The $75 IKEA Bathroom Shelf I Can’t Live Without
There are many things I have become begrudgingly tolerant of in the small apartment I share with my husband, but its near-total lack of storage space is not one of them. Our glaring need for space becomes particularly obvious when it comes to the bathroom. Not only is there no linen closet or medicine cabinet to house skincare and haircare products, but any precious under-sink storage is also already dedicated to cleaning products and first aid items. And as a renter who won’t spend more than a few years in this apartment, I’ve always hesitated to install anything too permanent to expand our options.
Enter: The IKEA RÅGRUND bamboo shelf, which has become one of my most prized possessions. It’s tall with a small footprint, meaning it can store a hefty amount of clutter while nestling conveniently between our sink and toilet. And oh, the clutter it stores!
Currently loaded on the upper levels are toothbrushes, toothpaste, dry shampoo, hairspray, mousse, extra makeup bags, facial cleansers, a big tub of lotion, micellar water, a cup of cotton swabs, miscellaneous skincare, and my box of everyday jewelry. On the even more spacious lower shelves sits a large box of nail care supplies, my husband’s toiletry bag, and some spray bottles we mist the shower with to keep it clean. And we haven’t even filled it to the brim! Also a perk: I can hang my headbands and claw clips on the vertical slats between shelves so they’re easily within reach when I fix my hair or makeup.
It doesn’t lack for looks, either. The bamboo finish feels warmer and more elevated than a wire or plastic shelf, which was important to me against the already less-than-welcoming backdrop of the windowless bathroom. It’s also neutral enough to work with most decor styles — I’ve paired it with a black-and-white patterned shower curtain, a green tassel rug, and some faux palms for a more tropical look, but the world is your oyster if that’s not your vibe. And if you love the look of it, check out the larger collection — the shelf is just one piece of a variety of shapes and sizes in that same peaceful bamboo finish.
If you don’t live near an IKEA, don’t worry. There are similar items for sale on Amazon, including this find that has hundreds of great reviews. So next time your under-sink drawers are overflowing, or you have no idea where you could possibly fit everything that needs to fit in your bathroom, never fear — the perfect solution awaits.
Buy: IKEA RAGRUND bamboo shelf, $74.99
