Design Tips For A Small Bathroom

When planning the design of a small bathroom, it's important to first answer the question, "Who will be really using this room?" That is, will the new bathroom be used primarily by guests, perhaps tucked away in a quiet hallway? Or is it to be in a high-traffic family area such as near the kitchen or near the kids' bedrooms?  Once you answer that, you can focus on appropriate fixtures, doors, storage, colors and accessories.

Low-Traffic Bathrooms

A small guest bath, whether a full or half bath, needs to be as welcoming as possible. Consider door placement. Do the hinges need to be on the right instead of the left for privacy reasons? Pocket doors are a space-saving option. No need for frills in terms of sinks, toilets and showers.  Consider a pedestal sink, a shower with a glass enclosure and a "rain-style" shower head that will open up your space. Use marble and/or travertine tiles on floor and walls or brush on one great pop of bright paint. Then add one singular accessory, maybe an antique mirror or a contemporary painting, that ties the new room to the existing home decor.

High-Traffic Bathrooms

For a high traffic small bathroom, planning for storage needs is key. Here's where you need to consider built-in or recessed shelving to save floorspace, and where space is possible for multiple towel racks. Cabinetry beneath sinks needs to be determined and it's not a bad idea to consider a commercial toilet if there's a crowd around. Decor ideas follow the guest room ideas, the simpler the better. And remember multiple electrical outlets!