Maximizing style and functionality in a small bathroom can be challenging, but embracing an industrial design aesthetic allows you to create a bold, efficient space even in tight quarters. Exposed pipes, rich woods, concrete and metal finishes, and utilitarian elements let you put industrial character into a 49-square-foot or smaller bath. With careful planning and creative choices, your tiny washroom can feel expansive and pay tribute to the rugged workshop vibes of industrial style.
Choosing Fixtures and Finishes for Industrial Flair
Selecting industrial-inspired fixtures and finishes sets the tone for your bold, compact bathroom’s aesthetic. Consider these ideas:
Exposed Pipes
Leave existing pipes exposed or add new pipework to create an industrial accent. Galvanized steel pipes paired with black fittings and joints make an eye-catching statement. For a bolder look, paint pipes and plumbing a bright accent color.
Concrete and Wood
Concrete or wood surfaces instantly evoke industrial style. Use concrete on floors, walls, or counters. Opt for polished concrete for a sleek look or stained concrete for rich texture. Solid wood or wood-look tile lends warmth. Distressed wood with visible grain and stains adds character.
Metal Finishes
Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black metal finishes give an industrial edge. Use metal finishes on faucets, handles, brackets, shelves, and accessories throughout the bathroom. Stainless steel, a classic industrial choice, provides shine.
Subway Tile
Offset subway tile in white, black, or bold colors makes a timeless industrial statement. Lay tile in interesting patterns like herringbone for added appeal. Subway tile is budget-friendly and easy to clean.
Edison Bulbs
Vintage Edison bulbs with visible filaments add industrial ambiance. Use them in pendants, sconces, or vanity lighting. Provide plenty of task lighting as well for functionality.
Layout Ideas and Storage Solutions
Careful layout and storage choices maximize function and keep the most essential items handy in a 49-square-foot or tiny powder room. Consider these space-saving ideas:
Floating Vanity
Install a wall-mounted floating vanity with an industrial metal base to save square footage. Choose a vanity with a small footprint but lots of hidden storage. Add open shelving for extra space.
Pedestal Sink
A pedestal sink has a petite profile, freeing up floor space. Select a streamlined industrial pedestal in matte black, galvanized steel, or concrete-look finish. Add a wall-mount faucet to continue the slim style.
Corner Sink
Tuck a petite rectangular or square sink into the corner to gain a few extra inches. Add metal shelves or pipe towel bars alongside. Opt for a corner-friendly faucet that extends over the basin.
Barn Door
Skip a traditional swinging door and use a space-saving sliding barn door with an industrial vibe instead. Opt for a door with a full wood, metal, or faux rivet design. Install floor tracks to enable smooth sliding.
Exposed Shelving
Open metal piping or solid wood shelves show off towels, decor, and necessities with industrial edge. Float shelves neatly on walls, over the toilet, or next to the vanity. Keep an orderly look for spatial harmony.
Metal Baskets
Vintage-style metal baskets stow extra toiletries and supplies. Mount to the wall or stack baskets on open shelves. Keeping items corralled maintains order and takes up minimal space.
Stylish Touches to Complete the Look
Industrial-inspired accents put the finishing design touches on your compact but bold bathroom. Incorporate these ideas:
Vintage Signage
Add character with an antique metal, enameled, or rustic wood “Washroom”, “Gentlemen”, or “Ladies” sign on the door or above the vanity. Backlit signs make a dramatic impact.
Factory Cart Vanity
Use a retro factory cart with wheels as a vanity for serious industrial personality. Look for one in black, navy, white, or galvanized metal. Top with concrete, marble, or wood.
Edison Bulb Mirror
An Edison bulb mirror amps up vintage workshop style. Opt for a round mirror accented with large filament bulbs or a rectangular mirror with edgy exposed bulbs along the side.
Black and White Photographs
Industrial edge comes easy with black and white photos of machinery, factories, or workers. Group several small prints on a wall or make a statement with one oversized photo.
Leather Handles
Leather drawer pulls, metal bin pulls, or rope handles will elevate utilitarian cabinets or drawers. Matte black hardware also keeps an industrial vibe.
Galvanized Bucket
Use a galvanized steel bucket or enamel farmhouse tub as a charming vessel sink. This unexpected touch lends vintage workroom appeal.
Choosing Appropriate Flooring
Flooring can make or break the style and functionality of a 49-square-foot bathroom. Consider material, color, and pattern carefully.
Concrete
Polished concrete flooring has industrial credibility and stands up to water. The muted gray color works well with both bold and neutral schemes. Stained concrete adds diverse hues.
