A simple and beautiful DIY bathroom shelf made of MDF, glass, plasterboard: straight and corner options. Photo instructions, tips, video master class

A bathroom shelf not only serves as an interior decoration item, but also performs useful functions of placing and storing personal hygiene items, cosmetics, and household chemicals.

The range of shelves presented in stores does not always allow you to choose the appropriate option. It’s easy to make beautiful bathroom shelves with your own hands from various materials.

The advantage of a homemade bathroom shelf is its maximum convenience and originality. A creative approach to work will allow you to create a unique product that not only fits in size, but also meets all the requirements of family members.

It’s easy to develop bathroom shelf ideas yourself or use ready-made store models as a basis. Making a shelf with your own hands will significantly save your family budget.

Brief overview of the article

Types of bathroom shelves

There are a large number of different models of bathroom shelves. There are no restrictions, but the product must meet a number of specific requirements:

• the shelf must be strong and securely fastened;
• the design should be roomy, comfortable and consistent with the overall decor of the room.

Conventionally, bathroom shelves are divided into several types:

• hanging shelves are securely attached to the wall using fasteners;
• removable options are temporary structures and are secured with suction cups;
• the corner model is designed for tight spaces and saves space;
• the floor design is similar to a small shelving unit and requires enough space to accommodate it;
• hanging models look original, but are intended for large areas;
• the built-in option is an equipped niche in the wall and requires certain skills to manufacture.

Tips for placing shelving

First, one general and most important piece of advice. The bathroom contains a large number of utility networks: cold and hot water pipelines, sewerage, electrical wiring, elements of the ventilation system, etc. The shelving should be placed in such a place that it does not restrict access to the networks. This is very important not only for pipeline maintenance, but also for eliminating various emergency situations as quickly as possible. As for design issues, there are several options for placing shelving.

Bathroom rack

In this article we will not talk about various interior design options; there is only one universal piece of advice. Choose the shelving option and its location that you like. You can listen to the advice of designers, but your decision should be final. None of the advisers will use the bathroom; it is not for them to judge what you personally like and feel comfortable with.

Wooden bathroom rack

Materials

When considering what you can use to make a shelf in the bathroom, you need to take into account the high humidity in the room.

This fact influences the choice of materials in a certain way.

• Wood and its derivatives will require additional processing to extend the life of the product.
• Plastic is resistant to moisture, lightweight and has the necessary strength margin.
• Glass of sufficient thickness will serve as an excellent material for a bathroom shelf. It is important to correctly calculate the load on the glass structure.
• Metal is a good option, but, like wood, it needs protection from moisture.
• Drywall enjoys well-deserved popularity due to its durability and ease of use.

The material for the shelf should be selected depending on the design of the product, your professional skills and personal preferences.

Types of products and their scope

There are several types of shelves. They differ in their structure and scope of application in the interior space. These include:

• Removable products. They have minimal weight and have good mobility. They can be placed in different parts of the bathroom. This option is ideal for various types of redevelopment.
• Hanging models. They are most often used in small spaces where every cm plays an important role.
• Corner shelves. This type is also used in small bathrooms. They are neatly fixed in the corner parts of the room.
• Floor structures. The model is suitable for spacious rooms. There is a spacious storage system.
• Stationary shelves. This option cannot be dismantled. They are carried out at the initial stages of finishing work. The structure contains plasterboard and ceramic tiles. They help make a strong foundation that will last for quite a long period of time.

Choosing a place to place the shelf

The determining factor for where to attach the shelf in the bathroom is the size of the room and the configuration features of the product.

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The traditional place for placing a shelf is a wall. In conditions of limited space, shelves can be hung on the door leaf. In this case, the decor of the product is selected to match the design of the door.

Built-in shelves look original, but their installation requires professional skills and serious financial investments. For this reason, the manufacture of such structures does not always make sense.

Metal fasteners are used for fastening.

