Make a small bathroom look bigger? You can achieve this with smart solutions and a good design. Here are 10 practical tips to save space and make your bathroom functional and stylish:
- Wall Mounting: Use floating sanitary ware and wall cabinets to keep the floor space clear.
- Built-in Niches: Ideal for storage space in the shower without taking up extra room.
- Compact Sanitary Ware: Opt for corner sinks, narrow sinks, or walk-in showers.
- Light Colors and Mirrors: Reflect light and make the space visually larger.
- Corner Solutions: Use corner cabinets, corner sinks, or corner showers to utilize unused corners.
- Foldable Items: Consider folding seats, drying racks, or towel racks.
- Door Storage: Add extra storage with door racks without losing wall space.
- Integrated Furniture: Vanity units and mirror cabinets combine storage and design.
- Space-Saving Doors: Use sliding doors or doors that open outward.
- Minimize Accessories: Keep only essential items in the bathroom and organize them smartly.
With these tips, you can make optimal use of every centimeter without sacrificing style or comfort.
Storage Solutions
Handy storage solutions are indispensable for making the most of the space in small bathrooms. With a smart approach, you can create enough storage space without making the bathroom feel cramped.
Wall-Mounted Options
Wall-mounted cabinets are a smart way to keep the floor clear. They combine style and functionality, allowing you to store essential items without them being in the way.
Built-in Niches
Built-in niches in the shower are perfect for storing daily necessities. They add extra storage space without protruding, creating a tidy and organized look.
Handy Tips for Smart Storage
- Use multifunctional solutions that can store both towels and toiletries.
- Choose adjustable shelves so you can adjust the height for different products.
- Work with waterproof materials to ensure durability in a humid environment.
- Try magnetic strips for small metal items like scissors and tweezers.
By combining these ideas, you can create a bathroom where everything has its fixed place without compromising the available space. These solutions provide a sleek and efficient design.
Space-Saving Sanitary Ware
In a small bathroom, smart use of space is essential. Similar to smart storage solutions, choosing sanitary ware requires practical and thoughtful choices.
Floating Sanitary Ware
Floating toilets and sinks give an open feel and make cleaning easier. A wall-hung toilet takes up less space than a traditional floor-mounted toilet, which is ideal for compact spaces.
Compact Sinks
Consider the following options:
- Corner Sinks: Perfect for unused corners.
- Narrow Sinks: Ideal for a compact design.
- Fountain Sets: Suitable for the smallest spaces.
Shower Solutions
A walk-in shower with a glass wall and a flush shower tray provides an open and spacious appearance. Combine this with a wall-mounted thermostatic faucet for a sleek and modern look.
Smart Combinations
Use multifunctional elements to save space, such as:
- Toilets with an integrated cistern.
- Sinks with built-in storage.
- 2-in-1 shower and bath combinations for versatility in small bathrooms.
Material Choice
Opt for materials that are water-resistant and durable, such as ceramics, tempered safety glass, and composite. These materials offer not only practical benefits but also contribute to a modern appearance of the bathroom.
Visual Space Techniques
Visual techniques can make a small bathroom appear larger. Like smart storage solutions, these designs help to make the most of the available space.
Transparent Elements
Glass shower doors and walls create an open look. A frameless glass shower wall provides a seamless transition and makes the space appear larger. Choose clear glass with an anti-limescale layer for a maintenance-friendly finish.
Color Use
Colors play a significant role in how spacious a bathroom feels. Consider the following:
- Use light base colors like white, cream, or light gray for walls and ceilings.
- Work with tone-on-tone shades to create depth.
- Limit accent colors to a maximum of two complementary shades for details.
- Choose large floor tiles (at least 60 x 60 cm) in light shades to visually enlarge the space.
Mirrors and Lighting
A large mirror, for example, spanning the entire width of the sink and extending to the ceiling, provides a strong spatial effect. Combine this with:
- Indirect LED lighting along the edges of the mirror.
- Ceiling spotlights for general lighting.
- Wall lamps at eye level for an even light distribution.
This combination enhances the spatial experience and aligns with a modern design.
Continuous Lines
Continuous lines bring calm and increase spaciousness. You can achieve this by:
- Using the same tiles for both the floor and walls.
- Allowing joints to flow smoothly.
- Emphasizing horizontal lines for a broader effect.
- Using vertical lines to make the space appear taller.
Sightlines
Keep sightlines clear and place large elements, such as a tall cabinet, at the end of a sightline. This guides the eye and enhances the depth effect of the bathroom.
