Small bathroom? These tips will help maximize space
With a few simple projects, your bathroom can achieve maximum organization, use of space and style.
The bathroom serves a variety of uses, from a functional room to a serene sanctuary, a beauty salon and a storage facility. Whether you enjoy a private bath or share with the family, every bathroom is in need of one major thing — organization.
To help keep a smaller bath feeling more serene and less insane, follow these tips to help improve your organization, maximize space and even add a bit of style.
» Maximize space with dual-function accessories.
Dual-function products are perfect for smaller bathrooms, since they offer added benefits without taking up more space.
For instance, you can update your current toilet paper holder, towel bars and in-shower shelves with newer versions that integrate grab bars. You’ll find a variety of styles and finishes to help update the look of the bathroom while adding storage, safety and style.
Clean the closet. If you have a closet in your bathroom, fully utilize its storage potential. Use labeled, preferably see-through, bins on the floor and on higher shelves to keep small items neat, organized and easily accessible. Designate the middle shelves for frequently used linens.
Finally, the inside of the closet door can be a potential location for added storage space. Hang a shoe rack and you’ll instantly have a dozen pouches to hold smaller items.
Supersize the shower. You don’t need to remodel — or even pick up the toolbox — to increase the size of your shower space. Simply swap your straight shower rod with a curved version.
You’ll find a variety of curved shower rod options, including tension rods, that can add elbow room without using any elbow grease for installation. The no-tool, no-drill feature of a tension rod makes it ideal for showers featuring ceramic tile. For more space and functionality, try a double curved shower rod, which offers two rods for hanging multiple curtains or even bath towels.
Take back the tub.
From shampoo and shower gel to rubber duckies and plastic boats, the bathtub space is often used to store a variety of items.
While shower caddies or shelves are great solutions, you can also make your own. Reuse your straight shower rod — but install it across the back wall of the tub. Next, use shower rod hooks to hang a variety of plastic baskets, creating instant storage for each member of the family.
Hidden helpers.
While space underneath the vanity offers room for storage, this area is a glutton for disorganization. Remove everything and toss any items you don’t need. Next, use baskets or bins to create places for everything. Don’t forget that the back of the cabinet doors can also be used for storage — think about installing hooks or shelves to hold necessities.
Shelves for storage.
Don’t limit the vertical surfaces of your bathroom to holding mirrors and wall decor, especially if you don’t have a closet in the bath.
Try installing wall shelves. Choose from a variety of options, from smaller decorative shelves that can hold perfume and toiletries to larger hotel-style shelves that provide the perfect storage solution for towels.
Get hooked.
It’s one of the major pet peeves in the bathroom — towels and clothes on the floor. Solve this problem by installing robe hooks on the wall or the back of the door. These hooks are inexpensive, easy to install and come in a variety of styles and finishes to match your bathroom.
If you share your bath with children, be sure to install a few lower on the wall, within reach of little hands.
Hotel inspiration.
The next time you’re staying in a hotel, take note of the amenities offered, then incorporate them into your bathroom for added functionality and organization.
Did you love using the wall-mounted magnifying mirror? Enjoy the convenience of storing the hair dryer on the wall? These same bath accessories are available for your home — so install and enjoy.