Sometimes small shelves are fixed using suction cups, but such fastening is not very reliable.

The benefits of making shelves yourself

Self-made furniture production has long been no longer just a goal of saving money - it is an excellent opportunity to show your creative abilities. Today, designers are developing various models of decorative shelves that can be inspired by.

The main advantages of self-manufacturing of the structure are highlighted:

1. Taking into account all, even the smallest requirements. Only by making furniture yourself can you do it exactly according to your preferences. After all, not every master can correctly understand an idea and then implement it.
2. Saving money. When ordering furniture, you will have to spend money not only on purchasing materials, but also on the work of the craftsman. Not every person can find the extra amount to pay for such services. Therefore, you can try to build the structure yourself. This is especially true in cases where it is necessary to produce a large amount of furniture.
3. Save time. Typically, experienced specialists have a long queue, which is why you will have to wait for your order for several weeks, or even months. While making furniture yourself will take much less time (even for beginners).
4. Simplicity of the process. For some, it may seem that making shelves is a labor-intensive process, but this is far from the case. Following step-by-step instructions, anyone can cope with such actions. In this case, it is important to take correct measurements and place marks. In addition, the work uses a standard set of tools that can be found in every person’s home.
5. Experience. Shelves are exactly the element of the interior with which you should start making furniture. Thanks to this, you can easily master the creation of other more complex structures. For some people, a craft can be turned into a business. It is worth noting that all family members can be involved in such simple work.

   A simple version of functional shelves

Glass shelf

The advantage of glass models is ease of installation. Often special holders are used to secure elements.

To work you will need:

• glass with a thickness of at least 4-5 mm;
• fastening elements;
• dowels

Operating procedure.

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1. Cut out the parts according to the drawing.
2. Carefully process the cuts.
3. Mark the mounting location on the wall.
4. Attach fastenings.
5. Secure the shelf.

It is recommended to hang the glass shelf out of the reach of children. The structure should be placed strictly horizontally to avoid accidents.

How to store towels in the kitchen

Drawer

Most often, housewives store kitchen textiles in drawers.

Photo: Instagram dandl_organizing

Take a look at the idea for organizing such storage: isn’t it convenient and compact?

• Storage systems

  How to fold towels in a closet beautifully and compactly: 5 ways and useful tips

Clothespins

Can your towels serve as a real decoration for your kitchen? Why not hang them in plain sight: for example, by securing them with clothespins on a string.

Photo: Instagram favors_chic

You definitely won’t find similar decor among your friends and acquaintances.

A more “brutal” move is to hang textiles on a chain.

HomeQueen household clothespins

Photo: Instagram stitchandsaga

Suitable for loft style kitchens.

Hanger ladder

Another way to display your towels is with a ladder rack.

Photo: Instagram tossdesigns

Of course, textiles must be selected in the same style and be in harmony with the interior of the kitchen.

By the way, such storage is quite compact.

Photo: Instagram lulaspantry

Well, if you wish, you can make a similar staircase with your own hands.

Stylish basket

Baskets are a stylish accessory that makes it easy and inexpensive to organize neat additional storage.

Photo: Instagram favors_chic

They are also suitable for placing kitchen textiles.

Plasterboard shelf

The use of plasterboard allows us to produce structures of any configuration.

The advantages of drywall are that it:

• strong enough to withstand significant loads if installed correctly;
• flexible and low cost.

In addition, if it is necessary to change the design of the room, the plasterboard structure can be easily repainted in any other color.

Where to hang towels in the bathroom?

Wall mounted towel holder

Modern manufacturers offer many accessories specifically designed for hanging towels.

Photo: IKEA

In most cases this is a very suitable option.

There are models that can help you neatly hang even bath sheets for a large family.

Photo: Instagram _gustav_magazin

And at the same time they don’t take up much space.

Wall hangers and hooks

If you haven't found a suitable towel holder, good old multifunctional wall hangers and hooks can help out.

