Installing shelves above the toilet can seem like a great way to utilize empty wall space and gain some extra storage. However, there are a few important factors to consider before deciding whether shelves are appropriate and safe to install over your toilet.
Page Contents
What Are the Concerns with Shelves Over the Toilet?
The main concerns with putting shelves above the toilet are:
- Things falling – Items stored on shelves could fall off into the toilet or hit someone on the head
- Moisture damage – The humidity from the toilet can cause damage over time
- Cleaning difficulty – It may be hard to reach the shelves to clean them
Let’s explore each of these issues in more detail.
Risk of Things Falling
One of the biggest worries with installing shelves over the toilet is the chance of objects falling off the shelves. Items stored up high above the toilet have the potential to fall directly into the toilet bowl if they are bumped or improperly secured. This could lead to not only making a mess, but also blocking or even damaging the toilet.
Having heavy objects stored on shelves above the toilet also introduces the risk of things falling onto the floor or even hitting someone on the head if they are sitting on the toilet. A blow to the head from a falling object could potentially cause injury. Even if not heavy enough to cause harm, dropping things into the toilet or onto the floor is unsanitary and means having to fish them out.
Moisture Damage Over Time
The area around the toilet is a hot spot for moisture and humidity. When you flush, the spray put into the air can condense on surfaces above the toilet. Having constant moisture on shelves or the items stored on them can cause warping, corrosion, mold growth, and other damage over time.
Any materials used for shelves above the toilet need to be able to stand up to this repeated humidity exposure. Mold-resistant paint or finish should be used for wood shelves above a toilet for protection. Metal shelves also need to have rust-resistant finishes.
Difficulty Reaching and Cleaning
Installing shelves high enough above the toilet to be out of the way also introduces the challenge of reaching them comfortably. Shorter adults and children may have trouble safely using shelves installed over the toilet if they are too high up.
The area around the toilet also tends to get dirty and requires regular cleaning and disinfecting. Locating shelves directly over the toilet makes it hard to reach them conveniently to dust and wipe them down as needed. Any spills that happen could drip down directly over toilet surfaces below.
What Types of Shelves Work Best?
If you decide to go ahead with toilet-top shelves, choosing the right type of shelf is key for safety and cleanliness.
No Open Shelves
It’s best to avoid open shelves without lips or edges above the toilet. Totally open shelves make it easier for items to slide off onto the floor or into the toilet if they get nudged.
Lipped Shelves or Cabinets
Shelves with lips, guardrails, or cabinets with doors are safer choices. A lip that is taller than the items being stored will help contain things if they shift around. Doors on cabinets hide clutter while also securing objects inside.
Moisture-Resistant Materials
Mold-resistant wood, plastic, laminate, or metal are good shelf material choices above a humid bathroom fixture. Avoid unfinished, raw wood that will warp over time. Glass shelves also risk breaking if something is dropped on them.
Securely Installed
Use anchors suitable for the wall material so shelves are securely fastened in place. Shelves filled with heavy items require stronger brackets. Follow any included hardware instructions carefully.
What Are Some Safe Things to Store?
You’ll want to be selective about what types of items should go on shelves above the toilet. Some safer things to store include:
- Extra rolls of toilet paper
- Air fresheners or cleaning supplies for the bathroom
- Washcloths, hand towels, or toilet brush
- Decorative baskets or floral arrangements
- Candles or scent warmers
Avoid placing any liquids like lotions up high where they could spill. Also be careful with heavy ceramic vases or containers that may break if dropped.
Tips for Using Shelves Safely Above Toilet
If you do opt to add shelves above the toilet, follow these tips for staying safe:
- Place shelves high enough so there is no chance of hitting your head on them.
- Minimum clearance above the toilet should be about 9 inches.
- Use mold resistant paint or finishes.
- Anchor with screws into studs for heavy items.
- Include lips around shelf edges to prevent sliding.
- Avoid clutter and don’t overload shelves.
- Place lightweight items on the lower shelves.
- Check monthly for any moisture damage.
Conclusion
Installing shelves over the toilet does require some caution. Focus on moisture-resistant materials, sturdy installation, lips or doors to prevent items falling, and only placing appropriate items on the shelves. While overhead toilet shelves do pose some risks, they can be a functional storage solution if done properly.
Example Table
| Type of Shelf Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wood |
|
|
| Plastic |
|
|
| Metal |
|
|