Small Beach Cottage Bathrooms: Storage Solutions and Design Tips
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When I think of beach cottage living, I imagine breezy, light-filled spaces that capture the essence of coastal relaxation.
But let's be honest—small beach cottage bathrooms can be a challenge! These tiny spaces need to be functional while still maintaining that serene coastal charm we all love.
After renovating several beach cottages over the years, I've discovered that with the right approach, even the smallest bathroom can become a beautiful, efficient sanctuary.
In this post, I'll share my favorite storage solutions and design tips that will transform your cramped beach cottage bathroom into a stylish and practical retreat.
1. Floating Vanities: Creating Visual Space
A floating vanity is one of my favorite solutions for small beach cottage bathrooms. By mounting your vanity to the wall and keeping the floor visible underneath, you create an illusion of more space while adding that modern coastal touch. The open area beneath makes the bathroom feel larger and airier, which is exactly the feeling we want in a beach cottage.
Picture this: Walking into your bathroom and seeing a beautiful driftwood-toned wooden vanity seemingly floating against a soft blue wall. The natural light from your window bounces off the visible tile floor beneath, making the room feel spacious and bright. A woven basket tucked neatly under one side holds extra towels, while still maintaining that open, breezy feeling.
How to recreate it:
Choose a wall-mounted vanity in a light wood tone or painted white for that coastal feel
Install it at a comfortable height (usually 32-36 inches from floor to top)
Select slender faucets and hardware to maintain a minimal footprint
Add a small basket underneath for storage that still preserves the open feeling
Consider a vanity with at least one drawer for hidden storage of smaller items
DIY project: If you're handy with tools, transform an old dresser into a floating vanity! Remove the legs, reinforce the bottom, and mount it to wall studs using heavy-duty brackets. Sand it down and apply a whitewash finish or coastal blue paint. Replace the hardware with rope pulls or brushed nickel for that beach cottage vibe.
Buy it option: IKEA's GODMORGON wall-mounted vanities come in various sizes perfect for small spaces. Pair with their TÖRNVIKEN countertop sink and add coastal-themed knobs from Anthropologie or Etsy for a personalized touch.
Additional styling tip: For extra visual space, choose a vanity with legs rather than one that goes all the way to the floor—you'll get the same open feeling with a bit more stability than a fully floating option.
2. Vertical Storage: Embracing Wall Space
In small bathrooms, vertical space is your best friend! Using your walls efficiently can double or even triple your storage capacity without taking up precious floor space. I've found that going vertical not only solves storage problems but can also become a charming design feature.
Picture this: A collection of whitewashed wooden shelves climbing up the wall beside your shower, displaying neatly rolled white towels, glass jars filled with seashells, and your essential toiletries in coordinating containers. A vintage wooden ladder leans against one wall, draped with hand towels and adding that perfect touch of rustic beach charm.
How to recreate it:
Install 2-3 floating shelves above the toilet or beside the vanity
Use narrow shelving units that don't protrude too far into the room (8-10 inches deep is ideal)
Consider a recessed medicine cabinet that provides storage without jutting into the space
Add over-the-door hooks or racks for towels and robes
Look for unused wall spaces that could accommodate slim storage solutions
DIY project: Create beach-themed floating shelves using weathered pieces of driftwood and rope! Secure a length of rope to both ends of flat driftwood pieces using large knots, then hang from sturdy hooks in the wall. The natural elements will enhance your coastal aesthetic while providing practical storage.
Buy it option: The IKEA VESKEN slim tower shelf unit takes up minimal floor space while providing multiple shelving levels. For something more cottage-style, look at Pottery Barn's weathered wood wall shelves or Target's Threshold bamboo bathroom collection.
Additional styling tip: Group items in threes on your shelves—perhaps a small plant, a decorative jar, and a stack of washcloths—following the designer's rule of three to create visually appealing vignettes that still serve practical purposes.
3. Multi-Purpose Mirrors: Reflection and Storage
In my experience renovating small bathrooms, a mirror that doubles as storage is worth its weight in gold! Not only does it serve the essential function of reflection, but it can hide away all those little items that create clutter, all while making your small space feel larger.
