DIYer Finds The Easiest Hack For Extra Countertop Storage In Small Bathrooms

A too-cramped bathroom counter is a part of life for most of us, overloaded with everything from the practical items we keep there, like your toothbrush, to the purely decorative pieces that spruce up the space, like scented candles or potted plants. Especially in shared spaces, the mess is almost unavoidable despite any of your best efforts to keep the counter clutter free. When it's time to actually use your bathroom — whether it's to style your hair, wash up, or put on your makeup — there's basically no room to put the things you need.

Fed up and in need of a DIYer-friendly fix, TikToker One Handy Momma found a solution to her limited counter space problem that's so quick and simple, it's genius. She recommends cutting a piece of plywood to rest on top of an open bathroom vanity drawer, creating an instant countertop extension when you need to get ready. The board gives you a place to set whatever accessories you need, such as a hairdryer, curling iron, or cosmetics bag, without forcing you to clear off the counter. When you're finished, you simply remove the board and close the drawer. To build your own extendable countertop, just grab a piece of plywood, a measuring tape, a pencil or pen, a saw, two L-brackets and screws, and a drill or screwdriver.

Start this DIY by measuring the width and depth of a drawer on the upper part of your bathroom vanity. To make an extra-large countertop extender, measure across several drawers. Cut the plywood so that it's just large enough to rest on the side walls of the drawer. Then, you just have to attach two L-brackets on the bottom side of the plywood. Position one bracket near the left edge and one near the right edge so they hang over the drawer's side walls and lock the board in place while you're using it.

@onehandymomma

This is my hack to give me extra countertop space when I need it! #hack #countertops

♬ original sound – One Handy Momma

Dress up the plywood if you'd like. Follow the creator's lead by applying a liquid or easy-to-use gel stain, or look at other options like painting it or decoupaging it. Otherwise, you could simply leave the board as is, since it won't be on permanent display in your bathroom. You may still want to add a water-resistant application, such as a penetrating oil or a polyurethane coat, to keep it safe against random moisture damage.

Open the drawer (or drawers) and rest the board on top when you need extra counter space. When not in use, you may be able to slide the drawer closed with the board in place, or you could remove the board and put it under your bathroom vanity or in your closet. If you need even more help maximizing your bathroom storage space, take this DIY extension a step further by putting another board over the sink basin. Just make sure the surface is completely dry, especially if you'll be using any electrical devices.