Best 5 Ways To Tidy Your Bathroom Countertops Without Removing All Your Stuff

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I'm the kind of person who loves when my things are hidden away in cabinets.

I find comfort in a clean, empty countertop, free of clutter.

But I know that's not everyone's style.

Some people prefer to keep their essentials out in the open, right where they can see them.

And I get it. We all have different organizational styles that suit our lifestyle best.

If you find you’re the kind of organizer that needs to have your things within sight but you still want them to be organized, here are some great solutions.

1. Embrace Multi-Level Trays

One of the simplest ways to keep your bathroom countertop organized without hiding everything away is by using multi-level trays.

These clever organizers not only maximize your vertical space but they can also add a touch of elegance to your bathroom if you buy the right one.

Think marble and wood instead of plastic or metal.

Why Multi-Level Trays Work:

By stacking items vertically, you instantly create more space on your countertop.

This approach allows you to keep all your daily essentials—like lotions, perfumes, and skincare products—easily accessible without creating a cluttered mess.

You will still want to remove any items from your counter that 1) you don’t need daily, and 2) you have an easily reachable alternative for.

You don’t want your vertical space to look messy either. But it’s a great way to keep your stuff out and not look like a drug store exploded on your countertop.

Start by taking a measurement of the countertop space where you’ll place your tray.

Then decide what your overall aesthetic is for your bathroom.

Are you farmhouse chic? Glamor and sparkly? Or preppy and buttoned up?

The answer will determine what style to look for.

Here's one on Amazon that’s super well-rated and is perfect if your only counter space is a corner of your counter. It also comes in a few different color options so you can decide what will look best with your bathroom décor.

Place your most-used items on the top level for quick, unobstructed access, and use the lower levels for slightly less frequent essentials or smaller items that won’t require maneuvering to get the out.

This setup not only organizes your space but also makes your morning routine smoother and more efficient.

Style Tips:

To make the tray truly useful, group similar items together—like skincare products together and toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash together.

Here’s one that maximizes vertical space by providing three tiers of storage while optimizing accessibility with its ability to spin like a lazy susan.

I love how neutral the design style is.

It could really go nicely in almost any bathroom.

Leave a little space on your tray if you can, then you can also add a small decorative piece, like a candle or a tiny plant, to elevate the look even further and make the whole arrangement look like an intended piece of decor.

The key is to balance functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that your countertop remains both practical and visually appealing.

If your style is a little more farmhouse or country chic, you’ll love this beautiful option that will not only store your products but leaves room for some décor or washcloths or even your soap bottle. Just make sure you have at least 13 inches of space on your counter, maybe between 2 sinks or this one won’t fit.

You might be surprised how much difference a small faux plant can make to create a decorative appearance.

Embracing multi-level trays is a simple yet effective way to declutter your bathroom countertop while keeping everything you need within reach.

With this approach, you can enjoy a clean, organized space without sacrificing style or convenience.

2. Stylish Jars and Containers

If you're someone who likes to keep your essentials within arm’s reach, stylish jars and containers are your best friend.

They not only help you organize your bathroom countertop but also add a decorative touch that elevates the entire space.

If you’re a DIYer, you can clean out some glass jars from candles that you’ve burned down, spray paint the lids, add some decorative knobs to the top for a coordinated decorator look.

I did this years ago and still keep my cotton swabs and shower steamers (pictured here) in cleaned out glass candle jars.

It works really well for me, and I love that I saved a couple jars from the recycle bin. Take a look:

If you’re not a DIYer, that’s ok. There are lots of good options that will work nicely with almost every décor style.

Why Stylish Jars and Containers Work:

Using matching jars and containers keeps your needed items easily accessible while making your brain think they’re all one item. Your brain sees all the same jar or color or shape and thinks “order”, even if the jars are clear and the items inside are colorful.

Try it! You’ll see what I’m saying.

Whether it’s cotton swabs, makeup brushes, or bath salts, these containers provide a designated spot for everything, reducing clutter and making your countertop look intentional and curated.

 

Plus, when chosen carefully, they can complement your bathroom’s design, enhancing both form and function.

How to Use Them:

Start by identifying the items that tend to clutter your countertop.

Once you know what you need to store, choose containers that fit both your functional needs and your style.

For a modern, minimalist look, go for sleek glass or acrylic jars.

If your bathroom has a more rustic or vintage vibe, consider using wood or ceramic containers.

I love the wood tray that comes with this one.

The simple tray makes it look like everything is in its place and provides and extra space for rings, earrings or other small jewelry or accessories.

Perfect to tidy a bathroom counter.

You might be astonished to find your bathroom looking so much more tidy just by adding a tray and always placing you items back on it.

