5 Smart Storage Ideas for Small Bathroom Remodels in Olympia

If your Olympia bathroom feels cramped or cluttered, you’re not alone. Many homes in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater have compact bathrooms that weren’t designed with modern needs in mind. But don’t worry—with the right remodeling approach, even the smallest bathroom can feel organized, spacious, and stylish.

At Mountain Peak Construction, we specialize in transforming tight spaces into functional retreats. Here are five smart storage ideas we recommend for your small bathroom remodel in Olympia.

1. Built-In Niches for Showers and Walls

Why it works: Built-in niches are recessed shelves installed into the wall—perfect for storing shampoo, soap, or décor without using up floor or counter space. They’re especially helpful in tiled shower walls or above bathtubs.

Olympia tip: Choose a contrasting tile or accent band in your niche to add visual interest. It’s a practical feature that also becomes a design highlight.

Bonus idea: Add a double niche or a tall vertical one with shelves for multiple family members.

2. Floating Vanities with Open Space Below

Why it works: Floating vanities are mounted to the wall, leaving space underneath. This creates an open feel and gives you room to tuck away small bins or baskets without visual clutter.

Style tip: Floating vanities look especially sharp in modern or transitional bathrooms, and they’re ideal if you're working with a narrow floorplan.

Pro tip: Pair with wall-mounted faucets to free up even more counter space.

3. Use Vertical Storage and Tall Cabinets

Why it works: In small bathrooms, going vertical is key. Tall linen towers, over-the-toilet shelving, or even slim wall-mounted cabinets can store towels, cleaning supplies, and daily essentials.

Olympia remodeling tip: If your home is older and has limited built-in storage, consider custom cabinetry or built-ins that match your trim style for a seamless look.

Good to know: Pre-painted cabinetry is a budget-friendly, fast-install option we use in many bathroom remodeling projects in Olympia.

4. Recessed Medicine Cabinets and Mirror Storage

Why it works:Recessed medicine cabinets sit flush with the wall, providing hidden storage behind a mirror—perfect for toothbrushes, skincare products, and medications.

Upgrade option:Choose a lighted medicine cabinet or one with built-in outlets for electric toothbrushes or shavers.

Design tip: Frame it in tile or use a mirrored surface to keep the space looking light and open.

5. Towel Bars, Hooks, and Open Shelves

Why it works: Not all storage needs to be behind a door. Open towel shelves, wall-mounted hooks, and slim bars can keep things accessible while still neat.

Olympia tip: Wood shelves or black hardware pop against classic white tile, a popular combo in Thurston County homes.

Extra idea: Install a shelf above the bathroom door—it’s often wasted space that can store backup towels or toilet paper.

Pro Tip: Plan Storage During the Design Phase

One of the most common mistakes we see is trying to add storage at the end of the project. In a small bathroom, every inch matters—so it's essential to plan your cabinetry, niches, and wall placement early in the design phase.

That’s why we always go over your storage needs before demo starts. We’ll ask about:

• How many people use the bathroom

• What you currently store in it (and what’s missing!)

• Whether you prefer open or closed storage

• Your must-have items (extra towels, tall bottles, cleaning supplies, etc.)

The result? A bathroom that doesn’t just look beautiful—it works hard for your daily routine.

Olympia Remodel Success Story: Before and After

One of our recent clients in Tumwater had a 5'x8' guest bathroom that felt too tight for their needs. With no linen closet nearby, the vanity was overflowing.

We removed the old bulky vanity and installed a floating model with two drawers, plus a recessed medicine cabinet and vertical shelf tower beside the mirror. We also tiled a shower niche to match their floor tile and added stylish wood shelves above the toilet.

The transformation? A space that felt 2x bigger, with more storage than before—without changing the footprint.

Final Thoughts

Small bathrooms don’t need to feel limiting. With a smart layout and creative storage ideas, you can turn your compact space into a beautiful, functional bathroom you love using every day.

At Mountain Peak Construction, we’re passionate about helping Olympia homeowners make the most of every square foot. Whether you’re updating a guest bath, remodeling your primary suite, or converting a half bath, we’re here to guide you from concept to completion.