After four years in my apartment, I decided it was time for a bathroom makeover. And of all the tiny bathroom budget-friendly upgrades I made — adding bold wallpaper, installing a new medicine cabinet, and putting peel-and-stick tile on the floor — the detail I love the most is actually the brass rail shelf I installed on the wall.
I have long admired the look of brass rail shelves, especially in kitchens. However, since my tiny apartment kitchen doesn’t have any real wall space, embracing this look wasn't an option—or so I thought.
Not only does it elevate the space, it provides practical storage for all the beauty products I reach for daily. It's truly one of my favorite details in my home, and plenty of my friends have asked me about it. Plus, it couldn't be easier to install. I have plenty of experience undertaking DIY renovation projects, but you could add this shelf to your bathroom even if you've never held a drill before. That's how easy it is!
Keep reading for more details about this surprisingly affordable upgrade. And if you're looking for even more bathroom makeover inspiration, read up on the top bathroom design trends for 2026 and the luxe bathroom upgrade that designers say is worth the investment.
After I hung my new medicine cabinet above the sink, the largest remaining area of wall space was on the wall perpendicular to it. I wanted to weave in a storage component of some kind on the wall, but whatever I chose would need to be fairly narrow to avoid bumping into it. It had to be aesthetically pleasing, too. I wanted something a bit more elevated—and secure—than standard open shelving, since I’ve had too many negative experiences with products falling off the shelves and spilling out onto the floor (or worse: ending up in the toilet!).
While browsing the Magnolia Home website, I came across the brass rail shelf of my dreams that would be perfect for the job. Yes, it’s probably primarily meant for the kitchen, but I think it could truly shine anywhere in the home. The shelf now hangs on my bathroom wall and is spacious enough to house a few canisters, a favorite candle, a leaning piece of art, and more. It makes my bathroom feel so much more complete and cozy while providing the extra storage space I so desperately craved. The rails keep items safely in place and complement the other brass accents in my space to a T.
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Country Living. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more.
