The bathroom can be the most difficult room to decorate in a home simply because it is often, especially in older homes, the smallest room in the house. But the bathroom is a high traffic area, and it requires a large amount of storage space, so learning how to adapt to the small bathroom size and still make it functional is a crucial skill for any home decorator. This article is about function, not form. We will not discuss color schemes, décor or stylish accessories, only the practical side of creating space where space is limited.
1.) Say no to the pedestal
Pedestal sinks are very popular today. People love the spare simple look of them. But for the small bathroom owner, pedestal sinks remove one of your key storage elements. If you're starting from scratch, or planning a renovation, consider a traditional vanity. These cabinets below the sink are perfect for storing items like cleaners, brushes or other bulky items. It also keeps them out of the way so that if you are using shelving you are not staring at an unsightly jug of bleach or an oversized pack of replacement heads for your electronic toothbrush.
1.) Say no to the pedestal
Pedestal sinks are very popular today. People love the spare simple look of them. But for the small bathroom owner, pedestal sinks remove one of your key storage elements. If you're starting from scratch, or planning a renovation, consider a traditional vanity. These cabinets below the sink are perfect for storing items like cleaners, brushes or other bulky items. It also keeps them out of the way so that if you are using shelving you are not staring at an unsightly jug of bleach or an oversized pack of replacement heads for your electronic toothbrush.
2.) Even small rooms have wall space
If you're frustrated that there is nowhere to put the things that absolutely must go in the bathroom, look to the walls. All bathrooms have at least some unused wall space. This should be dedicated to shelving when storage is at a minimum. Sometimes this means a double row of short selves squeezed next to the bathroom mirror. (There are also vanity cabinets designed for this area that work great when trying to squeeze in more space) In other circumstances, you may be able to fit a triple row of long shelves along an entire unused wall. Either way, adding shelves to the wall, a simple task that requires no technical expertise, is an easy way to increase storage space in your small bathroom.
3.) Think outside the sink
Sometimes you have to pull yourself out of the room to see all your options. You may be dealing with a narrow bath with a sink on one side and a toilet and tub/shower on the other side. So when you walk into the room there is barely enough room for a person to stand, let along storage room for cosmetics, toiletries, towels and cleaners. But if you step back for a minute, you might realize that before you reach the sink, there is open space. Many times a small, narrow dresser will fit alongside the sink. This provides a huge amount of storage space, as well as some nice counter space. Decorate or paint the dresser to suit your bathroom's décor, and your storage problems are over.
JM Kee is a designer and writer with Interior Place, Philadelphia's leading supplier of interior decor and gifts. We help decorators, designers and hobbyists bring their own style to each project. At Interior Place, beauty is always on the inside.
If you're frustrated that there is nowhere to put the things that absolutely must go in the bathroom, look to the walls. All bathrooms have at least some unused wall space. This should be dedicated to shelving when storage is at a minimum. Sometimes this means a double row of short selves squeezed next to the bathroom mirror. (There are also vanity cabinets designed for this area that work great when trying to squeeze in more space) In other circumstances, you may be able to fit a triple row of long shelves along an entire unused wall. Either way, adding shelves to the wall, a simple task that requires no technical expertise, is an easy way to increase storage space in your small bathroom.
3.) Think outside the sink
Sometimes you have to pull yourself out of the room to see all your options. You may be dealing with a narrow bath with a sink on one side and a toilet and tub/shower on the other side. So when you walk into the room there is barely enough room for a person to stand, let along storage room for cosmetics, toiletries, towels and cleaners. But if you step back for a minute, you might realize that before you reach the sink, there is open space. Many times a small, narrow dresser will fit alongside the sink. This provides a huge amount of storage space, as well as some nice counter space. Decorate or paint the dresser to suit your bathroom's décor, and your storage problems are over.
JM Kee is a designer and writer with Interior Place, Philadelphia's leading supplier of interior decor and gifts. We help decorators, designers and hobbyists bring their own style to each project. At Interior Place, beauty is always on the inside.
