Organising bathroom counters

MAKE the most of your bathroom counters, without cluttering them up, by implementing any of the accessible organisation ideas below.

Assess your counter space

Your first task is to take a look at your current counter situation so that you can determine what it reasonably has room to store. If you are working with a small bathroom vanity, your options will obviously be more limited.

Assemble the essentials

Next, decide what you truly need to store on the counter and what can be tucked into a storage basket and placed in a cabinet or closet.

Even if your bathroom has a good amount of countertop space, it is still important to stick to the basics so that you do not overload it.

Ask yourself what would make your day-to-day routine easier if it was kept within reach.

Declutter or rehome the rest

If your counter is currently littered with toiletries, take the time to clear it off. Check expiration dates and toss any products that have gone bad or that you no longer use. Move a stray headband to the bedroom, a special occasion lipstick to a drawer, and the cleaning spray bottle to its usual spot under the sink.

Streamline your routine

If you are a skincare enthusiast, most likely, you already have an established order to apply your products.

If you like to keep it simple, figure out what products you use from first to last when you are preparing for work or for bed.

Keep like with like

Sort out what you want to store on the counters in a vanity organiser by type. Separate daytime from night-time skincare, corral oral care products and set aside single-use items such as cotton rounds and swabs.

Choose the best bathroom countertop organiser

Since you now know your space, stuff and routine, it should be pretty straightforward to figure out the ideal way to keep everything neat.

Select an idea from the list below or a combination of them, to create customised organisation on your bathroom counters.

Tray: One of the simplest ways to keep a few items contained on the countertop is to place down a tray. It can be mirrored, ceramic, acrylic or any material you think fits your bathroom’s style. The important thing is to get into the habit of returning things to it when you are done so the rest of the counter stays clear.

Lazy Susan: Find a lazy Susan that will fit width-wise on the countertop. They are great tools to use, specifically for round-shaped items, so feel free to add your various serum or hair styling bottles. Try out a divided turntable to store similar things together as discussed above.
Acrylic makeup case: These are an excellent choice for a variety of products, because many versions are customisable. You can buy individual pieces, from pull-out drawers to standing slots (for items like lipsticks or eyeliners), and add on or adjust as your needs change.
Hair tool organiser: If you are whipping out the blow dryer or flat iron on a regular basis, it might make the most sense to store them on top of the counter for easy access. Look for a standing organiser that is designed to hold your most frequently used hot tools. Some versions also include compartments for brushes, styling products or accessories like hair ties and clips.
Cup/mug: Head to your kitchen for this effortless (and free) idea. Everyone usually has that one-off glass or mug that sits unused in the cabinet. So why not repurpose it in the bathroom, instead? Drop your toothbrush, tongue scraper and toothpaste tube into it or use one to display your makeup brush collection. If you do not have a spare one in the house, try thrifting one for a vintage bathroom look.
Trinket dish: Something else you can recycle from another area of the house is a tiny plate or bowl. Place it on the bathroom counter to collect your everyday jewellery pieces, errant bobby pins or that overnight lip balm that you cannot live without.
Basket: Create the ultimate guest bathroom experience by placing a basket on the countertop to corral items visitors might need but do not necessarily want to ask for. Neatly roll or fold towels for their faces, then tuck in an odour spray, plus some basic comfort items like a bottle of hand lotion, a lint roller or mints.

Add the finishing touches

Choose matching accessories: A matching hand soap dispenser, toothbrush holder and tissue box will not only appear complementary on the counter, but they also reduce visual clutter and provide balance to everything else you have organised.
Decant products: Use pretty (and matching, if you prefer) bottles to transfer your skincare liquids or perfumes into before placing them onto something like a tray. Just remember to add your own labels somewhere on the bottle, along with an expiration date.
Look to nearby wall space: Your bathroom counter can only hold so much, no matter how minimalistic you want to be or how well you maximise the space. An alternative is to use floating shelves to keep your toiletries in check as close to the countertop as possible.
Add décor: Lastly, your bathroom counters should include elements of style. — bhg.com