A recent study by Moen, the makers of bathroom and kitchen fixtures such as faucets and sinks, showed that more than half of our master bathrooms are actually quite small – less than 75 square feet. While we'd all like to have those double sinks and spa-like amenities which fill the home improvement magazines, it's just not possible for the majority of American households.
Take Advantage of the Space You Already Have
So how do you take advantage of the space that is available to you, when planning to upgrade your bathroom? Your budget may be too tight to move around the plumbing, so keeping the tub and toilet in place will also impact the floor plan.
However, you can replace a single-sink boxy vanity with a fairly substantial pedestal sink that frees up floor space and gives the illusion of roominess. You sacrifice storage space, but there are convenient and elegant solutions to make up the difference.
Using a kitchen "starter kit" base cabinet instead of a bathroom vanity, if you have space, will give you greater height and raise the comfort level for taller members of the family. These are often available at a modest price at big-box stores, and come in a variety of styles and colors. Moen suggests using a high-arc style faucet to enable two people at the sink to wash, shave or brush teeth at the same time, without bumping heads.
Get the Clutter Off the Counter
The fewer accessories, tools, products and linens on the counter, the more spacious it looks. Consider a wall-mounted hair-dryer like this Conair model to keep it from using up valuable counter space, or install an electrical outlet inside a vanity drawer and store electric razors and hair dryers in the drawer itself. A small shelf, either glass or plexiglass, above the sink will provide a spot for items such as toothpaste, hair clips, or razors. Wall-mounted toothbrush and tumbler holders are also space-savers.
Keep medicines stored away from the sink, such as in a hall closet or other cool, dry storage. A recessed wall cabinet, however, can store other first aid supplies, as well as cosmetics. If you don't already have one in place, the area between two studs is often available to install a cabinet.
Creative Places for Linens, Reading Material, Paper and Cleaning Supplies
Try these innovative solutions:
- Wicker baskets under the sink, whether a pedestal or vanity, lined with cloth to hold towels and washcloths
- Small chrome rolling rack for extra tissue, magazines
- Back-of-the-door towel racks or robe hooks
- Silverware caddies for drawers, to hold cosmetics and hair care items
- Expandable sock-drawer dividers for very small items such as razor blades, floss, contact lens or eye glass repair items
Take a look at the variety of storage ideas available at home improvement and hardware stores than aren't necessarily marketed for bathrooms. You might find interesting and unusual answers to your bathroom design in the kitchen section, the gardening shop, the electrical or plumbing section, or even the automotive aisles. Your tiny bathroom may become the most forward-thinking design element in your home.
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