Photo: IKEA

Select models suitable for use in rooms with high humidity.

Suction hooks

Don't forget about the option of choosing suction hooks.

Photo: IKEA

And also about self-adhesive models.

Shelf-hanger

A hanger shelf is an accessory that allows you to get two functions at once: storing and hanging bath textiles.

Photo: IKEA

Compact and convenient solution.

Over the door accessory

Another way to hang bath sheets without drilling into the walls is with an over-the-door hanger.

Photo: IKEA

It will also help out in situations where there is simply no free space on the walls.

Heated towel rail on the shower door

There are heated towel rails designed to be mounted on the shower door.

Photo: Instagram nayadabel

They can come in handy if space in the bathroom is extremely limited.

Railing with suction cups

In cases where you need an inexpensive option without drilling walls, suction cup rails will help out.

Photo: IKEA

And also on a self-adhesive basis.

Hanger ladder

Ladder hangers are a real trend.

Photo: IKEA

This hanging accessory looks really elegant and fresh.

Wall shelf with railing

There are special wall shelves for the bathroom that have railings for hanging.

Photo: IKEA

Bonus: they help you organize your storage neatly and compactly.

Over the door organizer

If an over-the-door hanger is an option that seems low-functional to you, take a closer look at an organizer placed on the door.

Photo: aliexpress.com

It will be a serious help in organizing additional storage.

Suction cup holder

Another inexpensive and labor-intensive solution is a suction cup holder.

Photo: aliexpress.com

For cases when attaching something to the walls is not something you can do by hand.

Floor accessory

Another option to avoid drilling the walls is a floor hanger.

Photo: Instagram homereserv

Bonus: this solution looks fresh and unconventional.

Disadvantage: such an “assistant” requires a certain amount of free space.

Photo: IKEA

It is unlikely that it will be possible to place such an accessory in a tiny bathroom.

Chair

If you have space in your bathroom, pay attention to the hanging chair.

Photo: IKEA

This is a multifunctional item that will make the bathroom much more comfortable.

Hanger-partition

Hang bath towels and solve the zoning problem in one fell swoop?

Photo: Instagram everlifedesign

Easy - with the help of a partition hanger.

Folding hanging hanger

Make the most of your shower curtain rod by adding a hanging hanger.

Photo: aliexpress.com

Please note that there are compact folding models.

Instructions on how to make a shelf with your own hands

To work you need to prepare:

• guides and supporting profiles;
• dowels;
• slats;
• self-tapping screws;
• sheet of drywall.

Operating procedure.

• Mark holes for dowels on the wall.
• Using dowels, attach the guide profile to the wall.
• The supporting profile is sequentially attached to the guide profile. This will be the basis of the entire structure.
• The multi-level structure must be reinforced with slats. Fix the slats with self-tapping screws.
• It is important to follow the order of installation of the frame so that the shelf can withstand heavy loads.
• After completing the work on arranging the frame from moisture-resistant plasterboard, it is necessary to cut sheets of the required size.
• The parts are fixed, the supporting profile is also sheathed with plasterboard.
• The seams are sealed with putty.
• After the putty has dried, it is necessary to coat the product with a primer in several layers.
• For structural reliability, perforated fastening elements can be attached to the corners. They are carefully hidden under a layer of putty.
• After drying, the surface of the product is smoothed with emery cloth and covered with decorative plaster.

In a similar way, it is easy to make a shelf of any configuration from plasterboard. Installing shelves in the bathroom with your own hands from plasterboard will allow you to bring any design idea to life.

Wooden shelf for the bathroom

Beautiful wooden shelf

A DIY bathroom shelf made of wood is also a fairly simple task. The main thing is to make sure that the material is well protected from a damp environment. If you have a choice of wood, it is better to take boards made of moisture-resistant wood. If this is not possible, then the moisture resistance of the material can be organized independently using methods such as:

• Using regular paint, applying it in several layers;
• Moisture-repellent varnish coating;
• Using self-adhesive film.

