24 Items Interior Designers Say You Should Never Leave On Your Bathroom Countertops

Bathroom countertops often become a catch-all for our daily essentials, transforming a potential sanctuary into a chaotic space. Interior designers emphasize that the key to maintaining a serene bathroom is minimizing clutter.

Every item left out contributes to visual chaos, disrupting the intended design harmony. Even the most beautiful products can appear unsightly without strategic placement. By adhering to a ‘less is more’ philosophy, you can create a calming, aesthetically pleasing environment.

1. Skincare Collections

Having a multitude of skincare products sprawled across your counter is a common sight. However, designers argue that this creates visual clutter, making the space feel disorganized.

Consider storing these items in a cabinet or using a tray to neatly arrange them. This not only enhances the aesthetic but also protects products from moisture damage, ensuring they last longer.

2. Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes, though essential for oral hygiene, can disrupt the sleekness of your bathroom design. Storing them in a drawer or using a stylish holder helps maintain a tidy counter, while also preventing moisture buildup that could lead to mold or mildew on the toothbrush base.

3. Multi-Colored Soap Dispensers

Soap dispensers, especially those in bright colors and various shapes, can quickly turn your sleek bathroom into a chaotic space. Rather than opting for mismatched bottles, consider transferring soap into a uniform dispenser that complements your bathroom decor.

This simple change can make a significant difference in maintaining a harmonious and clean look. The visual clutter from multiple colors and brands can be distracting and take away from the serene ambiance you aim to create.

4. Old Makeup

Old makeup often ends up cluttering bathroom counters, giving the space an outdated appearance. Regularly decluttering and organizing beauty products helps maintain a fresh, modern look while ensuring you’re using only fresh products that are safe for your skin.

5. Tangled Hair Tools

Hair tools left tangled on the counter can create both a visual mess and a safety hazard. Storing them in a drawer or dedicated organizer helps keep countertops neat and reduces the risk of electric shock, maintaining both safety and a visually appealing bathroom space.

6. Excessive Perfumes

Perfumes can add a touch of luxury, but too many can overwhelm a small space. Selecting a few favorites to display and storing the rest keeps the area elegant and uncluttered, while also protecting the perfumes from fluctuating temperatures and preserving their scent quality.

7. Fake Plants

Fake plants can add greenery but often collect dust, making the space feel less fresh. Opting for real, low-maintenance plants or using fake ones sparingly helps keep the bathroom lively and authentic, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

8. Scattered Jewelry Pieces

Leaving jewelry scattered on the bathroom counter can not only make the space look messy but also pose a risk of losing or damaging your precious items. Consider using a small dish or drawer to neatly store your accessories. Keeping them organized not only protects them but also adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom setup. Plus, it reduces the risk of losing valuable items down the drain or getting them tarnished by water and humidity.

9. Decorative Trays with No Purpose

Decorative trays can be an elegant addition, but only when used purposefully. Empty trays create unnecessary clutter. Designers advise using trays to organize items neatly, adding functionality and style. This small change can transform the counter from chaotic to chic.

10. Tech Devices

Tech devices, like phones and tablets, often end up on bathroom counters, risking water damage. Storing them in dry places helps protect the devices and keeps the counter from turning into a cluttered tech hub.

11. Snacks

Snacks in the bathroom? A serious decor faux pas according to designers. Not only does it look out of place, but it also introduces hygiene issues. Keeping food out of the bathroom is essential for maintaining a clean, stylish, and sanitary space.

12. Spare Change

Loose change can quickly create visual chaos on your bathroom counter. Creating a designated spot for coins, like a small decorative dish, helps keep the counter clear and prevents coins from accumulating grime.

13. Dirty Towels

Piling dirty towels on the counter is a big no-no for designers. It not only adds clutter but also creates an unclean space. Consider installing a towel rack or using a hamper to keep dirty linens off surfaces, promoting a tidy and hygienic environment.

14. Open Trash Bins

Open trash bins near counters can lead to odors and visual clutter. Placing covered bins discreetly helps maintain cleanliness and aesthetic appeal, making a small adjustment that enhances the overall look and feel of the bathroom.

15. Bar Soap Puddles

Bar soaps without a proper dish can create unsightly puddles and residue. Using soap dishes with drainage helps keep the counter clean, preventing soap scum buildup and maintaining a polished appearance that enhances both hygiene and aesthetics.

16. Toothpaste Tubes

Toothpaste tubes, especially when squeezed carelessly, can create a messy counter. Storing them in a drawer or using a holder helps keep things neat, ensuring the counter stays clean and the toothpaste is easy to find and use.

17. Hair Accessories

Hair accessories can easily clutter up a bathroom counter if not stored properly. Using small containers or organizers helps keep them in place, reducing clutter and making it easier to find your favorite accessory when you need it.

18. Unused Candles

Candles bring warmth to a space, but unused ones can gather dust. Displaying only those you use regularly keeps the counter stylish and functional, maintaining a fresh, inviting atmosphere without adding unnecessary clutter.

19. Empty Product Bottles

Empty bottles left on the counter serve no purpose and contribute to clutter. Recycling or discarding them promptly helps maintain an organized, visually appealing bathroom and contributes to a smoother, more efficient morning routine.

20. Bulky Hair Brushes

Bulky hair brushes can become an eyesore when left out. Storing them in a drawer or using a brush holder helps maintain a clean, organized look while ensuring brushes stay in good condition and ready for use.

21. Shaving Supplies

Shaving supplies left out on the counter can lead to a cluttered look and potential hygiene issues. Storing them in a cabinet or using a dedicated caddy helps keep the space neat and ensures shaving tools are ready for use whenever needed.

22. Mouthwash Bottles

Large mouthwash bottles can overwhelm a small bathroom counter and disrupt the design. Designers suggest transferring mouthwash into smaller, more elegant containers, maintaining a sleek look while reducing clutter.

23. Unused Bath Bombs

While bath bombs may be left out for their visual appeal, they can add unnecessary clutter. Designers recommend storing them in a jar or basket, keeping counters tidy yet still allowing the vibrant, inviting colors of the bath bombs to shine.

24. Excessive Towels

A pile of towels on the counter can make a bathroom feel cramped and disorganized. Designers recommend hanging towels neatly on racks or hooks. This maximizes space and maintains a crisp, clean look, enhancing the bathroom’s overall appeal.