Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Innovative Storage Ideas For Small Bathrooms

Have you ever considered what life would be like without one or all of your bathrooms in your home? We homeowners tend to overlook just how critical the bathroom; bathrooms are one of the smallest yet most frequently used rooms in any home or apartment. Since it is used for soaking in the tub, brushing teeth, washing the dog, or a makeshift sailboat for the kids, it's not uncommon for the bathroom to be cluttered with a multitude of objects. Toothbrushes, hairbrushes, makeup, soaps, towels, paper products and hair irons are just a few amongst the plethora that tends to crowd our countertops and clutter out storage space. For those that are guilty of contributing to this clutter, don't panic, there is hope. Follow these simple tips to transform and keep your bathroom organized.

Tip #1: Maximize Door Space
Like most typical bathrooms, you probably have either a towel rack or a mirror on the back of your bathroom door. But there are better ways to utilize this space. By painting the back of the door-the part that faces the interior of the bathroom-with magnetic paint, you'll not only get to liven up the room with an accent "wall" of sorts, but also, you'll be able to store more. The door will allow you to hang more than just towels, including other baskets to hold soaps, wash cloths, shampoos and other miscellaneous items.

Tip #2: Sky's the Limit
Smaller bathrooms tend to feel cramped because we automatically think of using every square inch of floor space. Instead, look to the ceilings. There is probably ample space between exisiting cabinets and the ceiling to store extra items. Use it to your advantage! Adding slim by long (vertically-wise) shelving units not only will enable you to store more but also helps make the bathroom seem larger. If you don't want to add a shelving unit, considering hanging decorative wicker baskets in a variety of sizes to create unique flair. When determining what style storage unit is right for you, always think tall and slim rather than short and squat; tall units usually offer more storage space.

Tip #3: Let It Hang Dry
Are you tired of collecting damp or soaked towels that wind up lumped together in the hamper attracting mildew? Or are you plagued by the hand towel that never seems to dry? Take a tip from your kitchen. By adding a sliding drawer with horizontal metal rods, you can conveniently store damp towels under or next to sinks, allowing them proper time to dry.

Tip #4: Shower with It
For busier homes, keeping everyone's individual shower products separated yet organized can be a nightmare. Why not keep everything you use in the shower, well, in the shower? Install metal rod units in the shower stall itself that includes sectioned off baskets or areas. In these areas, keep His and Hers items separated and avoid the "Who used all my conditioner?" argument altogether.

Tip #5: Cut It Out
Literally. If there is not enough space already exisiting in your bathroom, cutting into the walls that are already built. Examine the existing walls; is your toilet sectioned off, do you have a blank wall that meets your tub, or is there space above your toilet? If you can say "Yes" to any of these questions, you have space to use! Areas that are sectioned off can be used by cutting into this wall to add storage space and a decorative element to your bathroom. This is a great area to store colorful towels or candles. Or, cut out a slim additional medicine cabinet to store items-be sure to include a locking mechanism to keep kids away from harmful contents. Some bathrooms feature tubs that are flush with walls. Use glass-lined shelves in the wall to add areas to store magazines, additional paper products, towels or scented candles to create a relaxing ambiance.

Jim Richardson is Vice President of Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of oil rubbed bronze cabinet handles, and door knobs to help customers with common household repairs, as well as decorative accessories for the home.

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