Picture this: A vintage-inspired medicine cabinet with a mirrored door painted in a subtle sea glass blue. When closed, it reflects light around your small bathroom, making the space feel twice as large. Open it to reveal neatly organized shelves holding your daily essentials, from skincare to dental products, all hidden away but perfectly accessible.
How to recreate it:
Select a mirror cabinet with adjustable shelves to customize based on your storage needs
Choose one with a frame that complements your beach cottage style (whitewashed wood, painted, or metal with a weathered finish)
Install at eye level and in a position that maximizes the light reflection
Consider versions with built-in lighting for enhanced functionality
Look for models with soft-close doors to maintain the peaceful coastal atmosphere
DIY project: Transform an ordinary framed mirror into storage by building a simple shadow box frame around it that hinges open! Paint it in a coastal color, distress the edges slightly for that weathered beach look, and add a small magnetic catch to keep it closed.
Buy it option: Anthropologie's Washed Riviera Mirror Cabinet brings instant beach cottage charm, or try Pottery Barn's vintage-inspired Weathered Oak Wall-Mounted Medicine Cabinet for a more rustic coastal approach.
Additional styling tip: For beginners, a simple pivot mirror mounted above your sink with a small floating shelf underneath can achieve a similar effect without the installation complexity of a full medicine cabinet.
4. Corner Solutions: Utilizing Forgotten Spaces
Corners are often the most underutilized areas in a bathroom, but in a small beach cottage, every inch counts! I've discovered that corners offer unique opportunities for storage and can actually become distinctive design features.
Picture this: A corner of your bathroom transformed with a triangular floating shelf stack, each whitewashed shelf holding coastal decorative items and essentials. On the lowest shelf sits a small blue ceramic container for cotton balls, the middle shelf displays a few carefully chosen seashells from beach walks, and the top shelf holds a small potted coastal grass bringing life to the space.
How to recreate it:
Install triangular corner shelves that fit snugly without protruding too far into the room
Consider a corner vanity if your bathroom layout allows—they're designed specifically to maximize tight spaces
Look into corner shower caddies that utilize vertical space in your shower
Try a slender corner storage tower for maximum vertical storage
Add corner hooks at different heights for hanging items like robes, towels, or shower poufs
DIY project: Create rustic corner shelves using reclaimed wood! Cut triangular pieces from an old wooden pallet, sand them smooth, and apply a whitewash or coastal blue stain. Mount to the wall with hidden bracket supports for that floating effect that's perfect for beach cottage style.
Buy it option: The Umbra Cubiko Corner Shelf provides modern corner storage that works beautifully in coastal settings. For something more traditional, the RiverRidge Ellsworth Collection Corner Cabinet brings cottage charm to unused corners.
Additional styling tip: If you're a beginner, start with a simple hanging corner basket system—they're inexpensive, require minimal installation (some even use tension rods), and instantly add functional storage to shower corners.
5. Behind-the-Door Storage: Hidden Opportunities
The space behind your bathroom door is like finding hidden treasure in a small beach cottage bathroom! This often-overlooked area can provide substantial storage without affecting the room's aesthetic when the door is open.
Picture this: When you close your bathroom door, you reveal a beautifully organized system of hooks and pockets in soft coastal blues and whites. Your hair dryer hangs neatly in its designated holder, alongside rolled hand towels and washcloths tucked into canvas pockets. Everything is accessible but completely hidden when guests visit, maintaining that clean, uncluttered beach cottage look.
How to recreate it:
Install an over-the-door organizer with pockets in fabric that complements your coastal color scheme
Add individual hooks at various heights for items used daily
Consider a specialized holder for hair tools like dryers and straighteners
Look for slim baskets that can be mounted to the door for holding toiletries
Make sure whatever you install doesn't prevent the door from opening fully
DIY project: Create your own custom door organizer using a canvas drop cloth! Cut it to size, fold and stitch to create various pockets, then add grommets to the top corners. Hang it over your door with decorative hooks, and paint or stencil a simple wave pattern along the bottom for that perfect beach cottage touch.
