7 No-Drill Bathroom Shelves for Renters (Under $40)

Living in a rental often means dealing with bathrooms that lack adequate storage. Drilling into tiles is usually a lease violation, leaving you with cluttered countertops. Fortunately, modern adhesive and tension technologies have made no-drill shelving sturdy and reliable.

1. Tension Pole Caddies

Tension pole caddies are the heavy lifters of rental bathrooms. They wedge between your floor (or tub corner) and ceiling. The ALLZONE Tension Caddy is a standout because it uses a high-compression spring that doesn't lose grip over time.

2. Adhesive Floating Shelves

Gone are the days of weak suction cups that fall in the middle of the night. New nano-adhesives, like those used by KINCMAX, can hold up to 20 lbs. The trick is to apply them to smooth, non-porous surfaces like glass or ceramic tile and wait 24 hours before loading them.

3. Over-the-Toilet Storage

If you can't drill, look for freestanding over-the-toilet units. However, many are unstable. A better "no-drill" trick is to use adhesive hooks to stabilize a lightweight metal unit against the wall without screws.

Safety Tips for Renters

• Always clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying adhesives.
• Avoid applying adhesives to painted drywall if you can help it; they are safer on tile.
• Use a hair dryer to heat up the adhesive when it's time to remove it to prevent residue.