We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 10 Best Over-the-Toilet Storage Units of 2024, According to Our Testing

Store beauty products, extra toilet paper, and much more with ease.

UTEX 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer Over The Toilet, Bathroom Spacesaver in a bathroom setting

Better Homes & Gardens / Cathy Fallone

Ample storage is hard to come by in many bathrooms. If your toiletries are taking over your sink countertop, it might be time to consider over-toilet storage. But with so many options and styles to choose from, how do you know which one is best for your bathroom storage needs?

“Before buying an over-the-toilet storage system, think about what you plan to store in it,” says Raychel Klein, founder and CEO of Raybaybay, a home organization service. “For backstock items [like extra toilet paper rolls], you might want closed cabinetry, but for everyday personal care items, you might want open shelving for better visibility and access.” 

To find the best over-toilet-storage units, we tested 15 of them in our homes. We noted how easy or difficult it was to assemble and most importantly, how many items—like extra toilet paper rolls—we were able to neatly store in it. 

After testing them out for a two-week period, we made our selections based on factors including storage space, ease of use, size and style of the unit, quality, and overall value. In addition to Klein, we also consulted Klein and Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantae-ize Your Space, for their insight on what to look for when shopping for the best over-the-toilet solutions for your bathroom.

Best Overall

UTEX 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer

Amazon UTEX 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer Over The Toilet

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It’s got an attractive design that stores a lot.

Keep in Mind
  • It took us two people and 40 minutes to assemble it.

If you’ve written off over-the-toilet storage as big, hulking units that don’t allow you easy access to the toilet itself, you’ll be happily surprised by the sleek design of the Utex 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer

We were surprised by how much this storage unit can hold. The bottom shelf alone held eight rolls of toilet paper, and the other two allowed us to basically clear off our bathroom counter with all the items it could store. 

We liked that the shelves were similar in size so we could shift around items and to better organize things. Assembly was super easy thanks to easy-to-follow instructions that helped us make sense of the many pieces and screws to put together. Just note that you’ll need both Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, plus a partner to make this part go faster. It also took us about 40 minutes to complete. 

Overall, we were impressed with the quality of the product and thought it was a great value for the money. We liked the simple, clean look of this unit and appreciate that it comes in four different colors to fit into any bathroom decor.

Product Details: Dimensions: 25.1 x 61.5 x 10 inches | Colors: Espresso, gray, white, wood grain | Material: Engineered wood

Best Budget

Godboat Over The Toilet Storage

Godboat-over-the-toilet-storage-2-tier-bathroom-organizer-shelves

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.8/5
  • Capacity
    4/5
  • Quality
    4.2/5
  • Design
    3/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It adds shelving without taking up any floor spaces and is a good option for rentals.

Keep in Mind
  • It didn’t store as much as other units on our list.

You might think over-toilet storage isn’t an option if you’re tight on floor space in your bathroom, but this freestanding, top-of-tank shelf saves the day. If you live in a rental with strict guidelines as to what you can or can’t attach to a wall, the Godboat Over The Toilet Storage solves that problem. 

The unit comes with all the necessary assembly tools and took us about 15 minutes to put together. There are two fasteners included to keep the unit upright and attached to the top of the toilet. The top and bottom shelves can each hold up to 15 pounds. 

This pick fits neatly on the top of a toilet tank without affecting regular use of the toilet. The one drawback is that it is cumbersome to remove everything if you need to remove the lid of the tank—keep this in mind if you have a temperamental toilet.

While this product doesn’t offer as much storage as other over-toilet solutions on our list, it does add storage to a tricky spot. If you’ve got countertop space to spare, this organizer can also be placed there as a freestanding shelf. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.2 x 6 inches | Colors: Black or white | Material: Alloy steel

Best Splurge

West Elm Modern Leaning Over-The-Toilet Cubby

West Elm Modern Leaning Over-The-Toilet Cubby

West Elm

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It’s got a sleek, sturdy design with impressive storage.

Keep in Mind
  • It took us 65 minutes to assemble and we thought some of the illustrations on the instructions were not clear.

We were impressed with the solid construction of the West Elm Modern Leaning Over-The-Toilet Cubby. This unit is spacious yet it doesn’t take up a ton of space, thanks to its leaning design that makes it a sleeker unit than others on our list. 

