designs and above-the-toilet designs that serve both practical and stylish elements!

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