That stretch of wall above the toilet is one of the most overlooked spots in the whole house. It is right at eye level, it is usually completely bare, and yet most people walk past it every day without giving it a second thought. Part of the reason is that it feels like an awkward space to decorate. It is narrow, it is close to plumbing, and nobody wants to hang something that looks like it is about to fall into the tank. The good news is that this space is actually one of the easiest spots in a bathroom to improve, and doing it right adds both storage and style in a room that usually needs both. Whether you have a small powder room or a full bathroom with a little extra wall to spare, these twenty one ideas will help you finally put that space to good use.
1. Floating Wood Shelves
Floating shelves are one of the simplest ways to add both storage and style above the toilet without taking up any floor space. Install two or three shelves stacked at different heights, spacing them far enough apart that items on the lower shelf do not block the ones above. Wood shelves in a warm tone add texture to a bathroom that might otherwise be mostly tile and paint.
Use the shelves to hold folded towels, small baskets for extra toilet paper, and a plant or two for a bit of greenery. Keep the styling simple with a mix of heights and textures rather than lining everything up the same size, since varied heights make the display feel more natural. This is a weekend project at most, since most floating shelf kits come with straightforward mounting hardware.
2. Woven Wall Basket
Woven baskets mounted on the wall add texture and a relaxed, natural feeling to a bathroom without taking up any storage space inside them. Hang a single large basket or a cluster of two or three different sizes above the toilet, arranged slightly off center for a more organic look. This works especially well in bathrooms with a neutral or coastal color scheme.
Choose baskets in a similar material, like rattan or seagrass, so the grouping feels intentional rather than random. These can be purely decorative, or you can use a shallow basket to hold rolled hand towels if it is deep enough to mount securely. Wall hooks or small nails are usually enough to hang these safely, making this one of the easiest and most affordable ideas on this list.
3. Framed Botanical Prints
A set of framed botanical prints brings color and a finished look to the wall above the toilet without needing much floor or shelf space. Choose two or three prints in a similar style, like line drawings of leaves or watercolor florals, so they read as a cohesive set rather than mismatched pieces. Simple frames in black, white, or natural wood tend to look the cleanest in a bathroom setting.
Hang the prints at eye level for someone standing, spacing them evenly with a few inches between each frame. Botanical prints work well in almost any bathroom style, from modern to farmhouse, since greens and soft colors tend to complement most tile and paint choices. This is a quick, same day project as long as the frames are pre-made and ready to hang.
4. Ladder Shelf Stand
A slim ladder shelf leaned against the wall behind the toilet adds several tiers of storage and display space without needing to drill into the wall at all. This is a great option for renters or anyone who wants a flexible piece that can be moved or restyled easily. Choose a ladder shelf narrow enough to fit comfortably behind the toilet tank without blocking the flush handle or lid.
Use the lower shelves for practical items like extra toilet paper in a basket, and save the top shelf for a plant, a candle, or a small piece of art leaned against the wall. Wood or bamboo ladder shelves tend to look the most natural in a bathroom setting. This idea takes only a few minutes to set up once you have the shelf, making it one of the fastest ideas on this list to try.
5. Round Wall Mirror
A round mirror hung above the toilet adds light and a soft, decorative shape that breaks up the straight lines of tile and cabinetry found in most bathrooms. This works especially well in a powder room where the main mirror is over the sink, since a second mirror above the toilet adds visual interest rather than serving a practical purpose. Choose a mirror with a simple frame in wood, brass, or matte black depending on the other finishes in the room.
Hang the mirror at a height where it reflects some of the room rather than just blank wall or ceiling, which helps bounce light around a smaller space. A round shape softens a bathroom that is otherwise full of straight edges and hard corners. This is a simple hang and done project, as long as the wall can support the mirror’s weight with the right anchors.
6. Trailing Plant Shelf
A single floating shelf with a trailing plant is an easy way to bring life and softness into a bathroom, especially one with natural light from a nearby window. Mount one shelf above the toilet at a height where the plant’s vines can trail down the wall without touching the tank or lid. Pothos and string of pearls are popular choices since both tolerate the humidity and lower light levels common in bathrooms.
Choose a simple ceramic or woven planter that complements the rest of the room’s finishes. If your bathroom does not get much natural light, a faux trailing plant looks just as good and requires no maintenance at all. This idea adds a soft, organic touch to a space that is often filled with hard surfaces like tile, porcelain, and glass.
7. Gallery Wall Display
A small gallery wall above the toilet turns an awkward blank space into one of the most interesting parts of the bathroom. Group four to six small frames of varying sizes, mixing art prints, a small mirror, and maybe one shelf into the arrangement. Keep the color palette consistent across all the pieces so the wall feels curated rather than cluttered.
Lay the frames out on the floor first to plan the spacing before hanging anything, keeping about two to three inches between each piece. A gallery wall works especially well in a bathroom with plain walls and simple fixtures, since it adds personality without needing to change anything structural. This project takes a bit more planning than a single piece of art, but the payoff is a wall that looks custom designed.
