How to Organize Bathroom Counters to Accommodate Your Routine

In an ideal world, your bathroom would be pristine and clutter-free like the most sparkling staged showrooms. Realistically, however, your bathroom is used throughout each day and must function to facilitate your routines, which is why it's so important to organize bathroom counters with strategy and intention.

Though clear counters are much more satisfying than those scattered with belongings, bathroom counters typically hold at least a few frequently used items for ease of access, including toothbrushes, hand soap, facial cleanser, and other toiletries. This is especially true if you don't have convenient storage like a medicine cabinet, vanity drawers, or a nearby linen closet. It doesn't take much for the space to become overwhelmed with stuff, but by using the following tips to help organize bathroom counters, you can create a functional, aesthetically pleasing area that streamlines your daily hygiene routines.

 

Assess Your Counter Space

Your first task is to consider your current counter situation to determine what it has room to store. If you’re working with a small bathroom vanity, your options will be more limited than the possibilities of a double vanity. If you're in the former camp, you’ll still have plenty of storage options to help organize bathroom counters for small spaces; it’s simply smart to be aware of your countertop dimensions when devising your plan.

Assemble the Essentials 

Next, decide what you must store on the bathroom counter and what can be tucked in a storage basket, cabinet, or closet. Even if your bathroom has a good amount of countertop space, it’s still wise to stick to the basics so you don’t overwhelm the eye with a sea of products and belongings. Consider the items that make your day-to-day routine easier—these things should be kept within reach. This will vary depending on your lifestyle, but examples include your toothbrush, face wash, perfume, and extra washcloths.

 

Declutter or Rehome the Rest

If your counter is currently littered with toiletries, take the time to clear it off. Check expiration dates and toss any products that have gone bad or you no longer use. Relocate a stray hair accessory to the bedroom, a special occasion lipstick to a drawer, and a cleaning spray bottle under the sink.

 

Streamline Your Routine

Now that you've determined your essentials and have a clear space to work with, consider the order of steps in your daily bathroom routines. For example, if you’re a skincare enthusiast, you likely have an established order in which you apply products in the morning and at night. Streamlining your space based on the order of items used from first to last is an efficient way to organize bathroom counters.

 

Keep Like with Like

The next step is to group countertop items by type to ascertain what kinds of vanity organizers you need and how many. Separate daytime and nighttime skincare products; corral oral care items, and set aside single-use toiletries such as cotton rounds and swabs. Categorizing your belongings will help determine the most fitting storage solution for each grouping, such as trays, canisters, and baskets.

 

Choose Your Bathroom Countertop Organizers

Now that you've thoroughly assessed your room, routines, and most used things, it's time to select a few storage systems to organize bathroom counters in your space. There are many organizational options available, including the ideas outlined below. Don't be afraid to get creative—you don't need to choose a traditional storage system to bring order to your bathroom counters.

Tray

One of the best ways to organize bathroom counters is to place products on a tray. It can be mirrored, ceramic, acrylic, or any material that fits your bathroom decor. The key is to get into the habit of returning items to their place on the tray when you’re done using them. This way, the rest of the counter stays clean and clutter-free. This is a solid method for those with minimal routines and few products.

Lazy Susan

Another great storage idea is to find a lazy Susan that fits on your countertop. The circular, spinning trays are fantastic for curvacious items like serum or hair styling bottles. Opt for a divided turntable to store your morning products on one side and your nighttime products on the other.

Anything Tiered

For those with a plethora of products to organize, go vertical. Organizers with various tiers take up minimal countertop space while providing plenty of storage. If you love the idea of a lazy susan, search for a double-tiered version.

Apothecary Jars

A set of unique glass jars gives your bathroom a spa-like look while serving an organizational purpose. Decant your daily-use, disposable items like floss sticks and cotton swabs, or use a tall jar to hold makeup brushes. Jars with lids will keep your counters tidy while the items inside stay dust-free.

Acrylic Makeup Case

Most acrylic makeup organizers are customizable. This makes them an excellent choice for storing many kinds of products, cosmetics or otherwise. Pull-out drawers are great for eyeliners, lip liners, and mascaras; standing slots work well for lipsticks and roller perfume bottles. Acrylic makeup cases are also stackable, which maximizes storage while minimizing occupied surface space.

Hair Tool Organizer

Organize bathroom counters using a hair tool system if you’re regularly whipping out the blow dryer, curling iron, and other hot tools. Look for a standing organizer—some also include compartments for brushes, styling products, and accessories like hair ties and clips.

Cup or Mug

Head to your kitchen for this effortless (and free) storage idea. Most people have a random glass or mug that sits unused in the cabinet—so why not repurpose it in the bathroom instead? Drop your toothbrush, tongue scraper, and toothpaste tube into it, or use one to display your makeup brush collection. If you don’t have a spare cup or mug, try thrifting one for a vintage bathroom look.

Trinket Dish

Another organizational item you can recycle at home is a tiny plate or bowl. Place the trinket dish on the bathroom counter to hold your everyday jewelry pieces, errant bobby pins, or that overnight lip balm you can’t live without.

Basket

Create the ultimate guest bathroom experience by placing a basket on the countertop to corral items your visitors might need but don’t necessarily want to ask for. Neatly roll or fold towels in the basket alongside an odor spray, hand lotion, lint roller, menstrual products, and other hygienic items.

 

Add the Finishing Touches

After you organize bathroom counters in your space, you may need to add finishing touches to make your decor feel complete. Whether you desire more storage or want to spruce up the space with a few decorative items, think outside the box and experiment with these ideas.

Choose Matching Accessories

If you don’t have a coordinating set of bathroom countertop accessories, consider purchasing some to give the space a more cohesive look. A matching hand soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, and catchall tray will appear complementary on the counter while reducing clutter.

Decant Products

Don’t stop at decanting disposable items into jars. Use pretty (and matching, if you prefer) bottles for skincare liquids or perfumes, then place the bottles on a decorative tray. Just remember to add labels on each bottle to make note of the product and expiration date.

Utilize Nearby Wall Space

Your bathroom counter can only hold so many items, no matter how well you maximize the space. An alternative is to use floating shelves to store your toiletries as close to the countertop as possible. Choose the spot between the sink and the mirror or on the nearest adjacent wall, and style the shelves according to your decor preferences.

Add Decor

Lastly, your bathroom counters should include elements of your personal style. A few decorative items should be nestled amongst your organized products to create harmony in the space, such as a small vase of fresh flowers, a candle, and a framed piece of art.

 

 

Source: Cornetta, M. (2024a, June 25). How to organize bathroom counters to accommodate your routine. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/how-to-organize-bathroom-counters-7503511