This board finish can also become an excellent decor, but the most important thing in this process, for any of the options, is to sand it well and degrease it.

Individual bathroom furniture. Recommendations for the selection of materials and design

Having prepared the materials for the shelves, you can begin to attach them.

• To do this, you can use special metal holders for bathroom shelves, which are shaped like the letter “G”. It is enough to choose their size correctly - and the homemade shelves in the bathroom will be securely fastened, and they will look harmonious.
• There is another mounting option for a shelf in the bathroom. It is more mobile, although it will take up more wood material. It can be executed by fastening two horizontal boards on the sides with two vertical ones so that it turns out something like a cabinet, only without the back and front walls. This structure can be moved to another location at any time. It is also used when it is not possible to make holes in the wall, for example, if tiles are laid on it.

Attaching a wooden shelf

The process of installing a wooden shelf on a tiled surface

How to fix a shelf in the bathroom yourself?

• Before attaching a shelf in the bathroom, it is necessary to take measurements, noting the locations of future attachments. It is necessary to ensure that the finished shelf is positioned strictly horizontally. A calibrated eye gauge or building level will help with this.
• The next step before installing the shelf in the bathroom is to mark the mounting location on the wall. To do this, you need to place the part with fasteners in the place where it will be located and mark the locations for the holes. Use a punch to make holes in the marked places.
• For walls lined with tiles, first this is done without impact mode, so as not to damage the tiles.
• By inserting dowels into the holes, we fasten the structure - and the shelf is ready.

Corner wooden shelf

Corner shelf made of wood for the bathroom

A special feature of this type of bathroom shelf is the need to resolve the issue of how to attach the shelf in the bathroom. In this it has something in common with the above-described model of fastening a wooden shelf, but in this case the installation features are different. According to the design, the shelf will be angular and will consist of four horizontal surfaces attached to a wooden vertical axis.

What is the best corner shelf for a bathroom? Types and design features

Before making a shelf for the bathroom, you need to prepare the horizontal surfaces. How to make shelves for this design:

1. First, we select the material. It can be chipboard; it is better to choose a thickness of at least 6 mm.
2. We make a hole in a sheet of chipboard with a nail, using thread and a pencil, draw a circle, the center of which will be this nail. The radius of the circle will be equal to the desired length of the future shelf. Next, you need to cut out this circle using a jigsaw or hacksaw and cut it along the diameter into four even parts so that the angle of each part is 90 degrees.
3. Before assembling the bathroom shelf, you will need to prepare the base for attaching the shelves. To do this, you need to take a wooden strip, attach it to the corner where the shelf will be placed, and mark the location of the top shelf. Next, dividing the remaining space into equal parts, mark the locations of the remaining shelves.
4. It is better to make grooves for fastening chipboard sheets with a saw with fine teeth so as not to destroy the lath. Along the lines marked on the lath, you need to make two cuts up to half the width, then use a knife or chisel to cut out a groove. Using this method, grooves are made for all four shelves.
5. Before hanging a corner shelf in the bathroom, we try on the boards to the grooves; for a better connection, you can additionally sand the shelf grooves and slats.
6. To install the structure, you first need to attach the rail to the desired corner. Installing a shelf in the bathroom is done using mounting adhesive. Glue is applied to the back side of the slats and attached to the wall; for greater reliability, you can glue the slats with tape or mounting tape while it dries.
7. When the structure is dry and holds securely, you can remove the tape and insert the shelves into the grooves; if they fit correctly, there will be no need to glue them additionally. This type of shelf has the same design as a plastic bathroom shelf with spacers.

Corner shelf made of MDF

A compact corner shelf for the bathroom can be made from MDF or wood. Wooden parts must be dried and impregnated with a protective composition against moisture. Paint or varnish will help extend the life of a wooden product.

