Imagine this: you enter into a minute bathroom of a friend of yours and you drop you jaw physically. This is not that because it is big (surprise) but that they have made 25 square feet into the best room in the whole house. You begin to begin taking inventory in your mind of every detail disbelieving how they worked this magic trick.
I know what that feels like, including those nights of incessant wailing because before I had children I spent many miserable years living with claustrophobic and boringly low-design bathrooms that were more like closets-as-storage space than rooms. With endless rearrangements, Pinterest-holes, and a few big, spectacular bummers (goodbye, you floating shelf that was not anchored properly) I have learned the secrets that do work. These aren!t the usual tips on how to add a plant and there are good ideas worth stealing.
The Floating Vanity with Hidden LED Strips
This one totally altered my ideas about the lighting in the bathroom. Floating vanities already make rooms appear bigger, but once you include LED strip light underneath, you have made actual magic. The warm glow causes your vanity to be weightless in a sense and indirectly illuminates the area with a light which is far more flattering than a strong direct fixture.
I installed this set up in my guest bathroom and people persistently inquire whether I employed a lighting designer. The secret? LEDs are cool white (approximately 4000K) avoiding that yellow, dinge-like look, but at the same time gives the light a spa like feeling.
LED strips operated by motion sensors even one-up that online store gameThe bathroom turns on by itself when you forget to turn the lights on at 3AM. Your future and sleepy self, I can assure you, will be grateful.
Installation Tips:
- Waterproof LED strips are non-negotiable in bathrooms
- Battery-powered options work if you can’t access electrical
- Warm white LEDs (3000K) create cozy vibes for relaxing baths
Ladder Towel Storage That Actually Looks Intentional
Who cares about these puny over-the-toilet ladder type systems that would fall over because you sneezed? I mean big wooden ladders that prop against the wall as if made that way on purpose. My best purchase was an aged painter ladder that I scored at a flea market and paid 15 bucks–then sanded it, stained it to the hue of my vanity and instantly had the coolest towel rack of ever.
Vintage library ladders are beautiful but if you can get them. You could get new ladder-style home store units: these look less tacky when you pick them out of lots of wood rather than particle board claptrap.
The trick is to make it decorative art–iron your towels, perhaps plant a small flower pot on one of the rungs, and ornament it all as though you were posing a magazine picture.
Corner Shower Niches That Don’t Scream “Builder Grade”
Shower niches are inherently space-saving compared to hanging caddies and they cannot be any more amazing than they are now, but most individuals do rudimentary rectangular recessed holes that appear to be little more than an afterthought. Niches are arched or composed of several smaller niches which makes the visuals interesting and unique.
The difference is unbelievable as I talked my contractor into making three small square niches rather than one large rectangle. They all have different purposes, each of which has its place, shampoo, conditioner and body wash have their own placements.
Accent tile in the niches creates them from popping your major shower tile. Marble or natural stone lining gives luxury hotel feel, while zoning definition comes with contrasting grout colours.
| Niche Style | Best For | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Single large | Families | Low |
| Multiple small | Design focus | Medium |
Pocket Doors That Reclaim Floor Space
This may need a bit of wall work, but pocket doors will be a literal game-changer in small bathrooms. Normal doors must have space to open-not space you want to lose to a small bathroom.
My contractor fought me on this idea (apparently it means more work) but having seen the final result, he says it was genius. Barn pocket doors are farmhouse chic whereas modern versions are sleek and keep all lines clean.
Soft close makes sure that there is no jarring when doors slide to a close. Privacy without obscuring light between rooms is achieved by frosted glass inserts- ideal in case your bathroom is not fitted with windows.
Medicine Cabinets with Personality
The common medicine cabinets are the dull rectangular shaped cabinets that are concealed behind the mirrors. Original finishes on vintage medicine cabinets both offer the storage that is needed and give character. Toiletries are neatly arranged in apothecary-type cabinets with a lot of small shelves.
This 1920s medicine cabinet has original beveled glass shelves and original brass hardware in an architectural salvage yard. It is the center of my whole bathroom which was restored professionally.
Custom medicine cabinets which are designed to just right in your space do the maximum storage without it appearing deliberate. The use of mirrored doors is utilized to be functional and interior lighting helps to have things more easily found out.
Features Worth Seeking:
- Electrical outlets inside for charging devices
- Adjustable shelves for different bottle heights
- Magnetic closures that stay shut properly
- Defogger features for mirrors that actually work
Hexagon Floor Tiles for Visual Expansion
Hexagon tiles not only are fashionable, they also have been proven to make spaces look bigger. The geometric design gives a sense of movement to the eye, which in turn make it seem as though space is larger than it has been.
Large hexagon tiles (4-inch diameter and larger) would suit small bathrooms best as there is less flow of the grout line which does not disturb the visual effect. Maximum light is reflected with white or light gray hexagons and grout/black adds a touch of definition; without taking over the room.
Guests have been consistently over impressed by the room size with the matte white hexagon tiles with dark gray grout that I installed in my powder room. The design directs the eye around the floor rather than it hitting the walls right away.
Wall-Mounted Toilets That Float Above Reality
Toilets that are hung on the wall are more expensive to install but more than worth it when it comes to aesthetics. Smooth floor lines will enlarge your bathroom considerably due to the fact that an obstacle cannot be seen by the eye.
