I was at an estate sale over the weekend with some friends and picked up a silver container with gorgeous lion head details on the sides.  I was originally thinking that I’d use it to hold flowers in the dining room, or maybe even utensils, but now that my dining room is decked out for Fall I decided to use it in the guest bathroom to hold extra hand towels.  Storage ideas that are both practical and beautiful are my favorite!

TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Vintage-Silver-Storage

 

I love using things in unexpected ways and bathroom storage is no exception, especially if the items are intended for display {as opposed to being hidden in cabinets or drawers}.  While it would probably to easier to hit up the bathroom section of a store and purchase a matching set of items that are intended to hold toiletries, I think using an item in a way other than its intended use adds a bit of style, creativity, and interest.  And after all, if you’re going to leave something out in the open, you want it to look good, right?  So today I’m sharing a few of my favorite ideas for making toiletries part of your bathroom decor.

I am in love with this lions head door knocker that Pam from Simple Details is using as a towel ring.  Totally unexpected and beautiful!  {I actually wish I had one!}

TIDBITS & TWINE Lion Head Towel Holder

 

Storage for soap is also important since most soap is sold in packs, meaning that there are multiple bars that need to be stored at any given time.  The advantage to soap is that it’s quite pretty and smells great, so it’s a toiletry items that easily lends itself to being on display.  I store mine unwrapped on a small dish inside of a a glass cabinet.  Not only is it easy to grab a new bar when I need it but the scent from the soap transfers to the towels that are stored in the same cabinet making everything smell fresh and clean.TIDBITS-&-TWINE-Bathroom-Display

 

Apothecary jars also work well for decoratively storing soaps, as well as other bath items.  Just be sure to keep the glass dust free and clean!

TIDBITS & TWINE Apothecary Bathroom Storage
{via Shanty Insanity}

 

I also love how beautiful soaps are displayed in the vintage silver cup.

TIDBITS & TWINE Silver Cup for Soaps
{via The Polohouse}

 

Like soap, most people have lots of extra rolls of toilet paper that need to be stored.  Some people keep it hidden in a cabinet, but have you ever been a guest in someone’s home and run out of paper and then felt weird looking through their cabinets for another roll?  I keep my extra toilet paper in a wire basket on the floor in the bathroom, but I also love the idea of using a vintage olive bucket like Miss Mustard Seed has done.

TIDBITS & TWINE Olive Bucket Toilet Paper Holder
{via Miss Mustard Seed}

 

There tends to be a lot of little bath items that need to be stored, especially if it’s a guest bathroom.  One easy way to keep everything organized is to group all of the items together.  This vintage industrial bread pan is the perfect size to hold odds and ends.

TIDBITS & TWINE Bread Pan Storage
{via Farmhouse Porch}

 

Tiered baskets also make great storage displays and one advantage to them is that they hold items vertically, taking up less space on the counter.

TIDBITS & TWINE Tiered Basket Bathroom Storage
{via Stylish Eve}

 

Small drawers from sewing tables or desks can also be used to hold everyday essentials and narrow drawers can even be placed on the back of the toilet tank so as to maximize storage.

TIDBITS & TWINE Vintage Drawer Storage
{via HGTV}

 

And last but not least, I think using a decanter for storing mouthwash is a brilliant solution to help beautify your bathroom counter, don’t you?!

{via Green Way Home}
{via Green Way Home}

 

Just a couple of notes about using items for bathroom decor…Be sure look for items that can be easily cleaned, as bathrooms are notorious for cosmetic, toothpaste, and other spills and you’ll want to be able to clean your storage containers.  Also check that the items will be okay in a steamy environment if located near the shower and/or tub.

 

Using items in unexpected ways creates more opportunities to use any given item, which to me, means I’m getting a bigger bang for my buck.  My new silver bucket may or may not ever make its way to the dining room since I like how it looks with bath accessories, but I love that I now have options as to how I want to use it!
Tidbits&Twine - Signature

 

 

 

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15 Comments

  1. I love the look of apothecary jars filled with different bathroom items!! All great ideas you shared!
    xo.Leslie
    Segreto Finishes

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Thank you, Leslie!

  2. Kim,
    What pretty ideas. I love the container you found and your use for it. I also think the door knocker/towel holder idea is fabulous. I may have to search for one of those for my guest bathroom! :-)
    Karen

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Karen – Isn’t the door knocker a great idea?! Can you believe she got it at HomeGoods?! I’ve been scouring the isles for one but no such luck… :(

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Mary Alice – Me, too! I looked for some the last time I was at the antique fair but didn’t find any that looked quite as nice. Ah well…the search continues! :)

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