This unit did take some effort to assemble, especially with fitting the screws into the predrilled holes. Overall, it took us 65 minutes to set it up and while the instructions were relatively easy to follow, there were some illustrations that didn’t seem accurate. 

The shelves on this unit are quite wide, so you could even store towels comfortably. While the shelf height wasn’t adjustable, we found each one spacious enough to store all of our beauty and skincare products plus a few bits of home decor, too.  

It’s quite easy to access the lid to the tank without having to move the unit. Even though you can anchor this piece for more stability, this style simply leans against the wall and we thought it was sturdy enough on its own. This is the priciest over-toilet storage on our list, but given its elegant look and ease of installation, we think it’s worth the splurge.

Product Details: Dimensions: 28 x 79 x 12.4 inches | Colors: White | Material: Kiln-dried solid mahogany wood and engineered wood

Best with Hooks

Azmall Over Toilet Bathroom Organizer Rack

Amazon Azmall Over Toilet Bathroom Organizer Rack

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Quality
    4/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • You can hang towels and loofahs from the hooks.

Keep in Mind
  • The metal legs didn’t come with floor protectors.

Overall, the best over-the-toilet storage unit with hooks is the Azmall Over The Toilet Bathroom Organizer. We liked that the four shelves on this metal over-the-toilet storage unit were adjustable in height, so you can alter the design to fit your storage needs. It’s also ample enough to store bath products with room left over for home decor, like candles and even a faux plant. 

We liked that shelf liners were included for the slatted shelves, which is helpful for storing smaller products upright. The storage hooks allow for hanging towels, loofahs, and other bath products. We found this over-toilet rack easy to assemble despite the instructions being unclear.

During testing, we were impressed with how sturdy this storage piece was;  it has remained firmly on the floor and didn't shift or wobble once it was installed. The unit’s design doesn’t interfere with access to the water tank, though we did make sure to leave space to open the water tank when adjusting the height of the first shelf.

One drawback is that it doesn’t come with floor protectors for the metal legs, which could be a concern for some floors. Though we used it for the bathroom, the design also works well in the kitchen, garage, or wherever else you need more storage space. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 26 x 65 x 14 inches | Colors: Black or Grey | Material: Iron

Best White

Homykic Over The Toilet Storage

Amazon Homykic Bamboo 3-Tier Over-The-Toilet Space Saver Organizer Rack

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.2/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The shelves are spacious, offering a lot of storage.

Keep in Mind
  • The legs felt a bit wobbly and the bottom support bar can be tricky to install.

We were impressed with the high-quality construction of the Homykic Over The Toilet Storage. The shelves are quite roomy; when experimenting with storage options, we found we could put a whopping 16 rolls or toilet paper on one shelf. We also tried baskets of various sizes and found there was plenty of room for it all, including some pieces of decor, too. 

While there are no doors or hidden storage, we liked that it features three hooks for hanging towels and washcloths. It comes in five different colors, but we liked the white because it can fit in any decor.

Assembly was quite easy with this over-toilet storage space, although it was a bit tricky having to add the bottom support bar once the shelf is in place. We appreciated that there were two height options for installing that support bar, so there’s no concern about the toilet’s plumbing getting in the way of your new storage space. 

There’s even a good deal of space between the water tank lid and the shelf, so you can easily access the tank with this in place. We did find it a bit wobbly on its legs, however, so it would have been nice to have adjustable legs to correct any unevenness.

Product Details: Dimensions: 24.8 x 66.73 x 10.24 inches | Colors: Black, espresso, gray, natural, white | Material: Bamboo

Best Rustic Style

Rolanstar 4-Tier Over-The-Toilet Organizer

Amazon Rolanstar 4-Tier Over-The-Toilet Organizer

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    3/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The style offers plenty of storage space and each part is labeled with a letter, making assembly easy.

Keep in Mind
  • You will need to anchor this to the wall for stability, so it’s not the best option for a rental home or apartment.

If you prefer a rustic style, the Rolanstar Over The Toilet Storage is the best option to consider. Assembly was quite easy thanks to clear instructions and labeled parts. It comes with adjustable screw-on feet that ensures the unit stays upright and level. 

