From your morning skincare routine to a soothing, warm shower at the end of a long day, our days typically start and end in the bathroom. Whether your space is big or small, a cluttered and chaotic area can make your daily routines feel frustrating and overwhelming. Thankfully, implementing the right storage strategies can make a significant difference.
Whether you are in the process of remodelling your bathroom or simply want to make changes to optimise storage and breathe fresh air into a small and tired space, implementing space-saving strategies in your small bathroom can transform it into a functional and stress-free environment.
Compact & Multi-functional Fixtures
When space is limited, it is crucial to select compact, multifunctional fixtures that save precious space without compromising functionality. For example, a detachable shower head that can also work as a handheld option offers the convenience of two devices without taking up additional space.
This elevated practicality should also extend to furniture options. Installing vanities with built-in storage, mirrored cabinets, or toilet paper stands, along with extra shelving options, will all provide additional storage without overwhelming the limited space.
Lighting Solutions
Without the proper lighting solutions, even the most well-designed bathroom can feel dim and claustrophobic. Thoughtfully placed lighting solutions will significantly enhance visibility, highlight unique design elements and make the entire room feel bigger. If possible, try to maximise natural light as much as possible, using frosted or clear windows, skylights or a transom window above the shower.
In addition to natural light, opt for well-placed task lighting options to brighten the shower area without taking up valuable floor space. Waterproof LED fixtures, recessed ceiling lights or even backlit vanity mirrors can add lighting depth without overwhelming the room.
Storage, Storage, Storage
Anyone who lives in a small home knows how vital it is to optimise storage as much as possible. In small bathrooms, where a shower or bath, toilet and basin need to be prioritised, this can severely limit your storage options. A common strategy is to use vertical space to install additional shelves for extra storage, but if you still need more storage, you can install corner shelves to use otherwise wasted space and install hooks anywhere you want to hang a towel or dressing gown.
Additionally, if you have used panelling, build a small shelf on the top of the panelling for smaller toiletries. Alternatively, if you have chosen a toilet with a boxed-in cistern, make sure there is enough room above the boxing to store items like toilet paper and cleaning products, if needed.
Finally, repurpose your old bar cart as a wheeled linen closet. Arrange any spare towels, washcloths, toilet paper and toiletries in small, organisational baskets, with your most-used items on top. Be sure to keep all bottle lids up to prevent unwanted leaking.
Maximise Shower Storage
There is nothing worse than trying to use small showers and knocking over items in the confined space. To avoid soap bottles slipping off narrow ledges or tripping over your bulky shampoo bottle shoved into the corner, invest in a sturdy shower organiser that keeps all your products out of your way yet within easy reach.
Opt for a shower caddy made of aluminium to prevent rusting or weakening from constant exposure to moisture. As a bonus, keeping all your shower products off the floor prevents the buildup of mould and sludge, making your bathroom far easier to clean.
Make the Walls Count
In small bathrooms, every inch of space counts. When floor space is limited, the best option is to utilise vertical space. Installing float shelves over the toilet, alongside the mirror or on an open wall, typically opposite the shower, will instantly create essential storage space. To achieve a more cohesive finish, select shelves that match the bathroom’s hardware finishes.
If space is limited under the bathroom basins, a larger vanity mirror with built-in storage may be the ideal solution for storing toiletries, medication, extra toilet paper, and other bathroom necessities. As an added bonus, items tucked away behind a cabinet door or a mirror door will make your bathroom look less cluttered and streamline your cleaning process.
Streamline Products
One of the biggest space-wasters in bathrooms is bulky toiletries and cleaning products lining shelves, filling limited cabinet space or littering the floor next to or behind toilets. This problem becomes even more of an issue for small homes where laundry and bathroom spaces are combined.
A fantastic organisational strategy for these products is to utilise door-hanging organisers, often used for storing shoes. Instead, look for specialised bathroom versions with pockets perfectly sized to hold haircare products, toiletries, styling tools and cleaning products.
Design Layout
If you are in the fortunate position of being able to design the layout of your small bathroom, it is worth making a few strategic placement options to take full advantage of space right from the beginning. One of the biggest questions you will need to ask yourself is whether you have room for a bath that doubles as a shower, or if you should simply settle for a walk-in shower.
Many cleverly designed shower-bath combos can make a powerful style statement while providing extended functionality. But if you settle on a shower-only setup, ensure you choose beautiful bathroom tiles, as they will take up a lot of visual space.
It is also important to choose your vanity carefully. A wall-hung vanity is the best space-saving option, but you may be tempted to put your basin on a vanity with additional storage. Pedestal basins don’t possess additional functions, but vanities with a metal frame can be beneficial for storing towels.
