Bathrooms are often one of the smallest rooms in a home, making storage and space optimization essential. With some clever decorating tricks and organizational solutions, you can maximize every inch to create a clutter-free, functional bathroom. Here are 10 smart ways to open up space and make the most of your bathroom.
1. Add Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets provide compartmentalized storage to neatly tuck away toiletries and medicines above your sink. Choose cabinets that fit snugly between your vanity and ceiling to take full advantage of vertical real estate. Opt for open shelving or cabinets with doors to conceal contents. Installcoordinating cabinets over the toilet as well.
2. Use a Tall, Narrow Vanity
Maximize floor space by selecting a vanity that’s taller rather than wider. Look for slender cabinets around 16-18 inches deep. This allows room for walking and opens up the feeling. Increase storage with double stacked drawers and additional lower cabinets. A vessel sink saves more counter space.
3. Install Recessed Shelving
Creative storage solutions like recessed shelving in the shower or above the toilet conserve space. These custom built-in nooks add storage without cluttering surfaces or the floor. Use them to store soap, shampoo, towels and other necessities right where you need them.
4. Add a Bathroom Organizer
A bathroom organizer instantly creates compartments for organizing toiletries, makeup and other small items that tend to clutter counters and drawers. Choose customizable styles you can mount inside cabinets or shelving to keep everything neatly arranged and hidden.
5. Opt for Pedestal Sinks
A pedestal sink with clean lines mounts directly to the wall, eliminating the need for bulky vanity cabinets underneath. This opens up floor space, makes the room feel bigger and allows easier cleaning. Add a wall cabinet or shelves above for storage.
6. Use Over-the-Door Hooks and Racks
Maximize back-of-door space with hooks, racks and storage units designed specifically for this purpose. Hang a towel bar, robe hooks, shelf organizer or multi-tier rack on the bathroom door to conveniently hold towels, robes and more without hogging floor space.
7. Add Hidden Storage
Take advantage of the area behind your bathroom mirror by fitting it with shelves or cabinets for hidden storage. Or mount shallow floating shelves on the wall behind the toilet to display decor and hold small necessities. Under-sink pull-out trays also provide discreet extra storage.
8. Choose Compact Fixtures
When replacing bathroom fixtures, scale down their size to maximize space. Compact toilets, vanities and sinks increase maneuvering room and openness. Avoid corner sinks and toilets, which occupy more space. If needed, look for narrow, space-saving models.
9. Install Recessed Lights
Recessed can lights illuminate your bathroom without bulky overhead fixtures consuming space. Install them around the perimeter of the room and near the shower and vanity for optimal lighting. This also creates a clean, streamlined look on the ceiling.
10. Include a Sliding Barn Door
Sliding barn doors are a contemporary way to save floor space in a small bathroom. Mount a wooden sliding door to conceal the room rather than opening in and blocking space. Or try a pocket door that slides directly into the wall cavity when opened.
Conclusion
With some savvy design choices and creative storage solutions, even the most pint-sized bathrooms can be optimized for spaciousness and functionality. Take advantage of vertical space, compact fixtures, multi-functional furniture and hidden storage areas. The result is a clutter-free, inviting bathroom that feels much larger than its square footage.
FAQs
How can I add more bathroom storage without clutter?
Use solutions like wall cabinets, recessed shelves, over-the-door storage and hidden compartments behind mirrors. Keep extras in decorative baskets or bins.
What type of vanity works best in small bathrooms?
Look for a tall, narrow vanity around 16-18 inches deep. Or try a pedestal sink. This maximizes floor space and creates an open feeling.
What should I avoid in a small bathroom?
Bulky vanities, complex built-ins, large sinks, corner sinks/toilets, and clutter occupying surfaces and floors will make a cramped room feel smaller.
How can I make my bathroom feel bigger?
Use light colors, ample lighting, mirrors, vertical storage and compact furnishings. Minimize patterns and accessories that clutter visual space.
What is the best color for a small bathroom?
Light, neutral colors like white, beige and pale gray make small bathrooms feel open and airy. Accent with bolder colors in accessories and towels.