Asked on Nov 15, 2020
How can my bathtub be used for storage?
My second bathroom has a bathtub that I don't use anymore. I consider this wasted space and want to transform the tub into a viable storage area. I live in a senior apartment and due to the current pandemic need space to store toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc. Any ideas???
Hi Deloris. I would make a top for the bathtub. It doesn't have to fit perfectly, as long as it covers the entire bath. It will probably be a bit heavy lift up, so if you can get someone to cut two square holes in the top and add hinges you can lift that "hinged portion" up to get to to what's been stored underneath.
Hi Deloris, I love your question because I have the same issue in my house. I have a bathroom I don't use in a spare room so I use it for storage. I actually put all of my Christmas decorations (including my Christmas tree) right into the tub and store them all together. I laid down a towel on the tub floor so that nothing gets scratched and then I store it all there.
Hello. This is a common occurrence I believe. We do have a huge jetted Jacuzzi but it takes so much water to fill and keep warm that it’s not very effective even with a below deck heater.
I have wondered about building a wooden cover and using the surface below for storage as well. Either a living plant or faux plant on top might give it a decorative surface look.
Hello there,
Why not store your items in containers in the Tub. If they don't have lids, cover them with Trays or Timber . Bath Seat Boards can also be purchased. They fit on the bath for folk to to use as seat, BUT Can also be used in multiples as Sliding or Lifting Covers for the TUB.
I have one that I don't use any longer so I picked up a spring tension rod and cute shower curtain. Everything is hidden behind the curtain. You can use totes or put an inexpensive plastic free standing shelving unit.
Exactly what I did. And easy to access when needed.
Here are some visuals for creating a cover for the tub:
https://www.motherdaughterprojects.com/blog/workshop-wednesday-diy-bathtub-cover-for-storage
https://craftyourhappiness.com/2019/08/26/how-to-make-a-beautiful-removable-bathtub-cover/
The easiest way is to cover the tub area with a curtain and store everything behind it.
I agree with Ann. I would get a shower curtain that you couldn't see through and then add a few crates for storage in the tub and stack your items inside. I would make sure you had a rubber mat on the bottom so nothing slips and I recommend the crates since they are wide on the bottom and won't tip. I might consider turning the water off to the tub as well.
You could put a rolling lid on the bathtub. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/225461525075576437/
Use a mat in the bottom of the bathtub not to scratch it up.
You can have a piece of plywood cut to the size of your bathtub. Be sure to measure well so the piece will be supported by the outside area of the tub. Lots of items can be stored in that space. In addition with the solid top lots of decorative items can be placed on top. A friend of mine actually placed a small bookcase on top to house reading materials, extra towels, beauty supplies in the area. It is quite attractive. & useful too!
Hi Deloris, you can build a cover to put over the opening, use under side for storing less used items. You can even add a rack on top of the cover to stack lighter items like paper towel and toilet paper etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofUsplEpcEc
Use a rack something like this:
https://www.uline.ca/Product/Detail/H-2941-34BL/Industrial-Wire-Shelving/Two-Shelf-Wire-Shelving-Unit-48-x-18-x-34-Black?pricode=YF547&gadtype=pla&id=H-2941-34BL&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwMP9BRCzARIsAPWTJ_G76V9LdZRj5ukJEKR8uFZrMYIudGBNQbdlRsrJVt-6plcxBg85KFsaAmhSEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
You could get some free standing shelves and set them up in the tub. Then get a gorgeous shower curtain and keep it closed to hide your storage solution. :)
Hi Deloris: You can put down some of that Non-Slip Plastic Shelf Liner on the bottom of the tub, just at the back and ends, and put some boards that are as long and wide (you can use a few boards) so that the edges of the boards lay on the non-slip shelving. That way, they are less prone to slipping around and you have a flat surface. You can also make a shelf to fit on top of the edges of the tub (use the non-slip liner there, too, but only cover the back half, from end to end. Then, you can put an the over the door shoe holders on the shower head to put in your shampoos and other small things. You can get the rubber liner at the dollar store. Good luck
https://www.hometalk.com/43530822/make-a-beautiful-removable-bathtub-cover
Make A Beautiful Removable Bathtub Cover
Put a board over the timing part and store stuff in it and then shelving on top of the board
Just put stuff in the tub.
why not just store your items in the tub and use a nice shower curtain to close and cover the tub area nobody but you knows what is behind the shower curtain
Hi Deloris, I would put up a pretty shower curtain and cover the tub , using it for storage