Buy it option: The Real Simple® Over-the-Door Adjustable Mesh Shoe Organizer works beautifully for bathroom supplies, or try the iDesign Over-the-Door Hair Tool Organizer in white for a clean coastal look.
Additional styling tip: For a more streamlined appearance, look for organizers in white or natural canvas that blend with coastal decor, rather than clear plastic versions that can look utilitarian.
6. Smart Shower Storage: Maximizing Your Bathing Space
The shower area in a small beach cottage bathroom needs special attention—it's where we use multiple products daily, but traditional shower caddies can look cluttered and detract from that serene coastal feel we're trying to achieve.
Picture this: Your compact shower transformed into a spa-like retreat with sleek white ceramic shelves built right into the corner. Your shampoo and conditioner are decanted into minimalist pump bottles in sea glass blue, while a natural sea sponge and driftwood soap dish add organic beach elements. Everything you need is within reach, yet the space feels intentional and tranquil rather than cramped.
How to recreate it:
Consider built-in shower niches during renovation for the cleanest look
Choose shower fixtures with integrated shelving if possible
Look for tension rod systems that can be installed without drilling
Select shower containers in coordinating colors that complement your beach theme
Limit products to essentials or decant into attractive containers to reduce visual clutter
DIY project: If you can't add built-in niches, create a hanging shower organizer from rope and wood! Thread natural rope through holes drilled in the corners of small wooden shelves (sealed for water resistance), then hang over your shower head for a nautical storage solution.
Buy it option: The Simplehuman Adjustable Shower Caddy in white or brushed nickel offers sleek storage, or try the OXO Aluminum 3-Tier Shower Caddy for a more minimal approach that won't rust in humid conditions.
Additional styling tip: For beginners, simply decanting your shower products into matching pump bottles (look for blues, whites, or clear glass) can transform your shower's appearance, even if you're using a basic caddy.
7. Double-Duty Furniture: Functionality Meets Style
In small spaces, every piece should earn its keep! I've found that items serving multiple functions are essential in beach cottage bathrooms, providing both the practical storage we need and the coastal charm we want.
Picture this: A whitewashed wooden stool beside your clawfoot tub that serves triple duty—it's a convenient spot for a book or phone while you soak, a step up for children brushing their teeth, and when flipped over, reveals a hidden storage compartment holding extra toilet paper and bath salts. This single piece adds character while solving multiple storage needs.
How to recreate it:
Look for small-scale furniture pieces that incorporate hidden storage
Consider a vanity stool that doubles as a storage ottoman
Add a narrow rolling cart that can be moved where needed
Choose a decorative basket that works as both storage and decor
Invest in a small bench with space underneath for baskets
DIY project: Transform a wooden wine crate into a multipurpose bathroom stool! Add a cushioned top with hinges so it opens for storage, then paint it in a coastal blue or whitewash finish. Add rope handles for that nautical touch, and use it for storage, seating, or as a side table.
Buy it option: The Serena & Lily Teak Step Stool brings immediate beach cottage vibes while providing a functional step and display surface. For something more budget-friendly, the IKEA GUNNERN stool offers hidden storage with a coastal-friendly design.
Additional styling tip: When shopping for double-duty pieces, prioritize water-resistant materials like teak, resin, or properly sealed painted wood that can handle bathroom humidity while maintaining that beach cottage aesthetic.
8. Wall-Mounted Fixtures: Freeing Up Floor Space
After renovating several small bathrooms, I've become a huge advocate for wall-mounted fixtures. By lifting items off the floor, you not only create more usable space but also make cleaning much easier—a win-win for any beach cottage where sand inevitably finds its way inside!
Picture this: A wall-mounted toilet with a concealed tank gives your bathroom a contemporary yet classic look, while the open floor beneath makes the room feel significantly larger. Beside it, a slender wall-mounted faucet extends from seafoam-colored subway tiles over a compact rectangular sink, eliminating the need for a bulky vanity base and creating a clean, minimal profile that enhances your coastal design.
