Use these expert tips to keep your cosmetics and other bathroom knickknacks out of sight while keeping this part of your home looking cleaner.

I wish I had a few (or even just a few) products that would magically fulfill all my needs, but the reality is that my bathroom shelves are filled with cute little containers, most of which have different amazing scents and serve different purposes. This makes it even more difficult to maintain a minimalist bathroom.
Now that I’m learning how to organize my bathroom (the right way), I’m starting to scale back my skincare routine and stock up on fewer pink and burgundy lipsticks; I’m well aware that it’s not an easy habit to break. At the same time, I’ve found that the best approach is to find ways to hide the clutter.
We asked the experts, and they generously shared their best tips on how to hide bathroom storage to keep the space looking as neat as possible. So, if you want to try the minimalist trend and fake it until you make it, these are the tips you need to consider.
When we spoke to organization expert and With Arla founder Melissa Park, she told us that one of the best ways to hide clutter and save space in a small bathroom is to make the most of the vertical space under the sink or in the cabinet with tiered organizers or stackable shelves.
“This way, you can see and access everything at once without having to dig through boxes,” she said. “For example, put taller bottles on the bottom and smaller jars or tubes on top.”
We found this set of closet organizers from Target that will be the perfect addition to your bathroom, allowing you to quickly find everything you need.
Melissa is a professional organizer and the founder of With Arla. Arla is a New York City-based company that helps busy moms and professionals create peaceful, functional, and beautiful homes. With a background in technical project management, she brings precision, creativity, and a passion for problem solving to every project. Melissa believes that organizing is more than just decluttering, it’s about developing systems that simplify everyday life and allow clients to focus on what’s really important. In her free time, Melissa enjoys getting creative in the kitchen and discovering new restaurants around the city.
Although there are always a few things in the bathroom that need cleaning, cleaning can be a hassle. However, leaving them on the countertop is not a good idea.
So Melissa suggests freeing up countertop space by installing baskets or small shelves on the wall. If you need storage in the bathroom, this rattan wall basket from Walmart is stylish and practical.
“Use them to store frequently used items, such as extra toilet paper, hand towels, or even daily skincare essentials,” she advises. “Choose baskets with stylish designs that will complement your bathroom decor.”
Melissa says another clever way to hide bathroom clutter is to place a few baskets or drawers in your cabinets to organize things into categories. This is a great way to reduce bathroom clutter.
“Labels like ‘hair tools’ or ‘essentials’ help you stay organized while still being flexible to changing needs,” she notes. “Clear containers allow you to quickly check what’s inside, while opaque containers create a neater environment.”
Pair this mini label printer from Amazon with this metal storage box from H&M and you’ve got a Pinterest-worthy outfit.
Bathroom storage doesn’t have to be bulky and boring. Melissa hits the nail on the head when she points out that decorative storage containers are not only practical, but stylish, too.
“Place them on open shelves or countertops in your bathroom to stash away things like hair products, extra toiletries, and even small cleaning supplies,” she suggests. “They’re cute and convenient, and they’ll keep your bathroom looking tidy and everything you need in its place.”
Made from recycled plastic, this Anthropologie stone trash can will look elegant on your countertop or even on a nearby shelf.
Melissa believes that multifunctional furniture can easily solve the problem of clutter in the bathroom. By adding transformable furniture to the bathroom, which can also serve as hidden storage, you can really use all that space effectively.
“A mirrored cabinet or vanity with hidden compartments can be used to store extra toiletries and gadgets. This type of furniture is both stylish and practical, helping to reduce clutter without sacrificing aesthetics,” she said.
This Bryand Farmhouse Overhead Mirrored Medicine Cabinet from Wayfair comes in a beautiful matte black finish and has plenty of storage for makeup and skin care products.
If you’re forced to put your bathroom collection on display and have no choice but to keep it on countertops and shelves, we’ve found that the answer lies in gorgeous decorative jars.
