Bathroom Storage Just Got Easier - Add an Over Toilet Cabinet with Towel Bar

Limited storage space is one of the biggest complaints in small bathrooms. With only a small vanity and minimal under sink storage, it's tough to keep all your toiletries, towels and other essentials organized and out of sight.

An over the toilet cabinet with towel bar provides an ingenious storage solution that takes advantage of the unused wall area above your toilet. Installing one of these space-saving cabinets can give you the extra storage you need without taking up valuable floor space. Read on to learn all about the benefits of over toilet cabinets and how to choose and install the right one for your bathroom.

What is an Over Toilet Cabinet?

Key Features

As the name implies, an over toilet cabinet is mounted on the wall above your toilet tank. These cabinets are designed to provide a combination of open and enclosed storage space specifically for small bathroom spaces.

A typical over toilet cabinet includes the following features:

• Mounted on the wall above the toilet
• Open compartment, usually for folded towels
• Enclosed space with shelves behind doors or curtains
• Integrated towel bar attached to cabinet
• Some models have adjustable shelves, mirrors, or different door styles

Sizes

Over toilet cabinets come in a range of widths, usually starting around 12 inches wide on up to 24 inches wide to fit different toilet sizes and available wall space. It's important to measure both your toilet tank width as well as the total area above before selecting a cabinet to ensure the proper fit.

Materials

These cabinets are constructed from various materials such as:

• Wood
• Laminate
• Metal
• Glass

Look for moisture-resistant materials or finishes since the cabinet will be installed in a damp bathroom environment. The construction material should also fit within your overall bathroom decor, such as white painted wood or chrome metal finishes.

Benefits of Over Toilet Cabinets

Added Storage

One of the biggest advantages of over toilet cabinets is that they provide extra enclosed storage space without taking up any floor area. This added storage capacity helps to keep bathrooms clutter-free by stashing all your extra toilet paper, cleaning products, toiletries and other items in the cabinet.

Since over toilet cabinets utilize vertical wall space that is otherwise unused, you can gain up to 15 cubic feet of extra storage per square foot. This is storage that goes beyond just what your main vanity and under sink can hold.

Convenience

Having an over toilet cabinet with towel bar makes grabbing a towel or accessing your bathroom items much more convenient. Instead of crossing a small bathroom to reach a towel bar, you can simply reach up to grab one while seated on the toilet. This convenience factor is especially helpful for those with mobility challenges.

Over toilet cabinets also allow you to easily reach stored items like toilet paper or toiletry products without having to get up or move around the bathroom.

More Counter Space

Counter space comes at a premium in most small bathrooms. An over toilet cabinet provides extra storage that allows you to free up counter area in your bathroom. All those lotions, toothbrushes, soaps and other items can get organized into your new cabinet.

By putting away these essentials into enclosed storage, you can clear off bathroom counters and create a cleaner, less cluttered look.

Compact Design

The compact, space-saving design of over toilet cabinets makes them a perfect storage solution for small bathrooms. Since they take advantage of vertical wall space rather than floor area, you can get more storage without making the bathroom feel cramped.

Even in a 25 square foot half bathroom, an over toilet cabinet provides a way to tuck away necessary items in unused space above the toilet. When floor space is severely limited, this type of cabinet offers smart storage possibilities.

Choosing Your Over Toilet Cabinet

Keep the following factors in mind when selecting the right over toilet cabinet for your bathroom:

Measure Carefully

It's very important to take precise measurements of the toilet tank width and the total available vertical space above before choosing a cabinet. Consider aspects like the tank lid while measuring to ensure your new cabinet will fit properly within the allotted space. An improperly sized cabinet won't maximize your available storage and could lead to wasted effort and money.

Storage Needs

Evaluate how you want to utilize the storage space in the cabinet. Look for an appropriate amount of adjustable shelves and compartments. Over toilet cabinets may have anywhere from 1-4 shelves. Also consider whether you'll use the open compartment for neatly storing folded towels.

Material and Finish

Due to the humid bathroom environment, it's highly recommended to choose an over toilet cabinet with a moisture resistant finish. Wood cabinets should have a water-repellent coating and other materials like laminate or metal should resist mildew. You'll also want to select a material and finish that fits within your existing bathroom decor, whether it's modern, farmhouse or coastal style.

Weight Capacity

These cabinets are designed for holding lightweight essentials, not heavy storage items. Average over toilet cabinets have fixed shelves capable of holding 20-30 pounds and cabinet bars that hold just a few pounds. Don't expect to load them up with thick towels or other heavy objects.

Installation Process

Installing an over toilet cabinet is definitely a DIY project that most homeowners can tackle on their own. Here are the basic steps:

Preparation

Before starting, it's vital to do the following prep work:

• Remove existing toilet tank cover
• Have all materials ready - cabinet, hardware, tools
• Measure and mark stud locations within the installation area

Mounting Cabinet

With preparations complete, you're ready to mount the over toilet cabinet:

1. Attach mounting rail securely to wall studs
2. Level and hang cabinet onto mounting rail
3. Secure cabinet firmly to wall studs with provided hardware

Proper mounting into studs provides sturdy support for the cabinet and its contents. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.

Finishing Touches

• Replace toilet tank lid
• Add storage bins, towels and toiletries as desired
• Admire your newly organized, clutter-free bathroom!

Style Ideas

Over toilet cabinets are available in an array of styles. Consider one of these popular cabinet designs to complement your bathroom's decorative scheme:

• Midcentury: Clean lines, light wood tones, metal accents
• Coastal: White cabinet, bead board paneling, bronze hardware
• Rustic: Distressed wood finish, vintage details
• Modern Minimalism: White or gray, sleek handle-less look

Over Toilet Cabinet Considerations

While over toilet cabinets can be extremely useful for small bathrooms, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Limited weight capacity as discussed
• Potential for moisture damage over time
• Difficulty accessing plumbing if issues arise
• Limitations for corner mounted toilets

Proper installation is also key. Improperly installed cabinets could lead to wall damage when overloaded or put under too much strain over time.

Over toilet cabinets with towel bars provide excellent storage options for small, cramped bathrooms without taking up valuable floor space. Keeping extra toilet paper, towels and toiletries organized in one of these space-saving cabinets also helps declutter counters and create a tidier bathroom.

With benefits like added convenience, more accessible storage and compact design, over toilet cabinets are problem-solvers for bathrooms needing more storage. By selecting the right size cabinet and proper installation, homeowners can enjoy hassle-free additional storage.

When bathrooms are lacking in storage, over toilet cabinets create storage possibilities with their smart, efficient use of vertical wall space. For both renters and homeowners dealing with tiny bathrooms, these cabinets provide welcome storage solutions.