A tray says, “Stuff belongs here” and causes your brain to see it as much more tidy than having the same items just sitting on your counter.

Style Tips:

To maintain a clean, cohesive look, stick to a consistent color palette or material for your containers.

Neutrals are best if you don’t want to replace them every time you love a new color for your bathroom.

Whites, blacks, clears and wood tones will coordinate with just about any bathroom décor.

Add a touch of greenery with a small faux plant, and incorporate a decorative tray to anchor your containers and add an extra layer of organization.

I love how this set of faux plants in glass jars coordinates so well with the bamboo lidded jars above.

If you placed them together on a tray, your bathroom would not only be more organized, but it would evoke a more spa-like feel too.

And that’s what we want, right? A more relaxing environment.

I have a real plant in my bathroom for the softening it lends to all the hard surfaces.

Whether faux or real, plants make such a nice addition as décor because they evoke life and vibrance and look beautiful no matter your decorating style.

Stylish jars and containers are a simple and effective way to keep your bathroom essentials in sight while maintaining an organized, clutter-free countertop.

There’s nothing like a quality container to tell your brain that the stuff have been contained.

3. Go Vertical with Wall-Mounted Shelves

I love the tiered shelves in the first solution above for organizing your countertop in the least amount of space possible.

But sometimes, there isn’t even enough space on the counters for a tiered shelf organizer.

Can you say “pedestal sink”?

When countertop space is so limited you can’t even place one shelf on it, one of the best ways to keep your bathroom organized is by going vertical with wall-mounted shelves.

You not only free up valuable surface area but you can also add a stylish, functional element to your bathroom’s design.

Why Wall-Mounted Shelves Work:

Wall-mounted shelves take advantage of often-overlooked vertical space, allowing you to keep essentials within easy reach while maintaining a clean and organized countertop.

By moving items off the counter and onto the walls, you create a more open and airy feel in the bathroom, which can make even small spaces seem larger and less cluttered.

Plus, these shelves can serve as both storage and decor, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your bathroom.

How to Use Them:

First, identify the areas in your bathroom where wall-mounted shelves would be most useful.

Above the sink or on the wall between your mirrors are great spots, as they will look like intended décor and not just random shelving in your bathroom.

Choose shelves that match your bathroom’s style—gold and white for a stylish modern look, rustic wood for a cozy vibe, or floating glass for a minimalist approach.

Install the shelves at a height that’s convenient for you, ensuring that items are easily reachable but out of the way.

Make sure you choose shelving that is neutral enough that you won’t need to change it if you change your style.

Style Tips:

To make this method of tidying work, you may want to place your items in bins, baskets or jars on the shelves.

If you buy bins you can’t see through, just place a label on the outside if them so you know what’s inside.

These floating wood shelves are perfect for any bathroom with a farmhouse or country chic décor. They would also work in any traditional style with some different accessories than what’s shown here.

They work perfectly to move needed items to the wall and create extra space for some lovely décor.

You’ll be so much happier looking at two or three baskets with labels than looking at 15-20 bottles and jars.

You won’t enjoy looking at a jumble of product bottles all over your walls any more than you do when they’re on the countertop.

When arranging items on your shelves, think about both function and form.

Use the lower shelves for items you use frequently, like skincare products or toiletries, and reserve the higher shelves for decorative elements or less-used items.

Don’t forget to add a faux plant and decorative art to tell your brain the stuff belongs there and it looks tidy.

And try to allow about 20 percent open space if you can.

The negative spaces give your eyes a rest and allow them to flow through the space more freely.

Wall-mounted shelves not only help you declutter your countertop but also provide an opportunity to showcase your personal style.

By strategically placing these shelves, you can keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free while adding a touch of elegance and practicality to your daily routine.

4. Upgrade to Elegant Soap Dispensers

One of the easiest ways to instantly elevate the look of your bathroom and reduce countertop clutter is by upgrading to elegant soap dispensers.

These simple yet stylish accessories not only help you maintain a tidy space but also add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom.

This is my specialty, of course, since I design, produce and sell refillable shower and soap dispensers.

So take it from me, switching out all those marketing labels with pictures that don’t go with your décor for something more elegant and functional is well worth the investment and goes a long way toward making your countertop look tidier without removing anything.

Why Elegant Soap Dispensers Work:

Swapping out mismatched, branded soap bottles for sleek, refillable dispensers creates a more cohesive and polished look on your countertop.

Your soap bottles become part of the décor instead of a distraction you have to display to make it useful.

See for yourself:

With uniform soap dispensers, you can eliminate the visual chaos caused by different colors, sizes, and logos.

