If you have a small bathroom that just appears tight and closed in, it is possible to add visual space. This can be done with some simple design tricks that give the illusion of a more open, clean space. Even if your budget is small, choose just a few of the tiny bathroom ideas below … making a few small changes can make a huge difference in opening up a small space.
Tiny Bathroom Ideas to Implement Today
DECLUTTER
Declutter, declutter, declutter — clutter will only make a small room seem smaller. Keep items off the counters with stylish, space-saving storage totes. They will keep all your essential items organized and easy to find. Items like lotions, toothbrushes and toothpaste can all be stored away so all your guests won’t have to see them.
USE THE WALLS
Towel racks or hooks
If you don’t have a linen closet, use some wall space or even the back of the door. This will also save precious counter or cabinet space to store them. The towel bar on a sliding glass shower door is also a great place to hang towels.
Open shelving
Of course, anytime you create a more open space, it creates a more open feeling. Open shelving units force the eye to travel from wall to wall. This makes the walls look larger. Because everyone can see what’s placed on these shelves, it’ll force you to be tidier. Also, the over-the-toilet open shelving unit is a great space-saver, but look for ones with open or glass shelving – open shelves are designed specifically for small spaces.
Recessed/floating cabinet
Another tiny bathroom idea is to add a recessed medicine cabinet. These are placed inside the wall and usually require moderate handyman skills. So unless you have some experience, it’s usually best to seek out a professional for this installation. The bonus of a recessed medicine cabinet is that it sits flush with the wall, giving you almost invisible storage. Floating cabinets are also a good option because they leave visible floor space while hiding clutter. If you must have drawers, consider a floating vanity without legs. These attach to the wall and keep your floors clear, which can make the room look and feel more spacious.
PEDESTAL SINK
Pedestal sinks are fantastic as a space saving option for small bathroom. They come in beautiful modern and traditional styles. They take up very little room and look beautiful. If you’re worried about the lack of storage versus a traditional vanity, then simply place an open concept storage cabinet beside the sink.
You may even want to consider a wall-mounted sink. These take up even less floor space making the room appear larger. If you are trying to fit a double vanity into a smaller space, two pedestal sinks with a small storage cabinet in between might be the ticket to achieving that in a space where a traditional double vanity may not fit.
SMALL VANITY
If a vanity is what you definitely want, then consider one of a smaller scale. Vanities are offered in smaller measurements, but keep in mind these may be special order. Under-mount sinks also make a room feel larger, so if you do decide to special order a smaller vanity, consider getting one with an under-mount sink. Also, single handle faucets take up less visual space.
REPLACE TOILET
The days of one style fits all when it comes to toilets is gone. There are many styles to choose from now – many that are smaller and take up less space. An added bonus to installing one of these newer toilets, is that most styles these days use much less water, saving you money on your water bill.
TRY A MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME
White-on-White
If you like the look of white-on-white, this color choice is great for visually opening up small spaces. If you currently have a white toilet and shower/tub but your floor is colored or patterned, considering replacing it with crisp white tiles and then paint the walls a bright white. White reflects light and makes a space feel more open and airy.
Tone-on-Tone
So, you’re not into the more modern look of white-on-white, or it would just be too expensive to switch out your toilet and shower/tube unit because they are already another color, you can still go for the monochromatic feel of keeping the overall look of one color.
Paint the walls a similar color and use decorations that fall into that same color family. One trick in painting is to paint the ceiling in a high-gloss paint – but beware that high-gloss paint does pick up every imperfection on the surfaces.
STRIPED WALLPAPER OR PAINT
We’ve all heard the old adage that wearing vertical strips makes you look taller and thinner. Well, the same would apply to walls. Striped wallpaper or a stripped paint pattern would draw the eye vertically to the ceiling making the room feel more spacious. However, go for wider stripes as thin stripes are very busy in a small space. Another option if you’re not into stripes, would be to add a border to the top of the wall or crown moulding.
SKIP BATHMATS
Have you ever considered taking up that bathmat? Anything covering the floor takes up visual space from the floor and causes it to close in. If you really feel it’s necessary, then consider choosing one that is in the same color tone as the floor, helping it to blend in.
NATURAL LIGHT
Natural lighting is one of the best ways to open up a space. We all know that privacy is a concern in bathrooms, but if you are lucky enough to have a window in your bathroom, consider sheer curtains. If you’re still concerned about privacy, you can install nice blinds that only need to be pulled down when privacy is needed. Another option for natural light might be a skylight or a sky tube. These options can add even more light than a window.
LIGHTING
Ceiling Lights
Ceiling mounted light fixtures can add tons of character to a small space without taking up available square footage. These fixtures can show your unique style plus they will add additional overhead light, making the room feel larger.
Recessed Lights
If you really do not care for ceiling mounted lighting but still want to add some overhead lighting, installing a few recessed lights in a room can brighten even the darkest spaces. You can place these exactly where more light is needed and brighten the darker spots in the room like in the shower.
Wall Sconces
Wall sconces can be a great option especially if they are located next to mirrors providing even more help to reflect the lighting. They can provide warm, soft lighting and they do come in adjustable swing arm options so you can direct the light where it’s most needed.
MIRRORS
Adding mirrors is a really a given when it comes to making a small space feel larger. Mirrors reflect light and will give the illusion that there is more depth to the space. Go as big as possible with the mirror. Or, use multiple mirrors to create a collage of mirrors. Or, place mirrors on opposite walls facing each other. This works great especially if there is sufficient light in the room. Another trick is to place a mirror opposite a window to create the illusion there is an additional window, as well as reflecting the natural light.
CLEAR GLASS
Use clear glass on shelving or storage containers to help the eye continue on past the object creating a more open visual. Think about losing the opaque shower curtain and install a clear glass door on the shower or tub. If a glass door is not in the budget or if a shower curtain is just what you prefer, use a modern, clear version.
CHOOSE BIG TILES
If your budget allows for replacing flooring, consider using larger tiles vs. smaller ones. Larger tiles with less grout lines are not nearly as visually busy. Keeping with the color tips above, choose a lighter color tile to create a more open sense of space. Consider laying the tiles diagonally to help the eye continue through the room and take away from the blocky feeling of square tiles.
If you have a tiny bathroom that you want to remodel, but don’t want to do it yourself, consider Shakespeare Home Improvement Co. We will work with you to not only fit the remodel in your budget, but to create a bathroom that fits your style. We are partnered with Clarion Bathware and Extreme Enclosures to give you the most options to choose from. Contact us today!