How to recreate it:
Consider a wall-mounted toilet during renovations to free up visual space
Choose a wall-mounted sink or floating vanity instead of pedestal options
Install towel warmers or radiators on walls rather than using floor space
Look into wall-mounted faucets that extend from the wall rather than the sink
Consider wall-mounted lighting instead of bulky vanity lights to save space
DIY project: Create a wall-mounted toothbrush and toiletry organizer using a piece of driftwood! Sand it smooth, drill appropriately sized holes for toothbrushes, and add small hooks for hanging items like razors or washcloths. Mount it to the wall with hidden brackets for a rustic beach-inspired organization solution.
Buy it option: The KOHLER Veil Wall-Hung Toilet offers sleek lines perfect for modern beach cottages, while the IKEA LILLÅNGEN wall-mounted sink provides affordable space-saving style.
Additional styling tip: If a complete renovation isn't possible, focus on smaller wall-mounted swaps like replacing your toilet paper holder with a decorative wall-mounted version or adding wall-mounted soap dishes rather than counter versions to free up surface space.
9. Clear Containers: Visibility with Style
One of my favorite organizing principles for small beach cottage bathrooms is using clear containers for frequently used items. The transparency keeps things visible and accessible, while still looking intentional and designed.
Picture this: A collection of vintage blue sea glass jars and clear apothecary containers line your bathroom shelf, holding cotton balls, bath salts, and seashells collected from morning beach walks. The varying heights create visual interest, while the uniform color palette and transparent quality keep the display from feeling cluttered or heavy in your small space.
How to recreate it:
Select clear glass or acrylic containers in varying heights and shapes
Group similar items together in designated containers
Choose containers with sealed tops for items that need protection from humidity
Add a couple of colored glass pieces in sea blues or greens for accent
Label containers discreetly if needed with small waterproof tags
DIY project: Create beach-themed storage jars by collecting clear glass containers (mason jars work perfectly) and adding a coastal touch! Wrap twine around the neck, glue small shells to the lids, or use waterproof paint to add subtle blue stripes or wave patterns to the bottom portions only, maintaining visibility.
Buy it option: The Pottery Barn PB Classic Glass Canister Collection offers timeless clear storage, or try the affordable IKEA DROPPAR jars with stainless steel lids for a modern coastal look.
Additional styling tip: For beginners, start with just three coordinating containers on your countertop—perhaps one each for cotton balls, cotton swabs, and a small plant or shell collection. This creates an intentional display without overwhelming your space.
10. Baskets and Bins: Softening Storage Solutions
In all my beach cottage renovations, baskets have been absolute essentials! They add warmth and texture to bathrooms that might otherwise feel cold or clinical, while providing flexible, movable storage options perfect for small spaces.
Picture this: A collection of whitewashed rattan baskets in various sizes tucked beneath your sink and on shelves, some lined with navy blue fabric for a pop of color. Larger baskets hold extra towels and toilet paper, while smaller ones corral hair products and daily essentials. The natural texture immediately evokes beachside relaxation, while keeping everything organized and accessible.
How to recreate it:
Choose baskets in materials that can handle bathroom humidity (seagrass, rattan, or water-resistant synthetic weaves)
Select a cohesive color palette—either natural tones or painted white/blue
Use baskets with liners for small items that might fall through weave patterns
Label baskets discreetly if they'll hold similar-looking items
Vary sizes based on your storage needs while maintaining a consistent style
DIY project: Customize plain storage baskets with coastal flair! Take simple white plastic bins and wrap the exterior with rope in a nautical pattern. Secure with waterproof glue and add a simple wood or rope handle on each side. Finish with a homemade tag using twine and a small piece of driftwood as a label.
Buy it option: The Container Store's Water Hyacinth Storage Bins bring immediate beach texture, or try Target's Threshold Seagrass Baskets with liners for an affordable coastal storage solution.
Additional styling tip: Don't overcrowd your baskets—the beauty of this storage solution is that it looks casual yet intentional. Aim to fill baskets about 70-80% full so items are accessible and the basket itself maintains its shape and contributes to your design.
11. Tidal Pulley Storage System: Dynamic Beach-Inspired Organization
This might be my most creative bathroom storage solution yet! For truly unique small beach cottage organization, I've developed what I call a "tidal storage system" that works with the natural rhythm of bathroom use and brings an authentic nautical element to your space.
