I remember the first time I tried organizing my bathroom—it was a bit of a mess. I had products everywhere, And the space above the toilet felt wasted. The biggest struggle? Figuring out how high to hang shelves above the toilet without overcrowding the space. After some trial and error, I found the right height that worked for my needs, And now I’m excited to share my tips with you. In this guide, You’ll learn how to make the most of that space And get the perfect balance between style and storage. Let’s dive in!
Why Shelf Height Matters Above the Toilet
It’s a good idea, for both style and function, to know where to place shelves above the toilet. I didn’t initially give much thought to shelf height, but I soon began to consider how much this aspect contributed to the overall vibe of my new bathroom. Too high, and I couldn’t get to what I needed. Too high, and they junked up the space.
You want to shoot for a happy medium between convenience and design. The right height will allow you to reach all the shelves easily and help keep the space looking tidy. You don’t want the shelves to dominate the room, said the designer Robert Stilin, but you do want them to be useful. In the right spot, it allows you to use the space above your toilet, without sacrificing style or function.
How High to Hang Shelves Above Toilet
Hanging shelves above your bathroom can be tricky. The height matters for both style and function. The best range is between 12 to 18 inches. This allows easy access while keeping the space open and tidy.
In smaller bathrooms, keep the shelf closer to 12 inches. It prevents the room from feeling crowded. In larger bathrooms, you can go a bit higher, closer to 18 inches. This gives the room a balanced look without taking up too much space.
Consider the shelf’s purpose. For storage, you may want a higher shelf to store bigger items below. For decoration, a lower shelf works best. It’s all about finding the right height that fits your needs.
Floating Shelf Height: How to Get It Right
Floating shelves are perfect for above-toilet storage. They’re clean and modern and cool without adding a ton of bulk. These shelves work perfectly for small bathrooms as they provide extra storage space without overwhelming the space.
Floating Shelves Opt for floating shelves that are 12 to 18 inches above your toilet. This range allows them to be easily accessible and neat-looking. Versatile floating shelves can enhance any area of your home while providing both storage and display space.
Floating shelves can also help a small bathroom feel more spacious. Their basic construction creates an open feeling when you enter a room. Use them for towels, plants or other decor to elevate the look of your bathroom.
How Far Apart Should Floating Shelves Be?
The interval between floating shelves is crucial to a tidy and functional bathroom. Too much space can make the room seem small. The space would be a waste if it left too much room to store things. Striking the right balance is key to making the shelves look good and work.
Shelves should be 8 to 12 inches apart. This leaves space for things like decor, towels or toiletries. It keeps from being crowded but stores a lot.
To maximise your shelves, try grouping like items. Let there be some space to let it breathe. This nifty trick will keep you more organised and make your bathroom look cleaner.
Above Toilet Cabinet Height: Finding the Best Fit
The height of an over-the-toilet cabinet should match the shelf height. One rule of thumb you’ll hear is that the cabinet should sit anywhere from 70 to 72 inches above the floor. This height is manageable, not too low and not too high for ease of access.
One of the top factors when deciding between a shelf and cabinet is the accessibility. A cabinet provides you with more enclosed storage, whereas shelves provide a more open form of storage. Consider how often you’ll need to access the items and select based on what will work best in your space.
Practical Tips for Installing Shelves Above the Toilet
Installing shelves above the toilet is easy with the right tools and steps. Here’s a simple guide:
- Tools Needed: You’ll need a tape measure, pencil, level, drill, screws, anchors, and a screwdriver.
- Measuring Tips: Measure the space above the toilet and mark where you want the shelf. Use a level to ensure the shelf will be straight.
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mark where the brackets will go.
- Drill holes for anchors. Use anchors for drywall or plaster.
- Insert the anchors and screw in the brackets.
- Place the shelf on the brackets and secure it with screws.
- Mark where the brackets will go.
Wall Types and Anchors: Different walls need different anchors. Use drywall anchors for drywall. For tile, use tile anchors to avoid damage.
Common Mistakes: Don’t drill into studs that don’t align with your markings. Always check the level. Use the right anchors for your wall type to hang shelves above the toilet
Final Thoughts and Tips
How high you can put the shelves above your toilet will play a major role in allowing your bathroom to be both functional and fashionable all at once. Customise the height to fit your house room, your storage and how you use the shelves. The perfect height can completely change the feel of the space and the ease of use of its contents.
Before drilling, try the shelf height using temporary brackets. Notches make it easy for you to fit your feet without making permanent holes.
