Cara @caranewhart took a tiny, uninspired bathroom and gave it a jaw-dropping makeover with clever DIY tricks.
First, she ditched the outdated shelf that wasn’t doing the space any favors.
Then, she came up with a clever plan—custom built-ins around the toilet using PVC instead of wood to handle bathroom moisture.
To add texture, she stained pole wrap, giving the space a designer touch without the hefty price tag.
For shelving, she used stair treads—such a smart hack!
They’re sturdy, easy to work with, and look way more high-end than basic boards.
After cutting, sanding, and staining the wood, she mounted the shelves using chic vintage gold brackets.
A little trim and a protective wood sealant pulled everything together beautifully.
Now, this once-boring bathroom has storage, style, and personality packed into every inch.
If you’ve got a small space that needs a big transformation, Cara’s creative ideas prove that DIY can be both affordable and high-impact!
Check out Cara’s full video tutorial on TikTok!
@caranewhart shelves are great…built ins are better 👊 I had the wild idea to add full blown built in shelving around the toilet instead of just adding a couple shelves on top and it made the storage in this tiny bathroom NEXT LEVEL Sources + materials for this SMALL BATHROOM TOILET SHELF DIY on my page 🤗 #diyproject #homedecor #homeimprovement #bathroommakeover #bathroomdesign ♬ original sound – CARA NEWHART
What DIY’ers Are Saying
Stair Tread Shelves: Quick, Easy, and Stylish
The stair tread hack for shelves makes installation quick and easy, and the results look stunning (I agree!).
Pole Wrap: A Modern Aesthetic
Many people love the use of pole wrap, which adds a stylish, modern touch. Some even suggested leaving the area above the toilet open to showcase it more!
Optimized Storage: Maximizing Space and Functionality
Storage was a huge priority, and these built-ins maximize every inch of space, making the bathroom feel bigger and more functional.
PVC Material: Durability and Moisture Resistance
The PVC material choice is brilliant for a bathroom since it resists moisture and lasts longer than traditional wood.