10 Big Ideas for Small Bathrooms
by Lisa Barnes on Nov 15, 2013
Just because the humble bathroom is perhaps the most utilitarian of all rooms doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. Still, if you, like many, have a particularly small bathroom, it may seem like there is little room—literally—for improvement. Not to worry though, here are our top 10 big ideas for small bathrooms.
Architectural Detail
Many bathroom walls and cabinet designs are cut from a very similar cloth. Most walls are simply flat and either painted or wallpapered while cabinets are little more than boxes designed to hide the plumbing. One way to overcome this bareness is to add a touch of architectural detail to your bathroom.
For example, paneling walls instantly give your bathroom space a classy feel while adding dimension to an otherwise plain room. If you’re a bit bold, try ditching your cabinets altogether. With the right countertop and sink fixtures, your bathroom will ooze modern appeal. Not to mention, the freed-up space under your sink make the bathroom feel larger than it really is.
Bold Color
Most small bathrooms are tucked away where they receive no natural light. The best way to spruce up such a room is to add a splash of bright, bold color. However, beware not to go too color-crazy. The best way to brighten a small bathroom with color is to pick two complementary colors and a neutral like white. Also be sure to mix up the placement of your chosen colors.
You can do this by choosing a matching shower-curtain, painting an accent wall, and even with your choice of floor mats and towels. Mixing and matching two colors and a neutral gives your bathroom a fresh look that isn’t overpowered by any one color.
Minimalism
Your bathroom could also benefit from a” less is more” approach. Exactly how minimal to go is entirely up to you, but here are a couple key tips. For one, keep the counter space as clear as possible. This means only the necessary soap dish or dispenser should be visible as well as your toothbrush holder (if you don’t have a medicine cabinet). In addition, opt for only one color coupled with the classic white. This also applies to towels, shower curtains, and the like.
Patterns
Like color, patterns in a small bathroom are meant to be bold. In addition, there is no reason to commit you to just one. Try mixing up to (but no more than) three patterns in your bathroom with wallpaper, curtains, and even tile patterns.
White
Typically when small bathrooms do have a source of natural light, this window is equally minute. One big idea for bathrooms like these is to leave or make everything white. This includes the walls, the floor, the cabinets, the shower-curtains—everything. That way, light will bounce easily off of the reflective white surfaces and brighten the entire bathroom. Plus, a well-maintained white bathroom is timelessly beautiful in its own right.
High-End Hardware
When was the last time you really looked at your bathroom’s cabinet and drawer pulls, the washcloth holder, or the toilet paper roll holder? These small details often go unnoticed but can also be just what a small bathroom needs for an updated look. When changing your bathroom’s hardware, experiment with different shapes and finishes before settling. You should also go with higher-end, better quality hardware.
Floating Vanity
Most bathroom cabinets run from the counter all the way to the floor. While we’ve already mentioned getting rid of your cabinets’ altogether, not all bathrooms have the kind of plumbing you wouldn’t mind seeing out in the open. For those of you in this position, a floating vanity is a great idea. Rather than having your cabinets go all the way to the floor, replace them with cabinets that leave a generous amount of space between their bottom and the ground. Besides being eye-catching, this gives the illusion of more space.
Lighting
We’ve talked about how to brighten a small bathroom already, but there is certainly no better way than adding new lighting fixtures. Unfortunately, most bathrooms have either the standard exposed bulbs above the sink or a boring old ceiling light. Why not shake things up by adding a classy minkalavery chandelier or even a unique lamp.
Glass
Whether it be clear glass dividing your shower from the rest of the bathroom or the largest mirror you can find, you can never go wrong with glass in a small bathroom. Once again, glass helps reflect light and give your bathroom a sense of openness.
No Door
If you really want to go all out with a sense of openness, however, try removing your bathroom door. Of course this will not be viable for everyone, but you’d be surprised how natural and open a door-free bathroom feels. Just be sure it’s not a communal or guest bathroom.
Lisa Barnes is an Interior designer at 1800lighting.com in NJ, USA and she works with schools and homeowners to help create a safe an elegant home decor, that feature lighting with a variety of lights and lamps.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
70571 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
67408 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
62855 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
43060 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
26825 Views
Latest Articles
How Much Does it Cost to Install Hardwood Floors
There are specific considerations to make before laying hardwood flooring in your house. The first thing you need to know is that the price of...
on Jan 19, 2023
Home Maintenance Jobs You Need to do This Winter
Winter is the perfect time to get some home maintenance jobs completed. Not only are you stuck inside because of bad weather, but this same bad...
on Jan 10, 2023
Design Tips to Level Up Your Kitchen
Kitchens are the heart of the home. Aside from being where we cook and eat, kitchens can be our workspaces, spaces for relaxation, and - in the...
on Jan 9, 2023
5 Irresistible Reasons for Working with a Realtor
Buying your first home can be a daunting task. If you do not know about the intricacies of the real estate industry, you will not be able to make...
on Jan 5, 2023
DIY Solar Panel Guide
DIY solar panel installation is cheaper than professional solar panel installation, but installing your panels is costly and requires some DIY...
on Jan 2, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Property investment SINGAPORE
on Jun 1, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Are you an investor who wants to invest in a luxury condo in Singapore to diversify your portfolio? It is obvious why so many people want to invest...
Real Estate Investment for Future Generations
on Mar 14, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Purchasing a home is not simply a financial commitment. It is also an excellent way to start accumulating your wealth. Your home is also a...
Can I Sell My House with a Leaky Roof?
on Oct 28, 2021
Real Estate / Finance

The answer to this query is YES. It is possible to sell a house with a leaking roof, but it's always essential to evaluate some factors before...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 193
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 183
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 143
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 116
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
The Storage Shed You Build Yourself
The marketplace is full of prefab and prebuilt storage sheds. Some companies with come to your property and build a shed on-site in a variety of...
Do Not Stop at New Kitchen Doors
So, you’ve looked through brochures and seen what the TV chefs use. You’ve decided on colors and know exactly what your kitchen layout is going to...
Can You Negotiate with Roofing Contractors?
If a roofing contractor has quoted a price for roof repairs or new roof installation that is out of your budget, you might wonder if you can...
Beautiful Restoration Techniques for Teak Furniture
Teak wood furniture is very beautiful, and an especially popular choice for the outdoors. While brand-new teak wood furniture has a beautiful honey...
French Door Refrigerators are Versatile and Convenient
With the sophisticated style of a stainless steel interior and the versatile functionality of the new French door refrigerators, one would be happy...