In the last decade, builders have been designing homes to be smaller than the decades before. Data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) showed that the average square footage of new homes in the United States has decreased since around 2015.
Smaller homes mean smaller rooms, smaller kitchens – and smaller bathrooms.
Small bathrooms can easily begin to feel cramped and cluttered. That is why many homeowners are looking for ways to remodel their small bathrooms to look and feel larger.
There are a few different tips that bathroom remodel contractors recommend when approaching a small bathroom remodel. These include utilizing multifunctional fixtures, larger mirrors, efficient storage, and more.
Keep reading to find out how to best approach your small bathroom remodel.
Prioritize your needs
First, professionals will recommend you evaluate your goal for your bathroom remodel. When you’re working with a small space, you need to prioritize your needs. Assess how you use the space. Is it primarily for your morning routine, storage, or occasional guests?
By understanding your priorities, you can allocate your budget more effectively and ensure that the remodel aligns with your specific requirements. This initial planning phase will set the foundation for a successful renovation.
Consider the following questions:
- What is your goal for remodeling your small bathroom?
- Do you need any accessibility accommodations?
- How much storage space do you currently have, and do you need more?
- What features do you use most often (e.g., shower, sink, mirror) and want to enhance?
- Is maximizing floor space or countertop space more important to you?
- Will the bathroom be used primarily by you, guests, or children?
- What are the biggest functional challenges you face in your current bathroom?
- How much natural light does your bathroom get, and do you need to improve lighting?
By asking yourself these questions, you’ll be able to create a clear plan and make decisions that will utilize your space effectively and efficiently.
Choose the right size fixtures
Before adding any fixtures, you need to get an accurate measurement of your bathroom. Since you only have so much space to work with, accidentally buying a fixture that’s too big will take up extra room, which sometimes defeats the purpose of your remodel. Buying the wrong-sized fixtures can also be more costly. Taking proper measurements can help save if you’re remodeling on a budget.
You might want to consider compact fixtures specifically designed for small bathrooms. These can include the following:
- Compact vanities: Ideal for maximizing storage in a limited area.
- Slim sinks: These free up floor space while maintaining functionality.
- Wall-mounted faucets: Save countertop space and add a modern touch.
- Floating vanities: Create the illusion of more floor space and make cleaning easier.
- Streamlined single-lever faucets: Take up less room while offering a sleek design.
- Shorter or dual-purpose towel bars with shelving: Add both storage and functionality without taking up too much space.
- Corner sinks or toilets: Designed to fit into unused corners and open up more floor area.
By selecting the right size fixtures, you’ll maintain the balance between style, function, and space efficiency in your small bathroom.
Include multi-purpose fixtures
Similar to choosing the right sized fixtures, incorporating multifunctional fixtures helps you optimize your small bathroom. These fixtures serve more than one purpose, allowing you to get the most out of your design without cluttering the room or compromising on style. By prioritizing versatility, you can achieve a more efficient layout.
Here are some multifunctional fixtures to consider:
- Vanities with built-in storage: Save space with vanities that offer extra shelving or drawers for towels, toiletries, or cleaning supplies.
- Mirrored medicine cabinets: Combine a mirror with hidden storage, keeping essentials like medications, toiletries, and small items organized and easily accessible.
- Shower-tub combos: Ideal for small bathrooms, these allow you to have both a soaking tub and a functional shower in one space.
- Towel bars with hooks or shelves: These offer a place to hang towels while also providing additional storage space for bathroom items.
- Toilet-top organizers: Utilize the area above your toilet for storage or display by adding a shelf or cabinet.
- Built-in shower shelving: adding built-in shelving to your shower is another great way to eliminate clutter on other surfaces, allowing you to optimize your bathroom space.
By selecting multifunctional fixtures, you can make your small bathroom more functional and organized without sacrificing valuable space or your budget.
Utilize reflective surfaces
Incorporating reflective surfaces in your bathroom can instantly make the space feel larger and brighter. Reflective elements bounce light around the room, creating the illusion of more space while adding a sleek, modern touch to the design. Mirrors and glossy finishes are a few of the latest bathroom remodeling trends in Tampa, and they are especially effective in small bathrooms, where maximizing light is key.
Here are a few ways to use reflective surfaces in your remodel:
- Large mirrors: Install a large mirror above the vanity or even a full-length mirror on one wall to visually expand the space.
- Reflective tiles: Opt for high-gloss tiles for your walls or backsplash, which will reflect both natural and artificial light.
- Shiny countertops: Choose countertops with a polished or glossy finish to add a touch of elegance and enhance the room’s brightness.
- Glass shower doors: Replace frosted or opaque shower doors with clear glass to make the bathroom feel more open and airy.
- Metallic fixtures: Incorporate chrome, stainless steel, or brushed nickel faucets, handles, and towel bars to further reflect light and add a modern touch.
By utilizing reflective surfaces, you can create a visually larger and more inviting bathroom without major structural changes.
Add style and accessories
In a small bathroom, every inch counts. Thoughtful accessories and decor not only add style but can also help optimize space and make your bathroom feel larger. By choosing the right elements, you can create an inviting and functional environment that appears more spacious than it really is.
Here are a few tips to enhance your small bathroom’s space and style:
- Use vertical space: Install hooks, racks, or floating shelves on walls to keep items off the counter and floor. This frees up space and keeps the bathroom organized.
- Choose light colors: Opt for towels, shower curtains, and rugs in light or neutral colors to brighten the room and create the illusion of a larger space.
- Mirrored surfaces: Incorporate mirrors or mirrored accessories to reflect light and make the room feel more open. A large mirror above the sink can work wonders in expanding the visual space.
- Compact decor: Select smaller decor items, such as slim soap dispensers or petite plants, that fit well within your bathroom without overwhelming it.
- Transparent accessories: Use clear or translucent storage containers and shower curtains to maintain an open feel and prevent the space from feeling crowded.
- Minimalist approach: Keep accessories simple and streamlined. Avoid cluttering the space with too many items; instead, focus on a few key pieces that add style without taking up too much room.
- A statement piece: You can also consider investing in a statement piece like a unique vanity or elegant light fixture to enhance your small bathroom. It adds personality, serves as a focal point, and distracts from the size of the space.
By carefully selecting and placing accessories, you can enhance the style of your small bathroom while also maximizing the available space. These thoughtful touches will help your bathroom feel larger, more organized, and more inviting.
Seek professional guidance
While optimizing a small bathroom on a budget is achievable with the right planning and DIY skills, there are times when professional guidance can make all the difference. Consulting with a bathroom renovation expert in Tampa ensures that your remodel is done correctly and efficiently. Professionals can help you make the most of your space by offering insights into layout, plumbing, and electrical systems that you might not have considered.
Here’s how seeking professional help can benefit your remodel:
- Expert space planning: A professional can provide creative solutions to maximize every inch of your bathroom, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Access to quality materials: Professionals often have access to durable, cost-effective materials that are perfect for small spaces, helping you save on both upfront costs and long-term maintenance.
- Efficient installation: Experienced contractors can handle complex tasks such as plumbing, electrical work, or custom fixtures, ensuring everything is done correctly and on time.
- Safety and compliance: Hiring a professional ensures your remodel complies with building codes, safety standards, and best practices, especially when making structural changes.
Even if you’re handling most of the renovation on your own, consulting with a professional early on can give you valuable direction. Their guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your bathroom remodel is a success.
