Decorating and organizing your small bathroom is a real struggle. Before considering a full remodel, it’s worth exploring simple enhancements that can make a significant difference. Thoughtful storage solutions, strategic use every inch of space, and clever design techniques can transform a cramped bathroom design into a more efficient and usable part of the home.
Design Tricks or Optical Illusions? You Tell Us
"There are a few tricks I use to make a small bathroom appear larger," shares Bernadette Cuaycong, Architect and Design Manager for Block Renovation. How would these bathroom design ideas work in your home?
- Emphasize height. "Visually, I try to use tiles that can emphasize the verticality of a space. Tiles that are rectangular in shape or have a longer side can be mounted vertically on a wall to feel taller." Look to subway tile as an affordable option, and white marble tile if it's within your bathroom remodel budget.
- Add mirrors. Full-height mirrors or mirrors that extend from wall to wall help make limited spaces appear larger than they really are.
- Brighten things up. "White and bright bathrooms feel larger than ones with gloomy, dark colors," she notes. Especially if your bathroom is limited on natural light.
- Ditch the elongated toilet. "Smaller round toilets help to gain more movable square footage in a bathroom."
Changes You Can Make Today
"For homeowners with small bathrooms, there are a few rules I follow to help inform their design decisions," notes Cuaycong. "I try to avoid loud, bold color paint as it tends to be quite overwhelming in a small space. Since there may not be enough space for extra storage, opt for a built-in cabinet that does double duty to utilize every inch of extra space." As you consider design choices, keep in mind that double vanities can take up too much floor space and may not be worth the tradeoff, even if you want more counter space. Single vanities can be great, and it's more affordable to upgrade if you want a stone sink or marble countertop.
She adds, "Install a mirrored medicine cabinet above the vanity. Shelves above the toilet are always a nice place for additional storage and some shelves have clever ways of adding in an additional towel bar below it. If you want a visual upgrade, using peel-and-stick tile can be a great way to update the look of the space without breaking the bank. It’s easy to install and some can be removed which makes them renter-friendly. I also recommend swapping out the regular shower head for a rain head can, adding in a handheld shower wand, installing a mirrored medicine cabinet with built-in lighting, and opting for heated floors and/or heated towel bars. These subtle changes can elevate the bathroom experience and make it more desirable to be in, no matter how small it is!"
4 Organizational Techniques That Work in a Small Bathroom
- Make the most of vertical storage space. Maximize storage by installing shelves or cabinets on vertical wall space, using over-the-toilet shelving for essentials, and placing cabinets or a cart around pedestal sinks to keep items organized and accessible.
- Use drawer dividers. Use drawer dividers to organize everyday bathroom essentials and store extra items like new toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, and bars of soap. A simple design is better than a divider with a dozen small compartments.
- Open shelves with baskets. Install floating shelves or shelves on brackets near the vanity for easy access to frequently used items. Storage over the bathtub also helps keep things organized and concealed. Use deep storage baskets or tiered organizers to keep supplies, toiletries, and bath toys organized and easily accessible.
- Store daily-use items in tiered trays. Place tiered trays or cake stands on your vanity to elegantly organize daily essentials like brushes and skincare products, ensuring they remain accessible and orderly without overloading the trays.