During testing, we noticed that the construction is a bit flimsy, so we were happy to have the wall anchors to make it sturdier. It’s worth noting that this might not be the right option if you live in a rental with strict rules about drilling into walls.

This unit offers plenty of storage, though we would have preferred the shelf height to be adjustable. The depth of the shelves is too narrow for bath towels, but we found it held wash cloths, hand towels, and storage baskets with ease. 

We liked how this over-the-toilet storage unit brought some rustic flair to our bathroom in a very minimalist design. If you’re looking to clear off the clutter on your sink top, this is the storage solution you’re looking for. The slimline design makes it easy to remove the toilet tank lid as needed without having to move the entire structure.

Product Details: Dimensions: 23.6 x 68 x 9.4 inches | Colors: Grey, rustic brown, white | Material: Engineered wood

Best Bamboo

SONGMICS 3-Tier Bamboo Over Toilet Bathroom Organizer

Amazon SONGMICS 3-Tier Bamboo Over Toilet Bathroom Organizer

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.3/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It’s spacious, attractive, and easy to assemble.

Keep in Mind
  • Consider your toilet and tank lids before positioning the bottom shelf so you have proper clearance.

Over-the-toilet storage is all about utility, but this bamboo unit offers a clean, attractive aesthetic for your bathroom, too. We were impressed with the storage capability of the Songmics Over The Toilet Storage, especially that it could hold taller bottles thanks to the adjustable shelves.

This unit can also easily fit storage baskets, toilet paper, and other bath and beauty products that would normally overwhelm your sink countertop. You may want to add shelf liners to the slatted shelves to make bottles and smaller products easier to store.

Assembly was quite easy thanks to the included Allen wrench and photo instructions. We liked that the shelf height is adjustable, though it was cumbersome to remove and re-screw them in place, so it’s best to consider optimal height during the initial installation of the unit. This is especially important for the shelf that goes right over the toilet tank lid, so make sure you have clearance space before securing that bottom shelf. 

During testing, we also appreciated that the structure was stable enough on its own. We didn’t have it secured to the wall, though there is the option to do so.

Product Details: Dimensions: 24.8 x 64.2 x 10.2 inches | Colors: Brown, gray, natural, and white | Material: Bamboo

Best with Glass Doors

Spirich Home Over-the-Toilet Cabinet

Spirich Home Over-the-Toilet Cabinet

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4/5
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The tempered glass adds an attractive element to this ample storage unit.

Keep in Mind
  • The horizontal support bar at the bottom was difficult to install.

For an option that’s both attractive and useful, the best over-the-toilet storage is the Spirich Over The Toilet Cabinet. The unit features tempered glass cabinet doors, so you can easily store hand towels and toiletries without having them on display. 

We liked that you could adjust the height of one of the two shelves for added flexibility in storage. We were able to fit full-size bottles of hair care products inside with no problem, and it’s even easier to stow storage baskets for smaller items. The shelf right on top of the toilet was perfect for storing extra rolls of toilet paper. Just keep in mind that while there was enough room to access the tank lid, it was a close fit.

You’ll need a drill and a partner to assemble this piece. The instructions call for mounting the unit to the wall before adding the horizontal support beam at the bottom, but the positioning of the storage unit made it impossible to add it. Luckily, it was sturdy and stable enough without it.

The cabinet doors were easy to open and even easier to close, thanks to magnetic strips that keep them closed flush. Despite some chips in the finish upon delivery, we love the look of this unit. It’s solidly constructed, can hold quite a bit, and offers good value for the price.

Product Details: Dimensions: 9.4 x 26.77 x 66.92 inches | Colors: Espresso | Material: Engineered wood, pine, and glass

Best Farmhouse Style

SRIWATANA Over The Toilet Storage Cabinet

Sriwatana-over-the-toilet-storage-cabinet

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Capacity
    4.8/5
  • Quality
    4.3/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The cabinet doors channel a charming farmhouse aesthetic while also hiding your items.

Keep in Mind
  • Baseboard floor trim along the back wall could hamper installation.

