Bathroom Shelf Above the Tub: A Simple DIY Makeover

I fell in love with KariAnne’s shelf above her tub the first time I saw it. The look was charming and practical — exactly what I wanted to create over the empty wall above our own bathtub.

For years we had a simple picture with shells up there, and it always felt a little unfinished. I knew I wanted something with more character and a bit of function — a shelf that would display a few accessories and provide light storage without crowding the tub.

My first idea was a deep shelf with baskets — like KariAnne’s — to hold towels and toilet paper. After measuring, though, it became obvious a deep shelf would get in the way when getting in or out of the tub. Anything too bulky above the tub risks bumps and spills, so I changed course and opted for a shallower design that functions more like a faux mantel.

To get the weathered, coastal look I wanted, I painted a board five inches wide to span the length of the wall. I used homemade chalk paint, then washed it with layers of gray, blue, and tan to create a driftwood-like finish. A small piece of trim glued to the front created a subtle ledge that gives the shelf a finished, mantel-like appearance.

Because our house tends to shake the walls when the front door closes, I wanted the shelf secured so items wouldn’t slide off. I followed a tip I found and mounted the shelf using compact corner brackets hidden beneath the shelf. The brackets support the board while keeping the look clean and uncluttered.

Under the main shelf I added two narrow decorative shelves, painted to match the driftwood finish. These create balance visually and offer a place for lightweight décor without crowding the tub area. The shelves fit tightly against the wall and are currently supported with two brackets; if you plan to store heavier items, add additional brackets or secure them into studs for extra support.

Here’s the finished setup above the tub — a simple, shallow shelf that adds personality, a little storage, and a lot more character to the bathroom. I haven’t filled it with polished accessories yet; for now I used items I already had while I collect other ideas that will enhance the coastal, relaxed feel.

The close-up shows the painted texture and the modest assortment of accents I chose to start. A small sign and a few neutral objects add interest without competing with the room’s calm palette.

One more project checked off our bathroom renovation list — simple, affordable, and effective. The shelf solved that awkward, empty space above the tub and introduced a subtle coastal texture that complements the rest of the room.

If you want to recreate something similar, consider a few practical tips: measure carefully for clearance over the tub, choose a shallow shelf if space is tight, secure shelving with hidden brackets or anchors, and finish the wood with layered washes of color to achieve a driftwood look without expensive materials.

If you missed the earlier posts in our bathroom renovation, here are the links to the earlier updates:

How to Paint Barker Board

The New Paint Color

The Unexpected Twists and Turns of Renovating

The New Vanity

Homemade Chalk Paint Recipe and a Painted Old Window

How to Hang Heavy Objects on a Wall

Linking to: The Creative Collection at Classy Clutter