Should I leave the shelves open or cover it with art so it swings open?
I cut into our wall to make a shelf for all my bathroom crap (aka skincare). My husband was honestly sick of looking at it and we have a huge space between our mirrors.
Day 2 we trim it out and hopefully get it finished!
Creating a custom shelf inside a bathroom wall can be a game-changer for organizing skincare and other toiletries while clearing countertop clutter. From my own experience building a recessed niche for skincare products, I found it important to balance aesthetics with functionality. Leaving the shelf open makes your skincare products accessible and visible, which is great if you enjoy showcasing your skincare collection or need easy reach during your routine. However, this can look cluttered and disrupt the sleekness of a bathroom space. Alternatively, covering the niche with a swing-open door decorated with artwork or a mirror can instantly elevate the look of your bathroom. It hides the products, creating a cleaner overall design. The door can be mounted with concealed hinges for a seamless finish, and customized with paint, prints, or decorative panels for a personal touch. When building the shelf, attention to details like sturdy construction using pocket screws and dados to insert shelves ensures durability and neatness. Sanding and trimming help blend the unit into the wall smoothly. Also, ensuring no electrical wiring is inside the wall cavity before cutting is crucial for safety. Finishing the project on day two with trim work makes the installation professional-looking and polished. Using leftover materials, like white oak scraps, is a sustainable way to enhance the shelf’s aesthetic. Overall, whether to keep the shelves open or cover them with art depends on your daily skincare habits, bathroom decor style, and preference for clutter visibility. From a practical standpoint, a door offers protection from moisture and dust, prolonging product life. Ultimately, this DIY project brings both creative satisfaction and functional improvement to your bathroom.






















































































