How to make the most of your tiny bathroom
Careful use of space and lighting can help
The charming 1930s-era brick home had exactly what we were looking for: enough space for our small family with room to grow, plus a neighbourhood with great schools.
The only problem? The master bathroom.
The minute I saw the grey Formica vanity, the inch-thick grey tiles that lined the walls and the “hammered glass” shower door of our master bathroom, I promised it would be the first remodelling project on our list.
Instead, it was nearly Why?
Sticker shock. As many homeowners quickly learn, gutting and remodelling a master bathroom can be as expensive as redoing a kitchen, with no guarantee of a return on your investment when you sell the house.
Let’s face it: In most cases,
last. remodelling a bathroom is about esthetics. If the toilet flushes, the sink isn’t creating water damage and the shower is structurally sound, there are plenty of reasons to keep it as is.
But it is one room in the house, like the master bedroom, where you’re expected to allow yourself some privacy, relaxation, even a small luxury, such as a towel warmer or a shower head that pours water down from the ceiling.
One challenge in older homes is that many master bathrooms are very small, built in an age before soaking tubs and double- sink, his-and-her vanities were common. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the space and enjoy more modern features. Here are some tips about how to maximize the space and save some money:
Vanity selection
For small bathrooms, one of the most important decisions is the size and style of sink and cabinet. They often take up most of the space — if not physically, then visually. The sink and vanity will set the tone for the rest of the bathroom.
In smaller bathrooms, where the vanity is going to take up most of the space, there are two options: pedestal sink or a more European design, such as a sink and cabinet that attaches to the wall, since those manufacturers are used to designing for smaller bathrooms.
The pedestal sink looks attractive and frees up space, but provides storage challenges that require some creativity, such as where to put the hair dryer and extra toilet paper rolls. But there are plenty of retailers, and ideas on Pinterest where you can use small baskets or build shelves or cabinets elsewhere in the bathroom to make it work.
If you decide on a cabinet and sink, choose a slim design that doesn’t look too boxy and choose light colours, which won’t draw as much attention as dark wood. Vanity cabinets with dresser-like legs allow visual space so you can see the floor, and can help a small bathroom appear larger while adding an updated look.
Finding new space
If you’re planning to gut your bathroom and start over, you might ask your contractor to look for some “found space” by rethinking its previous configuration.
For example, if your master bathroom has a large tub as well as a shower, consider removing the tub. Most people don’t use their bathtubs, and they end up as wasted space — something you have to walk around. People used to like big tubs, but today, many seem to have less time for using them and now want to relax in the shower.
Another place to find space is in the walls. Once the old bathroom is gutted, contractors can frame the walls and find new spaces — for example, to build a shelf or a bench in the shower.
Consider creating a builtin cabinet in the wall space, between the frame. Cover it with a mirror to create a hidden storage space.
Another area to consider is the bathroom door. The space where the bathroom door swings open may be taking up extra room that makes the space feel smaller. Contractors can remove the door and either create a sliding pocket door or move the door hinge so it swings out, opening into the outer room instead of the bathroom.
Lighting and tile
Nothing opens up a space like new lighting. Many old homes were not built with a light above the shower. Some people are surprised at the suggestion of shining a light over the space, but it can add depth to the room and make it look larger.
With lighting, one has to also consider wall colour and tile selection. In a small bathroom, the tile can easily dominate the colour scheme. Several designers recommended looking for classic designs, such as subway tiles, or ones that are oriented horizontally, particularly in the shower. This helps to create a visual effect that the shower is larger than it is.