DIY Bathroom Storage
In a small bathroom, every square inch counts. Use these clever tips to wring extra bathroom storage from unexpected places.
Hidden toothbrush organizer
Razor holder
Use PVC pipe and plastic tie straps
Keep your razor from falling into the tub with this simple holder. Cut a 3-in. length of 1-in. PVC pipe with a handsaw. Cut two 1/8-in.-wide notches in the pipe. Strap the pipe to your wire shower caddy with two plastic tie straps hooked in the notches. Drop the razor into the pipe; the blade will catch on the edges of the pipe, keeping the razor off the floor.
Quick-grip electric toothbrush holder
Mount electric toothbrushes on your cabinet
Most toothbrush holders aren’t big enough for electric toothbrushes. They end up falling out of the holder or taking up too much room on the vanity. Here’s a clever storage idea: Make a holder for them using large grip-type clips. Mount the clips on your medicine chest or on a piece of wood that you can hang on the wall. The clips work great to keep your toothbrushes secure!
Glass shower shelf
Store shower supplies on a handy shelf
Tired of the clutter of shampoo and conditioner bottles along the rim of your tub? This tempered safety glass shelf on a cable shelf bracket is an easy solution. The cable shelf bracket requires only two screws for support. If studs aren’t located in the right positions, use toggle bolts to anchor the shelf brackets. The glass hangs on the cables. The cable shelf brackets (No. CSB5B) are available online from expodesigninc.com and cost $21 per pair. Order a tempered glass shelf from a local glass company. The 3/8-in.-thick, 12-in.-deep shelf shown here cost $64.
PVC curling iron holsters
Use PVC pipe curling irons and cords
Hate the messy look of curling irons lying on the vanity or the toilet tank? Here’s a tip for you. Use hook-and-loop tape to attach 5-in. lengths of 2-in.- diameter PVC pipe to the vanity door to hold the curling irons. Do the same thing with 3-in. pieces of 1-1/2-in.-diameter pipe to hold the cords. Just measure your curling irons to see how long your “holsters” need to be. Let your curling irons cool before you stow them away.
Magnetic toothbrush holder
Use magnets and a Corian mounting strip
Do your toothbrushes end up lying on a wet, messy vanity? Here’s a clever solution: Mount neodymium (“rare earth”) magnets on a Corian mounting strip with Super Glue. Glue the strip to the wall with Super Glue or silicone caulk. Note: Neodymium magnets are incredibly strong but break if handled roughly. Order several more than you need—shipping is expensive. Also, don’t handle neodymium magnets if you wear a pacemaker, and never leave them next to your computer. For more safety information, see the “Neo Mag Safety” link at kjmagnetics.com.
Make the mounting strip
To make the mounting strip, cut a Corian threshold ($12 at tile stores) with a miter saw or jigsaw. Mark the position of the magnets and glue them on the mounting strip, orienting the magnets so they attract each other. Neodymium magnets are available from kjmagnetics.com (888-746-7556) and other Internet suppliers. Shown here are 1/2-in. x 2-in. x 1/8-in. magnets, grade N42 ($3.50 each). You can double them up if you need more holding power.