To work you need to prepare:

• MDF sheet;
• fasteners;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• compass;
• pencil.

Operating procedure.

1. To make a corner shelf, you need to draw templates for cutting out parts. Using a compass, mark a circle of the required diameter and divide it into four equal sectors.
2. Parts of the product are cut out exactly along the contours, the edges are treated with sandpaper.
3. The parts must be connected so as to form a structure with a right angle from vertical walls.
4. The shelf can be covered with waterproof varnish, paint or covered with film.

The product is ready, it must be securely fixed in the chosen location.

Rack ladder

A rack with shelves that imitates a stepladder will ideally fit into the interior of a bathroom decorated in one of the popular styles. To make the design look even more interesting, it can be painted as a zebra pattern or decorated with drawings using the decoupage technique.

Tools and materials

Standard list of tools:

• hacksaw;
• sanding machine or sandpaper;
• screwdriver;
• ruler or square;
• pencil for marking.

You will also need a few consumables:

• furniture board or plywood 10 mm thick;
• square beam with a cross section of 30 mm;
• self-tapping screws;
• wood glue;
• paint or varnish (optional).

Parts size

This rack is so easy to make that drawings and diagrams are not needed. Based on the specified dimensions of the parts, using a ruler and pencil, you should mark the contours of the shelves on a sheet of plywood. The length of each is 60 cm, and the width is different - 40 cm for the bottom, 10 cm for the top, 20 and 30 cm, respectively, for the middle ones.

After this, the sides for the shelves are prepared from the remaining plywood. Their recommended height is 3 cm, and the length will vary. All you need:

• 8 pcs. 60 cm each;
• 2 pcs. 38 cm each;
• 2 pcs. 8 cm each;
• 2 pcs. 18 cm each;
• 2 pcs. 28 cm each.

Legs for a shelf are cut from timber - 2 pcs. 165 cm and 2 pcs. 170 cm each.

In addition, a piece of timber 60 cm long is made for the upper cross member.

Assembly instructions

When all the parts are ready, you need to sand them and, if necessary, paint or varnish. Can be wrapped with self-adhesive film.

The assembly goes like this:

1. First, the sides are glued to the bottoms of the shelves.
2. Using glue, vertical and inclined legs are connected together in pairs. In the upper part of the inclined ones (they are 170 cm long), a vertical cut is made at an angle of 15°. In order for them to stand straight, you need to cut off the lower part (the one that touches the floor) at the same angle.
3. A cross member is glued in the middle between the upper ends of the legs.
4. After the glue has dried, the structure is assembled together. For convenience, the frame is laid on the rear legs and the shelves are screwed in with self-tapping screws. You can also strengthen the joints with glue. The standard distance between shelves is 45 cm; from floor to bottom - 5 cm.

If glue is used during the assembly of painted parts, areas that will not be covered with it should be isolated with masking tape. This will help avoid leaks.

Pallet shelf

Transport pallets serve as high-quality and often free material for the manufacture of furniture.

A creative approach will allow you to make an interesting design in the form of open small shelves located at different levels.

• The selected pallet should be cleaned of dust and dismantled.
• Sand the necessary workpieces with sandpaper, impregnate them with primer and stain.
• The product is installed in accordance with the drawing.
• It is recommended to varnish the wood.

In a similar way, it is not difficult to make original shelves from wooden boxes.

MDF cutting. Starting the process correctly

Now you will need an electric jigsaw. With its help, you can cut the slab evenly and clearly along the lines. But, if you do not have this type of power tool, then you can easily use a hacksaw. Although in this case there is a possibility that the ends will not be so even. If this is the case, then don't be upset. Using sandpaper, you can level the end.

Cut out the marked circle corresponding to the drawn lines.

Now you can cut the resulting circle into 4 even parts. To do this, take a pencil and a cord, which will allow you to measure on one of the sectors and mark an arc with a smaller radius. The area of ​​the rounded surfaces will be much larger than what can be observed when purchasing standard shelves, and this is not in vain. So, you can increase the efficiency of using space in the corners of the bathroom.

