Living in Ontario’s bustling urban centres sometimes means making the most of limited space. Older buildings and smaller units, in particular, have bathrooms that are often designed for efficiency rather than luxury.
However, limited bathroom space doesn’t always mean you have to sacrifice style, functionality, or even both. With some smart design choices, clever storage solutions, and strategic layouts, you can transform even the smallest bathroom into a space that feels open, organized, and inviting.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you make the most of your small bathroom space.
Key Takeaways
- Smart and space-saving shelving can help keep your essentials tidy.
- You can keep things organized with drawer organizers, hanging organizers, and tiered carts.
- Large mirrors, LED strip lighting, and backlit mirrors help reflect light and make your bathroom feel more open.
- Features such as a floating vanity and glass shower doors can create the illusion of a bigger space.
Master Space Saving with Four Smart Solutions
To maximize space in your tiny bathroom, don’t call in the bathroom renovation specialists right away. Try these four simple strategies first.
- Smart storage
- Impeccable organization
- Clever lighting
- The right design
Let’s look at each of these in detail.
1. Small Bathroom Storage Solutions
Storage can make or break a small space bathroom. Focus on using creative and efficient storage solutions to free up room while keeping essentials within reach.
Here’s what you can incorporate.
Floating Shelves
These sleek, contemporary options provide extra storage without taking up floor space. You can install them above the toilet or near the vanity to keep your toiletries organized.
Hidden Bathroom Storage
Recessed medicine cabinets, fold-down shelves, and magnetic strips inside cabinet doors are fantastic ways to store items without adding bulk.
Over-the-Toilet Shelves
The space above the toilet is often overlooked. Install stylish shelves or cabinets to hold extra towels and toiletries.
Under-sink Storage
A small bathroom cabinet under the sink is essential for organizing your cleaning supplies and personal care items.
Curved Corner Cabinets
These maximize unused corners, offering storage without obstructing movement in a very small bathroom.
Shower Shelves
Instead of cluttering the bathtub ledge, install built-in shower shelves to hold shampoo and soap.
Towel Storage for Small Bathrooms
A towel ladder is a stylish alternative to towel racks and offers vertical storage for bathroom linens.
2. Small Bathroom Organization Strategies
Mastering how to organize a small bathroom goes a long way in keeping it tidy and functional. Implement these bathroom organization ideas to make the most of your space:
Decorative Baskets
Baskets are stylish and practical solutions for storing toiletries, hair tools, or toilet paper while also adding a decorative touch.
Drawer Organizers
Small items like makeup, toothbrushes, and grooming tools can quickly become cluttered. Use dividers in your vanity drawers to keep everything neat and accessible.
Hanging Organizers
Maximize wall space with over-the-door or wall-mounted organizers to store lotions, styling tools, and everyday essentials.
Tiered Carts
A rolling small bathroom caddy is a fantastic space-saving option that keeps essentials within reach and can be moved as needed.
Wall Hooks
Install hooks to hang towels, robes, or baskets, freeing up cabinet and counter space for other necessities.
3. Lighting for a Modern Bathroom
Proper light placement can make a tiny bathroom feel brighter and more open. Consider these modern bathroom ideas to enhance your space:
LED Strip Lighting
Installing LED strip lighting under floating vanities or shelves not only provides a modern, sleek look but also improves visibility in dimly lit corners. These energy-efficient strips also make your bathroom feel warm and inviting.
Sconces or Pendant Lights
Wall-mounted sconces or stylish pendant lights free up valuable counter space while adding a decorative touch. When positioned correctly, they can help illuminate key areas like the vanity or shower.
Backlit Mirrors
A backlit mirror combines functionality with ambiance by providing soft, indirect lighting around the edges.
Large Mirrors
Opt for larger mirrors as they reflect light and visually expand the space. Positioning a mirror opposite a window or light source can also help distribute brightness evenly, making the bathroom appear bigger and more open.
Natural Light Maximization
Letting in as much natural light as possible can make a significant difference in a small bathroom design. To maintain privacy, opt for sheer or frosted window coverings instead of heavy curtains to maintain privacy while maximizing brightness.
Mirrored Cabinet
A mirrored cabinet not only provides convenient storage but also reflects light. This dual-purpose feature is perfect for small spaces where every inch of functionality matters.
4. Design and Decorating Ideas
Sometimes, a few smart bathroom renovations are needed to make the impact you’re looking for. While the average bathroom renovation cost will depend on several factors, including the size of your bathroom and the extent of renovations, you can start by considering one or more of these small bathroom design ideas.
Floating Vanity
A floating vanity creates an open, airy look by keeping the floor visible, making the bathroom feel more spacious.
Rethink Your Bathtub
If a bathtub isn’t essential, consider a bathtub to shower conversion to free up space and create a more open layout.
However, if a bathtub is one of your non-negotiables, consider a narrow bathtub for small spaces. This provides comfort without overwhelming the room.
Floating Toilets
Wall-mounted fixtures, such as a toilet for small spaces, save floor space while maintaining a sleek, modern look.
Glass Shower Doors
Swapping out opaque shower curtains for glass shower doors eliminates visual barriers and gives the illusion of a more expansive space.
Paint Everything One Colour
Choosing a single light colour, such as white or cream, creates a seamless visual effect that helps your bathroom appear larger and more cohesive.
Diagonal tile patterns
Laying tiles diagonally extends the perceived dimensions of your bathroom floor, making a small bathroom design feel larger than it actually is.
FAQs
Maximize every inch! Use floating shelves and hidden bathroom storage to keep things tidy without adding bulk. Opt for over-the-toilet shelves and under-sink storage to utilize unused areas.
Light colors, big mirrors, and glass shower doors are your best friends. Keeping the decor minimal also helps.
Add stylish details like warm wood accessories, a floating vanity, or a towel ladder for a spa-like vibe. A backlit mirror or sconces add elegance while keeping things functional.
Plumbing and tiling tend to be the priciest aspects of a bathroom remodel.
Final Thoughts
By implementing smart and well-thought-out small bathroom ideas, you can turn even the tiniest apartment bathroom into a stylish, functional oasis. Remember, the key is to work with what you have—maximize vertical space, embrace multi-functional solutions, and let light and layout do the heavy lifting.
And, if you’re looking for expert bathroom renovations in Toronto, Barrie, Newmarket or across the GTA, get in touch with RenoDuck today. Our expert renovation team has helped homeowners across Ontario breathe new life into their bathrooms. Allow us to do the same for you.