With these techniques, you can create a bathroom design that is not only functional but also looks more spacious. Moreover, it perfectly aligns with Bricknest's renovation projects.
Space-Efficient Design
A well-thought-out design ensures that every centimeter of a small bathroom is optimally utilized. This perfectly complements the previously discussed storage and sanitary solutions.
Foldable Elements
With foldable elements, you can use the space flexibly without it being permanently occupied:
- Foldable Shower Seat: A wall-mounted seat that you can easily fold up to create more movement space.
- Foldable Sink: This sink can be folded against the wall, giving you more space when you're not using it.
Bricknest assists in renovation projects by advising on smart space-saving solutions for your bathroom.
Organization Methods
After applying smart storage and sanitary solutions, organizing your bathroom is the next step to make optimal use of space. A well-organized bathroom ensures everything remains neat and orderly, even in smaller spaces.
Daily Organization
The first step is to categorize your bathroom items into three categories:
| Category | Examples | Recommended Storage Location |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Use | Toothbrush, soap, shampoo | Directly accessible at eye level |
| Weekly Use | Shaving supplies, face masks | Middle shelves or drawers |
| Occasional Use | Extra towels, cleaning supplies | Bottom shelves or high storage |
This categorization helps create an organized base for further organization.
Handy Storage Tips
To keep your bathroom organized, you can use transparent storage containers. Place these in cabinets or on shelves and label them clearly so you can quickly find what you're looking for.
Additionally, you can create various storage levels to make optimal use of the space:
- Use risers or tiered organizers in deep drawers.
- Organize the space under the sink with stackable bins.
- Install extra hooks on the inside of cabinet doors for small items.
Regular Maintenance
An organized bathroom only stays tidy with regular maintenance. Make it a habit to dispose of items you no longer use every quarter. This prevents the space from becoming cluttered again.
Practical Tips for Daily Use
- Use hanging organizers on shower rods for shampoo and shower gel.
- Choose refillable dispensers to replace loose bottles and keep the counter tidy.
- Install a towel rack with multiple bars to dry towels efficiently.
These tips perfectly align with the previously discussed storage strategies and help keep your bathroom functional and tidy.
1. Wall-Mounted Storage Units
With wall-mounted storage units, you make the most of vertical space while keeping the floor space free for other purposes. They create a neat and orderly appearance. This is a simple way to create more space in small bathrooms. Keep reading for more smart ideas for storage and design.
2. Built-in Shower Storage
With built-in niches in the shower wall, you save space and add extra storage space without anything protruding. This solution fits perfectly into an efficient bathroom design and gives a sleek appearance.
A shower niche is usually 12–15 cm deep, providing enough space for shampoo bottles and other necessities. During a renovation, you can choose one large niche or several smaller ones, which is handy in a bathroom used by multiple family members.
Handy tips for shower niches:
- Ensure a slight slope (minimum 2°) so water drains properly.
- Finish the niche waterproof, preferably in the same tile style as the shower wall.
- Place the niche at a height of 100 to 160 cm for easy use.
The biggest advantage of built-in storage is that it gives the bathroom a tidy and calm appearance. There are no loose racks or baskets that make the space look cluttered or smaller. Additionally, you always have your toiletries within reach while showering.
If a built-in niche is not an option, consider a narrow recessed shelf between the wall studs. This provides a similar result without requiring major adjustments.
3. Door Storage
The door of your bathroom can be a handy place to create extra storage space. With a smart door rack, you easily add storage without losing valuable wall space. This is ideal for storing towels, toiletries, and other light items you use daily.
What to Consider with Door Storage?
- Dimensions: Ensure the rack fits the thickness of your door (usually between 3.5 and 4.5 cm).
- Weight Limit: Check the maximum weight capacity (often 3-5 kg per hook).
- Functionality: Choose a rack that allows the door to open and close smoothly.
- Protection: Use a system with rubber protection to prevent scratches or damage to the door.
Layout Suggestion for Your Door Rack
- Top Level: Towels and bathrobes.
- Middle Level: Toiletry bags and grooming products.
- Bottom Level: Extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
Tips for Small Bathrooms
For compact bathrooms, a narrow door rack with a maximum depth of 12 cm is a good choice. This prevents the rack from getting in the way when moving through the space. Want extra stability? Secure the rack at the bottom with a small support bracket.
