A bathroom is a magnet for stuff — toiletries, towels, grooming gear and cleaning supplies. Often, especially in older homes, it's an odd space, carved out of a closet or tucked into an eave, which means there's not a lot of room for cabinetry.

Reigning in the clutter can help even the smallest bathroom look new.

The first step is to clean out and edit: Making a tiny bath with limited storage work efficiently takes discipline as well as planning. Pare down supplies to only what you use regularly, store backup elsewhere and toss anything you don't need. Then examine your space and steal some of these ideas, to make the most of every inch.

• Tucked in. Take advantage of unused wall space wherever you find it. Here, cubbies built under the eaves eke out a little more storage for supplies and a decorative item or two.

• Right angles. Two shelves mounted in the corner of the stall shower provide just enough room for soap, sponges, shampoo and conditioner. Large wall hooks beside the shower keep towels at the ready.

• On the edge. A pedestal sink saves space, but doesn't leave room for much more than a bar of soap. A shallow ledge topping beadboard wainscoting can hold most grooming essentials.

• Sweet and lowdown. No room for a linen closet? Fresh towels, rolled handsomely, stand up in an attractive basket set on the floor beside the sink.

PRODUCT PICKS• Molger wall shelf, $5, www.ikea.com.• ClosetMaid Master Suite custom shelving, about $900, www.closetmaid.com.• Cumberland sea grass baskets, $40 for two, www.ballarddesigns.com.• Vanity-filler pullout with glass trays, about $600, www.merillat.com.For more tips, pick up the latest issue of Woman's Day magazine, Woman's Day Specials Remodeling & Makeovers, or visit www.womansday.com.