Life with a small bathroom certainly has its challenges, but you don't have to go big to get a space that is both beautiful and functional. Whether you're starting from scratch or sprucing up an existing bathroom, here are some ideas to make the most of every square inch.
Top Row:
1. We've all been there—the too-small shower with no space to put the shampoo, soap and all the other daily necessities. These hooks from Moen simply clip onto the shower rod, providing easy storage within arm's reach.
2. Products that do double duty are key in small spaces - this clever toilet paper and magazine holder combo is functional and a good conversation piece!
3. A handheld shower on an adjustable bar is a great solution for one-bathroom homes, where showers and dog-washing happen in the same place.
4. Need a little extra elbow room in the shower? Curved shower rods provide extra inches up high (where you need them) and this version from Moen has a double bar for towel storage.
5. A bathroom vanity on legs feels more like a free-standing piece of furniture, providing a bit more "visual breathing room" in a small space. And because a good first step in living small is paring down the amount of stuff that needs to be stored, you won't even miss the extra room.
Bottom Row:
6. Good organization is critical in small bathrooms. Simply put - if you can't see it, you won't use it and eventually you'll throw it away.
7. Medicine cabinets may conjure up images of your grandparent's house, but they really do make a lot of sense and companies like Robern offer modern versions suited for how we live today. Everyday products are hidden but easily accessible - an important strategy since visual clutter can make a small room feel even smaller.
8. In addition to a curved shower rod, a small ledge in a shower can make moving around easier while also providing way more storage than those over-the-shower caddies.
9. Towel radiators are another double duty product for small spaces. Mounted to the wall, they save floor space, heat the room and dry your towels!
10 Finally, if you're working with very tight corners, consider a combination sink and toilet. In this model from Caroma, the water from washing your hands goes down the drain and into the toilet tank where it gets used the next time you flush!
(Images: 1. Moen, 2. Design Bu, 3. Lauren Zerbey, 4. Moen, 5. Apartment Therapy, 6. IKEA Fans, 7. Robern, 8. Lauren Zerbey, 9. Door Sixteen, 10. Ecohaus)
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"whether you're..." not YOUR. arrrgghhh.
Joanser22, it happens to the best of us, and we hate it too. Thanks for the sharp eye.
Another smart move for tiny bathrooms (esp. ones with pedestal sinks) is a wall-mounted soap pump and toothbrush holder. Makes a huge difference when it comes to zero counter space. (And Home Depot has better prices for these same models.)
The double-ended shower curtain hooks in the photo of the curved shower rod - where can I find these? Others that I've seen look flimsy or cheesy in comparison.
I wish my bathroom was as large as any of those! :D
@Janis,
The hooks are from Moen and I believe they're sold at Bed, Bath & Beyond.
@LaurenZ, thanks for the tip! I'll make a stop at my local BB&B this week.
I have the hooks from Moen and aren't really pleased with them, unless you are hanging something heavy that you don't use all the time, they are a pain in the ***. I am constantly picking it up off the floor after it falls down.
If you are still interested, I got mine from Lowes.
toilet sink doesn't quite seem real.
not sure why medicine cabinets have fallen so out of favor...couldn't live without one.
whoa. #5? that is *not* in a small bathroom.
@ec05 - this is real! In Japan, about 60% of toilets in homes have this integrated sink on top.
Loislane, I agree the bathroom is not small whatsoever but that photo is from IKEA and shows some of the Lillenhagen line which was designed for little loos. My bathroom is the size of a postage stamp and when my husband and I remodelled we went with a sink cabinet and medicine cabinet from that line. It was the best choice we could have made!
@loislane - you're right, #5 is a bigger bathroom but the image was meant to show an example of a vanity on legs and how it visually looks less bulky then more standard options, making it a good choice for a small space.
used the toilet (#10) while in Japan. They are real and work great. The toilets are in a separate room than the bath so this is a very smart option.
Medicine may become inactive if exposed to heat and moisture.
Store meds in a cool, dry place.
Try a portable basket.
Most meds are taken with food – store them in the kitchen.
For safety, store them out-of-reach or out-of-sight.
Try the top of a fridge, cupboard or closet.
Medicine counters are handy for daily or weekly use.
Some meds should not come in contact with other meds.
Inexpensive and space-saving options:
Try a small corner sink.
Rather than a vanity, try open shelving over the toilet.
Store towels and cosmetic baskets on the shelves.
Add a simple towel hook near the sink and shower.
Add a simple clothing hook to the back of the bathroom door.
Try a full-length mirror on the back of the bathroom door.
Dry towels over any shower rod - just draw the wet curtain out of the way.