Upgrading a small bathroom can feel like a daunting task, but with some strategic design choices, you can make your tiny washroom feel fresh and bright. Focusing on lighting, color, storage, and multipurpose fixtures are key ways to make over your small bathroom into a relaxing oasis. Follow these tips and transform your cramped space into a light-filled, functional, and cheerful room.
Choosing Lighting to Brighten Up a Small Bathroom
Proper lighting is essential for making a small bathroom feel open and airy instead of dark and cramped. Here are some lighting ideas to make your space shine:
Install Overhead Lighting
- A central overhead light fixture provides ambient light and eliminates dark corners in a small bathroom.
- Opt for a light fixture that extends over most of the bathroom area, such as a horizontal strip light.
- Choose a light fixture with multiple bulbs or heads to cast light across the entire space.
- Consider an overhead light with a vent fan to reduce moisture and odors.
Add Task Lighting
- Supplement overhead lighting with task lights focused on key areas.
- Mount a bright light fixture over the shower to make grooming easier.
- Install sconces or vanity lights on each side of the mirror for visibility when applying makeup and styling hair.
- Under-cabinet lighting illuminates the sink and counter space beautifully.
Use Plenty of Natural Light
- Maximize windows and skylights to let in natural light.
- Opt for a translucent window treatment such as a textured vinyl shade that diffuses sunlight.
- If no windows exist, use mirror tiles to reflect light around the room.
Consider Smart Lighting
- Dimming fixtures, motion sensor lights, and smart bulbs allow you to customize your lighting.
- Schedule lights to turn on before you enter the bathroom in the morning for a gentle wake-up.
- Set lighting scenes like “shower time” or “night light” for the perfect ambiance any time.
Choosing Colors to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bright and Fresh
Color choice has a big impact on how large a small bathroom feels. Here are some tips on using color to open up the space:
Use Light Neutral Tones
- Paint walls and ceilings white or light beige to prevent the space from feeling closed in and dark.
- Off whites like almond, linen, or pearl have a bit of warmth while still feeling bright.
- If white feels too stark, consider light gray or greige (gray-beige) paint colors.
Add Pops of Color Strategically
- Use color in small doses on towels, rugs, shower curtains and other accessories.
- Vibrant hues like aqua, lime green and sunflower yellow create energy.
- Pastels like powder blue, lavender and peach feel soothing.
- Bold black and white graphic prints inject drama.
Coordinate Colors
- Tie the room together with a cohesive color palette using towels, tiles, accessories and more.
- Echo the wall color in the shower curtain or rug for a pulled-together look.
- Style with varying shades of one color family for a tranquil vibe.
Avoid Dark Colors
- Steer clear of dark paint colors like black, navy or forest green on walls or cabinets.
- While trendy, concrete, charcoal or black tiles make a small bathroom feel even more closed in.
- Dark grout lines also have a recessive effect in a tiny space.
Clever Storage Solutions for Small Bathrooms
With minimal square footage, smart storage is a must in a small bathroom. Getting items off counters and into organized storage makes the space feel instantly larger.
Optimize Under the Sink
- Install slide-out trays and shelves to neatly corral items.
- Use stackable bins and baskets to prevent clutter on the cabinet floor.
- Add a door or curtain to conceal supplies behind the sink.
Take Advantage of Wall Space
- Wall-mounted cabinets provide concealed storage without taking up floor space.
- Floating shelves create display space and keep essentials within arm’s reach.
- Over-the-toilet racks expand storage capacity in an often under-utilized area.
Look Up
- Overhead shelves or cabinets mounted high on the wall hold extra towels and toiletries.
- Tension rods across corners or recessed areas create vertical storage for spray bottles.
Multitask With Storage Pieces
- A cabinet above the toilet functions as shelving when the toilet lid is down.
- A mirrored cabinet doubles as medicine cabinet storage and adds light.
- Cubbies in shower niches corral shampoo bottles while saving space.
Choosing Multipurpose Fixtures for a Efficient Small Bathroom
With limited space to work with, it’s important to choose fixtures that serve multiple needs in your bathroom upgrade. Here are some ways to get the most use out of every fixture:
Select a Space-Saving Toilet
- Compact elongated and round-front toilets with a smaller footprint fit in tight areas.
- Wall-mount toilets save space by allowing easier cleaning underneath.
- Dual flush models use less water while still flushing powerfully.
