Scrap Bulky Shelves: A Smarter Way To Store Towels In Small Bathrooms

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There are so many options for storing towels. Linen cupboards, wicker baskets, and designated towel racks are all popular options. But if you have a compact space, these bulky solutions can get in the way. When dealing with storage in a small bathroom, slimmer options that don't encroach on your blueprint work best. The solution? A narrow wall-mounted shelf designed to fit behind the door. 

Unlike conventional towel racks, which typically rely on a few horizontal bars or hooks, this tiered design offers a more versatile storage solution. Multiple open shelves allow bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths to be folded, rolled, or stacked according to their size. This is ideal in small bathrooms where you want to store lots of linens in one place, and the vertical arrangement makes efficient use of an often unused space. It's also a helpful option for guest bathrooms, making it easy for visitors to find spare towels when needed. 

There are plenty of narrow behind-the-door storage options that can create towel storage and contribute to a pleasantly organized bathroom. For example, the wire UMDONX 5-Tier Behind-the-Door Bathroom Storage Rack is about 3½ inches deep and is available in a few different widths starting around $40. For those who prefer something with a more finished, contemporary look, ABCOOL's 6-Tier Rack costs a bit more at around $95. However, reviewers note that it's particularly sturdy and easy to assemble. There are space-saving, small bathroom storage ideas for renters too. If you can't mount a unit to the wall, a shorter option, like SpaceLead Store's Mobile Shelving Unit may be narrow enough to tuck behind the door. 

There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind before purchasing any type of behind-the-door shelf. First, you'll want to measure the space carefully. Make sure whatever you buy will fit behind the door without interfering with its operation. You may also need to install a doorstop on the hinge or adjust the existing one so that the door doesn't swing into the shelf.