7 Elements Contributing to Your Bathroom's Disorderly Appearance
Transform your cluttered bathroom into a sanctuary by addressing these common culprits. Here, interior designers and organizational experts break down seven areas that often contribute to a jammed-up bathroom:
The Countertop Menace 💆♀️
First on the list: beauty products and toiletries taking over your vanity. Whitney Durham, the founder of Whitney Durham Interiors, prefers to hide these items in cabinets, but corralling essentials on a tray is an acceptable second choice. It's essential to avoid clear countertop organizers, as they can make the space appear cluttered due to visibility, instructs Caroline Van Natta, the founder of Tidyish.
organizers highlight a number of factors that could be contributed to a
Stacking Towels 🧴
cluttered bathroom.
Stacking towels on the floor or beside the tub is an absolute no-no, as per Mary Clair Cumbaa, the founder of Cumbaa Design Co. Instead, opt for a storage system above the toilet or hooks on the back of the bathroom door to house towels.
Elle Cole Interiors in Dallas, Texas, puts it, "A well-organized bathroom isn’t just about aesthetics—it enhances functionality and transforms the space into a true retreat."
Improperly Utilized Storage 🎨
Whitney Durham Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia. However, the designer notes that if there isn't a cabinet available, corralling essentials on a tray is your second best option.
Bulky towel racks that overflow with linens, exposed cords from styling tools, and lack of concealed storage can all contribute to the cluttered look of your bathroom. To avoid this, consider wall-mounted cabinets, recessed shelving, or hidden drawers.
Tidyish in Richmond, Virginia, who recommends opting for closed storage instead.
Unused/Unwanted Items 📦
Catherine Ebert Interiors in Washington, D.C.
Hanging onto products you don't use, including specific toiletry items and those you ordered but didn't suit you, can cause clutter. Regularly evaluate and dispose of these items to free up space in your bathroom.
Cumbaa Design Co in the Mississippi Delta instead recommends adding a storage system above the toilet and using that to house towels, or hanging them up on hooks on the back of the bathroom door.
Half-Finished Products 🛁
You Have Arrived! in Glenwood, Maryland. Get rid of them to free up space for items you actually want to access!
Keeping half-empty bottles of shampoo or other toiletries can contribute to clutter. Finish the items or toss them out before buying new ones to avoid overflowing your bathroom with excess items.
Lavender Organizes in Alexandria, Virginia. "We do not need three to five shampoos all at once in the shower!"
Mixed Metals 🔧
Hearth & Honey Homes in Tampa, Florida. "One of the biggest pitfalls is mixing metals that are close in color but not an exact match, leaving it to look like you tried to match and missed."
Random and inconsistent use of mixed metals in your bathroom can lead to a disorganized appearance. If you prefer to use multiple types, ensure you create a clear contrast, advises Margie Kaercher, the founder of Hearth & Honey Homes.
Bath Mats 🧹
Bathroom rugs can easily become visual clutter if too small, numerous, or poorly placed. Instead, opt for a full-length runner to add functionality to your space.
For a complete list of items that should not be stored in the bathroom, click here.
By addressing these common areas, you'll be on your way to enjoying a clutter-free, spa-like bathroom that nurtures both your senses and sense of organization!
- For effective home organization, Caroline Van Natta from Tidyish suggests avoiding clear countertop organizers in the bathroom as they can contribute to a cluttered appearance due to visibility.
- Whitney Durham Interiors, located in Atlanta, Georgia, recommends using a storage system above the toilet or hooks on the back of the bathroom door to house towels instead of stacking them on the floor or beside the tub.
- Southern Living features an article titled '12 Items You Shouldn't Store In The Bathroom, According To Pros', which highlights the importance of proper bathroom design, such as avoiding mixed metals that can lead to a disorganized appearance.
- Bathroom design expert Whitney Durham prefers hiding beauty products and toiletries in cabinets to keep the countertop clutter-free, but if no cabinet is available, corralling essentials on a tray can be an acceptable alternative.