DIY Bathroom Storage Bench

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Need more storage in your bathroom without adding another bulky piece of furniture? This DIY bathroom storage bench is a simple way to add useful storage and a place to sit while getting ready.

I love projects that make a room work harder without taking up a lot of extra space, and this little wood bench does exactly that. It gives you a spot to sit while getting ready and provides open storage underneath for towels, baskets, or other bathroom essentials.

Even better, this is a relatively simple woodworking project. We used a free bench plan from Ana White, had our lumber cut at the hardware store, and used a Kreg Jig to make assembling the bench quick and easy.

The hardest part of the project for us? Waiting for the stain to dry!

If you’re looking for an affordable DIY bathroom storage idea that adds both function and style, this bathroom bench is definitely worth considering.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Bathroom Storage Bench

There are lots of reasons I love this little bench:

• Adds storage: The shelves underneath give you a convenient place for towels and bathroom essentials.
• Provides seating: It’s handy to have a place to sit while getting ready.
• Beginner-friendly: We used a straightforward woodworking plan and had the lumber cut at the hardware store.
• Customizable: You can stain or paint the bench to coordinate with your bathroom decor.
• Makes use of unused space: A narrow bench can add storage without requiring another large cabinet.
• Easy to customize: You can adjust the finish and styling to work with your space.

A bathroom with limited storage can benefit from using otherwise overlooked areas, and a bench that combines seating and storage is a particularly practical way to do that.

The Bathroom Bench Plan We Used

For this project, we used a Simple Bench plan from Ana White.

The original plan is designed as a compact spa-style bench that works well in bathrooms and provides both seating and storage. Ana White currently lists the project as a beginner woodworking project.

We had all of our lumber pieces cut at our hardware store, which made this project even easier.

That meant we didn’t have to spend time making all of the cuts ourselves, and we could concentrate on assembling and finishing the bench.

Materials and Tools

• Wood boards (cut to size per Ana White’s plans – link to plans).
• Kreg Jig for pocket-hole joinery.
• Wood stain (dark walnut used here) and polyurethane sealant.
• Drill, screws, sandpaper, and a saw (or have lumber cut at the store).

How to Build a DIY Bathroom Storage Bench

1. Cut Have boards cut at the hardware store or cut at home if you have the tools.
2. Stain Apply the stain to your cut wood.
3. Drill Pocket Holes: Use the Kreg Jig for strong, hidden joints.
4. Assemble Frame: Screw pieces together following the plan.
5. Add Seat and Storage: Attach the top and optional dividers.
6. Seal for Durability: Sand and apply polyurethane for a polished, moisture-proof finish.

1. Have the Lumber Cut to Size

We used the Ana White bench plan and had all of our pieces cut at the hardware store.

If you’re making your own cuts, follow the measurements in the plan carefully and double-check your measurements before cutting.

Having the boards ready to go made the construction portion of this project much quicker.

2. Stain the Wood

My husband stained the boards before assembling the bench.

We used a dark walnut stain, which gave the finished bench a warm, rich wood tone that worked beautifully in our bathroom.

Let the stain dry completely before moving on to assembly.

This was actually the most time-consuming part of our project—not because staining the boards took forever, but because we had to wait for them to dry.

3. Drill the Pocket Holes

This is where the Kreg Jig made a huge difference.

We used the Kreg Jig to create pocket holes for joining the pieces of the bench together.

If you’ve never used a pocket-hole jig before, it’s a handy way to create strong joints while keeping the screws hidden inside the finished piece.

I was amazed at how quickly the bench came together once we started assembling it.

4. Assemble the Bench

Following the bench plan, screw the pieces together to create the frame and shelves.

The Kreg Jig made this part of the project surprisingly quick and easy.

Because the lumber was already cut and the boards had been stained, most of the remaining work was simply putting all the pieces together.

Be sure to check that the frame is square as you assemble it.

5. Add the Top and Shelves

Once the main frame is assembled, add the top and shelves according to the plan.