To keep smaller items systematically organized, you can hang transparent storage bags or pouches on the hooks. This keeps everything neat and prevents items from getting mixed up. Check regularly if the attachment points are firmly secured, especially if you store heavier items.
Extra Space Savings
Use the inside of the door for a flat mirror. This combines storage with a practical function without requiring extra wall space. A smart solution for any bathroom!
4. Wall-Mounted Sanitary Ware
The type of sanitary ware greatly affects how spacious a bathroom looks. Wall-mounted sanitary ware gives a floating effect, keeping the floor clear and making the space look larger. Additionally, it makes cleaning easier. Below we discuss practical applications for both the toilet and the sink.
Floating Toilet
A wall-hung toilet provides a sleek and modern appearance. By keeping the floor visible, the bathroom appears lighter and more spacious. Correct installation is crucial for safe and long-lasting use.
Floating Sink
Like the floating toilet, a wall-mounted sink without a base cabinet creates a minimalist and tidy appearance. By keeping the floor clear, the visual space in the bathroom is optimally utilized.
Important Considerations
- Ensure a sturdy wall structure and quality plumbing to avoid issues like leaks.
- Choose professional installation to guarantee safety and durability.
- Pay attention to the finish; quality materials contribute to a luxurious and practical bathroom.
Wall-mounted sanitary ware offers not only a stylish look but also helps to get the maximum out of a compact bathroom.
5. Corner Solutions
Bathroom corners are often overlooked but can be perfectly utilized to create extra space. With smart corner solutions, you can make optimal use of every centimeter and enhance the functionality of your bathroom.
Corner Sink
A corner sink is a smart choice for smaller bathrooms. Due to its diagonal placement, it leaves more moving space, providing a pleasant flow. Moreover, it takes up less space than a traditional sink.
Corner Shower
A corner shower is ideal for practically utilizing corners. Consider, for example, a quarter-circle shower cabin. It fits perfectly into the corner and has a rounded shape, providing a soft and elegant appearance.
Corner Cabinets and Shelves
Corner cabinets and floating corner shelves offer convenient storage space without making the bathroom appear cluttered. Think of cabinets with mirrored doors or rotating organizers to store items neatly.
Installation Tips
- Use waterproof sealant to prevent leaks.
- Check if the walls are straight for proper installation.
- Choose materials that are resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
With these solutions, you can maximize the corners of your bathroom and create a practical, well-organized space.
6. Integrated Storage Furniture
Integrated storage furniture is a smart way to make the most of the space in small bathrooms. They combine functionality and design, giving you not only more storage space but also a tidy and organized bathroom.
Vanity Unit with Storage
A vanity unit with built-in storage is ideal for keeping toiletries and towels out of sight. The floating design ensures the floor remains free, making the bathroom appear larger and giving a modern look.
Mirror Cabinet
A mirror cabinet with built-in compartments offers a handy combination of storage and functionality. You can easily store daily necessities there without sacrificing extra space.
Multifunctional Furniture
Furniture that combines multiple functions makes it possible to use every centimeter effectively. Think for example of:
- Storage benches that also serve as seating
- Vanity units with a built-in laundry basket
- Tall cabinets with adjustable shelves
These solutions perfectly align with other space-saving techniques and make it easier to design a compact bathroom that is both stylish and practical.
7. Light Colors and Mirrors
With light colors and well-placed mirrors, you can make a small bathroom look optically larger and improve the light intake. This approach makes compact spaces bright and spacious.
Color Use
The use of light colors is the basis for a spacious effect. Think of shades like white, light gray, soft beige, or off-white. These colors reflect light better and provide an open and fresh look.
Strategic Use of Mirrors
Mirrors play a major role in enlarging the visual space. Here are some tips:
- Hang mirrors opposite a window to maximize light reflection.
- Choose mirrors that extend from floor to ceiling.
- Opt for frameless mirrors if you want a modern look.
With these choices, your bathroom will not only look brighter but also more spacious.
Smart Use of Light
The right lighting enhances the effect of mirrors. If your bathroom has little natural light, LED spots in combination with mirrors can still make the space appear brighter and larger. The interplay of light, mirrors, and colors is crucial for making a small bathroom feel more spacious.
Practical Tips
A mirror that reflects daylight can significantly enlarge a bathroom optically. Combine this with smart storage solutions for a modern, functional, and inviting space that feels larger than it is.
