The $14 Kitchen Tool That Makes My Tiny Shower Look Sleeker Than Ever

If there’s one thing I’ve learned while growing up in Manhattan — and living in a pre-war studio apartment of my own for almost a decade — it’s that good (and stylish!) storage solutions are always a bit strange. I’ve invented about a hundred different ways to make my home function better in its tiny layout, including in my bathroom, where my shower and tub are crammed into what feels like a small box just off my kitchen. Shortly after moving in, I discovered my shower’s tile made adding a wall-mounted shower organizer more trouble than it was worth. For the first six months, I scattered my essentials (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and more) along the rim of the bathtub — and, sadly, along a dark, dirty windowsill built into the wall. 

But that led to a disgusting development: Water collected on this windowsill, thanks to it being inside my shower. That soggy, waterlogged mess meant my products were grimy — far from the spa-like space I was dreaming of. I needed a way to keep my products away from the tile without placing them on the wall. That’s when inspiration struck: Why not take a cue from the kitchen, an even messier part of my home! I went online to see if I could find a kitchen storage option that could withstand routine messes. On a whim, I landed on a spice rack — and I’ve never looked back.

Kitchen storage gadgets are designed to withstand oily grime, frequent spills, stovetop splatters, and everyday wear and tear. Many modern space-saving spice racks (especially those designed to maximize shelf space in cabinets!) are made from materials that can hold up to moisture and steam. Plus, features usually include a non-slip surface for jars coated in sticky sauce or oil. All of those elements make a spice rack or modern pantry organizer a great fit for a shower; in my case, they tend to also be compact enough to tuck into a windowsill, which is a lifesaver for my tiny bath.

While my little #shelfie (see what I did there?) is from the first day I installed it in 2019, my cosmetics collection has grown lately to include even more — and so I have installed two spice racks since then. Which brings me to my next point: A spice rack evokes a sleek look because it’s low-profile enough to let the products shine. And because beauty products tend to have glitzy, glam packaging, this bathroom take on open shelving is absolutely perfect for aesthetes. The tiered display means each product is visible and easily accessible; I love not having to rummage through a drawer or an overstuffed, packed tray to find something in the back, for example. A shower spice rack is equal parts function and form, as it’s stylish enough to put my products on display rather than hide them away.

The spice rack I decided to buy is sold by Wayfair. Sure, it had great reviews, but to me its construction was even sexier than wire racks or other options on the market. Because it’s made from very durable plastic, I don’t have to treat it like a delicate bathroom accessory — I can give it a good scrub whenever it starts looking a little worse for wear. About once or twice a month, I simply place it inside my tub and spray it down with a multi-surface cleaner (Safely is my go-to!). I use a sponge or a wad of paper towels to wipe away any oil, product residue, soap buildup, or general grime that’s accumulated. While it does take about 10 minutes to be thoroughly cleaned (there are three tiers, after all!), it’s an easy-enough job. 

Once everything has been scrubbed, I turn on the shower and douse the rack under the showerhead, making sure there’s nothing left behind. Then I let it air-dry right on the windowsill, which I usually clean at the same time. Repeating this process at least once a month keeps everything looking shiny and new — even though the spice racks live in the wettest, highest-touch spot in my apartment.

If you’re dealing with a tiny bathroom where a wall-mounted organizer isn’t an option, a spice rack might be the storage solution you didn’t know you needed. I’m lucky to have a dedicated surface (my windowsill!) to store this neatly. But the Wayfair option I bought would also work wonders even if it were placed directly onto the floor of a stall shower. It provides multiple shelves to keep bottles organized, while, more importantly, keeping toiletries away from standing water. And rather than having shampoo or body wash scattered around your bathtub or the floor, this kitchen gadget gives each item a designated spot that’s so easy to reach.

The biggest surprise for me has been how much better my shower looks, too. Rather than trying to hide all of my products, the tiered shelves allow them to live as a neat little display that feels intentional and almost spa-like. The organizer itself is streamlined enough that it doesn’t compete with the rest of the bathroom, while my products’ packaging adds a little color and personality to the spot. It’s proof that good small-space storage doesn’t always have to be used as intended — and in this case, the smartest solution is definitely hiding in your pantry.