5 Ways to Maximize a Small Bathroom

Beautiful Shower Wall ColorsThere’s nothing like a cramped bathroom to add stress to your daily routine. Whether you regularly share your space with a partner, kids, or guests, there are many tricks for maximizing a small bathroom and giving everyone a little more breathing room.

With subtle design choices and smart product selection, you can expand the look and feel of your bathroom without adding square footage! Read on to discover five space-saving tips from storage to decor. 

5 Space-Saving Tips

1. Consider a tub-to-shower conversion.

You may not realize how much space your bathtub is taking up! The average alcove-style tub is 60” x 32”, and a corner tub can take up as much as 60” x 60”. Take back the floor space in your bathroom by replacing your bulky bathtub with a sleek and compact walk-in shower. 

Walk-in showers are a great choice because of the customization options available to homeowners. You’ll find shower bases are available in a wide range of sizes, from as large as 60” x 32” to as small as 36” x 34”, accommodating all bathroom sizes. Even if you choose a base that is the same size as a traditional tub, you’ll notice that your room feels much more spacious because of the low-profile entry which eliminates the thick tub walls.

Whichever size you choose, complete the look with a glass shower door. This option not only allows more light to shine into the shower, but it also allows you to see into the shower and prevents the space from feeling closed off.

Walk-in shower bases are available in a variety of sizes.

2. Clear the clutter with added storage.

Overflowing vanity, shower, and cabinet space will add to the stress you feel in a tight bathroom. The best way to make these areas feel more spacious is to tame the clutter.

Let’s start with the shower. Do you have bath products spilling over the sides or filling the floor? There are many options for accessories that create in-shower storage. One option to consider is recessed shelving. This accessory style adds vertical storage in the corner of your shower. Adjustable shelves, a basket, and even a cup for toothbrushes and razors create a space for everything – especially if multiple people share the shower.

Outside of the shower, you’ll have linens, hair tools, and more that need a home. Adding vertical floating shelves are a great option for these types of items. Floating shelves are smaller than cabinets and help keep the space light and airy by drawing the eye up the wall. Clear the clutter from countertops and place small items in baskets that can be added to these floating shelves, too. Move any other unnecessary items to storage you’ve created under the sink or in the shower.

Neatly store shower products with recessed shelving.

3. Assess the bathroom vanity.

The vanity has the potential to take up a lot of space in a small bathroom, but it also offers the chance to trick the eye!

Could the vanity in your bathroom be replaced with a smaller option like a pedestal sink? Or could the style be streamlined to feature clean lines and more useful cabinet space? Swapping out a large vanity for a more simple product can make a big difference.

Next, make sure you have a large mirror over the vanity. Mirrors reflect light and add depth, which will give the illusion of more space. If you currently have a small, circular mirror or a mirror with a large frame, consider exchanging for a mirror that extends farther vertically and horizontally without a frame. 

Consider a simple pedestal sink. 

4. Add extra lighting.

Natural light helps a room feel bright and airy. If you have windows in your bathroom, dress them with sheer curtains that allow the light to shine in while still providing privacy. However, small bathrooms often don’t have large windows or a great deal of natural light, making this tip especially important! 

To create a feeling of brightness without windows, you’ll need to add the right vanity lights and overhead lights. Fixtures over the vanity should be slim and vertical to avoid adding bulk. For the overhead lights, consider an interesting fixture that draws the eye up. Just steer clear of overly ornate styles.

Add sheer curtains and simple light fixtures.

5. Establish a muted color palette.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of color. Dark colors and harsh patterns will make your bathroom feel even smaller than it is. Light colors and subtle patterns will open up the space. 

Consider shades of white, tan, pastel, and grey paint for your bathroom walls. For the shower walls and base, choose a complementary color. You don’t have to choose a solid color here – explore neutral patterns and textures like an organic stone or more industrial white brick.

Polished Chrome finishes will pair perfectly with these tones and provide a bright shine to reflect light throughout the space.

White Stone and Polished Chrome are great choices for a small space.