While other over-the-toilet storage units have limits on customization, this Sriwatana Over The Toilet Storage Cabinet has a shelf with three different height options. Whether you want to store toilet paper rolls or tall hair care and beauty products, you’ve got the option with this storage unit. The shelves themselves are quite wide—you can even store bath towels if you fold them narrowly enough to fit behind the closed cabinet door. 

Assembly was easy thanks to clear-cut instructions, labeled pieces, and hardware organized by type. We were happily surprised to see that the pre-drilled holes lined up perfectly. Our toilet was tucked into a narrow space in the bathroom, but we found this storage unit to fit in just perfectly. 

The doors open quite easily and stay closed firmly, thanks to the magnetic strips that hold them flush in place. The toilet lid did hit the unit when open so keep in mind that if you have baseboard trim like we do, you’ll have to place this unit a little further out from the wall. But we were still able to access the lid of the tank with ease.

We previously used a wire rack for bathroom storage and considered this option an upgrade, thanks to smooth, flat shelves that make it easier to store items of various sizes. We also liked the open shelf beneath the cabinet doors for things like a tissue box and perhaps a roll of toilet paper—it’s not tall enough to permit much else. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 23.23 x 66.54 x 9.25 | Colors: Grey or white | Material: Engineered wood

Best Customizable

Urban Outfitters Reversible Bathroom Storage Shelf

Urban Outfitters Reversible Bathroom Storage Shelf

Urban Outfitters

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    4.5/5
  • Capacity
    4/5
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Design
    3/5
  • Durability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • You can select which side of the unit to add additional shelves.

Keep in Mind
  • You can’t adjust the shelf height.

The Urban Outfitters Reversible Bathroom Storage Shelf brings extra storage with a touch of industrial chic to your bathroom. We liked that you could choose which side of the toilet to install the additional storage shelving, though we would have liked to have had some flexibility in the height of the shelving. 

For easier storage in the basket shelves on the right or left, you’ll need to insert smaller baskets or shelf liners. The slim width of the perforated shelves did limit what we were able to store; we found it was best for small- to medium-sized toiletries

This storage unit is durable and can stand up well without wobbling thanks to the plastic floor leveling pegs for the feet. Since we installed it in our bathroom, we haven’t noticed it shift at all, which is good news if you’re in a rental and can’t anchor it to the wall. Overall, this is a useful, durable piece that offers a good value for the price, making it one of the best over-the-toilet storage options to consider. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 9.1 x 51.6 x 32.4 inches | Colors: Black | Material: Steel

The Bottom Line

The UTEX 3-Shelf Bathroom Organizer Over The Toilet, Bathroom Spacesaver impressed us with its abundance of storage and simple yet attractive design that comes in several different colors to fit right in with your bathroom decor. Overall, we think it’s an incredible value for the price and the best over-the-toilet storage unit to consider. 

Our Testing Process

To find the best over-the-toilet storage options, we tested 15 different options at home in our bathrooms. After unboxing, we timed ourselves during assembly of the pieces and noted whether the process was easy or challenging. 

Once the unit was in position, we attempted to access the lid on the toilet tank, noting whether it could be removed easily with the unit in place. For those units that had attached toilet paper holders, we tried out a roll to see how easy it was to hang and unroll. 

Next, we filled the shelves and hooks (where applicable) with bath and beauty products, baskets, towels, spare rolls of toilet paper, and assorted home decor. We noted how much we could store and how easy it was to arrange it all based on shelf dimensions. 

Over a two-week testing period, we used the over-the-counter storage cabinet, observing the sturdiness of the storage unit, how convenient it was to access each part (including opening/closing cabinet doors and drawers), and how easy it was to keep it clean. 

We made our final selections for our best over-the-toilet storage list based on factors like storage space, ease of use, size and style of the unit, quality, and overall value.

A person assembles the SRIWATANA Over The Toilet Storage Cabinet, Bathroom Spacesaver with Adjustable Shelf, 2-Door Toilet Storage Rack

Better Homes & Gardens / Ashley Schaubroeck

What to Know About Over-the-Toilet Storage Before Shopping

Dimensions

When choosing the best over-the-toilet storage units for your home, the dimensions are important to consider. Start by measuring the height, width, and depth of the space that’s available behind your toilet, says Duckworth. Don’t forget about the bottom support bar found on many units and check if it will get in the way of your toilet’s plumbing. 

