To make the most of a small bathroom, use a floating vanity and toilet, a walk-in glass shower, large light-colored tile, recessed niches and vertical storage, and good lighting to open up the space. Smart layout and light finishes make a small bathroom feel larger. Here’s how to maximize a small bathroom.
Small bathrooms can often leave us frustrated and limited in design and functionality. But with the right approach, we can transform even the tiniest bathroom into a spacious and stylish oasis. In this blog, we look at small bathroom designs and reveal the secrets to making the most out of your limited space. From clever storage solutions to eye-catching accents, we’ll show you how to turn your small bathroom into a masterpiece.
So, whether you’re working with a powder room or a compact en suite, join us on this journey and discover how to create a small bathroom that’s big on style and functionality!
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that personally matches homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego with reliable general contractors, we talk to homeowners every day about small bathroom remodeling projects and bathroom remodel costs – here are some key points to know.
Round it out
Round objects help maximize space in small bathrooms because they are curved and compact. This allows them to fit into tight spaces and corners without taking up too much room. For example, a round toilet, sink, or shower can help save precious square footage and make the most of limited floor space.
Round objects often have a sleek and modern design that can help make a small bathroom feel more spacious. Finally, since round things are usually simple and uncluttered, they help minimize visual clutter, making small bathrooms appear more open and airy.
Brighten up
Lighting can maximize space in small bathrooms by creating an illusion of depth and making the room appear larger. This can be achieved by the followings:
- Using bright overhead lighting to provide overall illumination and make the room feel open and spacious.
- Installing wall-mounted lighting, such as sconces or strip lights.
- Adding task lighting, such as under-cabinet or mirror lighting, highlights specific areas and creates more definition.
- Using dimmer switches to control the mood and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Installing a skylight or window for natural light can help open up the space and make it feel more spacious.
Make the most out of plants
Greenery can help maximize space in small bathrooms. Adding plants to a small bathroom can help create a more open and inviting environment by adding a touch of nature. Plants also help to purify the air and provide a natural pop of color, which can brighten up the room and make it feel larger. Using hanging plants or wall-mounted plant holders can free up floor space and give the illusion of more room.
Go for a Glass Shower Door
Glass shower doors are an excellent solution for small bathrooms, as they offer style and functionality. They also make the most of small bathroom spaces by reflecting light and creating the illusion of more space. By choosing a glass shower door that is frameless or has minimal hardware, you can maximize the sense of openness in the bathroom.
Find Unusual Storage Spaces
To maximize space in small bathrooms:
- Use the walls by installing shelves or cabinets.
- Add a corner shelf to provide additional storage space in an often overlooked area, or install a tension rod under a sink or above a toilet for additional storage.
- Use the space under the sink with a pull-out organizer.
- Get creative with hooks by adding multiple hooks to store towels, washcloths, and other items.
- Use stackable containers to store things like shampoo, soap, and conditioner.
- And if you have done all that already, repurpose furniture.
Choose a Dual-Purpose Mirror
Dual-Purpose Mirrors maximize space in small bathrooms because they serve two functions. Instead of having separate mirrors for the sink and the shower or bathtub, a dual-purpose mirror combines both into one unit. This eliminates the need for additional space for individual mirrors and helps to save valuable space in small bathrooms.
Dual-purpose mirrors often come in compact designs that can be mounted on the wall or in a corner, making them ideal for small bathroom spaces.
Get Creative – Use Kitchen Tools
Stacking your bracelets on a paper towel holder is the most efficient way to use counter space. This provides an attractive display and serves as a decorative piece. This technique can also help organize hair ties. If the paper towel holder appears too kitchen-oriented, you can personalize it by painting it to match your desired style.
Shelf Units
Shelf units are great for maximizing space in small bathrooms because they offer vertical storage options. By stacking shelves on top of each other, you can create a lot of storage in a small amount of floor space. Shelf units can store towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other bathroom essentials.
They can are designed to fit into tight spaces. Such as between the toilet and the wall or under the sink. Shelter units can help keep small bathrooms organized and clutter-free by maximizing the available wall space.