Picture this: A series of weathered wood plank shelves suspended from the ceiling by nautical rope and brass pulleys, creating an adjustable storage system that can be raised and lowered as needed. When not in use, the shelves float near the ceiling, completely opening up your floor space. When you need to access your toiletries or towels, simply lower the specific shelf to a comfortable height, just like the changing tides of the ocean. The edges of each shelf feature small embedded shells and sea glass that catch the light as they move.
How to recreate it:
Install brass pulley hardware into ceiling joists for secure mounting
Create shelves from marine-grade or sealed wood planks in various sizes
Thread natural or synthetic nautical rope through the pulley system
Add cleats at different heights on nearby walls to secure shelves when in use
Place waterproof containers on each shelf to organize smaller items
DIY project: Source authentic ship pulleys from marine salvage shops or online marketplaces for genuine nautical character! Use reclaimed wood from old docks or boats (properly sealed for bathroom use) to create shelves with authentic weathering. Add small cleats on your wall similar to those found on sailboats to secure your shelves at different heights.
Buy it option: Start with a basic pulley system designed for plants (like the IKEA HIMMELSK) and adapt it for bathroom use with custom wooden shelves. For a higher-end option, look for custom marine hardware from specialty boat supply stores like West Marine or Jamestown Distributors.
Additional styling tip: Keep the tidal system simple at first—start with just two adjustable shelves while you get used to the functionality. Balance the dynamic nature of this storage system with a few fixed elements in your bathroom to maintain visual stability.
12. Hidden Tide Pool Vanity: Secret Storage with Coastal Charm
My clients are always amazed when I show them this clever storage solution! The "Hidden Tide Pool Vanity" transforms the often awkward space beneath your sink into a wonderfully whimsical yet highly functional storage system inspired by nature's own tide pools.
Picture this: What appears to be a custom-built vanity with a natural stone formation front suddenly reveals its secret—a gentle press on a disguised spot causes the front panel to swing open, unveiling a series of organically shaped storage "pools" inside. The exterior mimics a rocky beach formation with embedded shells and sea glass, while the interior features rounded, basin-like compartments in various sizes, each lined with waterproof material in shifting shades of blue and aqua. Each compartment is perfectly sized for specific bathroom items—the largest "pool" cradles extra towels, middle-sized ones hold hair styling tools, and the smallest ones keep jewelry and small toiletries safe and dry.
How to recreate it:
Work with a custom cabinet maker to design an organically shaped vanity front
Incorporate a hidden push-latch mechanism for seamless opening
Design the interior with rounded, waterproof compartments of different sizes
Use marine-grade materials throughout to withstand bathroom humidity
Add soft-close hinges to prevent slamming
DIY project: Transform an existing vanity by replacing the front panel with a custom-built "rock formation"! Use foam insulation board as a base, shape it with a knife, then cover with a textured surface treatment like stone-effect spray paint. Add real shells and sea glass with construction adhesive. Inside, insert rounded plastic containers of different sizes (like repurposed food storage containers) painted in ocean blues to create your tide pools.
Buy it option: While this is primarily a custom solution, start with a floating vanity from IKEA's GODMORGON series and work with a local carpenter to create a custom front panel. Companies like Semihandmade specialize in custom cabinet fronts for IKEA bases and might be able to create a specialized design.
Additional styling tip: For beginners, focus on the interior organization first—create your "tide pool" containers inside an existing vanity using rounded bowls and containers in ocean colors. You can gradually work up to the more complex hidden front panel as your DIY skills develop.
Let’s Get Started
Living with a small beach cottage bathroom doesn't mean sacrificing style or functionality! With these storage solutions and design tips, you can create a space that feels open, organized, and authentically coastal.
Remember that in small spaces, every detail matters—choose items that bring you joy while serving practical purposes, embrace light colors and reflective surfaces to enhance spaciousness, and incorporate natural elements that remind you of beachside living.
Your small bathroom might just become your favorite room in the cottage!
If you’re interested in more beach bathroom inspiration, then you’ll love this post!
