Bathroom Countertop Organization Ideas: 8 Ways to Clear the Clutter

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In this guide
  1. Plan the surface
  2. On the counter
  3. On the wall and beside the sink
  4. Keep it simple

A bathroom counter fills up fast with toothpaste, soap, makeup and hair tools. The fix is not to buy more things but to give the daily items a home, so you can wipe the surface in a few seconds. These eight ideas keep a small vanity tidy and look good too, and none needs any installation.

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Plan the surface

Decide what really needs to stay out. Daily items such as soap and toothbrushes can stay, and everything else can move to a drawer or the wall. Measure the counter so you know what tray size fits, and leave room around the tap and basin so you can still clean.

On the counter

A vanity tray

A tray groups the daily items and makes the counter look intentional. It is easy to lift and wipe, and it catches drips. A narrow one suits a small sink.

A tray on a vanity holding perfume and soap (opens Amazon in a new tab)

See our pick: vanity trays (opens Amazon in a new tab)

A matching dispenser set

A matching set looks neat and keeps soap and toothbrushes off the surface. Check which pieces are included and that the pump dispenses well.

A soap dispenser and toothbrush holder on a bathroom counter (opens Amazon in a new tab)

See our pick: bathroom accessory sets (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Glass jars for small items

Cotton pads and swabs look good in jars and stay clean under a lid. They are small, so they take little space.

Glass jars holding cotton balls and swabs on a bathroom counter (opens Amazon in a new tab)

See our pick: bathroom jars (opens Amazon in a new tab)

A makeup organizer

Clear drawers keep makeup in sight and tidy. They suit a vanity with space. Measure the counter before buying a large unit.

An acrylic organizer holding makeup on a vanity (opens Amazon in a new tab)

See our pick: makeup organizers (opens Amazon in a new tab)

A brush holder

A simple cup keeps brushes upright and dry. It is cheap and takes a small corner of the counter.

A holder keeping makeup brushes upright (opens Amazon in a new tab)

See our pick: brush holders (opens Amazon in a new tab)

On the wall and beside the sink

A wall holder for hair tools

Hair tools are bulky and hot. A wall holder gets them off the counter and into a safe spot. Check that it fits your dryer.

A holder keeping a hair dryer and straightener on a wall (opens Amazon in a new tab)

See our pick: hair tool holders (opens Amazon in a new tab)

A bath tray

Not exactly for the counter, but a tray for the tub keeps candles and books off the side. It is a nice touch for a small bathroom.

A bathtub tray holding a book, candle and glass (opens Amazon in a new tab)

See our pick: bathtub caddies (opens Amazon in a new tab)

A basket for spares

A small basket holds spare toilet paper or hand towels near the counter, so supplies are close but not on show.

A basket holding rolled towels on a bathroom shelf (opens Amazon in a new tab)

See our pick: bathroom baskets (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Keep it simple

Give each item one home and wipe the counter daily. The fewer things out, the easier it is to keep clean.