“As different toilets have different shaped toilet bowls, be sure the storage unit works with the toilet shape and doesn't interfere with comfortable use of the toilet,” says Duckworth. 

Color

Color choice for over-the-toilet storage is very much a personal preference, says Duckworth. Decide whether you want something simple and white, whether it should blend in with the rest of your bathroom, or if you want it to stand out as decor. “The most important thing to remember is that anything light colored will look dirty more quickly than a dark color,” she says. 

Material 

Duckworth recommends choosing a material that can stand up to the moisture and humidity in your bathroom. “Personally, I'd opt for a unit made from water-resistant MDF (medium-density fiberboard), as it is specially designed to resist moisture and is a popular choice for bathroom storage,” she says. She notes MDF is cost-effective, easy to find, and can last long with proper maintenance. 

Assembly

Look for an over-toilet storage unit with flexible shelving that allows you to adjust shelf height, advises Duckworth. It helps to have the proper tools on hand for ease of assembly—and she encourages actually reading the instructions. “Many people don't do this and back themselves into a literal corner,” she says.

Care and Durability

A durable over-the-toilet storage system is one made of moisture-resistant material, says Duckworth. Plastic is easy to clean, but if you want something wooden, Duckworth recommends looking for moisture-resistant ones like teak, oak, or cherry. “Make sure to properly seal or finish any wood storage units,” she says.

“Another thing to consider is the stability of the wall behind your toilet,” says Klein, which is important if you are mounting shelves or anchoring a freestanding unit. “With young kids, safety is always top of mind, and making sure the storage system is stable is key,” she says.

The Urban Outfitters Reversible Bathroom Storage Shelf in a bathroom setting above a toilet

Better Homes & Gardens / Alexa Jade Frankelis

Other Over-the-Toilet Storage Units We Tested 

Andover Mills Jesse Freestanding Over-the-Toilet Storage

While we were impressed with how much the drawer on the Andover Mills Jesse Freestanding Over-the-Toilet Storage held, we were disappointed with the poor quality of construction overall. The paint was chipping during assembly, and the cabinet doors—the primary feature of this piece—didn’t close properly.

Umbra Bellwood Over The Toilet Shelf 

During testing, we liked how easy the Umbra Bellwood Over The Toilet Shelf was to assemble. However, it has fixed shelves that hold less than we hoped. We would have liked to be able to adjust the height of the shelves. 

Yaheetech Over The Toilet Storage

While testing the Yaheetech Over The Toilet Storage, we found the assembly to be quite time-consuming. We were impressed with how much the shelf held, but would have liked it if we could adjust the shelf. The unit didn’t seem that sturdy, though—the optional wall anchors were more like a must, but since we can’t screw things into the walls of our rental, we had to pass on this. 

The Umbra Bellwood Over The Toilet Shelf White/Natural above a toilet in a bathroom

Better Homes & Gardens / Katy Stovall

Your Questions, Answered

What is the alternative to over-the-toilet storage?

Floating shelves are an alternative to over-the-toilet storage, but Klein prefers back-of-door systems. “I often recommend these before implementing an over-the-toilet option as they are versatile, offer more storage options, and are stable and safe, as well as have a visually clean appearance,” she explains.

How high should storage be above the toilet?

While shopping for the best over-the-toilet, the height of the unit is a key consideration. 

“You want to make sure you can reach all items on the storage unit, or you will not be able to clean it or access your items,” says Duckworth. Safety first, though. “You can go pretty high with your unit, but please make sure it's built properly,” she explains.

What should you store above a toilet?

Klein says that most of her clients find over-the-toilet storage to be best for things like toiletries, extra toilet paper rolls, and towels. “You want to avoid items that are too heavy or break easily when accidentally dropped,” she says. “Additionally, I would reserve storing bathroom cleaning supplies under the sink or utility closet.”

Who We Are

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, New York, covering all things home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best over-toilet storage units, Barbara analyzed lab insights from our testing team. She also consulted Raychel Klein, founder and CEO of Raybaybay, and Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantae-ize Your Space.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

Was this page helpful?

Related Articles