8. Space-Saving Doors
In addition to smart storage options and compact sanitary ware, doors can also have a major impact on how efficiently a space is utilized. Sliding doors or doors with a different opening style are a good choice if you want to save space. Unlike traditional doors that swing inward and require extra space, these options provide a practical and efficient layout without compromising privacy.
9. Foldable Bathroom Items
In small bathrooms, saving space is a must. Foldable bathroom accessories offer a smart solution: they unfold when you need them and disappear compactly against the wall when you're done.
A good example is the wall-mounted drying rack. This rack offers enough space for your laundry during use but takes up almost no space when you fold it.
Foldable shower seats are also a smart choice. They provide comfort and stability during use but can be easily folded flat against the wall when not needed. Ideal for those who want convenience without permanent space loss.
Other handy foldable items include:
- Foldable Laundry Baskets: Perfect for collecting laundry and easy to store.
- Collapsible Towel Racks: Practical for drying towels without taking up extra space.
- Folding Mirrors with Storage: Combine a mirror with handy storage options.
By combining foldable items with wall-mounted solutions, you can design your bathroom flexibly and efficiently. This way, you make optimal use of every centimeter without sacrificing comfort or functionality.
10. Minimal Accessories
An organized bathroom starts with limiting unnecessary accessories. Too many items quickly make the space disorganized and less practical. Therefore, focus only on what you really need.
What Do You Need?
- Grooming Products: Limit yourself to one bottle of shampoo, shower gel, and toothpaste.
- Daily Essentials: Toothbrush, comb or brush, and towels.
- Cleaning Supplies: Choose one all-purpose cleaner and a squeegee.
Use transparent containers or baskets to keep everything tidy. This way, you see at a glance what you have. Preferably place them in a cabinet or on a shelf to keep the bathroom neat.
Smart Tips for Space Savings
- Refill Packages: These are more compact and sustainable. Store large refill packages outside the bathroom and keep only the daily products at hand.
- Towels: Keep a maximum of two sets per person in the bathroom. Extra towels can be stored in a linen closet. Quick-drying microfiber towels are a good choice; they take up less space and dry faster.
- Decoration: Keep it simple. One small plant or a candle can already bring enough atmosphere. Wall decoration works better than loose accessories that take up space.
Maintenance and Tidying
Review your bathroom accessories quarterly. Dispose of expired products and prevent accumulating items unnoticed.
With this approach, you create a practical and stylish bathroom, as recommended by the renovation experts at Bricknest.
Bricknest Services
Bricknest helps you get the most out of small bathrooms with specialized renovation services. Discover how our approach makes your bathroom not only functional but also stylish.
Personal Design Service
Our design team creates a plan that perfectly matches:
- The available space
- Your specific needs
- Smart and efficient layout
- Handy storage solutions
Transparent Pricing Information
A full bathroom renovation starts from €12,000. This amount includes:
| Phase | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Design | A custom-made design and 3D visualization |
| Project Management | A dedicated project manager and regular updates |
| Execution | Professional installation and high-quality materials |
| Guarantee | One-year hassle-free warranty |
| Insurance | Coverage up to €500,000 during the renovation |
Digital Project Management
Bricknest offers a user-friendly digital platform that allows you to:
- Track the progress of your project in real-time
- Always have access to project documents
- Directly communicate with our team
- Gain insight into the financial status of your project
Extra Support
From the initial design to the final finishing, a dedicated project manager is there to assist you throughout the entire process and advise on materials and layouts that perfectly fit your bathroom.
Want to know what your renovation will cost? Use the online calculator on the Bricknest website for a non-binding estimate.
Summary
With smart storage systems, visual techniques, and compact sanitary ware, you can make even the smallest bathroom functional and stylish. Small bathrooms offer plenty of opportunities to creatively use the available space.
Handy Space-Saving Solutions
| Category | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Wall Mounting | Free up more floor space |
| Corner Solutions | Smart use of unused corners |
| Storage Systems | Ensures an organized bathroom |
| Visual Techniques | Spatial effect with color and light |
These solutions form the core of a renovation that Bricknest executes down to the last detail.
Craftsmanship in Renovation
Bricknest applies this approach in every renovation, with:
- A custom-made design for optimal space utilization
- Expert installation and careful material selection
- Guarantee on quality and durability
- Full guidance throughout the entire project
"Bricknest's Dual Warranty stands for satisfaction and security."
With well-thought-out solutions and professional execution, even a small bathroom transforms into a practical space that meets all your needs. Moreover, through Bricknest's digital platform, you can easily track the progress of your renovation and maintain direct contact with your project manager.
