A small bathroom requires thoughtful planning to feel comfortable and efficient. Fortunately, you can use these small bathroom ideas to conserve space and improve storage.
Mirrors are one of the most effective small bathroom ideas to open up tight spaces, because light bounces off the reflective surfaces. Install hotel shelves high on the wall to hold linens, and hang a ladder behind your toilet for additional storage (as shown) just be sure to secure it to the wall. Discover expert advice on crafting your ideal bathroom design for renovation with asl remodeling.
Paint
Paint is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger. Opt for whites or light shades of blue and green that reflect both natural and artificial light, making the space look bigger.
A soothing shade of cool green, like April Showers, projects a spa-like atmosphere and evokes tranquility. Darker shades, such as Cascades SW 7623, can also work well in a small bathroom when used for an accent wall. Pairing this shade with white wainscoting helps to keep the room bright and open.
To create the illusion of more height, paint the ceiling the same color as the walls and trim. Use a matte finish for easy cleanup, or try a gloss-based formula for an even easier-to-clean and more durable surface. Paint a narrow nook or cabinet with the same color to add storage and draw the eye upward. Add a slim, aesthetic tray to hold extra rolls of toilet paper or a bucket bag to hang extra hand towels.
Tile
Use tile to create a stylish, functional element in your small bathroom. For instance, a wall-mounted niche for toiletries can keep necessities within reach and look dashing as well. Floating shelves or recessed shelving are another great way to add storage without cluttering the floor.
Use a light, neutral color for your tile to visually enlarge your space. Larger tiles offer fewer grout lines, which helps your eyes travel fluidly through the room and make it feel bigger.
Also, consider laying the tiles in a vertical pattern to elongate the space. This trick draws the eye upward, making your small bathroom appear taller and larger.
Storage
A bathroom’s storage is an essential part of its functionality and organization. Whether it’s a half bath or the primary suite, maximizing storage can help your small bathroom feel spacious and comfortable. Fortunately, there are many ways to increase storage without sacrificing floor space.
For example, a no-drill rack can hang on the back of a shower door and provide a convenient place to store towels or robes. Shelves and baskets can also be used to organize items like cosmetics and toiletries.
Adding drawers beneath your sink is another way to maximize the underused area in a small bathroom. Look for a model that fits around the pipes to provide maximum storage potential.
Invest in a wall-mounted cabinet that offers both open and closed storage. This can be the perfect spot to stash extra towels, washcloths, and linens. You can also install a shelf or a cabinet with removable dividers to store hair tools, nail polish, and other small items that would otherwise clutter up your countertop.
Lighting
Good lighting is the key to any room, but in small spaces it can be especially transformative. A few clever ideas can take a tight and cramped bathroom and turn it into a light, bright, functional space that looks beautiful too.
Layering lighting is a great way to brighten up a small bathroom while controlling glare and creating a calming atmosphere. Ceiling spots, recessed lights, sconces and strip lighting under cabinets are all great options that can be regulated with dimmer switches or individual circuits to suit your mood and your needs.
Natural light is also a huge help to any space, and you can enhance the amount of sunlight that enters your small bathroom with window treatments that allow light to filter through but are not too obtrusive. Keep counters, shelves, and windows clean and clutter-free to allow for maximum light penetration. Incorporate a mirror in the room to further reflect and expand the light.