6 Best Small Side Tables For RV Bathroom Storage That Nomads Swear By

You’ve just finished your shower, and now you’re balancing a toothbrush, contact lens case, and deodorant on the tiny, curved edge of your RV bathroom sink. One wrong move and everything clatters to the floor, a familiar and frustrating ritual of life on the road. The lack of functional counter space is one of the most persistent annoyances in any rig, but the solution is simpler and cheaper than a full remodel.

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Solving the RV Bathroom Counter Space Problem

The core issue in most RV bathrooms isn’t a lack of space overall; it’s a lack of usable horizontal surfaces. Manufacturers prioritize fitting a toilet, sink, and shower into the smallest possible footprint, leaving you with nowhere to set things down. A small, well-chosen side table can completely transform the functionality of this tiny room, giving you a dedicated spot for toiletries, towels, or your morning coffee.

But you can’t just grab any table from a big-box store. In an RV, every item has to justify its existence based on a few key criteria. Weight is paramount, as every pound adds to your Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The table’s footprint must be small enough to avoid creating a trip hazard in a tight walkway. Finally, you must have a solid plan for securing it on travel days, because anything loose becomes a projectile when you hit a pothole.

IKEA Lack Table: The Ultra-Lightweight Classic

There’s a reason the IKEA Lack is a legend in the van life and RV community. It’s shockingly lightweight, ridiculously cheap, and comes in a compact size that fits perfectly next to most RV toilets. The secret is its construction: a simple wood fiberboard frame filled with a honeycomb paper structure. This makes it light enough to secure with just a couple of heavy-duty Velcro strips on the feet.

The trade-off for that low weight and price is durability. The Lack table is not water-resistant. Its particleboard surface will swell and bubble if it gets consistently wet, which is a real risk in a small bathroom. Many nomads solve this by applying a few coats of polyurethane or a waterproof contact paper to the top surface. It’s a small modification that dramatically extends the life of this budget-friendly workhorse.

SONGMICS 3-Tier Cart: Vertical Storage Hero

When you need more than just a flat surface, you need to think vertically. A narrow, rolling utility cart like the popular SONGMICS 3-tier model is a game-changer for organization. Instead of one surface, you get three, allowing you to separate daily-use items, backup supplies, and cleaning products into different baskets. This keeps the top level free to act as your primary "counter."

The wheels offer great flexibility when you’re parked—you can easily roll it out of the way to clean or access a cabinet. But on travel days, those same wheels become a liability. This cart must be secured. I’ve seen people use a short tension rod to wedge it against a wall, while others prefer a simple bungee cord wrapped around the cart and the base of the toilet.

Remember to also consider what’s in the cart. Loose bottles and jars will fly out on bumpy roads. Use small bins or containers within the cart’s baskets to corral items and prevent them from becoming a mess in transit. It’s a two-part securing process: secure the cart, then secure its contents.

Command Bath Caddy: The No-Drill Wall Solution

What if you have absolutely zero floor space to spare? The best "table" might not be a table at all. A large Command Bath Caddy, mounted to the wall with its included waterproof adhesive strips, creates an instant floating shelf without drilling a single hole into your RV’s delicate walls. This is a brilliant solution for adding storage right where you need it, like next to the mirror or above the toilet.

This approach is perfect for lightweight items: your toothbrush, razor, skincare products, and medications. You get the function of a surface without sacrificing any precious floor or counter real estate. The key is to follow the installation instructions precisely, especially cleaning the wall with rubbing alcohol before application.

The obvious limitation here is weight capacity. You can’t load these up with heavy shampoo bottles or a hairdryer. Think of it as a spot for your "pocket items," not your bulk storage. For renters or anyone hesitant to make permanent modifications, the no-drill, damage-free nature of Command products is a massive advantage.