Wood-look Tile
Wood-look plank tile resists moisture but provides the warmth of wood floors. Multi-toned gray or brown wood-look tile pairs well with industrial style. Arrange planks vertically to enhance height.
Patterned Tile
Boldly patterned tile in graphic shapes lends an industrial edge. Stick with black and white or make a lively splash with pops of color. Geometric designs or moroccan-inspired tiles work well.
Rubber Flooring
For a funky workshop look, use recycled rubber tile made from old tires. Choose a black color and chunky profile for maximum industrial appeal.
Faux Metal Tile
Faux metal tile in zinc, copper, or multi-toned steel imitates corrugated metal roofing for industrial character underfoot. Use large-scale metal tile for dramatic rivet-inspired designs.
Best Paint Colors for Small Bold Baths
Paint is an indispensable and affordable tool for elevating a 49-square-foot or tiny bathroom. Here are standout shades to try:
White
Crisp bright white looks fresh and spacious in a small bath. Pair with concrete, wood, or black accents for contrast. Use white on walls, trim, ceiling, and vanity for unity.
Deep Gray
Moody charcoal or gunmetal gray grounds an industrial scheme. Consider deep gray walls paired with a concrete gray floor, black fixtures, and a white ceiling for dimension.
Matte Black
Flat matte black makes a bold, dramatic statement. Use it on vanities, shelving, trim, doors, and details against bright white walls and concrete flooring.
Pop of Color
Vivid lava red, azure blue, kelly green or orange docker yellow walls energize a small black and white bathroom. Keep other elements neutral to let the vibrant color pop.
Exposed Brick
For authentic urban loft ambiance, leave existing brick walls or tile new brickwork. A red brick wall or white painted brick contrasts beautifully against industrial metal.
Choosing Lighting to Set the Mood
From pendants to sconces, lighting plays a starring role in industrial bath design. Tailor the lighting to your specific needs:
Task Lighting
Provide adequate task lighting for shaving, makeup, and grooming. Swing arm wall lamps, undershelf lighting, and medicine cabinets with built-in lighting are handy options.
Mood Lighting
Set a dramatic mood with Edison bulb pendants, vintage-style sconces, or an exposed bulb vanity light bar. Use dimmers to control ambiance.
Natural Light
Incorporate natural light to combat a small, dark space. An industrial-style transom window over the vanity or frosted glass window in the shower can stream in sunlight.
Light Mirrors
A backlit mirror amplifies light in the room and your visage. Choose a rectangular mirror with LED perimeter lighting or a round mirror with Edison bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial-Style Small Bathrooms
What flooring works best in a tiny industrial bathroom?
Concrete or wood-look luxury vinyl tile flooring holds up well against moisture while lending authentic industrial edge. Classic black and white checkerboard tile also complements the aesthetic nicely.
What kind of sink suits a 49-square-foot industrial bathroom?
Wall-mounted floating vanities with metal bases maximize space, as do pedestal sinks and compact rectangular undermount sinks. Vintage tin wash basins offer character.
What colors complement an industrial look in a small bath?
Stark black and white with concrete gray accents is a classic combo. Deep red, citron yellow, or olive green inject vibrant color. Exposed brick also enhances the urban workshop vibe.
How do I add storage to a tiny industrial bathroom?
Floating open shelves, wall-mounted metal baskets, space-saving stacked drawers under a floating vanity, and a floor-to-ceiling pole towel rack all allow for extra storage.
What type of vanity light fits an industrial style?
Linear vanity light bars with exposed bulbs or edgy black frames suit the aesthetic. Swing arm sconces also work well. Opt for Edison bulbs or vintage filament bulbs to complete the look.
Should I get a glass shower enclosure for a small industrial bath?
Frameless glass shower doors with black or metal hardware keep lines clean while separating the shower. Frosted glass provides privacy without closing in the space.
What unexpected touches can I add to a 49-square-foot industrial bathroom?
Exposed copper pipe shelves, a galvanized tub sink, reclaimed wood ladder towel racks, and chalkboard paint for walls or vanities lend character.
Conclusion
With creative layout, vintage-inspired fixtures, and bold finishes, a 49-square-foot bathroom can become a powerful showcase for industrial edge. Maximize the space through smart storage solutions, reduced clutter, and multipurpose pieces. Always put function at the forefront, and let your distinct style follow. Though compact, your exquisitely efficient industrial bath will feel expansive thanks to the strength of your design choices.