Corner Shower
A corner shower is an excellent solution for maximizing space in a small bathroom because it takes up less floor space than a traditional shower or bathtub. Corner showers fit into a room’s corner, allowing you to use an area that might otherwise be useless. This can be especially helpful in small bathrooms where every inch counts.
Corner showers typically have a smaller footprint than traditional shower stalls, which leaves more room for other bathroom fixtures and storage options. The compact design of a corner shower also makes it easier to clean and maintain, as there are fewer nooks and crannies for dirt and grime to accumulate.
Compact Toilet
A compact toilet has a smaller footprint compared to a traditional toilet. They take up less floor space in the bathroom, freeing up room for other fixtures or storage solutions. A compact toilet often has a wall-mounted design. Such designs further reduce its floor space, making it ideal for small bathrooms with limited floor area.
Over-the-toilet storage
Over-the-toilet storage is a practical and space-saving solution for small bathrooms. This type of storage typically consists of shelves or cabinets mounted above the toilet. It provides additional space for storing items such as towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials.
To use over-the-toilet storage, choose a unit that fits the size of your bathroom and provides enough storage for your needs. It can be mounted on the wall or freestanding. Make sure to measure the height of your toilet and the space above it to ensure that the unit will fit properly and leave enough room for using the toilet.
When in doubt, choose white
When maximizing space in small bathrooms, the color you choose plays a significant role. Choosing lighter, brighter colors, such as white, cream, or light gray, will make the room appear larger and more open. Such colors reflect light, making the space feel more spacious and airy. Neutral colors are a great choice as they blend well with other elements in the room, making the area feel cohesive and well put together.
Using lighter-colored tiles, walls, and fixtures will also help to create the illusion of a larger space. If you’re feeling bold, you can add a pop of color through accessories like towels, shower curtains, or artwork to make the room feel bright and fun.
Consider Remodeling
A bath remodel can be a big improvement when adding more space to your bathroom. The bathroom arrangement plays a important role in determining the amount of space it has; a slight change in its design can make a huge difference. By considering a bath remodel, you can make your bathroom look more appealing and increase its functionality.
If you’re unsure where to start, it is always wise to seek the help of professionals who can guide you with expert advice and remodeling ideas. While GreatBuildz currently only serves Southern California, there are tons of other pros out there that can help with other areas, such as a Sacramento bath remodel. They can assist you in making the most of your bathroom space and transforming it into a comfortable and stylish space.
In addition, with a bath remodel, you can add new features and updates, such as a larger shower area, a soaking tub, or a dual sink vanity. This can improve the overall look of your bathroom and make it more practical and convenient for daily use.
With the help of professionals, you can also consider energy-efficient options. A bath remodel can be a smart investment that can increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Related: Bathroom Renovation Checklist
Conclusion
A small bathroom may seem like a hindrance, but it can become a cozy and functional oasis with the right design choices. From maximizing storage space to adding creative lighting, there is a lot you can do with the space. So don’t let the limited square footage hold you back. Embrace the challenge and transform your small bathroom into a beautiful and practical space.
Related: Costs and Tips For Planning a Small Bathroom Remodel
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a small bathroom feel bigger?
Use light colors and large tile, a floating vanity and glass shower enclosure, a large mirror, and good layered lighting. Recessed niches and vertical storage save floor space, and a consistent floor-to-wall tile keeps the look open. These tricks make a small bathroom feel larger and brighter.
What is the best layout for a small bathroom?
Keep fixtures along one or two walls to preserve open floor space, use a corner or floating sink, and choose a walk-in shower instead of a tub if space is tight. A pocket or outward-swinging door also helps. A good layout maximizes function without crowding the room.
How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?
A small bathroom remodel typically costs $8,000 to $20,000, depending on finishes and whether plumbing moves. Keeping the existing layout and choosing mid-range materials controls cost, while custom tile, moving fixtures, and high-end finishes push it higher.
When it comes to planning and coordinating a small bathroom renovation for your home, you shouldn’t have to go it alone – GreatBuildz can help simplify your renovation experience. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura & San Diego with reliable, thoroughly screened bathroom remodeling contractors and provides project support from start to finish.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with our local team about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
