Why the Best Bathroom Storage Item Is Actually in the Kitchen Aisle (It’s So Smart!)

The other day, I was walking around the city when I spotted a tiered set of serving bowls in a store. I’m not a big foodie, so I’d never really noticed them in restaurants or on dinner tables before, but this time, something clicked. Instead of imagining them filled with dips and snacks, all I saw was storage potential (similar to how I first saw double-duty potential in this kitchen drawer organizer and this hose holder). 

My mind immediately started brainstorming where they could work in my home, and surprisingly, the winner was … the bathroom! It may sound a little unconventional, but after exploring all the ways this clever setup can corral small items, I’m convinced.

Tiered serving bowls (like this one from Amazon) aren’t just designed to hold chips and salsa. They make an attractive and compact organizer that keeps tiny, everyday essentials neat, visible, and easy to grab. Bathrooms are full of little things that get lost, scattered, or shoved into drawers. These tiers give them a home that’s both pretty and practical. 

Here are all the things you can store on your countertop using tiered serving bowls.

1. Hair ties. If you’re anything like me, hair ties seem to vanish into thin air. Stashing them in one tier means they have a dedicated home, so you can grab one in seconds (and finally stop buying packs on repeat).
2. Bobby pins. Bobby pins disappear almost as fast as hair ties. Keeping them in a small bowl on your counter makes creating your perfect bun so much easier (and gives them a place to return to at the end of the day).
3. Jewelry. If you reach for the same rings or studs every morning or need a landing spot before hopping in the shower, the bowls make a safe little drop zone. No more balancing jewelry on the sink edge and hoping for the best.
4. Floss picks. Need a gentle nudge to floss? Fill a tier with picks and keep them out in the open. Putting them in a serving bowl will ensure you see them daily.
5. Small plants. Want to add a touch of greenery? Pop a tiny plant (or a faux one) into one of the bowls. Just remember there’s no drainage, so succulents or air plants are your best bet if you’re going with real plants.
6. Bar soap. If you’re a bar-soap lover, this is such a smart upgrade. Stack different scents and types in each tier — no extra soap dishes needed, and no messy residue building up on the counter.