---
title: "9 Ways to Make a Half Bath Feel Whole"
date: "2015-10-09"
modified: "2015-10-09"
authors:
  - name: "Faith Towers"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/faith-towers/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-ways-to-make-a-half-bath-feel-whole-49413/"
categories:
  - "Bathroom Design"
  - "Bathroom Remodeling"
  - "Bathrooms"
  - "DIY"
  - "Interior"
  - "Storage"
tags:
  - "bathroom"
  - "DIY"
  - "storage"
---

# 9 Ways to Make a Half Bath Feel Whole

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_6.jpg>)

### Work the Wall

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_6-1.jpg>)
*ikea.com*

[Blank walls](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-things-you-need-to-know-before-painting-your-walls-white-48979/>) are a half bath's best friend. Use them to your advantage with a multitude of wall-mounted options like shelves, medicine cabinets, and towel racks. While these solutions will keep your necessities organized, they'll also free up space on the countertops, allowing the room to feel airy and open instead of cluttered and claustrophobic.

### Cut Corners

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_1.jpg>)
*ikea.com*

A half bath's biggest battle is making the most of [small square footage](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/small-kitchen-ideas/>). A triangular shelf is a small-space wonder that fits snugly in a corner of the room, maximizing functionality in a minimal footprint. You can stow spare hand towels, baskets of extra toilet paper, and even a few decorative items here, confident that the unit won't swallow up too much of the room.

### Deck the Door

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_3.jpg>)
*hsn.com*

Creative storage solutions make a big difference in a half bath. The back of the door, for example, offers prime organizational real estate that often goes unused. Over-the-door mirrors, towel racks, and even [medicine cabinet](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/18-totally-brilliant-bathroom-storage-hacks-49807/>) alternatives like this one can work miracles by opening up space in other, more crowded areas of the bathroom.

### Skirt the Issue

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_4.jpg>)
*onekingslane.com*

Pedestal sinks are notorious for offering little to no [storage opportunities](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-do-s-and-dont-s-of-basement-storage-49310/>), as they lack the countertop or cabinet base that many standard baths have. But you don't have to feel oppressed by your pedestal sink. Instead, craft an organization zone of your own by stashing plungers, toilet brushes, or other unattractive essentials beneath the sink, and then concealing them with a skirt.

### Float On

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_2.jpg>)

Floating shelves are a stylish spot for decorative and functional items like candles, [soaps](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-dish-soap/>), and toiletries. Because they are suspended from the wall without any visible supports, these shelves provide storage without adding much visual weight to the room—just what a half bath needs.

### Aim High

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_5.jpg>)
*mysocalledhome.com*

Another well-kept storage secret lies in the span of wall above your door. While this spot may not be readily accessible for everyday items, it can act as the perfect perch for toilet paper, soap refills, or other stockpiled goods that usually eat up space on the counter or in the [cabinets](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets/>).

### Embrace the Awkward Space

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_7.jpg>)
*blog.jennasuedesign.com*

Keep bathroom essentials off the sink but close at hand by installing [shelves or organizers](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-best-organizers-to-buy-for-under-5-15-and-25-50756/>) in the space above the toilet. This awkward area offers an excellent opportunity for personalization, serving as display zone for mementos or decorative accents that can make a half bath feel more lived-in.

### Think Tall

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_8.jpg>)
*ikea.com*

If you lack a linen closet, tall shelving can be a lifesaver for storing towels, cleaning products, a wastebasket, and more. Choose a unit that has open compartments to keep things easily accessible but still organized. As a bonus, this trick will also make your [ceilings seem taller](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-clever-ways-to-counteract-low-ceilings-49214/>) and the room feel more spacious.

### Get Hooked

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/half_bath_9.jpg>)
*abeautifulmess.com*

[Hooks](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/repurpose-clutter/>) are a cheap, easy, and versatile way to organize any bathroom. Mount some underneath a floating shelf to hold washcloths, attach a few to the wall to hang bath towels, or even drill some into the ceiling to suspend hanging baskets or plants for an added touch of green.

## Author
Faith Towers is a writer, designer and crafter with a passion for all things creative. She received her art degree from Skidmore College, and her work has been featured in many well-known publications, including [Houzz](<http://www.houzz.com/>), [Curbly](<http://www.curbly.com/>), [Primer Magazine](<http://primermagazine.com/>), and [Forbes](<http://www.forbes.com/>). Faith also runs her own blog devoted to interior design and DIY projects—[Design Fixation](<https://design-fixation.com/>). Much of her free time is spent exploring Boston with her rambunctious puggle Charlie.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/designfixation>)  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/faithtowers/>)