The remaining 3 sections will have curved edges. Edges that are rounded can be processed with a disc cutter. But, if you don’t have one, then you can use sandpaper.

Hanging shelf

An unusual hanging shelf can be easily assembled from wooden parts, connecting them with a strong cord.

• It is necessary to cut blanks of the required size from wood and treat their surface.
• In wood blanks you need to drill holes whose diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the cord.
• The elements are impregnated with a primer and painted.
• The cord is passed through the holes and secured with knots.

How to choose a drill for attaching a shelf

To install the shelf, you will need to drill at least two holes in the wall. In order for it to turn out smooth and the right size, you need to choose the right drill. This is not difficult to do if you know the rules of drilling and accurately select the shank for the working tool.

Carbide-tipped drills

Tile drill

Wood drills

Shelf decor

Making a bathroom shelf with your own hands involves decorating it. When thinking about the design of a product, you should adhere to several rules.

The product should not be overloaded with fancy carvings or openwork details. In a typical room, such details look out of place.

When designing a product, you should take into account the design features and purpose of the room. If you want to create an original interior item, it is recommended to use several materials to make the product. For example, combine metal elements with wood or glass parts.

An interesting option would be a shelf combined with a towel rack.

You can get original ideas for work online by looking at photos of DIY bathroom shelves.

Installing a bathtub and connecting it to a sewer pipe

Shelf for a countertop sink in the bathroom: selection, installation, DIY production

We bring it in and place it in the corner of the room under the water mixer (the mixer must be installed in advance). We place a 2-meter straight level (at least 60cm) on the edge of the bathtub and, based on its readings, we adjust the legs in height by rotating them along the threads.

Now we bring the plastic screen up and check whether it will fall into place or whether it should be raised a little higher. We connect the drainage system (sump) to the sewer outlet in the wall, install a backup drainage system from the bathtub overflowing with water, lubricating the rubber gaskets with silicone, or acrylic sealant.

We connect the bathtub and check the drainage system for leaks.

We move the bathtub away from the adjoining walls along the corner in both directions by exactly 1 cm, this distance is necessary for filling with polyurethane foam. We fill the “plastic basin” to the very top with water, while simultaneously checking the drainage system for leaks. Thus, the water does not drain until the very end of all work, right up to the grouting of the tile joints.

Let me explain, the weight of the water simulates the maximum future operational loads, then you will drain it and be sure that the work done will not crack along the tile seams.

.

Photo of DIY bathroom shelves

In what form is it best to store?

It depends on where and how you will keep them. We know that to maintain daily hygiene, each family member needs to have three towels.

One of them is for the hands and face, which should be changed every day. The second - for feet is used for no more than three days, and the third - for taking a bath or shower is intended for two to three uses .

After you have dried yourself with them, they should be left unrolled on the dryer or hooks.

In the niches

If a niche has formed in the bathroom during renovation, install shelves in it: this is a great way to store a variety of small items. Niches can be of any size: due to their ergonomics, the shelves look very neat and can accommodate a lot of towels.

Above the toilet

If the bathroom is combined and the space above the toilet is empty, do not waste useful space: place metal baskets or shelves on the wall. They should hang high enough above the tank so as not to interfere or absorb dirt.

Under the sink

An excellent solution is to hide the towels in a closed cabinet behind the facades: this way the room will look more tidy. Wall-hung sinks with shelves and built-in rails look stylish: towels can be stacked or hung flat.

See ideas for placing a washing machine under the sink.

In the basket

Terry products, even multi-colored ones, will look more attractive in a beautiful wicker or fabric basket that partially hides the contents. Collected in one place, towels can be stored on a shelf, floor or washing machine.

To emphasize the natural theme, baskets can be mounted on the wall, turning them into original eco-style shelves.