You might not think about them often, but your bathroom shelves deserve some attention to detail. All those little items (ones you actually need on a daily basis) shouldn't be jumbled up in a drawer or left in the back of a dark, deserted cabinet. They should be front and center and add to your bathroom's decor.

So how do you keep all those bathroom odds and ends at the ready and with a company-worthy presentation? Enter: perfectly styled bathroom shelves. It might seem easier said than done, but we called on the expertise of Birmingham, Alabama-based stylist Kathleen Varner to give us all the tips on how to decorate bathroom shelves. She shares her no-fail advice for styling bathroom shelves with solutions that focus on storage that's both smart and attractive.

Edmund Barr

1. Opt for Adjustable Shelves in Small Bathrooms

Varner appreciates the elegance of built-in shelves for larger bathrooms but emphasizes the importance of flexibility in smaller spaces. "Brackets or floating shelves are nice for a smaller space and adjustable as your needs change," she says. Consider the variety of shelf styles available—glass, freestanding units, ceiling-high towers, or compact accent shelves. Assess your storage needs, space limitations, and personal style to find shelves that best fit your bathroom's requirements.

Kim Cornelison

2. Make It Functional

Bathroom shelves should blend practicality with a touch of personality. "I love to add in a few special items like small picture frames, maybe a few pieces of small artwork, but I also want to be sure it's usable for everyday needs," says Varner. Consider what items you need within reach, such as brushes, makeup, and jewelry. Store essentials like cotton swabs, cotton balls, and bath salts in decorative glass containers to enhance their visual appeal while keeping them handy.

Annie Schlecther

3. Use Boxes and Bins to Keep Clutter in Check

A common challenge with open shelves is managing visible clutter, no matter the room. Varner recommends using boxes, bins, and baskets to tidy up small items. "I wouldn't collect too many patterns, but keep the containers in a similar color story and have a balance of solid and glass items," she says. Grouping similar items together—like storing makeup brushes in one section and cotton products in another—streamlines organization and makes everything easier to find.

Adam Albright

4. Go for the Unexpected and Add Personal Flair

Elevate your bathroom shelf decor by incorporating the unexpected. Consider using antiques and vintage finds instead of standard plastic containers to achieve a professionally styled appearance. "Try an unexpected piece like a teacup saucer in your favorite china pattern to give your favorite small earrings a pretty landing spot and small cups to corral makeup items," Varner says. Vintage etched wine glasses can also double as makeup brush holders or mini vases. Personalized touches, such as a sentimental item or a decorative piece that brings joy, add charm. "I do think this is a fun area to add in those super personal items that make you smile," says Varner, highlighting her own keepsake—a pink Herend bunny for her daughter’s bathroom shelf.

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

5. Incorporate Fresh Flowers

Details make a significant difference, whether Varner is arranging a photo shoot or refreshing a client’s home. Flowers add a polished touch to any space. "Just a few stems of something are all you need," she says. Varner keeps several small vases handy for arranging freshly picked blooms. "My daughter likes to pick flowers lately and the bathroom shelf is a great spot for them." Additionally, don't forget a candle to set a calming, spa-like atmosphere. "Why not let your bathroom feel a little spa-like?" she asks.