Stansport Folding Stool: The Stow-Away Option

For the ultimate minimalist or multi-purpose enthusiast, a simple folding plastic stool is an unexpectedly brilliant solution. Its primary job is to be a stable, flat surface when you need one. When you’re getting ready in the morning, unfold it and place it next to the sink. When you’re done, it folds completely flat and can be slid beside the toilet, into the shower, or under the sink.

This "now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t" approach is ideal for incredibly tight bathrooms where a permanent table would be a constant obstacle. It also completely solves the travel-day problem, as it’s meant to be stowed away.

The bonus? It’s also a stool. Need to reach a high cabinet or fix something on the roof? You have a tool for the job. Need an extra seat around the campfire? It works for that, too. In small-space living, an item that serves two or three functions is always more valuable than an item that only serves one.

The Asia Teak Stool: A Mold-Resistant Choice

If you’re willing to invest a bit more in weight and budget for a long-term, durable solution, a small teak stool is unbeatable. Teak is a tropical hardwood that is naturally rich in oils, making it incredibly resistant to water, mold, and mildew. This is why it’s been used for centuries in boat building and outdoor furniture. In the humid, often poorly ventilated environment of an RV bathroom, this is a major advantage.

These stools are beautiful, solid, and often come with a lower shelf, doubling your storage surface. They provide the warm, spa-like feel of real wood, which can be a welcome touch in a plastic-heavy RV interior. The solid wood construction means it feels stable and won’t get knocked over easily.

However, there are two significant tradeoffs. First, teak is heavy. A solid teak stool can easily weigh 5-10 pounds, which is a meaningful addition to your cargo. Second, it’s significantly more expensive than plastic or particleboard options. This is a "buy it for life" choice, best for full-timers who prioritize durability and are meticulous about managing their overall rig weight.

Hoobro C-Shaped Table: Over-the-Toilet Space

The C-shaped table is a masterclass in space-efficient design. The base is designed to slide directly under an obstacle, while the tabletop cantilevers over it. In an RV bathroom, this means you can slide the feet under the base of the toilet, allowing the tabletop to sit conveniently beside you or over the tank, creating a useful surface out of thin air.

This design is incredibly effective because it utilizes a footprint that is already occupied by the toilet. You aren’t taking up new, valuable floor space. It’s perfect for holding a book, your phone, or a cup of tea, turning the bathroom into a more comfortable space.

Before buying, measure carefully. The height and width of RV toilets vary, so you need to ensure the table’s base will fit around or under your specific model. Like any other freestanding item, it needs a travel-day plan. A simple cam strap around the table leg and the toilet pedestal is usually enough to keep it from wandering.

Securing Your New Table for Travel Days

Let’s be blunt: on travel day, your RV is a rolling earthquake. Any object that is not physically secured will fall, slide, or fly across the room. Your new bathroom table is no exception. Forgetting to secure it just once can result in a broken table, a scuffed wall, or a mess of toiletries all over the floor.

Your securing strategy will depend on the table you choose.

• For ultra-light tables like the IKEA Lack: Industrial-strength hook-and-loop fastener (Velcro) on the bottom of the legs and the floor is often sufficient.
• For taller carts: A bungee cord or a small ratchet strap securing the cart to the base of the toilet is the most reliable method.
• For heavier, solid tables like a teak stool: A non-slip rubber mat underneath can help, but for rough roads, you may still want to brace it or lay it on its side.
• For folding options: The solution is simple—fold it up and stow it in the shower or a secure cabinet.

Never assume something is heavy enough to stay put. I once saw a cast-iron skillet slide off a stove and punch a hole through a cabinet door on a bumpy forest service road. Take securing your items seriously. It’s a fundamental habit for safe and stress-free RV travel.

Ultimately, the best side table is the one that fits your specific bathroom layout, your tolerance for weight, and your daily routine. By focusing on multi-functionality and a solid plan for travel days, you can easily conquer the counter space problem and make your tiny bathroom feel far more functional. It’s a small upgrade that delivers a huge improvement in daily life on the road.