8. Wicker Storage Baskets
Wicker baskets mounted directly to the wall above the toilet give you real storage space for towels or extra bathroom supplies while still looking decorative. Choose baskets with a flat back or a mounting bracket designed for wall use, rather than trying to balance a standard basket on a small shelf. Stack two baskets vertically or place them side by side depending on the width of your wall.
Fill one basket with rolled hand towels and the other with extra toilet paper or toiletries, keeping the display tidy rather than overstuffed. Natural wicker or rattan tones tend to pair well with most bathroom color schemes, from white and gray to warmer earth tones. This idea solves a storage problem and a decor problem at the same time, which makes it one of the more practical choices on this list.
9. Vintage Wall Clock
A vintage style wall clock above the toilet is an unexpected but surprisingly charming choice, especially in a powder room where guests spend a few minutes at a time. Choose a clock with a simple face and a metal, wood, or distressed frame depending on your bathroom’s overall style. This works particularly well in farmhouse, cottage, or eclectic bathrooms that already lean toward a collected, personal look.
Hang the clock at eye level, roughly centered above the toilet tank, so it reads as an intentional design choice rather than something added as an afterthought. A single clock can stand alone as the only piece on the wall, which works well in smaller bathrooms where you do not want to crowd the space. This is a quick, single item project that adds personality without much effort.
10. Wooden Wall Cabinet
A small wall mounted cabinet above the toilet adds enclosed storage, which is especially useful in a bathroom that does not have much room for a linen closet or extra shelving elsewhere. Choose a cabinet narrow enough to clear the tank and lid, with doors that open easily in the tight space above the toilet. Wood cabinets in a warm or whitewashed finish tend to add character while still keeping things looking tidy.
Use the cabinet to store extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or toiletries that you would rather keep out of sight. Adding a small decorative item like a candle or a folded towel on top of the cabinet, if there is room, finishes the look. This is a bit more involved to install than a simple shelf, but it solves a real storage need while still contributing to the room’s overall style.
11. Macrame Wall Hanging
A macrame wall hanging above the toilet adds texture and a soft, handmade feeling that works especially well in bathrooms with a boho or natural design style. Choose a piece in a size that fits the width of the wall without overwhelming the space, and hang it on a single hook or small nail centered above the toilet. Cream or natural colored cotton cord tends to complement most bathroom color schemes.
This idea works best as a standalone piece, since macrame already has a lot of visual texture and does not need much else around it to make an impact. If your bathroom has other woven or natural elements, like a jute bath mat or wood accessories, a macrame hanging ties those details together. This is one of the lightest weight items on this list to hang, making it a simple, low risk project to try.
12. Corner Shelf Unit
If the toilet sits near a corner rather than centered on a flat wall, a corner shelf unit makes smart use of a space that is otherwise hard to decorate. Choose a shelf with two or three tiers that fit snugly into the corner without extending too far into the room. This works particularly well in smaller bathrooms where every inch of usable space matters.
Style the shelves with a mix of practical items, like a small basket of toiletries, and decorative touches, like a candle or a small plant. Corner shelves in wood or metal wire both work well, depending on whether your bathroom leans more traditional or modern. This is a smart solution for bathrooms where a standard shelf would not fit well, and installation is usually just as simple as a regular floating shelf.
13. Rattan Mirror Frame
A mirror with a woven rattan frame hung above the toilet adds warmth and texture in a way that a plain framed mirror cannot. This works especially well in bathrooms with a coastal, boho, or natural design style, where rattan and other woven materials already show up in other parts of the room. Choose a round or oval shape, since curved edges tend to soften the overall look of a small bathroom.
Hang the mirror at a height that reflects light from a nearby window or vanity mirror if possible, which helps make the whole room feel brighter. Pair it with one small shelf or a single plant nearby rather than crowding the space with too many additional pieces. This is a simple, one item update that adds both function and style to a wall that is otherwise easy to overlook.
14. Towel Ladder Rack
A leaning towel ladder placed against the wall behind or beside the toilet gives you a spot to display and dry hand towels while adding a bit of height and texture to the room. This works well in bathrooms where floor space allows for a slightly wider footprint than a floating shelf would need. Wood ladder racks in a natural or whitewashed finish tend to look the most at home in a bathroom setting.
Drape two or three folded towels across the rungs, layering different colors or textures for a more styled look. This is a flexible piece since it can be moved to a different spot or a different bathroom entirely if your needs change. Because it requires no drilling or mounting, this is one of the easiest ideas on this list to try without any commitment to a permanent change.
15. Cascading Shelf Set
A set of shelves installed at a slight cascading angle, rather than perfectly level with each other, adds visual movement to the wall above the toilet. This works well in bathrooms that already have a lot of straight lines from tile or cabinetry, since the angled shelves break up that rigidity. Choose three shelves in graduating sizes, with the smallest at the top and the largest closer to the tank.