“Use decorative containers to store cotton swabs, makeup sponges, or hair ties on your kitchen countertop,” suggests Melissa. “Choose containers with lids to hide things and add a touch of chic to the space.”
This porcelain storage jar from H&M features a gorgeous gold geometric pattern on the front and is perfect for storing cotton balls or other personal items you don’t want to show off.
Since most modern bathrooms are designed to be immaculate and minimalistic, they often lack storage space for everyday essentials that consumers need. For this reason, homeowners are encouraged to fill every space to hide the clutter of an open floor plan.
Melissa suggests hanging organizers behind the bathroom door. “These organizers can store items like brushes, hair dryers, or extra toiletries in easy-to-reach pockets,” she says. “Choose a storage bag with a neutral design to keep the look consistent.”
This adjustable over-the-door storage organizer from Amazon has received high reviews for its sturdy metal frame and multi-tiered compartment system for maximum storage.
Melissa suggests using a dresser or open shelving to hide small items like makeup, razors, or nail tools and keep them easily accessible. “To keep things sophisticated, keep them simple and elegant,” she says.
If your bathroom is short on drawer space, purchasing a set of uniquely designed extra drawers is a great way to improve your clutter-hiding efforts.
This clear drawer from Walmart is perfect for storing items you use often, but not every day. By putting them away in drawers, you can free up countertop and cabinet space to store more essentials.
When you’re organizing your bathroom cabinets and hiding clutter, it’s easy to lose valuables hidden deep in the cabinet. While record players are often stored in kitchen cabinets, they can be just as useful in the bathroom.
“If you have deep cabinets in your home, a turntable is perfect for storing bottles, jars, or cleaning supplies,” Melissa reassures. “You can rotate it to quickly access items that would otherwise be hidden deep in the cabinet.”
We found the 16-inch Not So Lazy Susan Spinner from OXO to be perfect for the bathroom, and the price is just as great.
When you think of “clutter,” towels probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, when towels are piled on the countertop or tucked under the sink for guests to use, they instantly ruin the ambiance of the space.
“Instead of using a bulky towel rack, consider rolling up your towels and placing them in a decorative basket on the floor or shelf,” says Melissa. “This creates a spa-like feel while still keeping the towels easily accessible.”
Place this large storage basket with lid from H&M in the corner of your bathroom and use it to store all your guests’ hand towels and bath towels.
When it comes to shower storage, usually all of this space is taken up by the walls, leaving no room for storing various items. As a result, shower accessories tend to pile up in the corner, creating a sense of clutter for people entering the bathroom.
“Organize your shower essentials with stylish organizers or built-in niches,” she suggests. “Both options provide dedicated spaces for bottles and soaps, and reduce visual clutter.”
This Walmart Hanging Shower Head Holder is rust-resistant and durable. It won’t wobble and has plenty of storage for shampoo, conditioner, and bath salts to keep your shower clean.
As you can see, there are many ways to solve the problem of bathroom clutter. From decorative jars to stylish trash cans, there are many stylish ways to hide clutter from prying eyes.
As we head into 2025, we encourage you to declutter your bathroom and do your best to get it looking its best. That way, you’ll have the perfect spa-like space to start the new year.
Melissa says saving money depends a lot on your personal habits and needs. She suggests starting by thinking about the things we use every day or even just occasionally.
“Anything beyond these essentials will likely be moved, donated, or thrown out,” she explains. “Decluttering is the most important step in the decluttering process, so take your time and do it mindfully.”
She found it was important not to stress about decluttering. “The goal is simple: Keep what you use and throw out what you don’t need,” she said. “If you’re hesitant because you think it’s wasteful, remember that keeping things you no longer use is like hoarding junk in a drawer.”
Instead, she encourages homeowners to consider donating or recycling items to find new uses elsewhere.
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Amiya is a family health columnist at Livingetc. She recently graduated from City University London with an MA in Journalism and has written for lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health, covering beauty, fashion and health. Her background as a research analyst means she has a keen eye for emerging trends. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, listening to music or analysing the latest news about her co-stars.
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