A Smarter Way to Organize Toilet Paper in a Small Bathroom (It’s Cute, Too!)

When you think about the smallest room in your home, the bathroom probably comes to mind. Personally I don’t need a massive bathroom (although I would like a bigger closet), but it would be nice if there was a bit more space in there — if only for the sake of storage. The toilet paper holder and the trash can are basically the only things taking up floor space, but you definitely notice — and there’s not much I can add without making the room feel even smaller. 

However, there are still little slices of less-obvious space that could be put to use, like the area between the sink and the toilet. I’ve stashed things like cleaning spray there, but turns out there’s a much better (and more stylish) way to use that space using an unlikely item: a nightstand.

I first came across this clever idea in an Instagram Reel by Steph Vainer, who creates content about home decor and organization. In it, you see her slide a narrow nightstand into the small space between her toilet and bathroom sink. It fits perfectly there, and the height puts it right below the hanging roll of toilet paper. In both size and appearance, it looks like it was made for this specific spot! 

The nightstand she uses may be small, but it packs in quite a bit of vertical storage. It measures 22 inches tall, 7.9 inches wide, and 15.7 inches deep, and has two little pull-out drawers and two shelf tiers. Inspired by mid-century modern furniture, it’s made from medium-dark wood and has brass drawer knobs and holes to help contain cables from any nearby outlets.

This mini nightstand is a great fit for your bathroom because it provides multiple storage options, takes advantage of small and hard-to-furnish areas, and looks good while doing it. In her video, Vainer puts spare toilet paper in the bottom drawer (which protects it from any dampness), skincare and sheet masks in the top drawer, a candle and trinket dish on the first shelf, and a little vase of flowers on the second. The result is both charming and quite useful!

There’s also flexibility here. You don’t have to get this exact nightstand — especially if you have different aesthetic tastes or a different bathroom layout. You can also use the nightstand somewhere else; it would make a great end or side table. And if this nightstand doesn’t fit in your bathroom, let this be an opportunity to really take a look around and see how those little pockets of space might be better utilized.