Narrow storage for small bathrooms: 5 criteria

There's a strip of free floor space near the sink, but all the furniture seems too bulky. What narrow storage unit should you choose for a small bathroom? Compare the footprint, height, door opening, and exposure to water before considering the quantity of products to store.

A 26 × 22 × 117 cm column can utilize unused volume, provided access and stability are maintained. These five points help to check the location, then organize the furniture without turning a pathway into an obstacle.

1. Measure usable space, not just empty floor space

Measure the actual width and depth available at the intended location. Take into account baseboards, pipes, ledges, and feet of neighboring furniture. A measurement taken only at floor level is not enough if a pipe protrudes higher up.

The Manuzen column measures 26 × 22 cm at the base and 117 cm in height according to its specifications. Mark its footprint with a cardboard template, then imagine the volume up to its full height. Do not round its width to 25 cm: one centimeter can be enough to make installation impossible in a very narrow space.

Also check the elements above: window, shelf, mirror, switch, or already installed equipment. The unit must not obstruct essential access or hinder an opening. Avoid wedging it under a ledge without being able to remove it for maintenance.

Keep a margin compatible with installation and cleaning rather than aiming for a tight fit. If you have to move the sink, modify a pipe, or remove a vent to fit the column, it's no longer a simple storage choice. Then look for a different size or location.

2. Check door opening and sink access

A column might fit in the space but remain unusable daily. Reproduce the opening of its doors with a piece of cardboard, based on the confirmed usable dimensions. The general product sheet does not provide all the clearance details: ask for them if the passage is tight.

Then open the other elements in the room: bathroom door, drawers, vanity unit, and any shower cabin. Check for crossovers. You shouldn't have to move the column every time you look for a towel or use the sink.

Test usual movements from the floor template. Can you lean over the basin, dry yourself, and pass without hitting a corner? A person using a mobility aid may need a very different space: start from the users of the dwelling, not from a layout photo.

The column combines closed storage and an open compartment. This combination allows for distinguishing between reserves and common accessories, but its usefulness depends on the actual access to each area. A door blocked by neighboring furniture nullifies part of this benefit.

3. Keep the unit away from water splashes

Observe the wet areas after a shower and around the sink. Splashes are not always limited to the visible edge of the shower tray. A column placed directly in front of a water outlet or against a damp shower curtain is not in a suitable location.

The Manuzen product description mentions a wooden structure, but does not document resistance to direct splashes. Therefore, do not equate "bathroom" with authorization to install it in a shower. Install this furniture away from water and follow the environmental conditions in its instructions.

Maintain room ventilation and access to equipment. Do not cover an air vent and do not place the column against a heater ignoring necessary clearances. The storage unit must not prevent air circulation where the installation requires it.

Finally, plan for simple maintenance. If the floor is washed, avoid letting water stagnate in contact with the furniture. Wipe up accidental splashes immediately and check less visible areas. A smell of dampness or swelling should lead to re-evaluating the exposure, not simply hiding the damaged part.

4. Assemble and stabilize according to the instructions

Assemble the column on a protected surface following the order in the instructions. Identify the panels, fasteners, and support elements before tightening. A part assembled upside down can hinder closure or compromise the assembly even if the furniture appears straight.

Place the empty unit in its final position and check its support on the floor. It should not tip over when you open a door. Do not correct an incomplete assembly with objects slipped underneath or by wedging the column against the sink.

A tall and narrow piece of furniture requires particular attention to the risk of tipping. Apply the stabilization or anchoring device provided in the instructions, with fasteners adapted to the support. If wall mounting is required but you cannot do it correctly, do not use the loaded furniture without it.

Before any fastening, identify the networks and the nature of the wall; if in doubt, call in a competent person. This article does not allow choosing a wall plug from a simple photo. Also keep children away from the assembly and prohibit climbing on doors or compartments.

5. Distribute reserves and keep common products accessible

Start by removing unnecessary duplicates and empty packaging. Group products by use, then check that they fit without compressing doors or protruding from the compartment. IKEA's tips for organizing a small bathroom can help distinguish between daily access and storage, without replacing the limits of your furniture.

Place the heaviest allowed reserves in the lower areas. Keep common items accessible without having to pull on the column. As the maximum capacity is not specified on the product sheet, check it in the instructions before stacking too many bottles or batteries.

Use closed and dry containers. A leaking bottle should be removed immediately; a basket does not automatically protect wood from liquids. Dangerous products and medications require specific secure storage, even if a door keeps them out of sight.

After a few days, check the organization and supports. If accessories constantly end up back on the sink, simplify the distribution rather than overloading the furniture. A small space works better when every useful object can be taken and put back without obstruction.

To remember: choosing narrow storage for a small bathroom means checking volume, opening, humidity, and stability. Discover Manuzen space-saving storage solutions starting from the measurements and constraints of your room.

Guide documented on September 12, 2026. Illustrative scenarios; always check the instructions and the chosen variant.