Instead, your bathroom takes on a more streamlined and harmonious appearance, contributing to an overall sense of calm and order.

And that’s ultimately what you’re trying to achieve by creating a more tidy space.

How to Use Them:

Choose soap dispensers that complement your bathroom’s style and color scheme.

I offer my refillable foaming soap bottles in three neutral color options and two pump color options to complement any décor colors and style.

Whether you prefer a modern décor, minimalist, farmhouse or country chic, you’ll find a perfect pump/bottle combination that will give your eyes relief and your brain the rest it needs.

To keep things organized, consider using a tray to place your dispenser with a faux plant or a pretty candle and you’ll have a lovely scene that whispers calm instead of shouting distraction.

Style Tips:

For an extra touch of elegance, coordinate your soap dispensers with other bathroom accessories, such as storage jars or trim colors.

Upgrading to elegant soap dispensers is a small change that makes a big difference in your bathroom’s overall aesthetic.

It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your countertop clutter-free while adding a touch of luxury to your daily routine.

With the right dispensers, you can turn an ordinary bathroom necessity into a stylish statement that enhances both the look and feel of your space without having to remove the soap bottle from your countertop.

5. Use Coordinated Baskets and Trays

If you love having your daily essentials on display but want to avoid a cluttered look, coordinated baskets and trays are the perfect solution.

They offer a stylish way to group items together, keeping your countertop both functional and visually appealing.

There are some keys to making this method work though. Read on for the deets.

Why Coordinated Baskets and Trays Work:

Baskets and trays help define spaces on your countertop, turning what could be a chaotic spread of items into a neat and intentional arrangement.

By grouping related items together—like hair products, skincare, or bath essentials—you create order without having to hide anything away.

 The added benefit is that baskets and trays can complement your bathroom’s decor, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

How to Use Them:

There are a couple tricks to using baskets and trays that will make or break the usefulness and visual appeal of this method of storage.

First, if using baskets, you’ll need to choose a set of baskets that are the same color and shape. Ideally they’ll be the same brand and make, but if not, you can get away with baskets that are the same color and shape. For example, they should all be gray and round or white and square or rectangle.

If you stray from this rule too much, your counters aren’t going to look any more organized than they did before adding the baskets.

The second rule is your baskets need to either line up in a neat row (if space permits) or be relegate to a single corners or both corners of your countertop. The row technique and the “bookend” technique will tell your eyes and brain that you meant to do that and it won’t cause distraction and clutter feels.

Then you can add some jars or a tray to display anything that already has nice packaging or you have placed in a beautiful jar or bottle.

The idea is to disguise the various bottles of little things with bright colors and tons of tiny print into one basket of white or gray or whatever color you choose.

This not only keeps everything organized but also makes cleaning easier since you can move the entire tray or basket when wiping down surfaces.

Here's a really cute set of wicker baskets that would look great on any bathroom counter.

They’re deep so they’ll mostly hide your bottles of products, but they don’t have lids so you’ll be able to easily see what’s inside and grab what you want at a moment’s notice.

And this set is plastic, but it’s also nice and deep and offers an easily wipeable and waterproof solution for containing beauty products that might spill or leak.

Style Tips:

Rectangles and squares make better use of horizontal space than circles or ovals, so try to stick to those shapes when choosing your baskets.

Consider adding a decorative element like a tray and a small plant or a piece of art, to enhance the aesthetic while maintaining functionality.

The key is to balance storage and display, making sure that everything has its place while still being easily accessible.

Coordinated baskets and trays are a great way to keep your bathroom essentials in sight while maintaining a tidy, organized look.

By using these tools strategically, you can enjoy a clutter-free countertop that’s both practical and stylish, turning your bathroom into a space that feels calm, inviting, and beautifully arranged.

You Don’t Have to Sacrifice Aesthetics for Convenience

Keeping your bathroom essentials visible doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or organization.

By embracing multi-level trays, stylish jars, wall-mounted shelves, elegant soap dispensers, and coordinated baskets and trays, you can create a countertop that’s both functional and beautifully arranged.

These simple yet effective solutions help you maintain a clutter-free, organized space that reflects your personal style and makes your daily routine more enjoyable.

With these tips, your bathroom can become a serene, well-organized sanctuary where everything is right where you need it—without the mess.

More Resources

You don’t have to have my organizational style to get a clear bathroom countertop.

Don’t believe me?

Check out the Clutterbug website and take Cass’s quiz to see what kind of organizer you are.

Cass is an amazing organizer, a sweet person and really relatable.

She doesn’t strive for perfection.

She emphasizes organizational methods that work with your personality and your lifestyle.

I think you’ll really enjoy her content.

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