Cleaning will be infinitely easier with when there is no toilet base covered in dust bunnies and mysterious grime. The height can also be adjusted during installations meaning that you can install it on the right height that suits your household without having to strain it off tiptoeing or bending the knees.’
Concealed tank systems hide all of the mechanical components inside the wall creating a sleek line indeed looking very modern. Dual-flush mechanisms save water with the same powerful performance.
Subway Tiles Arranged in Unexpected Patterns
Conventional subway tiles are tiresome, yet innovative installation designs make them design aspects. Herringbone designs bring a sense of sophistication and stacking up vertically is used to create illusion of heights.
Subway tiles set in basket weave patterns with small square accent tiles have texture that is not flooded with color. Running bond patterns (but with offset one-third rather than half) have a slightly different appearance to normal installations.
My shower surround is beveled subway tiles in a herringbone pattern, which looks like custom tilework although I employed very inexpensive materials. The beveled edges are formed along the dimensional cuts and reflect light very gracefully and make the plain walls look dimensional.
Pattern Effects on Space:
- Herringbone: Adds sophistication and movement
- Vertical stack: Creates height illusions
- Running bond: Subtle visual interest
- Basket weave: Adds texture without overwhelming
Brass Fixtures That Age Beautifully
Chrome fittings seem sanitary and display all of the water marks. Unlacquered brass will naturally patina over time with exposures to various elements that makes it look more interesting and covers up the small potential flaws. Brushed brass reproductions are warm but without the need of maintenance.
Also two years ago I switched all my chrome fixtures to unlacquered brass so they now have beautiful patina spots that appear to be deliberate rather than filthy. Counting out similar details of brass-faucets, towel bars, light fixtures-give harmonious design that appear the results of professional specifications.
The mixed metal combinations do as well, just do not go beyond two metals. Brass and matte black form classy contrast, whereas brass and chrome appears to be conflicting and inconsistent.
Textured Accent Walls That Add Depth
Small bathrooms can accommodate daring accent walls since the size does not allow the patterns to be too much. By using textured wallpapers we can make it look dimensional and we do not have to really majorly renovate but board and batten treatments also offer architectural interest.
Shiplap accent walls around back of toilets or sinks offer the farmhouse look and still leave you with floor space. Tiled feature walls made of subway tiles or herringbone style tiles or natural stone materials exude luxury hotel feels.
Behind my floating vanity, I installed a reclaimed wood accent wall which completely changed a builder-basic space into a custom designed space. The natural texture gives out a sense of warmth whereas horizontal wood planks make the wall look broader.
Smart Mirrors with Built-In Everything
Smart mirrors merge a variety of functions into a single beautiful gadget. There is inbuilt LED light that fits well when doing make-up or shaving. Bluetooth speakers allow you to listen to music or listen to a podcast as you get ready.
Defogger technology prevents the build up of steam on mirrors in steamy showers therefore there is no longer need to wipe down surfaces regularly. Lighting and other functions are also controlled on the touch of any sensitive control that does not smear the mirror surface.
My smart mirror can display the weather reports and news feeds, which enables me to know what is happening in the real world while doing my morning routines. imo, it’s sort of like having a bathroom buddy that gets it, dont judge my bedhead. 🙂
Vintage Rugs That Shouldn’t Work But Do
No one thinks of the bathroom rugs being something interesting but an old Persian rug or Turkish runner brings such character to a small room. The sophisticated colors and designs develop focal points that reduce shortcomings of size.
Moisture-bottom vintage paintable rugs give you the aspect with no lead aches to issue in. Low-pile carpeting dries quicker, and holds up better to bathroom moisture than deep, plush carpets.
I came across this gorgeous vintage Oushak rug in soft blues crazies cream and it looks like it matches your brass fixtures and white subway tiles perfectly. Saying that guest always says it really makes the space feel like a high end powder room as oppsed to a tiny bathroom
Rug Selection Guidelines:
- Low-pile construction for easy maintenance
- Natural fiber content for durability
- Colors that complement existing fixtures
- Size proportional to floor space
Unexpected Color Combinations That Work
Bland bathrooms are seen in safe color options. The bold color palettes create a memorable & fun tiny space. Navy and brass looks nautical vs sophisticated. Forest green and gold makes for warm and costly jewel box.
Unexpected color schemes are a good idea to use, especially in a monochromatic scheme like in all-grey bathrooms using a variety of materials, or each space that is painted in a tonal blue that looks peaceful and spa-like.
I painted my very small powder room dark charcoal gray and brass fixtures with white subway tiles. With such a contrast in styles, the space does not seem an afterthought but a thought-out space.
The trick to designing copy-worthy small bathrooms isn that finding a formula of Coldfall design rules – it is making surprising choices, so they suit your personal style, and address practical issues. All the elements ought to justify themselves in terms of utility and beauty.
FYI you do not necessarily have to adopt all twelve ideas overnight (your wallet would rebel). Select one or two that appeal to you and start with them, and gradually build your dream bathroom. Great spaces are constantly changing it any case.
Your petite bathroom can definitely become the place that will serve the guests longer than they should in order to understand how such a small room can be made so special. In some instances, greatest changes occur in most pressurised circumstances.