Jim The Bathroom Guy

If you’ve renovated a small bathroom before, you already know the biggest challenge isn’t the layout — it’s the storage.

Shampoo bottles, razors, cleaning products, spare toilet rolls… it doesn’t take much before a small space starts to feel crowded and messy. And the problem isn’t always how much storage you have — it’s how much of it you can see.

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing right now in modern bathroom renovations is hidden, in-wall storage. Instead of adding shelves, bulky shaving cabinets or exposed niches everywhere, storage is being built into the wall and designed to blend in with the tiles.

The result? Cleaner lines, less visual clutter, and a small bathroom that actually feels bigger.

Now I will start by saying these are a high concept bathroom trend with not all bathrooms working for this type of product, but below I will cover it all.

Why Hidden Storage Works So Well in Small Bathrooms

In a small bathroom, every visible item adds visual noise. Even a well-designed space can feel busy if there are bottles sitting on ledges or shelves sticking out from the wall.

Hidden storage solves this by keeping everything out of sight and off that benchtop

When the walls are uninterrupted and surfaces are clear, your eye reads the space as larger and more open. This is why concealed cisterns, wall-hung vanities and frameless showers have become so popular — and hidden cabinets follow the same principle.

Instead of:

• Corner shelves
• Multiple niches
• Large shaving cabinets
• Toilet roll holders sticking out

You get flush, built-in storage that disappears into the wall.

It’s one of the simplest ways to make a small bathroom feel more modern and more spacious.

Where Hidden Storage Is Being Used

This trend isn’t just for one area. When planned properly, concealed storage can be used throughout the bathroom.

Inside the shower
Perfect for shampoo, conditioner, body wash and shaving gear without cluttering the space.

Above the toilet
Great for spare toilet rolls or cleaning products.

Next to the vanity
Instead of a bulky shaving cabinet, you can use a slim in-wall option.

Narrow bathrooms
When every millimetre counts, keeping storage flush makes a big difference.

The Key Thing Most People Don’t Realise

Hidden storage looks simple when it’s finished, but it needs to be planned early.

This is not something you add at the end of a renovation.

If you’re considering concealed shower cabinets or toilet roll storage, you need to:

• Plan it with your builder or designer
• Allow for framing inside the wall
• Create the opening before waterproofing
• Waterproof the area properly

This type of product is a renovation or new build set up, you need to remove everything and replace it before attempting a hidden storage bathroom box.

Getting the Position Right (This Matters)

One of the biggest mistakes I see is poor placement.

Hidden storage only works if it’s convenient to use.

Things to think about:

• Place shower cabinets at a comfortable height so you’re not bending down or reaching up
• Make sure the lighting is adequate so you can actually see inside
• Decide whether it should be centred, off to one side, or in a corner for narrow showers
• Align the cabinet with your tile layout so it looks intentional, not like an afterthought

When the cabinet lines up with tile grids or other features, it becomes part of the design rather than something that’s been squeezed in.

Depth and Wall Space

Most concealed cabinets are designed to fit within a standard stud wall.

For example, the shower cabinets supplied by Hideaway Shower Cabinets are approximately 116mm deep, allowing them to fit within a typical 90mm stud wall once wall linings and tiles are factored in.

But this is something your builder or renovator needs to confirm early.

You also need to think about what you’re actually storing:

• Tall shampoo bottles
• Electric shavers
• Cleaning products
• Spare toilet rolls

Measure the space carefully — width, height and depth — before choosing a cabinet size.

For bricked home, you can only really build these on double brick external walls so often it is only the window wall that can be utilised.

Making It Look Like It Belongs

The difference between average and high-end hidden storage comes down to how well it blends into the bathroom.

A few design tips:

• Align cabinet edges with tile lines
• Choose a cabinet colour that complements your tiles and grout
• White trims work well in light bathrooms for a clean look
• Dark or contrasting trims can be used as a feature in modern designs
• Make sure the door sits flush and the gaps are even

When done properly, the storage feels intentional and integrated into the space.

When done poorly, it looks like something was cut into the wall later.

Is Hidden Storage Better Than a Niche?

This is a question I get a lot.

Niches

• Cheaper
• Simple to build
• Easy to access
• But always visible and can look cluttered

Hidden cabinets

• More expensive
• Require planning
• Keep everything out of sight
• Create a cleaner, more architectural look

If you’re going for a modern, minimalist bathroom — especially in a small space — concealed storage is usually the better option.

Cost Expectations

Below is a rough guide to how much the average concealed bathroom storage box will cost

• Concealed bathroom cabinet to buy: $600 – $1500
• Installation: varies depending on framing and waterproofing
• Best suited to full renovations or new builds

It’s not the cheapest bathroom item you will ever install; it is really designed for a person looking to make their bathroom feel higher-end, almost hotel-like.

If you are looking to buy, check out Hideaway Shower Cabinets

Downsides Of Hidden Bathroom Storage

The main downsides of hidden bathroom storage

• Limited to double brick walls and timber frame houses
• Cost is high in comparison to normal shelving
• Takes a lot of planning and pre-work to coordinate with tiled walls
• Anything in the wall around a shower or in a shower reqires extra waterproofing

My Honest Take

These concealed bathroom cabinets are set to become increasingly popular in Australia, but they won’t suit every renovation.

Personally, I think they work best in smaller bathrooms where storage is limited and every bit of space counts. They’re also a great option if you like the idea of a bathroom that looks clean, minimal and free from clutter.

That said, hidden cabinets do require extra planning and preparation, and they come with additional costs that some renovators may not want to take on. But if you like the look and the idea of this type of storage, it’s definitely worth exploring. When done properly, they can add a real wow factor and give your bathroom a modern, high-end finish.

Disclaimer: It’s important to note that all our advice is general in nature and all bathrooms are unique, so speak to your local qualified tradesman for the best advice and make your own informed decisions after seeing a specialist tradesperson.

Looking for some more bathroom renovations for inspiration. Check out my Instagram page below with tons of helpful pics and video guides

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