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Getting your bath to reach its full potential starts by looking beyond what it is to what it could be. While a freestanding bathtub is a luxury, most homes seem to have small bathtubs fitted into alcoves or perfectly along a small wall.
For such baths, it may seem daunting to make it more functional. However, the bathtub surround is a gem, providing a wealth of space that can help achieve spaciousness.
Basically, a bathtub surround is an area around your bathtub that protects the walls around and above the bathtub. It is designed as an enclosure around the tub and sometimes, extends up the walls.
The surround serves as a backsplash around the tub to completely cover the walls that enclose the three sides of a bathtub while also improving the overall aesthetic of the area.
Usually, this area is lined with protective material ranging from tiles, cultured marble, ceramics, concrete, or even shiplap, and adds dimension to its area.
While tub surrounds in your bathroom do more than just protect the bathroom walls against water damage, mold, and mildew, they may cause limitations in terms o storage space owing to the fact that also a bathtub takes up a lot of space in your bathroom.
Take inspiration from this article and find 20+ bathtub surround storage ideas that can improve the potential of your space.
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10+ Bathtub Surround Storage Ideas To Try
If you’re organizing your bathroom, whether small or large, you can still maximize the area around the bathtub to create more space and maintain it free of clutter. Try these ideas…
1. A Niche Above the Tub
A niche above the tub creates extra storage space for your bathing products so you can relax in the tub for a long soak.
Enhance it by going for a backlit, tiled niche that acts as a dramatic focal point. Like matted artwork, it catches the eye of anyone entering the room and casts enhancing, warm light onto the surrounding tiles.
2. Use a Bathtub Caddy
Organize your bathtime ritual with a bathtub caddy. It is a must-have bathroom accessory designed for long bath takers who love having a good time soaking in warm water for hours.
Outlined to take the hassle and presentiment about dropping your book, tablet, cell phone anything into the water, a bathtub caddy tray gives you peace of mind to place all your entertaining equipment in a dry and stable place to unwind and relax for a longer period of time.
Sit back and make your baths feel so much more luxurious in no time.
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3. The Bathtub Ledge
A bathtub ledge is a storage niche that sits alongside the tub, wrapping around the adjacent wall to create extra storage space that can hold shampoo bottles and shower gels.
This is the easiest way to introduce storage to the bathtub surround.
4. Install a Vertical Cabinet above the Tub
Because it is installed above the tub, a vertical cabinet enhances a sense of space. It also provides plenty of storage in drawers designed for grooming essentials and linens.
5. Add a Towel Rack
There’s nothing better than a long, hot shower except the soft towel waiting at the end!
Forget your damp towel woes by installing a tiered towel rack above the tub that also increases airflow, so you can truly enjoy a great bath and a dry towel.
Such a rack is a perfect solution for smaller bathrooms with limited wall space.
Whether you’re decluttering shared space or decorating your personal bathroom palace, it can make it neater, cleaner, fresher, and happier.
6. Use a Bath Stool
A bamboo bench is a functional addition to your bathtub surround.
You can sit on the supportive seat, enjoying water streaming down your body while keeping your shower gel, towels, bath, and hygiene essentials in place on the slatted storage shelf.
What’s more, it is versatile enough to be served as a shower bench, entryway seat, backyard stool, or storage shelf.
Add a hook to hang your bath robes before and after use.
7. Go Savvy with the Window Cill
Eke out more space and put your window sill to work. This built-in shelf that you don’t have to buy or build can hold shower staples plus a bathroom plant.
8. Built-in Shelving
The bathtub surround can use an incredible built-in storage spaces for all your items.
Of course, not everyone has the budget or time for it, but we can still dream! Take a look at these shelving spaces under the window and above the tub.
9. Recessed Shelving Beside the Tub
The wall that’s opposite to the bathtub’s faucet can also serve as a stylish and space-saving way to add more storage. Try this recessed shelving idea in the bathtub surround.
10. Hooks
A towel hook is a great way to support hanging items from a door, or wall above your bathtub. It can help optimize available space and display your towels and robes.
11. Add a Bath Ladder
Keep your towels organized and on display with a bathroom ladder.
Choose one made from solid fir wood or solid teak wood, and has a waterproof coating to prevent water damage and cracking. Rich wood tones add a natural earthy touch to your bathroom.
Good thing, you don’t have to anchor this piece into a wall; when it arrives, all you have to do is lean it up against a wall beside your bathtub or an empty corner.
12. Bring In Baskets
Organize your towels and bath supplies or tuck away toiletries in this versatile storage basket. It’s perfectly proportioned to sit beside a bathtub to keep your items within arm’s reach.
13. Use the Vanity
You can create a calming aesthetic in your home’s bathroom by adding a stylish new bath vanity.
Even in a small bathroom, you can find a bathroom sink vanity which will help pull together your design and provide both hidden cabinetry storage and countertop surface for storage.
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When scouring your bathroom for possible space to stash shower items, don’t overlook the bathtub surround! The above bathtub surround storage ideas will help!