Install a Shower/Tub Combo
- Choose a tub with integrated shower in one unit if your layout allows.
- Look for space-saving designs with rounded corners or a curved front.
- Glass doors on showers and tubs eliminate shower curtains eating up space.
Choose Efficient Vanities
- Floating vanities take up less floor space since legs aren’t needed.
- Wall-mount faucets on top of vanities add knee space underneath.
- Vessel sinks sit on the counter allowing more storage below.
Use Mirrored Cabinets
- Mirrored cabinets add storage and amplify light without taking up more space.
- Defogging technology keeps mirrors cleat during steamy showers.
- Internal charging stations and outlets keep essential electronics powered.
Install Multi-Function Fixtures
- Showerheads with body jets add a spa vibe and make showering efficient.
- Handshowers on slide bars allow rinsing hair, cleaning shower walls and more.
- Heated floors warm from below while towel bars preheat towels above.
Design and Layout Ideas for a Light and Airy Small Bathroom
Thoughtful design choices can help a pared-down bathroom feel serene rather than squeezed. Focus on light colors, clean lines, and a minimalist style when upgrading your tight quarters:
Embrace Minimalism
- Limit decorative items on counters and ledges so the room feels tranquil and uncluttered.
- Store most bath essentials out of sight in drawers, cabinets and baskets.
- If patterns are used, limit it to one print such as graphic floor tiles.
Allow Breathing Room
- Leave an open area on the floor rather than covering every inch with a rug.
- Opt for narrow floating shelves instead of one bulky vanity.
- Use glass shower doors instead of heavy shower curtains.
Create Visual Interest with Textures
- Add depth with natural textures like stone or wood rather than dark colors.
- Go for fluffy bath mats, nubby towels, and woven baskets in light hues.
- Use glass and metal finishes to reflect light and create shine.
Make Fixtures Disappear
- Choose wall-mount faucets and toilets to save space and create a clean look.
- Install mirrors or reflective tile on the wall behind the sink.
- Tuck plumbing and pipes neatly inside cabinetry or behind walls.
Expand Views
- Use a mirror tile backsplash to make the room feel more expansive.
- The reflection of pendant lights in a mirror doubles the glow.
- Frosted glass window treatments let in light while obscuring views.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading a Small Bathroom
Many homeowners looking to upgrade their small bathrooms have similar questions. Here are answers to some of the most common small bathroom remodel FAQs:
How much does it cost to remodel a small bathroom?
The average cost to remodel a small 5×7 bathroom is $6,000-$12,000. Prices depend on the quality of materials and how much needs to be gutted and rebuilt. Mini makeovers often range $2,000-$5,000.
What are space-saving tips for a tiny bathroom?
Optimize storage with wall cabinets, under sink organizers and over-toilet shelves. Choose narrow floating vanities, corner shower units and compact toilets. Use multifunctional fixtures like shower/tub combos. Mirrors, glass doors and wall-mount faucets expand views.
How do you arrange a small bathroom?
Place the toilet, sink and shower/tub in a way that maximizes space. Allow 36 inches of walking space in front of fixtures. Store items frequently used near the shower in caddies. Limit decor and leave some empty floor space.
What storage solutions work well in small bathrooms?
Slide out trays and pull-out cabinets, wall mounted cabinets, freestanding narrow storage units, hanging shelves, over the door organizers, and vertical storage with shower caddies and racks all optimize space.
How do you make a windowless bathroom brighter?
Use light colors on walls, tile and fixtures. Add plenty of lighting, especially overhead and task lighting. Choose reflective materials like tile, glass and metallics. Install a light tube skylight or faux window with lighting.
Should you get a shower curtain or door in a small bathroom?
Doors take up less space than curtains, prevent moisture damage, contain water spray, and feel more open. Choose frameless or partially framed doors to save space. Use a tension rod and lightweight cloth curtain as a lower cost option.
Conclusion
Upgrading a small bathroom in a way that feels fresh and spacious is very achievable. Focus on lighting and color choices that make the room feel bright and airy. Clever storage solutions like wall cabinets, pull-out organizers and multi-functional furniture save space. Carefully arranged efficient fixtures allow a family to comfortably use a littler bathroom. With strategic design decisions like space-saving layouts and light reflective finishes, even the most cramped bathroom can become a relaxing oasis. Use these tips to upgrade your tiny bath into a well-organized, light-filled sanctuary.
