When it comes to the bathroom vanity, we do try to embrace a "less is more" ethos. Does everyone in the house need to see the 13 different Sephora face and body samples we're testing out this week? Not really. But do we want our cleansers, toothbrush, and other daily tools within arm's reach? Yes, of course. Should it all look relatively pleasing to the eye in case company is coming? Sure.
The keyword, of course, is try. After a hectic morning, the bathroom vanity can look like a crime scene of open bottles, discarded curling irons, and toothpaste drips. To rein in the chaos, here are 11 bathroom vanity organizing ideas.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
How to Organize Your Bathroom Vanity in Style
1. Borrow vessels from the kitchen.
It's true: Any old glass will do — the more colorful or vintage (or both!), the better.
Get the look: Red Barrel Studio Kerwayne Drinking Glass (set of 4), $84
2. Embrace the apothecary vibe.
Put your cotton balls and Q-tips in apothecary jars and all of a sudden, the bathroom feels vintage and spalike.
Get the look: KMwares Apothecary Jars (set of 3), $21.99
3. Hide your less aesthetic items.
This petite set of drawers sits on the counter or under your vanity, keeping your skin care addiction out of sight (but not out of mind).
Get the look: Pottery Barn Under the Vanity Storage, $69
4. Display a decorative tray.
Trays make everything better, and long, narrow ones on the vanity can display your prettier essentials.
Get the look: West Elm Foundations Marble Vanity Tray, $42
5. Opt for nesting trays.
You don't necessarily need a drop spot to put your rings when you wash your hands or drop a hairpin when you fix your hair — but it helps (especially if it's super cool-looking).
Get the look: Open Spaces Nesting Trays (set of 3), $48
6. Store your toothbrush in style.
Many of us just leave our toothbrushes on the counter, but you don't have to! Organized toothbrush storage is serious #adulting.
7. Tame those hair tools.
Hairdryers, flat irons, and curling irons — and all the crazy products that you use with them — can wreak havoc on a bathroom vanity. Contain the chaos!
Get the look: Brightroom Bamboo Hair Tools Organizer, $35
8. Go for a matching set.
Although matchy-matchy isn't always the right choice, in the bathroom, where we utilize so many disparate potions and pills and products, having unified storage does bring a little visual calm.
Get the look: Red Barrel Studio Stewbum 5-Piece Bathroom Accessory Set, $66.99
9. Elevate your soap dish.
Elevate the requisite soap with a dish that feels hip.
10. Splurge where it counts.
If you are the type to do elaborate skin care in the bathroom or, more importantly, your makeup, then what you need is a clean, well-lit place to see your pores.
Get the look: simplehuman Sensor Mirror Wall Mount, $200-$230
11. Add at least one personal touch.
Fresh flowers? Maybe not every day. But a small plant or something vintage-inspired (like this glass jewelry holder) can make a generic vanity into one that feels uniquely you.
Get the look: CB2 Buchannon Clear Jewelry Holder, $24.95