The open shelves underneath are what make this more than just a bathroom bench. They give you a convenient place to store rolled towels, baskets, toiletries, or other bathroom items.

This same basic bench design can also work in other rooms where you need a little extra seating and storage.

6. Seal the Bench

Because you’re using the bench in a bathroom, protecting the wood is especially important.

After the stain has dried, apply polyurethane according to the product directions.

A protective finish helps protect the stained wood from the moisture and humidity that naturally come with a bathroom environment.

Always follow the directions for the particular stain and protective finish you’re using.

The Kreg Jig Made This Project So Easy

I can’t tell you how easy and quick this tool made building the bench.

We received a Kreg Jig from Rockler to help with this project, and it made assembling the bench so much easier.

We’ve purchased items from Rockler throughout the years, and I’ve also worked with them on previous projects. They’ve always been great to work with.

If you’re interested in trying more beginner-friendly woodworking projects, a pocket-hole jig is a useful tool to have in your DIY arsenal.

Our Finished DIY Bathroom Storage Bench

And here’s the finished bench!

I love how simple it is while still giving us additional storage.

The dark walnut stain gives the wood a warm, classic look, while the open shelves underneath make it easy to keep towels and other bathroom necessities close at hand.

It’s also nice having a place to sit while getting ready.

That’s my favorite thing about a storage bench—it isn’t just storage. You’re getting two useful functions from one piece of furniture.

What Can You Store in a Bathroom Storage Bench?

The open shelves underneath the bench make it easy to organize all kinds of bathroom necessities.

Here are a few ideas:

• Rolled bath towels
• Hand towels
• Washcloths
• Extra toilet paper
• Baskets filled with toiletries
• Hair tools
• Extra bath products
• Cleaning supplies

Using baskets can also give the open shelves a more finished look while making smaller items easier to organize.

Can You Use This Bench Somewhere Other Than the Bathroom?

Absolutely!

Although we made this bench for our bathroom, the design is versatile enough to work in lots of other areas of the home.

You could use a similar DIY storage bench as:

• An entryway bench
• A mudroom bench
• A bedroom bench
• A window-seat-style bench
• A towel-storage bench
• A laundry-room bench

The basic idea is simple: combine a sturdy seat with useful storage underneath.

In fact, Ana White’s Simple Bench has been adapted by other DIYers for entryways, shoe storage, and other areas of the home.

Tips for Building a DIY Storage Bench

A few things I learned from this project:

Have the lumber cut for you. If you’re new to woodworking or don’t have a saw, having the hardware store make the cuts can save a lot of time.

Stain before assembly. We found it easier to stain the boards before putting the bench together.

Be patient with the drying time. The stain drying was the longest part of our project.

Use a pocket-hole jig. The Kreg Jig made assembling the bench incredibly quick and easy.

Protect the finished wood. Since this bench lives in a bathroom, don’t skip the protective finish.

Follow the plan. If you’re using the Ana White plan, use its current measurements and instructions rather than relying on measurements from an older blog post.

More DIY Projects to Try

If you enjoy DIY projects that add both style and function to your home, check out these projects next:

DIY Blanket Ladder — Add cozy storage and display space with a simple wooden blanket ladder.

DIY Gel-Stained Front Door — Give an outdated door a completely different look with gel stain.

DIY Garage Door Makeover — See how we transformed a faded garage door with gel stain for a faux wood look.

DIY Wood Bowl Candle — Turn a simple wood bowl into a beautiful handmade candle.

Final Thoughts

This DIY bathroom storage bench is one of those projects that proves you don’t need a complicated build to make a useful difference in your home.

With pre-cut lumber, a simple bench plan, some stain, and a Kreg Jig, you can create a piece that adds both storage and seating to your bathroom.

And once you build one, don’t be surprised if you start thinking of other rooms where a storage bench would work!

The wonderful folks at Rocker supplied me with the Kreg Jig but all opinions and comments are 100% mine.