Give Your Small Bathroom A High-End Look With Custom DIY Shelving Over The Toilet
Looking to give your small bathroom an upgraded, luxurious feel? Installing custom shelves over the toilet is a brilliant way to maximize storage and style in tight spaces. With some simple DIY floating shelves, you can enjoy attractive display space and a high-end, built-in look.
Over the toilet shelving is ideal for renters and homeowners alike. The vertical area above the tank and bowl often gets overlooked. Adding shelves here takes advantage of this empty space to gain storage without taking up precious floor space. Even better, you can easily customize the shelves to match your aesthetic. From rustic wood to sleek metal and glass, the design options are endless.
Plan Your Custom Shelving Layout
Before picking up a power drill, take some time to map out your over the toilet shelving plan. Measure the area to get the right shelf sizes and placement. Consider the following tips:
- Measure two feet above the tank to avoid bumping your head.
- Standard depth is 8-12 inches but size based on your tank depth.
- Space shelves 2-4 inches apart for easy access.
- Account for obstructions like windows; adjust shelf placement as needed.
- Optimize space with corner shelves and vertical dividers.
Sketch your layout with measurements before installing for a seamless look. Wall studs also impact placement so locate those first.
Locate and Mark Wall Studs
Wall mounted shelves require drilling into studs for secure attachment. Use a stud finder to locate stud centers and mark them lightly in pencil. Most walls have studs every 16 inches. Check around the toilet area and mark:
- The vertical center of each stud
- The start and end points if near your shelf location
Having these stud marks will make installing brackets and shelves much easier. No more guessing where to drill pilot holes!
Cut Shelves to the Right Size
Now it's time to cut your shelf boards to size. Measure the area and mark your board cuts with a pencil. You can use pre-cut boards or cut your own from larger pieces. Pro tips for clean cuts:
- Use a mitre saw for wood or hacksaw for metal
- Go slowly to avoid jagged edges
- Sand cut edges smooth before installing
Custom cutting each shelf board allows for flawless fit and spacing. Take your time measuring and cutting for shelves that look professionally installed.
Mount Brackets at Stud Marks
With your shelves cut, it's time to attach the brackets. Line up the top edge of each bracket with your pencil stud marks for secure attachment. Use bracket screws and a drill to:
- Drill pilot holes into marked stud centers
- Drive each screw slowly to avoid stripping
- Double check brackets are level using a small level
Attaching brackets directly into the wall studs provides sturdy support for shelf boards. Spacing brackets based on your measurements ensures everything aligns.
Stain or Paint Shelves to Match
Now comes the fun part - choose a finish for your custom shelves! Consider the following options:
- Stain - Enhances natural wood grain
- Paint - Any color like white, navy, black, red etc.
- Distressed - White wash or chippy finish
- Metallic - Brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, and more
Apply your stain or paint and let the shelves fully dry before mounting. This prevents drips and allows for smooth installation.
Install Shelves Onto Brackets
The shelves are prepped and it's time for the fun part - installing them! Here are some tips for flawless execution:
- Place shelf boards onto corresponding brackets
- Mark pilot holes for screws through bottom of each shelf
- Remove shelf and drill pilot holes in marks
- Attach shelves to brackets using screws
Take care to drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent cracking shelf boards. Go slowly and double check for level. Enjoy your custom shelving built precisely to your small bathroom's space!
Style Your New Over the Toilet Storage
With your fresh shelving installed, it's time to style them for optimal use. Consider the following storage and decor ideas:
- Fold towels and linens for display
- Corral toiletries into matching bins or trays
- Show off decorative soaps, lotions, and candles
- Organize medications, first aid supplies, etc.
- Add personalized framed photos and art
The options are endless for your new organizational space. Arranging necessities and accents makes the shelves both functional and pretty.
Over the Toilet Shelf Safety Tips
While installing your custom shelves is fairly straightforward, safety should come first. Follow these tips to avoid accidents:
- Use eye and ear protection when drilling
- Wear gloves to prevent splinters from wood
- Enlist a helper for lifting large boards
- Pre-drill all holes to prevent splitting
- Check for secure attachment and stability
Take your time and put safety first, especially when drilling and lifting. The small hassle is worth avoiding injuries!
With some simple DIY shelves above the toilet, your small bathroom is instantly upgraded. You've gained function and style by taking advantage of unused space. The custom sized floating shelves provideflush a high-end, built-in look. No one has to know you installed them yourself!
Over the toilet shelving adds storage without taking up precious floor area. The vertical space so often gets overlooked in cramped bathrooms. Now you have display area for necessities and personality. Your hand towels, extra TP, candles, and decor now have a home.
Over the toilet shelving takes your small bathroom to a luxurious level. The custom look maximizes function and style without remodeling. Install floating shelves for a quick bathroom upgrade that looks like a million bucks!