Imagine that moment in the morning when you’re in a rush to get ready for work but your tiny bathroom makes even the most basic of chores difficult to do.
This scenario is all too for many homeowners in Perth. Sometimes your bathroom starts to feel like a challenge, rather than a haven that should give you the first boost for the day.
Over the last five years, we’ve got hundreds of requests for bathroom renovation that includes expanding available space.
For some homes, it’s possible to extend the square metres and increase available space for the bathroom.
However, for many other homes, it’s not practical to increase square meters available for the bathroom. In this case, we recommend proven space-saving solutions that turn a small space into a comfortable sanctuary for the whole family.
In this guide, we share the top five of the best space saving ideas that we successfully implemented on various client projects around Perth.
Make the Most of Vertical Space
When it comes to small bathrooms, every inch counts. This is where you should fully optimize all the vertical space available.
For constrained spaces where extra square metres are not possible to get, we usually recommended these vertical storage solutions:
Corner Cabinets
We’ve fitted tall, slim storage cabinets that fit flush in a corner in many renovation projects. These are enough to store all toiletries, decorative items, and even towels.
We’ve also installed adhesive shower caddies for holding shampoo and sap bottles where the available space was really limited.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are a common space-saving solution and they also add to your space’s overall decor.
When we implement them for space-saving reasons, we typically install them above the sink or toilet.
Bamboo and treated wood are a favourite for many homeowners and we recommend them for their durability. They work great in Perth’s humid conditions.
Wall-Mounted Cabinets
Clever use of wall-mounted cabinets can make a tiny bathroom look bigger. This is another of our favourite vertical space-saving solutions.
Better yet, cabinets with mirrored fronts double as a functional mirror, which creates an illusion of a large room.
Cabinets with adjustable shelves inside offer a flexible way to arrange your items of different sizes.
A short wall-mounted cabinet on an empty wall would be a great option for additional storage and could be used to store decorative objects or towels.
Wall-mounted cabinets efficiently utilize vertical space while maintaining a clean bathroom and we highly recommend them as a space-saving solution.
Towel Racks and Hooks
You’d be surprised how much space towels and other accessories can easily take up.
We’ve implemented wall-mounted towel racks or hooks to gain space on many projects.
Door-mounted hooks can also help save space for hanging towels. Some clients opt for corner-mounted hooks for towels in their less used corners.
It’s a matter of strategic placement when it comes to hanging bath towels and clothes as a space-saving solution.
Multifunctional Fixtures
There’s no better way to minimize the inconvenience of a cramped bathroom than making use of multifunctional fixtures.
For small bathrooms that cannot be expanded, using multifunctional fixtures is not an option; it’s a must.
Here is how you can take full advantage of these in your next renovation project:
Use Vanities with Built-In Storage
There’s more you can do with a vanity than simply brush your teeth. In terms of storage, it’s a handy gem.
In confined spaces, we recommend vanities that have shelves or drawers built into them. They are ideal for storing cleaning supplies, extra towels, and toiletries.
Choose a design that blends in well with your bathroom without taking over. Extra points if the drawers have soft-close mechanisms so you won’t have to wake up to banging sounds.
Shower-Bath Combination Units
A shower-bath combo is a popular solution we install for homeowners who enjoy taking long soaks but don’t want to stop taking showers.
These modern, integrated combo shower units give you the best of both worlds while saving space. They are perfect for families, particularly if you have little children who enjoy making splashes in the bathtub. They also come in contemporary, compact designs that are ideal for residences in Perth.
Wall-mounted Toilets
Wall-mounted toilets are not only a practical solution for small bathrooms but are fashionable.
A wall-mounted toilet saves vital floor space by tucking the tank into the wall. The outcome is an easy-to-clean, minimalistic appearance that frees a couple of extra metres.
When paired with a dual-flush system, you can conserve water and save on water bills too.
Why multifunctional fixtures work for small bathrooms:
- They combine functions to save floor space.
- They maintain the orderliness of your bathroom.
- They give a chic and contemporary look.
Even the smallest bathroom may feel spacious and useful with the correct fittings. It’s all about being practical and reasonable with your choice of fixtures.
Maximize Light and Reflection
Another clever way to make small bathrooms appear large is to use lighting in smart ways. Lighting does not take any floor space but it can completely change the look and feel of your tiny bathroom.
Here are a few popular lighting tricks we recommend for small bathrooms:
Make Use of Large Mirrors
When you place a large mirror in a strategic position in a small bathroom, you basically kill two birds with one stone.
First, you’re getting the primary function of a mirror. Second, the oversized mirror creates the illusion of a large room through increased light reflection.
You can go one step further with large mirrors and install a frameless one for a seamless look.
Clever Lighting Placement
Simply installing lighting fixtures isn’t going to make your small bathroom look bigger. It’s about what type of lights you install, how and where you place the lighting.
Here are are few sure tips to maximize lighting
- To create a subtle, lighting appearance, use LED strips along shelves or behind cupboards.
- For a uniform distribution of light across the space, use downlights.
- To save money on power, choose energy-efficient light bulbs.
Warm, bright lighting not only improves the area but also gives it a homey, welcoming feel.
Transparent Shower Screens
Choose a frameless glass shower screen instead of heavy or frosted shower curtains.
It keeps the space unobstructed and open. When you can see right into the shower area, you’ll be surprised by how much larger your bathroom feels.
It’s not necessary for little restrooms to feel claustrophobic or dim. You can really make your area glow by using reflecting surfaces and smart lighting! Try it out and see how your bathroom transforms.
Smart Layout Planning
When you don’t have enough bathroom space, smart layout planning can make a big difference.
One big mistake many homeowners with small bathrooms make is to cram everything in there.
