Transforming a tight bathroom space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing area can feel like a puzzle. Modern living often means compromising on space, but even the smallest bathrooms can be made tidy and relaxing with the right design tips and tricks. When you're constrained by square footage, every inch counts. Try these remodeling tips for bathrooms with small showers.
Use Corners
Corners have great potential in compact bathrooms. Consider corner sinks or corner shower units that are specifically designed to fit snugly into right-angled corners. These pieces not only maximize walking area but also offer a sleek look that can make your bathroom appear more spacious.
Corner showers can be as small as 32”x32”, with rectangular, semi-circle, or triangular designs that make the best use of corner spaces. Incorporating storage niches and ledges in a corner shower can help keep the unit uncluttered, contributing to the sense of more space.
Choose Neutral or Soft Colors
White and neutral hues give the impression of a more expansive area and help reflect light around the room. Consider painting your bathroom in a single white, cream, or pastel shade to give the impression of open space. If you prefer bolder tones, use them sparingly as accents that won't overpower the room.
Consistent Tile
Using the same tile throughout your bathroom, including the shower area, can create a seamless look that expands the space visually. Large tiles with minimal grout lines also contribute to a smooth, uncluttered appearance, enhancing the spacious feel of the room. Additionally, installing tiles vertically can give a sense of greater height in the room.
Smart Storage Solutions
Using space wisely is crucial in a small bathroom. Wall-mounted storage is a great solution for this. Open shelving affords you storage space without the bulkiness of cabinets. Additionally, floating shelves are perfect for storing essentials while keeping floors uncluttered.
Also, consider recessed medicine cabinets and niches in the shower stall for toiletries. These built-in solutions offer storage without encroaching on valuable space.
Glass Panels
Swapping a shower curtain for a glass panel can make a world of difference in a small bathroom. Glass creates an uninterrupted visual line, whereas shower curtains can cut off sections of the room, making the space feel smaller. Frameless glass doors are particularly efficient at creating this effect, offering a sleek and modern finish.
The Euroshower Solution
Creating a wet room or a European-inspired shower, where the shower area isn't confined by a ledge or lip, can dramatically transform the perception of space in a bathroom. Waterproof the entire area properly, and consider using a glass panel to prevent water splash.
Keep in mind, however, that this solution will be more expensive. Your shower builders can explain how they’ll have to create a sloped floor to direct all the water in the bathroom toward the drain. Additionally, the entire space will become a “wet room,” so you must select fixtures that can coexist with high humidity and moisture in the room.
The walls must be protected with tile, and cabinets, mirrors, and shelving must all be selected with water resistance in mind. Materials like stainless steel, glass, and acrylic work well in a wet environment. Plus, they’re easy to clean.
Your builder must also advise you about your local codes regarding electricity in a wet room. This style of bathroom will affect your choice of lighting, where you can put electrical outlets, and what types of safeguards must be installed.
While it may cost more, the wet room solution maximizes the use of limited space with few visual barriers, making the existing space seem larger.
Double-Duty Doors
In a small space, even a door has the potential to be used for storage. Over-the-door racks or hooks can house extra towels or bathrobes neatly. Be mindful of door swings as well. Opt for sliding doors, pocket doors, bi-fold doors, or a door that swings outward to save precious space in a small bathroom.
Lighting Options
Good bathroom lighting can dramatically alter the perception of space. Maximize natural light where possible. Well-placed artificial lighting can contribute to a sense of depth. Recessed ceiling lights conserve space while emitting ample light, and wall-mounted sconces can add to the layered lighting effect without taking up too much space.
Pedestal Sinks
Pedestal sinks are perfect for small bathrooms as they take up less physical and visual space than vanity units. In addition to offering practicality, they also come in various designs, from classic to contemporary. It’s also possible to mount floating shelves on the wall above or beneath a pedestal sink, and to include a recessed niche or mirrored medicine cabinet for added storage.
Wall-mounted Toilets
The more floor you can see, the larger your bathroom will appear. A wall-mounted toilet frees up floor space and makes cleaning the bathroom a breeze. Many models feature hidden tanks that further assist in saving space and contribute to a minimalist aesthetic.
Raise Your Vanity
Like wall-mounted toilets, floating or wall-mounted vanities open the area below them, further contributing to the illusion of more space. Opt for a model with under-sink storage to maintain functionality, and consider a recessed, mirrored cabinet or niches above the vanity for storing smaller items.
Using these tips to remodel a bathroom with a small shower can make the space more comfortable, practical, and beautiful. Even small tweaks can have a big impact. From thoughtful color selections to strategic storage setups, you can unlock the potential of your bathroom. And with a touch of creativity, implementing solutions like pedestal sinks and wall-mounted features will leave you with a bathroom that defies its actual square footage.
Maintaining organization and decluttering regularly will go a long way in retaining that open, airy feel. Be selective and conservative with your accessories and toiletries.
With these tips, you can ensure your small bathroom isn't just functional, but also a space reflective of your personal style. Whether you’re starting your morning routine or unwinding at the end of the day, a well-designed bathroom can make all the difference—even if it’s a small one.
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