Style each shelf with one or two items rather than crowding them, using a mix of a small plant, a candle, and a folded towel across the three levels. This idea takes a bit more precision to install correctly since the shelves need to be mounted at slightly different angles, but the visual payoff is a wall that looks more custom and less like a standard shelf setup.
16. Framed Word Art
A single framed piece of word art, like a short phrase or quote, is a simple and often funny way to fill the wall above the toilet, especially in a powder room where guests will see it. Choose a phrase that fits the tone of your home, whether that is playful or more understated, and pair it with a simple frame that will not distract from the words themselves.
Center the frame above the toilet at eye level for someone standing at the sink or entering the room. This works well as the only piece on the wall, since text based art tends to draw attention on its own without needing additional shelves or decor around it. This is one of the quickest projects on this list, since it only involves hanging a single frame.
17. Glass Jar Storage
Mounting a small shelf with a row of glass jars above the toilet turns everyday supplies into part of the room’s decor. Fill the jars with cotton balls, cotton swabs, bath salts, or rolled washcloths, and arrange them in a row on a single floating shelf. Choose jars with a similar shape and size so the display looks uniform rather than mismatched.
This idea works especially well in bathrooms with a clean, spa inspired look, since clear glass keeps the shelf feeling light and uncluttered even with several items on display. Label the jars if you want an extra polished touch, though it is not necessary for the look to work. This is a low cost project since most of the jars needed can be found at a home goods store or repurposed from other containers around the house.
18. Woven Wall Hanging
Beyond macrame, other styles of woven wall hangings, like a simple flat weave or a fringed textile piece, add a soft focal point above the toilet without needing any shelving or storage function. Choose a piece in a size proportionate to the wall, leaving some breathing room around the edges rather than letting it stretch from corner to corner. Neutral tones with subtle pattern work best in a bathroom setting, where humidity and limited space call for something simple.
Hang the piece on a single hook, centered above the toilet, and let it be the sole focal point of that wall. This idea pairs especially well with other natural textures in the bathroom, like a wood vanity or woven bath mat. Because there is no shelf or mirror involved, this is one of the lightest and easiest pieces on this list to install.
19. Small Gallery Shelf
A single floating shelf paired with two or three small framed pieces leaned against the wall on top of it gives you the layered look of a gallery wall without the commitment of hanging multiple frames directly. Choose a shelf wide enough to hold a small stack of two or three frames of varying sizes, leaned rather than hung.
This setup is easy to change whenever you want a different look, since the frames simply lean against the wall instead of being nailed in place. Add one small object, like a tiny vase or candle, next to the frames for a bit of extra styling. This idea works particularly well for renters or anyone who likes to switch up their decor seasonally without patching new holes in the wall each time.
20. Painted Accent Board
A single board painted in an accent color and mounted horizontally or vertically above the toilet adds a pop of color without committing to painting the entire bathroom wall. Choose a color that complements your existing tile or fixtures, and mount the board using simple wall anchors or a French cleat for a clean, seamless look. This works especially well in bathrooms with plain white or neutral walls that could use a bit more personality.
Once the board is mounted, you can add a small hook or shelf on top of it for extra function, or leave it as a simple decorative accent on its own. This is a slightly more involved project than hanging a piece of ready made art, but it offers a way to add color to a small bathroom without repainting the whole room.
21. Mixed Frame Collage
A collage style arrangement of mismatched frames, each in a different size and finish, adds a collected, personal feeling to the wall above the toilet. Mix wood, black, and metal frames together, along with a variety of frame shapes like square, rectangle, and oval, to create a display that looks gathered over time rather than bought as a set. Include a mix of art prints, photos, and maybe one small mirror in the grouping.
Plan the layout on the floor first, keeping consistent spacing of two to three inches between each frame before committing to hanging them. This idea works best in bathrooms with a more eclectic or maximalist style, where a bit of visual variety feels intentional rather than busy. This is a weekend project, but the result is a wall that feels much more personal than a single piece of matching art.
That awkward strip of wall does not have to stay empty. With a shelf, some art, or even just one well placed basket, the space above the toilet can end up being one of the most eye-catching parts of the whole bathroom.
FAQs
What is the best thing to put above a toilet?
Floating shelves are one of the most popular choices since they add both storage and decor space, but framed art or a mirror work just as well in smaller bathrooms.
How high should shelves be mounted above a toilet?
Most shelves are mounted with the lowest one starting around 8 to 12 inches above the tank, leaving enough room to lift the lid without hitting anything.
Is it okay to hang a mirror above the toilet?
Yes, a mirror above the toilet is a common choice, especially in powder rooms, and it can help bounce light around a smaller space.
What if my bathroom has very little wall space above the toilet?
A single piece of art, a small round mirror, or one narrow floating shelf all work well in tight spaces where a full shelving unit would not fit.