This is certainly not the way.
These are our clever planning layout planning solutions that can make a small bathroom feel spacious:
Fixtures in the Corner
You don’t have to squander awkward corners. To make the most of these unused spaces, install a shower or sink in the corner. The bathroom feels larger thanks to corner fixtures that free up more central space. They’re also excellent for giving your design a distinctive character.
Sliding Doors
Traditional swinging doors eat up valuable floor space. Replace them with sliding or pocket doors. Not only do they save space, but they also add a sleek, modern touch to your bathroom. Perfect for small spaces where every centimeter counts!
Conventional swing doors take up vital floor area. Install pocket or sliding doors in their place. They give your bathroom a modern look in addition to saving space. Ideal for cramped areas when every centimeter matters.
Custom Cabinetry
Not all small bathrooms can accommodate standard cabinetry. Custom cabinets can help with that. Customized to the specific measurements of your bathroom, these options fit flawlessly and take up no extra area.
When it comes to installing cabinets in small bathrooms, these are our recommendations;
- Tall, narrow cabinets for storing toiletries and accessories.
- Recessed shelves to free up floor space.
- Pull-out drawers for easy access to hidden corners.
Why smart layouts work:
- They make every bit of space functional.
- They help minimize clutter and improve flow.
- They add personality to your bathroom.
In addition to being useful, thoughtful layout design is essential for creating a bathroom that feels spacious and cozy.
Just by rearranging your fixtures and storage, you can create an illusion of a big space in a tiny bathroom.
Keep Things Simple
Less truly is more in tiny bathrooms. Even the smallest area may feel spacious and tidy with a minimalist design. The key is to let go of the rest and focus on the basic things.
If you’re short on bathroom space, think functionality and practicality. This is where minimalist design is a very practical approach for small bathrooms.
For instance, fixtures with clean lines and minimalist details make the space appear bigger than it actually is.
Consider slim-profile taps, frameless mirrors, and floating vanities. These minimalist fixtures lessen visual clutter while maintaining the room’s streamlined, contemporary appearance.
Clear Your Space with a Goal
Look at every item in your bathroom closely. For instance, a heavy towel warmer and five half-empty shampoo bottles have no business occupying vital space in a small bathroom.
When you don’t have the luxury of a big bathroom, only keep the necessities that you use on a regular basis.
Neutral Color Palettes
In small bathrooms, light hues are a big asset. Pastel colors, whites, and gentle greys produce a feeling of openness and tranquility.
Use decorations like plants or towels to provide some color if you’d like. The key is to keep the primary color scheme calm and uncomplicated.
Things to Take Into Account for Small Bathroom Renovations in Perth
Every bathroom renovation project we do feels like the first one. Each one of our clients in Perth has their own unique take on how they want their revamped bathroom to look like.
It gets especially challenging when working on small bathrooms. In addition to obtaining council approvals, as well as other applicable permits, you have to find the most practical solution for making a small space look big.
From our extensive bathroom renovation practice, we’ve noted a couple of client requests that are simply not practical.
If you have a small bathroom and are considering making it appear bigger, watch out for these impractical ideas:
Adding a full-sized bathtub: When the square metres are not there to fit a full-sized bathtub, there’s no magical way to do it. It’s better to go with a more practical solution of a shower.
Double sinks: While luxurious, double sinks are not for every bathroom, especially small ones. You need additional plumbing, let alone more counter space, which tiny bathrooms cannot afford.
Creating more space without structural changes: It’s not realistic to add square metres to your bathroom space without moving walls.
Maximizing space without installing optimized fixtures: Some homeowners request for space saving solutions but reject built-in or vertical storage options.
Spa-like features: Everyones loves the spa experience in their bathroom but fixtures that enable this often require adequate space.
Our experience helps us manage client expectations and this has been key to the success of the projects we’ve undertaken.
Benefits of Space-Saving Design
When you implement a space-saving design for your tiny bathroom, these are some of the benefits you’ll realize:
- Streamlined Functionality: Routines are streamlined and clutter is decreased in a well-kept bathroom.
- Increased Property Value: Buyers are drawn to bathrooms that are smart and functional, which raises the value of a home when it is sold.
- Improved Aesthetics: Clever design turns little areas into opulent havens.
- Easier Maintenance: Cleaning is made easier by smart fixtures and less clutter.
- Better Use of Space: Better space optimization and clever use of fixtures creates a more open feeling.
Conclusion
You don’t have to feel constrained by a limited space in your bathroom. You can create a place that is both practical and stylish with the right design decisions.
Every aspect matters, whether you’re using a frameless shower screen, a corner sink, or light-enhancing techniques.
The bottom line is, when renovating a small bathroom, the way you design your layout and install fixtures can make or break a small bathroom.
FAQ
1. How can a tiny bathroom be made to appear larger?
Make use of space-saving fixtures such as frameless shower screens, bright colors, and wide mirrors. These techniques give an impression of additional space.
2. How can a small bathroom be made as storage-efficient as possible?
Choose vertical storage options such as wall-mounted cabinets and floating shelves. Multipurpose fixtures are also great choices, such as vanities with integrated storage.
3. Do sliding doors work better in small bathrooms than standard doors?
Yes, sliding or pocket doors make a room simpler to navigate and conserve floor space. They’re a chic and useful addition to confined spaces.
4. What materials work best in Perth’s humid environment for tiny bathrooms?
Select water-resistant materials such as stainless steel fixtures, treated wood, and porcelain tiles. These choices are strong and resilient to moisture.
5. Can a bathroom design that saves space raise the value of a home?
Of course. A well-designed little bathroom may increase the total worth of your house and attract purchasers. The main selling elements are elegance and functionality.